African Prints Must Haves

by Zabba Designs

African  print clothing are something that shouldn’t be ignored when it comes to discussing about the latest African trends. Whether you talk about the upcoming fashion shows or events, these dresses are must to show off on the ramp. Being an African or having an African choice of clothing is not enough to get these alluring pieces in your wardrobe, but if you really want to talk about fashion and catch on with the trending clothing styles in this era; you should have African  print dresses in your closet no matter race or age.

My all time favourite website for African print clothing is Zuzaa. I highly recommend this website, the prices are reasonable and the styles will surely have you being an eye catcher in public.

 

Here's a few Must-Haves for your closet: 

DASHIKI

 Embrace the classics in this premium quality 100% cotton lightweight Dashiki shirt. The Dashiki has a rich and fluid history that interweaves continents, cultures, and design. The cut of the fabric originated in West Africa as a flowing wide sleeve robe called the grand boubou. The textile design is an indigenous Indonesian pattern, copied and sold to Africans by the Dutch. The Dashiki grew in popularity in Africa, and then spread to North America during the African-American civil rights movements of 1960's as a symbol of self-affirmation for African-Americans and a garment associated with the love and peace hippie movement. It is now a mainstay of global bohemian fashion.

THE ZHARA Dashiki Dress in Cream

THE CLASSICS Dashiki Top

ANKARA

Ankara was formerly known as Dutch wax print. It was originally manufactured by the Dutch for the Indonesian textile market. But, by mistake or design, these prints garnered significantly more interest in West African than in Indonesia. Recognizing this opportunity, the Dutch decided to focus on West Africa. As such, the prints changed to reflect African culture and lifestyle more. African print was henceforth born. 

KENTE

Kente cloth has its origin with the Ashanti Kingdom, and was adopted by people in Ivory Coast and many other West African countries. It is an Akan royal and sacred cloth worn only in times of extreme importance and was the cloth of kings. Over time, the use of kente became more widespread. However, its importance has remained and it is held in high esteem with Akans

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KANGA

The kanga is a colourful garment similar to kitenge, worn by women and occasionally by men throughout the African Great Lakes region. It is a piece of printed cotton fabric, about 1.5m by 1m, often with a border along all four sides (called pindo in Swahili), and a central part (mji) which differs in design from the borders. Kangas have for as long as is known been a traditional type of dress amongst women in the African Great Lakes region. Toward the eastern part of the region, phrases in Kiswahili are traditional, while in central areas phrases in both Kiswahili and Lingala are popular.





Also, be sure to add some accessories too!