Ankara Fabric FAQ: Prices, Yardage & Care
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about Ankara and African fabric: prices, yardage, real wax vs polyester, stoned and flash gold fabrics, asoebi, and care. Questions we haven't covered? Email hello@chinwe.io.
What is Ankara fabric?
Ankara is the everyday name, especially in Nigeria and across West Africa, for bold, colorful wax-print cotton fabric. It is also called African wax print, Dutch wax or Holland wax (Hollandais). Ankara is used for dresses, skirts, wrappers, shirts, agbada, headwraps (gele) and matching family or wedding outfits (asoebi).
How much is 6 yards of Ankara fabric?
At Chinwe, a 6-yard piece of 100% cotton real wax Ankara costs about $50 to $124, with most prints around $85. Ankara-style polyester prints start around $14. Embellished fabrics cost more: flash gold and glitter wax run about $78 to $110, sequin wax about $150, and stoned (rhinestone) Ankara about $100 to $250. Orders over $75 ship free in the U.S.
Why is Ankara sold in 6 yards?
Six yards (about 5.5 metres) is the traditional West African length for one full outfit, such as an iro and buba with a matching wrapper, or a long dress with a headwrap. Most Chinwe fabrics come as one continuous 6-yard piece, about 45 inches wide. Some lace sets come as 3 + 3 yards or 5 yards, and each listing states its length.
How many yards of Ankara do I need for a dress?
As a rough guide for 45-inch-wide fabric: a simple knee-length dress or skirt uses about 2 to 3 yards, a long gown or maxi dress about 4 to 5 yards, and a men's shirt and trouser set about 5 to 6 yards. One 6-yard piece is often enough for two simple dresses, or a dress plus a headwrap. Always check the yardage chart on your sewing pattern, and add extra for large or one-direction prints.
What is the difference between real wax and polyester Ankara?
Real wax Ankara is 100% cotton printed with a wax-resist method. It is breathable, holds a crisp shape and has the slight crackle and colour on both sides that wax prints are known for. Polyester Ankara copies the look at a lower price. It is lighter and wrinkles less, but it is less breathable and the print is usually brighter on one side. Each Chinwe listing names the material.
What is stoned Ankara?
Stoned Ankara is wax-print fabric decorated with rhinestones (stones) fixed onto the print by heat. It sparkles under light and is popular for owambe parties, weddings, engagement ceremonies and asoebi. Hand wash it gently in cold water, do not wring or tumble dry, and iron from the back.
What is flash gold or glitter Ankara?
Flash gold (also called glitter wax or grand golden wax) is wax print with a metallic gold or glitter finish printed on top. Gold powder (gold sand) wax has a softer, matte shimmer. Both are dressier than plain wax and are worn to parties, church and celebrations.
Is your Kente fabric handwoven?
No. Chinwe sells Kente-pattern fabrics: printed wax cottons and woven brocades with Kente-inspired designs. They are not handwoven strip-cloth Kente from Ghana. They are a more affordable way to wear Kente colours for graduations, weddings, cultural events, agbada and wrappers. Each listing describes how the fabric is made.
What fabric is used for asoebi?
Asoebi (aso ebi) is the matching fabric worn by family and friends at a Nigerian wedding or celebration. Popular choices are lace, stoned Ankara, sequin wax and flash gold wax. Because every guest buys the same print, check how many pieces are in stock before you share the link with your group.
How do I wash Ankara fabric?
Wash plain cotton wax prints in cold water, inside out, with a mild detergent and no bleach. Line dry in the shade and iron on the reverse side. Real wax can shrink slightly, so many sewists rinse and dry the fabric before cutting (do this only once you are sure you are keeping it, since washed fabric can't be returned). Stoned, sequin, glitter and lace fabrics should be gently hand washed or dry cleaned, never wrung or tumble dried.
Where can I buy African fabric online in the U.S.?
Chinwe's Patterns (chinwe.io) is an online African fabric store based in Portland, Oregon, that ships across the United States. We carry Ankara wax prints, real wax cotton, stoned Ankara, flash gold, sequin wax, lace, brocade and Kente-pattern fabrics, mostly in 6-yard pieces. Orders usually process in 1 to 3 business days and arrive 5 to 10 business days after that, with tracking.
What is your shipping and return policy?
U.S. shipping is free on orders of $75 or more; orders under $75 ship for $5.99. Every order is tracked. You can request a return within 14 days of delivery for fabric that is uncut, unwashed and unused, in its original packaging. If anything arrives damaged or wrong, email us within 7 days with photos for a replacement or refund. First-time customers can use code WELCOME15 for 15% off.