African Fabric

African fabrics are more than cloth; they’re craft, culture, and color. At Fabric For Clothing, we source hand-finished wax prints, woven kente, mudcloth, and premium bazin so designers, tailors, and makers can build beautiful garments and interiors with confidence. Whether you’re after a crisp 100% cotton Ankara for everyday wear, a lustrous Hollandais for special occasions, or hand-dyed adire for a heritage look, you’ll find curated, colorfast options chosen for quality and consistency.

Our African Fabric collection brings together the core textiles that power West African fashion and global design: vibrant Ankara/Wax prints, ceremonial Kente weaves, earth-toned Mudcloth (Bògòlanfini), hand-dyed Adire, and brocade-style Bazin. Every piece we list includes fiber content, width, and care guidance because good sewing starts with good information.

We focus on fabrics that behave well in production: consistent repeats for pattern matching, reliable dye work to avoid surprises at scale, and the right weights for the job, from lightweight blouses to structured jackets and upholstery projects.

Why buy from Fabric For Clothing

• Trusted quality: We only list fabrics with clear composition and reliable width (44–46″ standard or specified).
• Designer-ready stock: Prints with consistent repeats and midweight options for pattern cutting.
• Authenticity: Kente, Hollandais/Dutch wax, and mudcloth styles curated to reflect tradition and contemporary use.
• Colorfastness: Prioritized, we disclose care and pre-wash recommendations.
• Global shipping & samples: Order swatches to check color and hand before committing to yardage.

How designers & makers use these fabrics

• Everyday garments: Pick midweight 100% cotton Ankara for dresses, shirts, and skirts it presses well and holds structure.
• Formalwear & sheen: Choose Hollandais or embellished Super-Wax for gowns and ceremonial wear.
• Tailoring: Use heavier bazin or brocade blends for jackets and structured skirts; line where needed.
• Home projects: For cushions or lampshades, pick heavier-weight textiles or back with upholstery canvas.
• Quilting & crafts: Fat quarters and quilting bundles of wax prints add intense color and durability.
• Care: Cold wash, gentle or hand wash; avoid hot dryers for wax prints to preserve color and finish.

FAQ 

Q1: What is ‘Ankara’ fabric?

Ankara is a popular wax-print cotton known for bold motifs and vibrant dye, great for clothing and quilting.

Q2: Are your wax prints colorfast?

Most high-quality wax prints are colorfast; follow our care instructions (cold wash, air dry). We recommend ordering a swatch if you’re concerned.

Q3: How wide are the fabrics?

Standard widths are 44–46″. The exact width is listed on every product page.

Q4: Can I use African fabric for upholstery?

Yes, choose heavier bazin or brocade blends, or back lighter cottons with upholstery lining.

Q5: Do you ship internationally?

Yes, Fabric For Clothing ships worldwide. Free shipping on orders over $75 to qualifying regions.

Q6: How much fabric do I need for a dress?

A simple knee-length dress usually needs ~2.5–3 yards; fuller skirts require 4+ yards depending on fullness.

Q7: Do you sell samples/swatches?

Yes, order a small swatch to check the color and hand before buying yardage.

Q8: Are these fabrics ethically sourced?

We aim to list provenance and manufacturer info when available. Check each product page for origin and brand details.