Prints are never going to go out of style and a great way to incorporate them into your wardrobe is to use African prints! Here are a bunch of ways to rock African fabric (also called “ankara”, “kente”, or “dutch wax” depending on where you are) effortlessly with items already in your closet. Feel free to go head to toe if you’re really feeling it.
African Print Up Top
Think crop tops, peplum tops, boxy cuts and even blazers! Just wear with a black pencil skirt or your favorite pair of boyfriend jeans for a quick evening outfit.
African Print Skirts
Pair a flared, mini, skater, midi or maxi skirt in an African print with a solid tee or button down shirt and you’ve got yourself a perfect brunch, church or date outfit.
African Print Bottoms
Similar to skirts, pair African printed pants and shorts in cuts that flatter your shape with basic tops for casual wear that has an element of sophistication.
Jumpsuits, Rompers and Coordinate Sets
Turn things all the way up with a one piece African print jumpsuit or romper, or stick to two coordinating pieces for a stellar pant, skirt or short suit.
Dresses
The options with dresses are endless — as long as you can find a tailor, you can sew a dress with African fabric in every style imaginable. A‑line dresses work for almost all shapes, but the details (frills, patterns, embroidery, etc) is what makes these dresses stand out from the crowd.
Accessorize
If you’re hesistant to wear African print all over, incorporate the style into your accessories, with hats, bags, head wraps, shoes and jewelry fit for a queen.
How do you wear African prints?
I love this article! My favs are the peplum top and, I think that’s Style pantry’s pants. I love the diversity of looks from more edgy, to classic, and I love the two bohemian looks. Now how do I get started? Where can I buy these looks or do I have to get these items made? Thanks for an amazing article!
Hi you can also visit chichia london website. she designs clothes using khanga (pronounced kanga) material from Tanzania, East Africa. they are just as colourful and cheaper plus they have written messages on them
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DiagossaCouture
This company in ETSY has similar items!
These are dope, but uh.….…do you have any recommendations on where we can get these pieces?
Check etsy and even Instagram!
check this website…they have some gorgeous designs at good prices…
https://www.afriquenaturals.co…
I wish there were links or info on how to purchase some of these items. Especially the accessories!
Hi @disqus_WHl9iniPvY:disqus I would check out shopDOKU (http://www.shopdoku.com/african-print-skirts/) they have a lot of african print skirts and clothing from african designers.
Check etsy! Lots of stores there.
Exactly!
https://www.afriquenaturals.co…
visit this website..they have a very good designs available at cheap prices
I love these prints, but they’re usually too expensive for me.
Based on my experience and on the types of clothes featured above, most of us get things custom made. Here is my ankara peplum top for a graduation. Perfection.
https://instagram.com/p/2y3CUJM11U/?taken-by=chinyeloves
Very pretty!
Did you buy the fabric and have someone make it? If so, where did you buy the fabric?
Great pieces! A list of the links would be nice, although I know you can find african fabric pieces on etsy. There are a number of them that are expensive though. I think it is because of how the fabric and piece are made…
https://www.afriquenaturals.com/
visit this website..they have a very good designs available at cheap prices
I usually rock a cute skirt or dress. I’m looking forward to getting some more modern things made this summer in Ghana. I have two posts on my blog on where to purchase cute African print skirts and dresses. Links below, I hope they help 🙂
Cute African Print Dresses
http://allthingsammamama.com/2014/07/21/cute-african-print-dresses/
Cute African Print Skirts
http://allthingsammamama.com/2014/09/05/cute-african-print-skirts/
Nubian Hueman Boutique also has some nice African Inspired modern wear and accessories
http://nubianhueman.com/
Thanks for sharing!!!
You’re welcome! 🙂
Im Nigerian and generally you buy the material yourself and give it to a tailor who’ll make it into the style you want.
Wow! Great choices, especially halfway Dow. Thanks for sharing!
Just a quick correction. Kente is not exactly a print but a certain TYPE of woven cloth from the Ashanti region of Ghana; I think most of the other pictures were print.
Most (West African) prints are indeed called Dutch Wax because this particular cloth printing process was developed by the Dutch over 100 years ago and was brought to West Africa by Dutch traders. Check out this article for more on the interesting history of African Print 🙂
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/design/2012/03/african_fabric_where_do_tribal_prints_really_come_from_.html
I’m also Naija, so I bought the fabric at a market when I was overseas, and gave it to a tailor.
great post! you can also check out http://www.tolscreations.com for african inspired bow ties
I second that; great article! Here is my salute to the african print skirt collection ????. Please check out http://www.afriquechique.com for african print clothes with a modern twist!
Hi TamBam! Check out http://www.shopdoku.com/african-print-skirts/
There are about 7 different African print skirts made by top African designers
My friend makes these really really awesome African fabric backpacks: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.brown.18294/media_set?set=a.10152954067912120.1073741830.667357119&type=3&pnref=story
beautiful ;post and really creative collections there.
[…] 50 Fabulous Modern Ways to Wear African Fabric […]
Does anyone know where I can but a formal dress in African print?
Searching for a perfect place to buy this kind of fabrics check out this site: http://www.africandesires.com/
Where do you get these shoes?
Beautiful pics. I’m inspired to dust off my sewing machine and teach my daughters how to make their own clothes.
I love all of the looks in this post, but I never know where to find anything like them! 🙁
Beautiful. my credit card is burning a hole through my wallet.
I know I’m late. Disques takes too long to upload on my phone. These prints are banging. Cool post.
this article gave me life! I wish my sewing machine worked!
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Does anyone make sewing patterns for African designs?
Hello I saw something I likebana here so how can I get it?
FABULOUS!!!
I see most Ghanaian designs in there. Fashion industry is on the rise in Africa.
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They’re all so beautiful. Love rocking African Gears. Colorful, vibrant and fashionable.
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Want to know how an African-American seamstress can get involved with making African ‑fabric clothing already being marketed. (Contract with seller) Also interested in children’s line.
Dear sir
As I mentioned we are a big supplier of Greige Fabrics and we can provide regular grey fabric qualities for African Market as well
In 100% Cotton, we can mainly offer at very nice price the below Greige fabrics all kind for fabrics
24x24/72x60
32x32/68x68
32X32/82X82
27x27/70x72
40x40/96x96
I will wait your precious feedback about your interest in this or any other kind of Finished fabrics or bed sheetings. Also all kind cotton cvc pc yarn