From East Africa’s Kitenge and Nigeria’s Adire to Ghana’s Kente and Mali’s Bogolanfini, African fashion offers distinct patterns and vibrant hues representing rich tradition, culture, and moments. In some countries, these fabrics symbolize cultural and national identity, transcending generations.
Over the past decade, African prints have hit the global fashion stage, lending their bold and bright colors to different styles and wowing audiences in fashion events. Their versatility makes them fascinating — you can pair them effortlessly with most styles for a bold statement for any occasion.
In this post, let’s explore African prints and discover what makes them unique.
Versatile Styles
African print offers a variety of styles to add to your wardrobe and can be made into different outfits, including pants, shirts, suits, dresses, and skirts. Regardless of your preferred pattern, color, or material, the fabric is highly customizable for a contemporary or traditional style.
You can pair a Kitenge dashiki with your favorite jeans for work or dinner, while fancy Ankara tops and skirts make stunning outfits for any occasion. A unisex hoodie with a Kente print makes a great addition to your cold-weather outfits. Plus, hoodies come in different patterns and colors to suit your preferences.
Some African print styles are more traditional and can be specific to certain regions or countries. For example, gele, kaftans, and agbada are unique to Nigeria, while the boubou is the most emblematic outfit in Mali. In Ghana, the kaba style for blouses is mostly paired with long skirts locally known as slits.
Variety of Accessories
Pretty much any accessories you think of can be made using African print fabric. This includes shoes, bags, headwraps, jewelry, bow ties, pocket squares, hairbands, etc. These accessories are perfect for adding a pop of color to your style and can complement almost any style.
Whether attending a festival or going out on a date, African print accessories are a perfect finishing touch to your look. For instance, a solid white or black shirt will pair well with a colorful Kitenge bowtie. Men’s bone necklaces offer a great addition to your beach or festival style.
Ladies can add African print headwraps, handbags, shoes, or hairbands to their style. These pieces coordinate easily with different colors and outfits for a bold statement. You can also add beaded earrings or necklaces with similar colors to accentuate your look.
Modern Fusion
African print fashion has a long history as traditional clothing, from the flowing robes of West Africa to the wraps (shuka or kikois) and beaded accessories of the Maasais in East Africa. With the evolution of fashion, the African print has been advancing onto the global stage.
For instance, you can find complete suits, pants, and jumpsuits in traditional African print patterns and motifs. An African print infinity scarf will look great when paired with winter outfits, and a beaded leather Maasai belt will add a unique flair to your office look.
Today’s collections deliver a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles to captivate different customers. Designers like Laduma Ngxokolo, Lisa Folawiyo, and Yinka Shonibare offer fresh perspectives through creative creations that feature African print elements.
Explore the African Print Fashion
African print fashion has experienced a major shift, with modern designers pushing the envelope to deliver creative pieces on the global scene. From casual outfits to official styles, you can look stunning in an African print piece in diverse styles.
Whether dressing for work, an event, or a date night, there are endless ways to incorporate African print into your everyday style. Try a colorful Maasai beaded belt, a Kente Dashiki, a Kitenge skirt, or a stunning headwrap to give your look a unique flair and wow your friends.
