African Wax Print Fabric Wholesale

African wax print fabric (also known as ‘Kitenge’ in East Africa and ‘Ankara’ in West Africa) is loved worldwide for its bright patterns and interesting designs. Each design and colour can reflect local traditions, symbols, and motifs.

However, sadly, many African textile mills are closing due to the competition from Asian-produced imitation fabrics. This has made authentic African wax prints less popular amongst the local population and is making them harder to source.

History

African wax print fabric wholesale has a long and complex history. It began as a machine-made textile that was originally intended for use in Indonesia but became popular in West Africa after the Dutch discovered it.

The original designs were created by printing batik patterns onto cloth using melted wax. The wax resist dyeing process makes the fabric crackle and marble, giving it a unique look.

These patterns are also known as ‘tribal’ prints and are used to express the wearer’s social status and beliefs. Some fabrics feature animals, while others have a range of different symbols and patterns.

However, the most common type of motifs are those that reflect local traditions and symbols. This is reflected in the colours and designs on each piece of cloth.

Throughout the African continent, these patterns and colours are incredibly significant. They convey a wide range of messages and meanings, such as the importance of marriage, family, and the social standing of the wearer.

As a result, many African women wear these fabrics as a form of identification and non-verbal communication. The colours and patterns of the cloth can represent the tribe or social class of the person wearing them, and are often accompanied by tribal tattoos or a necklace made of beads to signify the wearer’s status.

These fabrics are still widely produced in Africa and are a great way to showcase the rich culture of this beautiful country. They are ideal for making dressmaking material, quilting, and craft materials.

In addition to being a great way to add some colour to your wardrobe, these fabrics are also washable and can be worn in both hot and cold climates. The vibrant prints are a fun way to express your personality and make you stand out from the crowd!

The textile industry in Africa is a highly skilled one. It employs over a million people across the continent and contributes to the local economy. Unfortunately, however, a decline in manufacturing is occurring as Chinese imports become increasingly cheaper.

In fact, it’s a good idea to check the fabric you are buying is truly African. In many cases, it is not. Most of these fabrics are based on European-designed textiles that have been reinterpreted by local designers in West Africa, making them their own.

Styles

A bold and beautiful fabric, African wax print is a popular fashion trend that can be used to make a wide variety of styles. This type of fabric is typically machine-produced and features batik-inspired designs. These fabrics are also available in many different colours and can be made into anything from clothing to home decor items.

African wax prints can be found in a range of designs, including traditional patterns and florals. Some are made from cotton, while others are made from linen. These fabrics are often printed with a wax-resist technique that allows for the design to be created without damaging the fabric.

Traditionally, these fabrics are handwoven and dyed using natural processes such as the use of indigo. These fabrics can be woven into cushion covers, tablecloths, sofa throws and curtains.

The cloth is woven on a loom that has a wax covering, which helps to create the design. The fabric is then dyed with a variety of colours to create the design.

Some fabrics are designed with symbols and colors that represent important aspects of the culture or social status. These fabrics are usually worn by women to represent their status and identity in their community.

These fabrics can be a great addition african wax print fabric wholesale to a quilt as they are bold and graphic in design. They can be used in large scale blocks or sashings to add visual interest and dimension to the quilting project.

Another way to make a statement with this type of fabric is to pair it with other pieces that have a similar aesthetic. For example, a dress with a bold wax print can be combined with a pair of high heels or a clutch to create a unique style that will catch the eye.

The key to wearing this type of fabric is to ensure that it is paired with pieces that also have a rich story behind them. This can be done by purchasing pieces from a local African store or by buying clothing that has been designed with an emphasis on a particular culture. This can be an easy way to support local businesses while also adding a unique and striking element to your wardrobe!

Colours

African wax print fabrics wholesale come in a range of colours. These are used to produce clothing, accessories and other products. They are also a great choice for crafts and sewing projects.

The colours in African fabrics are not just beautiful to look at, but each colour has its own meaning and symbolism. The colours in kente cloth, for example, are associated with various spiritual and religious elements. These include black, which symbolizes spiritual energy and maturity, as well as funeral rites and mourning. Blue represents love and harmony, while maroon symbolises healing and Mother Earth.

Kente cloth was first crafted in Ghana, where it is still made today using interwoven strips of coloured cloth. It was first conceived by Kurugu and Ameyaw from the village of Bonwire, who wanted to recreate the patterns seen in a spider’s web.

While kente cloth is traditionally made from black and white raffia fibres, additional colours are added to the fabric through natural sources. This allows for a more detailed and colourful pattern to be created.

Another type of cloth, Bogolanfini or mudcloth, is made by the Bamana people in West Africa and uses plant-based dyes, fermented mud and multiple dying stages to create a patterned design. It is a traditional method of African dressmaking and has many similarities to Dutch wax prints.

Similarly, textiles such as kuba cloth are also woven and embroidered from dyed palm fibres. The threads are twisted and cut into different shapes to produce the unique patterns of each design.

As a result, the fabrics are often referred to as ‘wax prints’ or ‘batik’. These names are a reminder of their origins as Indonesian batik fabrics, and the process that is adapted to suit the needs of the African market.

There are many different designs that can be printed onto these materials, including patterns from a range of cultures across the world. Some of these are based on local traditions and symbols, while others have been designed to reflect modern tastes.

There are also commemorative fabrics that celebrate significant events in the lives of key figures and movements. For example, in 1991, Nelson Mandela was released from prison and a series of commemorative wax prints were produced, featuring his portrait and the colours of the African National Congress party (ANC). The prints were widely distributed and proudly worn by South Africans as a symbol of political resistance against apartheid.

Origins

Unlike other fabric styles, African wax print has a deep history that is as rich as the patterns it produces. Its unique african wax print fabric wholesale design and intricately layered colour palette is the result of a centuries-old tradition that has been reimagined to fit modern fashion trends.

The style originated in the Netherlands, where it is referred to as Dutch wax prints or Vlisco, and was first manufactured with the aim of mass-producing Indonesian batiks. This was achieved by printing bright colours onto 100% cotton fabrics with a technique that involved applying a wax resin to the cloth before submerging it in dye.

This process made for a series of flaws and imperfections that did not appeal to Indonesian batik purists, but it turned out to be a winning strategy in West Africa. The Dutch started to export these machine-produced wax prints across West and Central Africa, and they soon began to evolve with designs that were more suitable for the tastes of this new audience.

As European manufacturers realised the lucrative market that Dutch wax prints had, they started to produce their own versions of the style for the African market. British and Swiss manufacturers also entered the market, but it was the Dutch company that grew to dominate the industry in the 19th century.

Despite the competition, they managed to develop a reputation for their vibrant, eye-catching designs. As a result, they became widely used for clothing as well as home decor.

One of the key aspects of these fabrics is that they are printed on both sides with the same pattern and colour. This is a rare quality that sets these fabrics apart from others on the market.

The designs can range from animals, plants and geometric shapes to flowers and abstract art. Often, the pattern is inspired by local cultural or religious symbols.

They are a popular choice for both women and men. The patterns can be seen on shirts, skirts, dresses and other items of clothing.

Although African wax print has a long history and a rich cultural heritage, its popularity is being threatened by cheaper Chinese manufactured fabrics. Asian manufacturers are producing a large number of fabrics that are sold at dirt-cheap prices, and these have now captured a majority of the market.