Names of Ankara Fabrics With Pictures (2026 Guide) | Types, Meanings & Styles

A well put together African outfit is something special, and impossible to ignore. You can walk into a room wearing a simple Ankara dress and magically become the person everyone notices. 

Something about the bold geometric patterns and color combinations is eye-catching. Ankara fabrics transform very ordinary outfits to very extraordinary designs.

It is now commonplace to see the Canadian population, especially women, adorning African prints for various formal and informal occasions. Weddings, birthdays, church services, cultural festivals, celebrations, parties, dinners, and just casual outings.

Ankara is very versatile. You can experiment with it. Combine it with other fabrics. These other fabrics can be denim, lace, chiffon, satin, plain cotton or other fabrics.

If you are new to the Ankara fashion scene, It is totally understandable to feel lost and have a lot of questions like, "what is Ankara fabric?", "what are the different types of Ankara fabrics and their names?", "which African print is best for a dress?", or "what are the latest Ankara styles and designs for the Canadian population?".

Questions like these are about to be answered.

Names of Ankara Fabrics With Pictures

Here's what you need to know about Ankara Fabrics before we get to names.

"Ankara" is a West African term for colorfully patterned fabrics, specifically the wax-print fabrics of African fashion. 

Other terms for this fabric type are: African wax print, African print, Dutch wax, wax print fabric, and African Ankara fabric.

The patterns can be highly variant.

Some are geometric. Others are floral, zoological, abstract, or of other types of symbols.

Here are some terms and categories you may come across while shopping for African fabrics.

1. Ankara Wax Print

Probably, when people say "Ankara," they mean this type of fabric.

Ankara wax print fabrics are often bold with colored designs and firm cotton fabric.

The fabrics are commonly used to make:

-Dresses

-Skirts

-Pants

-Blouses

-Jumpsuits

-Jackets

-Two-piece outfits

-Children's clothing

-Bags and other accessories.

2. Dutch Wax Print

Alongside Ankara wax print fabrics, Dutch wax print fabrics occupy a special place in the timeline of African wax print fabrics.

The phrase is commonly used to describe high-end African wax print fabrics.

This type of fabric is popular to make bold, statement dresses and other formal African outfits.

Dutch Wax

3. Vlisco

Vlisco is a Dutch textile brand, famously known for producing quality wax print fabrics, and their strong ties to African fashion markets.

Vlisco fabrics are often positioned at the premium end of the market and are used for elegant dresses, skirts, jackets and traditional outfits.

If someone tells you they are wearing a "premium Ankara" or "designer wax print," Vlisco may be one of the names that comes up.

4. Super Wax

Super Wax is another term you may encounter when shopping for African wax prints.

These fabrics are generally associated with richer designs, strong colour combinations and a more premium appearance.

5. Java Print

Java print is another name found in African textile markets.

The patterns may resemble traditional wax-print designs, although Java prints are produced using different printing techniques from classic wax prints.

Not all colorful African prints are Ankara.

To the everyday shopper, these differences may not always be relevant as long as the fabric is colorful, of good quality, and suitable to make the outfit they have in mind.

Java Print

 6. Adire

Adire is a resist dyeing tradition practiced by the Yoruba people of Nigeria.

While it isn't the same as Ankara wax prints, it often appears with Ankara in discussions on other African fabrics.

The traditional form of Adire is mostly done with indigo.

However, modern Adire designs take various forms and are fashioned into pieces such as dresses and suits.

Adire

7. Kente

 Kente is another textile that is often mentioned in discussions on African fashion.

Kente isn't Ankara.

Kente is a textile tradition of Ghana and is known for its colorful geometric designs.

Like Adire, kente textiles also are used in traditional costumes as well as in formal wear.

Kente is also used to make suits, coats, skirts, dresses and accessories.

Since the fabric is colorful and serves its purposes, i.e. traditional costumes and formal wear, it is more apt to discuss Kente as a distinct textile from Ankara instead of lumping it all together.

Ankara Fabric vs African Wax Print

You will often see these terms used as though they mean exactly the same thing.

In everyday fashion shopping, that's understandable.

But technically, African wax print is a broader description of the textile category, while Ankara is a popular West African fashion-market term for many of these printed fabrics.

Think of it this way:

African wax print = broad category

Ankara = commonly used fashion term

There can be overlap, but they aren't necessarily perfect synonyms.

This distinction becomes useful when you're buying fabric online because a seller may describe a product as Ankara, African wax print, Dutch wax, wax print or African print.

What Are the 10 Fabric Names?

If you are simply looking for a quick list of African fabric names to help with your shopping or research, here are ten commonly encountered names.

1. Ankara

The classic African print fabric associated with bold patterns and vibrant colours.

2. Dutch Wax

Wax-print fabric historically associated with Dutch textile production and strongly connected to African fashion markets.

3. Super Wax

A premium wax-print category often associated with rich colours and detailed designs.

4. Java

A printed African textile with distinctive patterns and production characteristics.

5. Fancy Print

Printed fabric that can resemble wax print but is produced differently.

6. Adire

Traditional Yoruba resist-dyed textile, particularly associated with indigo designs.

7. Kente

A colourful woven textile traditionally associated with Ghana.

8. Aso-Oke

A prestigious handwoven Yoruba textile commonly used for traditional Nigerian clothing and ceremonial outfits.

9. Bazin

A lustrous, often embroidered or embellished fabric widely used in West African formal and traditional clothing.

10. Lace

African fashion frequently incorporates lace, particularly for weddings, celebrations and formal outfits.

These ten names do not necessarily mean there are only ten types of Ankara.

This should help you in your next shopping spree for African attire.

Having this information could help you from making a costly mistake when shopping for African Fabrics.

How can I tell if the Ankara Fabric is of good quality?

You have to be extra cautious if buying Ankara Fabrics in Canada, and more so if you’re shopping online.

Sometimes two fabrics can look the same online and feel and behave differently when sewn.

There are a few ways to check the quality.

Check the Weight of the Fabric

Quality fabrics normally have a good weight to them

Thin fabrics aren’t necessarily bad, but they could be unmanageable when sewing.

Look at Printing

Good printing has clear and sharp colors.

Blurry lines and alignments, or misaligned patterns may mean the fabric is of lower quality.

Examine both Sides of the Fabric

Pay special attention to how the colors blend.

Look at Colorfastness

You shouldn’t have to buy a dress that loses color after the first wash.

Check the Manufacturer’s Care Instructions.

Consider the Purpose

If it's for summer, a lightweight fabric can make a nice top or dress.

A thick and heavy fabric can make a nice coat or dress for winter.

What are the most popular Ankara Styles in 2026?

Now that you know the basics of Ankara Fabrics, fashion is always evolving.

Instead of treating African print as something reserved exclusively for traditional events, designers are blending it with contemporary fashion.

That means Canadian women can wear Ankara to brunch, work, dinner, weddings, parties, cultural events and casual outings.

Let’s look at some of the styles worth making with Ankara

1. Ankara Two-Piece Sets

Two-piece outfits are popular ways to wear African print because they require little to no effort for an outfit. 

A matching crop top and skirt, blouse and pants, or a jacket and pants creates a stylish look. Also, the great thing about these outfits is that they can be worn separately. 

The pants can be worn with a solid top and the jacket can be worn with jeans. 

2. Ankara Blazers

The beauty of Ankara blazers is that they can be worn with several outfits. With an Ankara blazer, you can be bold and print inspired with:

- A solid dress

- A pair of denim

- Trousers

- A tank top

- A blouse

The blazer can even be unbuttoned to show a print inspired top or a graphic tee.

This is great for ladies who love African prints, but don't want to wear a print inspired ensemble from head to toe.

3. Ankara Midi Dresses

Ankara midi dresses remain timeless and practical. Whether fitted or loose, a midi dress can be dressed up or down.

For a more formal look, add heels and a statement necklace.

For a more casual look, sandals or flats can be worn.

4. Ankara Maxi Dresses

A dramatic floor length Ankara gown can be worn for several events including, a family function, a formal dinner, an engagement, or church. 

Even though several maxi dresses can be dressed down or up, an Ankara gown can make a bold statement with little to no accessories.

Ankara Maxi Dresses

5. Ankara Peplum Tops

The reason peplum is so loved is because it creates shape around the waist while adding volume to an outfit.

Ankara peplum tops can be paired with:

- Jeans

-Black trousers

-Pencil skirts

-Ankara trousers

-Maxi skirts

This makes it ideal for women who want African fashion that allows them to move between being casual and being formal.

 6. Ankara Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits are a modern take on the traditional Ankara dress.

Wide-leg Ankara jumpsuits are especially useful for creating an elongated silhouette.

Pair one with simple heels, a small handbag and minimal jewellery.

The fabric already does most of the talking.

 7. Ankara Skirts and Plain Tops

Wearing Ankara head to toe is not a must.

Wearing a plain top with a colorful Ankara skirt or wearing a black plain top with a colorful Ankara skirt can be stylish.

For someone new to African fashion, a colorful Ankara skirt and a plain top is an easy way to combine prints.

8. Ankara and Denim

African Prints and denim make an unexpected but cool combination.

Think:

• Ankara skirt + denim jacket

• Jeans + Ankara blouse

• Denim dress + Ankara accessories

• Ankara jacket + jeans

• For Canadian weather, the contrast between the casual denim and structured Ankara creates a street style look.

  
  

9. Ankara with Corset-inspired Designs

Contemporary African designers are increasingly incorporating structured bodices and corset-inspired silhouettes into African print clothing.

The result is a combination of traditional fabric and modern eveningwear.

These styles can be particularly effective for:

• Birthday parties

• Cocktail events

• Weddings

• Engagement parties

• Dinner dates

  
  

10. Minimalist Ankara

Not every Ankara outfit needs to be dramatic.

Minimalist Ankara designs are becoming increasingly attractive to women who want something sophisticated and easy to wear.

A simple shift dress in a beautiful African print can sometimes make more impact than a complicated outfit with multiple layers and embellishments.

The fabric becomes the star.

11. Ankara Co-Ord Sets

Coordinated African-print sets are particularly useful for women who want an outfit that looks carefully styled without spending hours figuring out what matches.

You can find combinations such as:

• Crop top + skirt

• Shirt + trousers

• Blazer + trousers

• Vest + trousers

• Top + shorts

And because the pieces can be separated, they offer excellent wardrobe flexibility.

12. African Print Office Wear

Ankara is no longer restricted to parties.

With the right styling, African print can work beautifully in professional environments.

For example:

Ankara blazer + black trousers

African-print blouse + pencil skirt

Ankara midi skirt + white blouse

Subtle African-print dress + blazer

The key is keeping the silhouette polished.

If the print is loud, choose a clean, structured design.

13. Ankara for Canadian Weather

One thing Canadian shoppers need to consider is the weather.

Canada isn't exactly known for year-round tropical temperatures.

That doesn't mean you have to stop wearing African prints during the colder months.

Layering solves the problem.

Try:

Ankara dress + long coat

Ankara skirt + tights + boots

African-print blouse + blazer

Ankara trousers + knit sweater

African-print jacket + jeans

This allows you to enjoy African fashion throughout the year rather than limiting it to summer.

14. Ankara Accessories

If wearing a full Ankara outfit feels like too much, start small.

Try an Ankara:

• Handbag

• Headband

• Headwrap

• Scarf

• Shoes

• Clutch

• Belt

• Earrings

  
  

This is an easy entry point for anyone experimenting with African fashion for the first time.

Where Can You Buy Ankara Fabric in Canada?

You don’t have to buy finished dresses to make your own outfit.

African textile stores in Canada have Ankara fabric.

Toronto is more ideal because it has a developed African fashion and textile community.

African fabrics sellers have different categories of prints and textiles. These can also be found online also.

Before buying fabric online, check the width, length, composition and the print quality.

Also check if the price is for one yard, one meter, a fabric bundle or a full six yards.

This small detail can affect the final price.

How Much Ankara Fabric Do You Need for a Dress?

A lot of factors affect this, some are the style and the measurements of the dress, width of the fabric and the fullness of the dress.

Discussing yardage with your tailor is a good way to plan how much fabric is needed.

This is important when you are buying expensive or premium Ankara fabrics.

You don't want to discover after delivery that you don't have enough fabric to complete the design.

How to Style Ankara Without Looking Overdressed

Ankara is naturally eye-catching, so styling is about finding balance.

If your dress has a very busy print, consider simple accessories.

If your Ankara outfit is relatively simple, you can make the accessories more dramatic.

For example:

Bold Ankara dress + simple handbag + simple shoes

or

Simple Ankara skirt + statement earrings + stylish blouse

Don't feel obligated to match every colour in your outfit.

Pick one or two colours from the fabric and use those for your shoes, handbag or accessories.

Why Ankara Remains Popular in Canada

Ankara in Canada gives opportunities for those of the African diaspora to showcase their culture through fashion.

Clothing for Africans in the diaspora can be a way to showcase heritage.

Of course the fabrics are beautiful to the naked eye.

For designers Ankara provides a large canvas.

A design can be manipulated in many different ways.

Due to the flexibility, the fabric remains relevant over time.

Final Thoughts

African fabrics are more than eye-catching patterns.

There is a lot of tradition and history in African fabrics.

Exploring different patterns of textiles can be overwhelming. However, the first few categories to look into are Ankara Wax Prints, Dutch Wax, and Super Wax. If you know a couple of categories, you will be able to learn the others easier.

Think two-piece sets, blazers, midi dresses, maxi gowns, jumpsuits, peplum tops, skirts, denim combinations and minimalist African-print outfits.

The beauty of Ankara is that you can make it as traditional, modern, casual or glamorous as you want.

Whether you're dressing for an African wedding in Toronto, attending a birthday celebration in Vancouver, going to a cultural event in Calgary or simply looking for something colourful to add to your wardrobe, there is almost certainly an Ankara style that can work for you.

And honestly, that's what makes African fashion so much fun.