African fabrics – the fabrics that dance. This phrase is very much popular in the modern-day international fashion industry. And there are reasons for it. These fabrics depict the colorful and…
African fabrics – the fabrics that dance. This phrase is very much popular in the modern-day international fashion industry. And there are reasons for it. These fabrics depict the colorful and vibrant culture of Africa very beautifully. The mix of different colors with catchy patterns all over the minutely woven fabrics gives them a feel of dancing. Anyone wearing dresses made of such fabrics can very easily be expected of having a playful and happy nature. And that’s true.
As already said, Africa has a very colorful culture. A lot of celebrations, dances, singing, and sharing moments together are very common phenomena. African fabrics denote this nicely. So how are these fabrics made? Let’s talk about it in detail.
The pre-treated fabrics are generally white and are dyed, batiked, or painted with wax. Creativity plays a key role in making the patterns while wax painting. This is where the actual feel of Africa is shown on the fabrics. Once the printing is done, it is dipped into the starch bath. Start bath is usually prepared with a mix of potato starch and water. In the next step, it is softened with a wooden stick that weighs no less than 5kg. After the softening process is complete, the fabrics start giving a unique shimmer and become the typical African fabrics that they are known for.
It is also important to note that these fabrics are not prepared only in Africa. Given its growing use in the international fashion industry, several countries have started production. Some of the popular names are Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, etc. Perhaps that’s one reason, its availability is no more confined to its origin country only. Today you can find and buy African fabrics in almost any country in the world.
The best of all is the fact that you can now buy African fabrics online as well. There are several websites selling and delivering them throughout the world.
The next important thing about these fabrics is that their usage is not limited to wearable attires only. They are being used popularly in the house interiors as well. People love to use these amazing prints for curtains and bedsheets. The other usage is confined by your imagination only.
To buy these fabrics one does not necessarily need to find specific African fabrics shops in the local market only. The world today is on the internet, so quite obviously one can place orders online and can get delivery anywhere in the world. That’s the beauty of the internet. So, if you love these dancing fabrics, make the most of the internet. Simply google it and find the websites which sell online.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Catheline Walsh
