Ankara: Africa’s Fabric Love

Growing up Ankara was seen as a fabric for the lower class, traders and artisans, i remember seeing people in the market wear this fabric day in day out, little did i know that it was not just some cheap fabric but was well loved for its versatility and quality.
Ankara is a well loved fabric in West Africa, it is more of a fabric for Africa but not from Africa. It is of Dutch Origin, it was originally made as an imitation of the Indonesian Batik.
From its little back corner, Ankara has grown to become West Africa and even Africa’s most popular fabric.
What’s not to love about this fabric, it is versatile, from Iro and Buba for the ladies , to Buba and Sokoto for the men to our modern styles such as Jackets,tops, shorts, skirts. Ankara is an all round bestseller. Even to Accessories like Purses, clutches, bangles and earrings, Ankara can and is being used for everything, it can be used as Work Wear, Evening Wear and also for Casual and Party Clothing. It is accepted so much that it also usually used for Asoebi (Family Wear) at Parties.
There are however different types of Ankara according to producers, they however have one thing in common,which is that great quality Ankara is made of 100% Cotton which explains it durability.
There is the Dutch Ankara, the brand name is Vlisco Holland, Its boasts of very colorful fabrics
There is also ABC Wax, this is produced in Ghana, there is the Da Viva range and the Superwax range, Akosombo Textiles Ltd.
Excellence Ankara is another Fabric produced in Ghana and its has vivid African prints and colors
There is also Cote d’Ivoire’s Exclusive Uniwax.
Then there are the ones produced by Chinese Manufacturers such as Hitarget, Avogan and a host of others.
Ankara is Nigeria then Africa’s Biggest Fashion Export .
You can check your beautiful Ankara fabrics online @ ankara.com.ng