What are the Unique Styles of Ankara?

When it comes to African fashion, Ankara is a popular fabric that has been a mainstay for generations.

The vibrant patterns and colors of Ankara have been embraced by people across the continent and beyond, becoming a symbol of African pride and heritage.

But what are the unique styles of Ankara, and how can you incorporate them into your wardrobe? In this article, we will explore the many different ways in which Ankara can be used to create unique and stunning looks.

The History of Ankara

Ankara, also known as African wax print fabric, is a type of cotton fabric that is printed with wax-resistant dye. The fabric has its roots in Indonesia, where it was first created using batik techniques. However, the fabric gained popularity in West Africa during the 19th century when Dutch merchants began importing it to the region. Over time, African artisans began incorporating their own designs and patterns into the fabric, creating a unique blend of Indonesian and African styles.

Today, Ankara is produced by textile factories in several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. The fabric is known for its bold and vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and durability. It is often used to make traditional clothing, such as dashikis and kaftans, but it can also be incorporated into modern fashion designs.

Ankara Styles for Women

Ankara is a versatile fabric that can be used to create a wide range of clothing styles for women. Some of the most popular styles include:

Ankara Dresses

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Amazing and Unique Styles of Ankara

Ankara dresses come in many different styles, from flowing maxi dresses to figure-hugging bodycon dresses. The fabric’s bold patterns and colors make it a popular choice for special occasions, such as weddings and formal events. Ankara dresses can be paired with heels or flats, depending on the occasion.

Ankara Skirts

Ankara skirts are another popular choice for women. They can be paired with a simple blouse or t-shirt for a casual look, or dressed up with a blouse or blazer for a more formal occasion. Ankara skirts come in many different lengths and styles, including pencil skirts, A-line skirts, and wrap skirts.

Ankara Tops

Ankara tops are a great way to add a pop of color and pattern to your wardrobe. They can be paired with jeans or trousers for a casual look, or dressed up with a skirt or trousers for a more formal occasion. Ankara tops come in many different styles, including crop tops, off-the-shoulder tops, and peplum tops.

Ankara Styles for Men

Although Ankara is more commonly associated with women’s fashion, it can also be used to create stylish and unique looks for men. Some of the most popular Ankara styles for men include:

Ankara Shirts

Ankara shirts are a popular choice for men who want to add some color and pattern to their wardrobe. They can be paired with jeans or trousers for a casual look, or dressed up with a blazer or suit jacket for a more formal occasion. Ankara shirts come in many different styles, including long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, and button-down shirts.

Unique Styles of Ankara Blazers

Unique Styles of Ankara

Ankara blazers are a great way to add some personality to a formal outfit. They can be paired with dress pants or a skirt for a formal look, or dressed down with jeans for a more casual look. Ankara blazers come in many different styles, including single-breasted blazers, double-breasted blazers, and fitted blazers.

Ankara Accessories

Ankara can also be incorporated into accessories, such as bags, shoes, and jewelry. Adding an Ankara accessory to your outfit is a great way to add a pop of color and pattern without going overboard. Some popular Ankara accessories include:

Ankara Bags

Ankara bags come in many different styles, from tote bags to clutch bags. They can be paired with any outfit and are a great way to add a pop of color to your look.

Ankara Shoes

Ankara shoes are a great way to add a unique touch to your outfit. They come in many different styles, including sandals, flats, and heels.

Ankara Jewelry

Ankara jewelry is a great way to add a pop of color to your look. It can include earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.

How to Style Ankara

When it comes to styling Ankara, there are no hard and fast rules. However, there are a few tips that can help you create a cohesive and stylish look:

Pair Ankara with Neutral Colors

Because Ankara is such a bold and vibrant fabric, it’s best to pair it with neutral colors. This will help balance out the outfit and prevent it from looking too busy.

Choose One Statement Piece

Ankara is a statement fabric, so it’s best to choose one statement piece and build your outfit around it. For example, if you’re wearing an Ankara dress, pair it with neutral shoes and accessories.

Accessorize with Bold Colors

Although it’s best to pair Ankara with neutral colors, you can add a pop of color with your accessories. For example, if you’re wearing an Ankara skirt and a white blouse, add a bold red clutch for a pop of color.

Where to Buy Ankara

Ankara is widely available in many African countries, as well as in African markets around the world. However, if you’re not able to travel to Africa, there are many online retailers that sell Ankara fabric and clothing. Some popular online retailers include:

africanzi.com

africanzi.com is a great online retailer that sells Ankara fabric and clothing. They have a wide selection of styles and fabrics to choose from, and they ship worldwide.

Etsy

Etsy is a popular online marketplace that sells handmade and vintage items. There are many sellers on Etsy who sell Ankara fabric and clothing.

Africa Imports

Africa Imports is an online retailer that specializes in African goods. They have a wide selection of Ankara fabric and clothing to choose from.

In Conclusion

Ankara is a unique and versatile fabric that has become a symbol of African pride and heritage. It can be used to create a wide range of clothing styles for both men and women, as well as accessories. When styling Ankara, it’s best to pair it with neutral colors and choose one statement piece to build your outfit around. With so many online retailers selling Ankara fabric and clothing, it’s easy to incorp