Ankara Fabric: How to buy it and the different types

HARARE – Ankara fabric got its name from a mispronunciation of the Capital or Ghana ACCRA which was central in popularizing this Dutch wax fabric. The fabric was trying to enter Indonesian markets and created a cheaper one, which was rejected by Indonesians but made its way into West African upper class and middle class culture.

Beyoncé Knowles Carter in an Ankara designer suit

Ankara fabric, also known as African wax print fabric, is a colorful and vibrant cotton fabric with intricate patterns and designs. It is commonly used in traditional African clothing such as dresses, skirts, and head wraps, and it has also gained popularity in contemporary fashion around the world.
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Now as you pick your fabric there are different levels of quality and originality in the prints.

There are brands that cost a lot more because of their newest design pattern and being made in Netherlands or companies in Africa with the same methods. This includes brands such as VLISCO and Ghana made WOODIN. The price range can be very high up to $200 in some markets.

Woodin is a company owned by VLISCO making fabric in GHANA

The shiny texture soft feel is what makes these soft to the skin when worn in designs

However China entered the market and a lot of fabrics are now available as print copies to the Netherlands brands of VLISCO. Made with cotton that is thicker ($12 to $20) and others with a plastic feel poly cotton fabric which are the cheapest in terms of retail price ($3 to $10).