African garments are offering something unique to the market. No matter what type of style you like there is room for these types of garments in your wardrobe. They are vibrant and come in a number of different patterns. They can be dressed up for special occasions, or worn with a pair of jeans to run to the super market. Do not be afraid to embrace these patterns, as they have a lot to offer you.

How did these complex designs come about the textile industry?

Dutch Background

Oddly enough, African fabric is not truly from Africa. It originated from a Dutch entrepreneur by the name of Pieter Fentener Van Vlissingen in 1846. During this time there was a large demand for printed cotton. It was right when the Industrial Revolution was happening. He discovered how to print on batiks, which was a popular fabric being worn by women in Indonesia.

His company, Visco, printed the material and introduced it to what is known today as Ghana. It became very popular and heavily sought after by consumers in this area. It was since this time that the fabric become deeply rooted in Africa. It has spread across the world, but really become alive in Africa and that is why it is called African print.

As technology advanced, this print has become readily accessible. Making it easy to find virtually anywhere in today’s textile market. Through the years, this print gained a heavily African identity because fashion leaders in Africa contributed to enhance its visual power.

In the early years, there was rejection by many competitors, as they thought the patterns were miss printed. The European mainstream has the most difficulty with the fabric design, as they are known to have a flare for perfection.

However, it was a misconception, as there is no uniformity, making it complex for the eye to view. It is part of what makes African textiles so interesting and unique. African consumers do not readily care about precision when it comes to patterns. They look at the fabric’s origins, colors, patterns and signs. They are interested in the uniqueness offered by African garments.

Going Beyond A Fashion Statement

The print really goes beyond making a trendy statement. It really shows the uniqueness of the person wearing it. There are so many different types of African garments that can be utilized, and none of them hold the same characteristics.

Technology allowed for this textile to cheaply be produced on wax prints. Which opened the market tremendously. It met that all types of manufactures would use African textiles to create new fashions without jeopardizing their budgets. This is when African garments really began being massed produced.

Wax print is part of this textile and it is a deeply rooted heritage for all African families. As babies are traditionally wrapped in wax prints when they are born. So, you can say that these African prints tell an intriguing story of African heritage.

Many celebrities have been seen sporting African textiles because of the uniqueness that they have to offer. They have been increasingly popular on the catwalk all over the world. The complexity allows this fabric to provide an individual with a different style than ever before.

It has been said that these prints are worn to provide a form of visual communication. It has symbolic significance, and is historically known across the world. There are so many different types of African prints on the market, that the lines of authenticity are blurred. Because of this, the results of the African textile industry could be damaging.

There is only one truly authentic wax print company based in Africa, Uniwax. This is the only company who has truly contributed to the development of wax prints of African textiles. However, other fashion gurus have a different opinion, saying that manufactures all over the world have a deep understanding of the value that these textiles hold.

It’s a subject which many argue, as its roots are thinning out and some feel there is no authentic textiles remaining.

Regardless, African garments are amazing and offer something unique to everyone who wares this type of textile. It is a style that cannot be replicated and it is here to stay. There is no one who can truly take this style away from us, as its roots may be thin, but they will never run out. The style is embedded in the fashion industry for life.