One of the most versatile fabrics on the market today, Ankara, commonly referred to as African print, has left its mark on the world of fashion. It’s now a must-have in the wardrobes of many individuals, irrespective of origin or culture. Ankara is the method used in making the material – it all starts with a plain white cotton fabric stretched out on a frame; the design is drawn onto the fabric using a stencil (or by hand).
At present, Ankara fabric is used to make blazers, trousers, gowns, blouses, and even swimsuits. Nigeria is renowned for its Ankara fabric. In West and Central Africa, only Ghana manufactures Ankara.
According to the experts at AfricanFabs, Ankara fabric is prominent mainly because of its vividly colored patterns, exciting design, and hidden meaning. Regrettably, when something appeals to the mass market, there’s the tendency to copy using quicker manufacturing methods.
Fabrics produced for mass consumption aren’t meant to last long as opposed to genuine African textiles, which can last a lifetime if cared for adequately. If you don’t know how to identify an original from a counterfeit, please continue reading to learn how to identify a quality Ankara fabric.
Beware of Unreal Discounts
Genuine Ankara fabric is made from cotton, and prices vary based on design and quality. Shopping in-store allows you to feel the texture of the fabric and judge its weight. Ankara is a soft and breathable fabric, so being able to see and touch the material matters, as there are no surprises later on. If you do your shopping online, be wary of unreal discounts.
More specifically, if you come across Ankara fabric at a fraction of the cost, the deal is too good to be true. If the discount is unrealistically low (e.g., 80%), you’re definitely buying a fake. You might get 40% off the retail price, but not more.
The Print is as Bold on The Wrong Side as on the Right
The “right” side of the fabric is the printed surface of the material. It faces the public and is seen by everyone. Unless the “wrong” side is embellished, the print has no apparent effect on the overall look. The wrong side of the fabric resembles a faded version of the right side. With many fabrics, notably Ankara fabric, the wrong side is just as pretty; you might have to look very closely.
You can recognize faux Ankara fabric by an unmistakable wrong side. Even if the fabric design is sometimes visible on the wrong side of the material, it will be more faded than on the right side.
Submerge The Ankara Fabric in Water
As mentioned before, Ankara fabric is pure cotton, although it might seem like a dense material. Cotton is made up of a complex series of atoms, namely polymer molecules, creating pure cellulose, which makes cotton absorbent. Not only can Ankara fabric absorb water, but it also dries fast. To check the quality of your purchase, submerge the fabric in water and see what happens.
When the cotton is immersed in water, the air is replaced by water, so it doesn’t shrink. The strength of cotton increases with moisture, which is due to the fiber’s elasticity. For this reason, quality measurements are done in moisture-controlled environments.
Make Sure to Check the Selvage and The Label
In case you didn’t know, the selvage is the edge that keeps the Ankara fabric from raveling or fraying. To be certain your Ankara has a well-sewn seam, measure its width before purchasing it. Pull off enough material and measure from one edge across to the other edge. You should buy a little extra so that you won’t get caught short.
Check the label to make sure the fabric has the properties you’re looking for, and make a decision based on the information provided. The names of well-known manufacturers are often misspelled on counterfeit Ankara fabrics.
Does Color Fade on The Ankara Fabric?
A faux Ankara fabric will bleed and fade as the dye disappears from the clothing fibers. Get a white piece of cloth, soak it in warm water, and scrub the material. If the color comes off, it will most certainly fade out after washing the fabric a few times. Ankara fabric is high quality, meaning that it doesn’t deteriorate rapidly, even after a couple of washes. To give yourself the best value for your money, use lukewarm water for washing and mild detergents. Equally important is to avoid leaving the Ankara fabric in the sun for a long time because it reduces its durability.
It’s sad to see that counterfeit products have become so ubiquitous. Every time you buy faux Ankara fabric, a legitimate manufacturer loses money, which translates into jobs lost over time. If you’re one of those people who buy counterfeit goods on purpose, stop because you’re negatively impacting the brands that have put time and effort into creating great products. Stay away from inexpensive imitations, i.e., iniwax, and wear ethically sourced African print clothes.
Wrapping It Up
Ankara fabric is an excellent choice for people who want to incorporate their culture and identity into everyday style. It features vibrant colors and patterns. The versatility and durability of the material also make it a good choice – Ankara fabric can be used to make a wide array of clothing and accessories for both formal and casual occasions.
Needless to say, it’s crucial to purchase from a reputable seller to make sure the material isn’t counterfeit. African prints are produced using the wax-resist method, so there are bound to be imperfections in the dye work. Each Ankara fabric is, therefore, unique.
Finally, yet importantly, Ankara fabric has deep colors, whereas the fake one has lost its freshness and brilliance of color. It’s best to buy from authorized retailers like AfricanFabs. If you’re getting a good discount somewhere else, check the store’s address by going online and make sure you have the correct contact details. Don’t believe that things are better than they are.
Also read: All Important Tips To Know About Acrylic Wool Fabric
