To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
5 things to look for in a good quality African wax print
There is such a wide variety of African wax prints out there that you are bound to find a colour combination or pattern that is just for you. However, it can be tricky trying to choose a good quality African wax print if it is not a fabric you are that familiar with, so we are giving a few pointers.
1. 100% Cotton
A good African wax print will be 100% cotton. If you have the opportunity to buy in person, touch and feel the fabric. Wax prints typically have a crisp but soft handle which makes them both unique and ideal for garments that need some structure (think peplums and sharp collars etc).
Nevertheless, try to avoid anything that is too stiff. Though wax prints do soften in the wash, some may not soften much more depending on the manufacturer. If you already have some that isn’t quite soft enough, try adding a little bit of fabric softener to the next wash, this sometimes helps.
2. 6 Yards/ 12 Yards
Typically wax prints are sold in folded bundles of 6 yards or 12 yards. These bundles are usually folded in 1 yard folds. Wax prints on a roll tend to be a tell-tale sign of a cheaper quality fabric probably due to a completely different production method.
3. Pattern on both sides
In a good quality wax print, the colours and patterns are usually almost as vivid on the ‘wrong side’ of the fabric as they are on the ‘right side’ of the fabric. If you cannot see the pattern at all, this will likely be a lower grade fabric and print.
4. African Brands
The majority of wax prints in circulation are NOT made in African countries but in China, Korea, India and in many other countries. (By the way, Hitarget is produced in China). Yes, the history and origin of the prints is varied with Dutch and English manufacturers at the forefront of production and distribution dating back to the 1800s. However a lot of excellent quality wax prints were also produced in African countries and there are a few brands still doing so.
If you would rather purchase an African wax print that is actually made in an African country then some brands to look out for are;
They are great quality with a vast range of print designs. They are produced in Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast. Some of these are not so easy to come by as they are out of print or have reduced production capacity. This is something we will explore further on the blog in the near future but worth the extra time to find to purchase.
5. Labels and Selvedge
A not-so-obvious point is that manufacturers tend to present a bundle of fabric as a finished product. If you have purchased or seen a bundle, you will notice that it will have a manufacturers/ brand label on the front, which has details like where it is made, the fabric content, the length and so on, it will also have tabs at both ends of the fabric holding the folds in place.
Finally it will have information on the selvedge, usually the brand name and country it is manufactured in. Sometimes this is in two languages. By the way, if you want to get rid of those labels, here is previous post with steps to remove them without damaging the fabric.
So those are our tips on choosing a good quality African wax print! Do you have any tips that you have picked up along the way and would like to share? Do drop a comment below.
You can also browse our range of wax prints.
One reply to “5 things to look for in a good quality African wax print”
Pingback: What is African Wax Print Fabric? It is the Ankara Fabric we LOVE! - Urbanstax
Related Posts
Packaging- Reuse and recycle
In our day to day running of the business, we receive and send out a lot of packages. From envelopes, to boxes, wraps, bags, ties and more. We have decided …
Free Tickets! The Knitting and Stitching Show Spring 2017
Join us from the 2nd – 5th of March 2017 at The Knitting and Stitching Show Spring in Kensington Olympia. Urbanstax will be at Stand H20 with bright African Wax prints …
Fabric of the Week: Teal and Yellow Humming Bird Ankara
Sometimes called the Swallow print or the Speedbird print, this is one very popular fabric and there are numerous colourways around. This version of the Humming bird ankara is undoubtedly …
Blue African Wax Prints
We have new fabric in stock and this includes a rich mix of Blue African wax prints. If you are a fan of blues and indigos here is our selection …