African print fabrics are more than fashion, they’re living pieces of culture, bold storytelling, and craft. Whether it’s a flowy Ankara dress, a structured Kente stole, or a soft Adire headwrap, these textiles bring colour and meaning to wardrobes worldwide. In this post you’ll find practical care tips plus a friendly deep-dive into where these prints come from, how they’re made, and examples to recognise and love.
Where African prints come from
African prints is an umbrella term that covers several distinct fabrics and printing traditions from across the continent and beyond. Many of the most familiar styles have fascinating cross-cultural histories:
Fabric types & what that means for care
Different African prints need slightly different treatment depending on fibre and finish. Here are the common types and how they usually behave:
- 100% cotton (most Ankara, some Adire)
- Breathable, durable, may shrink if tumble-dried.
- Colours can bleed on first wash — treat gently.
- Cotton blends / cotton-silk (some Kente panels)
- Smoother hand, sometimes more delicate.
- Iron on a lower setting; avoid strong bleaching agents.
- Naturally-dyed pieces (mudcloth, indigo Adire)
- Dyes can be reactive or fugitive (they move) — extra care on first washes.
- Avoid long exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Machine-printed, commercially finished prints
- Often more colourfast and pre-shrunk.
- Still treat gently to maintain vibrancy.
Practical care — wash, dry, iron (with style)
Follow these easy steps to keep your Mimz & Tribe pieces vibrant and well-shaped:
Before the first wear
- Pre-wash recommendation: Rinse new garments in cold salted water or use a gentle detergent on the first wash to help set the dye and reduce bleeding.
- Spot test: If you’re unsure about colourfastness, dampen a white cloth and press it on a hidden seam — if colour transfers, hand-wash separately.
Washing
- Hand wash in cold water whenever possible. It’s gentler on fibres and colours.
- If using a machine: use a delicate cycle, cold water, and place the garment in a mesh bag.
- Use mild liquid detergents — avoid bleach, strong stain removers, and enzymes that strip colour.
- For stubborn stains, treat gently: dab — don’t rub — and test any stain remover on an inside seam first.
Drying
- Air dry flat or on a hanger inside out. Direct sunlight fades colours over time.
- Don’t wring — press water out gently with a towel.
- Avoid tumble-drying unless the garment care label explicitly allows it.
Storage
- Keep garments in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Use breathable cotton garment bags for long-term storage — avoid plastic which traps moisture.
- Fold bulky weaves (Kente) to avoid stretching, and hang lighter cotton dresses on padded hangers.
African print fabrics deserve thoughtful care — they reward you with years of colour, texture, and personality. Whether you’re preserving a treasured family Kente panel or keeping an everyday Ankara dress vivid, the right routine makes all the difference.
Looking for well-crafted, easy-care African prints? Visit Mimz & Tribe at mimzandtribe.co.uk to explore pieces made to last — and tag us with how you style them!