African Wax Print fabric, with its vivid colors and intricate designs, has become a symbol of fashion and cultural expression across the globe. Originating from a rich history, these fabrics are not just cloth but carry significant meanings and a heritage that spans continents.
Today, the production of African Wax Print is a testament to the interconnectedness of tradition and modern industrial capabilities.
China’s role in the textile industry has seen remarkable growth, and its influence in the African Wax Print market is noteworthy.
As one of the world’s largest economies and a powerhouse in textile manufacturing, China recorded substantial figures in textile and apparel exports, reflecting its pivotal position in the global fabric trade.
Following a brief disruption due to the pandemic, China has reasserted its status as a key supplier, especially to the United States, symbolizing its resilience and strategic importance in the international market.
WHAT IS AFRICAN WAX PRINT FABRIC?
African Wax Print fabrics, also recognized as Ankara, Kitenge, and Dutch wax prints, are vibrant textiles primarily composed of 100% cotton. They embody a batik-inspired print, a reflection of an age-old wax resist dyeing technique that originated from Indonesia.
Characteristics:
- Durability: Both sides of genuine wax print fabric feature identical colors and patterns due to the thorough batik production process.
- Symbolism: Designs often hold symbolic meanings, with certain colors and patterns reflecting the wearer’s social status or tribe.
- Popularity: These fabrics are deeply woven into the cultural fabric of West Africa and are commonly used in African fashion.
Variations:
- Fancy Fabrics: These are more color-intensive and are printed on only one side.
- Imitations: Known by names such as Imiwax, Java print, roller print, le fancy, and le légos.
Cultural Significance:
- Storytelling: Patterns tell stories or give lessons. The ‘speed bird’ pattern from Ghana symbolizes the fleeting nature of wealth.
- Social Impact: ‘Nsu Bura’, another Ghanaian pattern, depicts ripples in water, representing the consequences of one’s actions on the community.
Manufacturers often group various fabric types under the “Batik Fabric” category, despite the different levels of quality and authenticity. These textiles are not just fabric; they carry cultural narratives and are an essential part of social expression in African societies.
ANKARA/KITENGE FABRIC: WHAT IS THE HISTORY?
The origins of Ankara or Kitenge fabric lie in the intermingling of cultural practices. The fabric’s journey began with Dutch merchants encountering Batik Fabrics in Indonesia and taking them back to the Netherlands.
By the mid-19th century, P.F. van Vlissingen and Co. (Vlisco), initiated the production of wax print. The company’s innovative methods allowed for the mass production of these fabrics, offering an affordable alternative to traditional Batik.
Despite not gaining favour in Indonesia, the wax prints captivated the West African market. The region’s soldiers, returning home, played a pivotal role in popularizing the fabric. This burgeoning demand led to the fabric’s widespread distribution across the continent.
The fabric’s appeal prompted manufacturers in Europe to begin its production, ultimately establishing a strong presence in African markets. The contemporary landscape sees India and China emerging as key players, offering vast quantities of African wax print fabrics at competitive prices, further widening the fabric’s reach and influence.
PRODUCTION PROCESS OF AFRICAN WAX PRINT FABRIC
- Initial step involves applying melted wax to both sides of the fabric using a specialized machine designed for this purpose.
- The fabric is then submerged in Indigo dye, giving it its distinctive base color.
- A technique generates marbling effects by cracking the wax through controlled stress, contributing to the fabric’s unique character.
- Additional hues are incorporated into the fabric’s pattern by employing printing machines capable of adding two or three colors.
- To finalize the pattern creation, the cloth undergoes a hot water wash to effectively remove all wax residue.
- The printed fabric is subject to various finishing techniques, allowing for the customization and refinement of the final product.
AFRICAN PRINT FABRIC STYLES & DESIGNS
African print fabrics feature a dazzling array of styles that are influenced by both local culture and global trends. These prints are highly sought after for their uniqueness and because once they are sold, they tend to not reappear on the market. They reflect various motifs, including:
- Floral motifs: capturing the essence of nature’s blooms
- Plants: showcasing the diverse flora found across the continent
- Animals: featuring both wild and domesticated creatures
- Tribal: traditional patterns rich with African heritage
- Shapes: geometric patterns that range from simple to intricate
Notable designs include:
- Feather Ankara from Ghana
- Big Bang Ankara originated from West Africa
- Zing Ankara, another popular style from Ghana
- Bonsu Ankara signifying cultural relevance in West African regions
For sourcing African print fabrics, Uniway Sourcing provides free quotes.
WHAT CAN THE AFRICAN WAX PRINT FABRIC BE USED FOR?
- Traditional Attire
- African Wax Print Fabric is often draped around the body, serving as daily wear or special occasion attire.
- Home Decor
- Employed in decorating interiors, it’s utilized for lamp covers and additional accents.
- Modern Fashion
- Internationally, it’s crafted into contemporary garments due to its unique patterns.
- Accessories
- Transformed into various fashion accessories to complement outfits.
- Utility Use
- Serves as a practical apron during cooking or household chores.
- Child Care
- Historically used by mothers for carrying infants comfortably.
Note: The fabric’s applications may vary by culture.
WHAT DIMENSIONS ARE FABRICS AVAILABLE IN?
- Length: Double piece – 12 yards, Single piece – 6 yards
- Width: Commonly 48 to 49 inches
WHO ARE SOME OF THE MANUFACTURERS OF AFRICAN WAX PRINT AND ANKARA FABRIC IN CHINA?
Changxing Jingqi textile. Co., Ltd
Established in 2011 in Changxing county, this company has carved a niche in producing both cotton and polyester fabrics, with an emphasis on machine-made textiles suitable for a range of applications including family spins, apparel, and foreign trade.
They provide a variety of processing services that add value to their products such as blanching, dyeing, and printing.
With a robust capital backing of 1500000RMB, the firm proudly touts an Annual Sales Volume between US$10 Million and US$50 Million, and an Annual Purchase Volume between US$5 Million and US$10 Million. The company exports a significant 31% to 40% of its inventory across diverse global markets.
Prominent among their offerings are wholesale African Wax Fabrics, characterized by a rich variety of patterns and destined for uses in clothing. Their range includes:
- Various wax fabric designs tailored for dresses and skirts
- Unsewn wax fabric for custom fashion attire
- Ankara and other print fabrics catered to clothing aesthetics
- Diverse iterations of Holland and hitarget quality wax prints
- Bulk buying options for wholesale businesses
They have established themselves as a provider of comprehensive after-sales support and technical expertise.
GUANGZHOU KINGHAN TEXTILE LIMITED
Situated in Guangzhou’s bustling Haizhu District, this manufacturer and exporter brings forward a plethora of textile genres including lace, knits, and printed fabrics, complemented by a suite of African Wax prints available in an array of textures and designs.
They prioritize delivering high-quality material at competitive prices to a customer base spread over continents like North America and regions such as the Middle East.
Their African Wax Print fabric collection encompasses:
- An extensive array of African Fabrics
- Variants of African Polyester Ankara Wax Print Fabrics
- A line of African Cotton Ankara Wax Print Fabrics
- Customizable African Wax Print Fabrics
- The traditional African Cotton Bazin Riche
The company’s strategic location in Guangzhou enables it to leverage logistical advantages for distributing products worldwide.
HUAIBEI WING TEXTILE (PRINTING AND DYEING) CO. LTD.
With over a decade’s industry presence, Huaibei Wing Textile is dedicated to producing premium African fabrics, guiding their mission with a strong focus on quality, service, and customer support.
Their notable annual output value lies between US$50 Million and US$100 Million.
They offer a bespoke collection catering to African-themed apparel, such as:
- Elegantly crafted African Women Dresses
- Coordinated African Women Sets
- Stylish African Women Tops
- Versatile African Women Bottoms
- A spectrum of African Fabric selections
- Decorative Ankara Fabric pieces
The company’s commitment shines through its specialized product lineup, reflecting cultural aesthetics and trends.
Changxing TianXiang textile Co. Ltd.
Since its inception in 1993, Changxing TianXiang Textile Co. has remained a leading private sector player in micro-fiber fabric production.
Known for manufacturing dyed and printed fabric, the company boasts an impressive annual export value of US$100 million with production capabilities yielding 25,000,000 meters of fabric.
African Wax Print fabric from TianXiang is notable for:
- A diverse assortment of designs that cater to various tastes
- Competitive prices ranging from US$0.30 to US$0.80 per meter
- A flexible minimum order quantity starting at 5000 meters
These offerings reflect the company’s competence and adaptability to both domestic and international fabric demands.
Manufacturers in China provide a wide array of African wax print fabrics. These fabrics are appreciated for their unique designs and versatile application in various domains such as clothing, home decor, and more. The quality offered is superior, ensuring satisfaction in both product and service.
Do you need help buying African print fabrics with low MOQs from China?
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