The word Ankara is actually the name of a City, which is the capital of Turkey. The name is most commonly used to describe the popular fabric worn by many Africans. This has become so commonplace many people aside Turkish citizens remember that Ankara is actually the capital of Turkey.

The Ankara fabric, formerly known as Dutch wax print was originally manufactured by the Dutch for the Indonesian textile market. However, the multiple tribal prints on the fabric gained more prominence in West African nations than in Indonesia because of its tribal-like patterns and motifs which is a perfect reflection of African culture and lifestyles. Recognizing that the print resonates more with the Africans, the Dutch latched on the opportunity and redirected their compass to focus on West Africa.

Yesteryears, Ankara used to be commonly used to make ‘buba and wrapper’ for women and ‘agbada/kaftan and trousers’ for men. These styles were associated with elderly people and only a few young ones liked it because of the style. However that has changed with new generation trends, which have hijacked the usage of the Ankara fabric into the making of different fashion items such as blazers, jump suits (Dungarees), shoes, hood-dresses, jackets, jeans, shirts, headgears, flared skirts, fez caps, peplum blouses, gowns (long and short), pant trousers, high waist skirts, hats, earrings, and shoes.

The technique for making Ankara print fabrics is through a wax-resist dyeing technique called batik which is also a prominent technique used in making the Adire which is a common fabric of the Egba people of Abeokuta. Meanwhile, different methods are used to “resist” the dye from reaching the entire fabric, thereby creating patterns. The wax fabric can be sorted into categories of quality using the different processes of manufacturing. Wax fabrics are produced in such a way that the colours comply with the local preferences of the consumers. Wax prints can be named after and inspired by personalities, cities, building, sayings, occasions or well-known individuals.

In the last decade, the Ankara fabric has been playing heavily in the global fashion stage with lots of creativity displayed by designers and world celebrities. It is very flexible for design purposes and can serve different occasions and functions. It can be worn for regular occasions and formal ceremonies. Each ceremony such as birthdays, weddings, graduation, etc, in Africa especially Nigeria is an opportunity for attendees to flaunt different Ankara fabrics in different styles.

The original Ankara fabric comes in cotton materials but fashion brands and fabric makers now produce prints on fabrics like silk, chiffon and spandex, which are used for making clothes such as Iro, kaftans, leggings, bubas, swim suits, sports wears and socks.

https://lawrrykblog./2017/02/14/ankara-fabric-the-evolution-the-elegance/

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