African Wax Fabric Wholesale
In the past few years, African wax print fabric has seen a huge rise in popularity. Sewing with it is a great way to make some really unique and colorful garments.
But the success of this trendy fabric has created a whole new set of challenges. These include the fact that China is importing these fabrics to West Africa at a fraction of the cost.
Authenticity
African wax fabric wholesale is a popular choice among fashion designers and consumers because of its unique, vibrant colors and intricate patterns. It also has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s.
It is a form of printing that is similar to batik, but uses wax-resist technique to create a pattern. These fabrics are made from cotton and are ideal for making clothing and fashion accessories.
The wax print process involves engraved designs on copper rollers using melted wax. The fabric is then placed in an indigo dye bath and the exposed parts of the design are dyed while the wax areas resist color.
Authentic African wax fabric is made of 100% cotton and is available in various patterns and sizes. It is durable and is softer to the touch than imitation wax fabric. The colorfastness is also superior in authentic fabrics compared to fake ones.
However, there are many counterfeit Asian-made fabrics that are available in the market today. They are usually sold at a cheaper price and are of poor quality. This has caused some factories to close down in Africa which has impacted the livelihoods of people in those countries.
Buying African wax print fabric from an authentic seller is the best way to ensure that you are getting high-quality fabric. It is important to check the quality of the fabric and make sure that it has the african wax fabric wholesale manufacturer’s labels. It’s also a good idea to touch the fabric before you purchase it so that you can see how soft and comfortable it is.
Origins
The origins of African wax fabric wholesale date back to the mid-1800s when a Dutch company, now named Vlisco, traded the material in West Africa’s coastal towns. Since then, the cloth has become a mainstay of African fashion.
Originally based on the traditional Indonesian Batik print technique, the industrially produced fabrics were introduced to Africa in the 19th century. The Netherlands ruled what is today known as Indonesia during European colonial times, and Dutch textile merchants created these batik-inspired designs with new roller printing technology.
However, the new wax prints did not have the same effect as Indonesian batiks. Instead, the rollers left a “crackle” affect that was deemed unattractive and undesirable.
This style of printing was eventually discarded, and instead, the modern African batik began to evolve. These fabrics are made from woven cotton, and the wax is applied by hand using a special tool called an ‘etching’.
It’s a unique and ancient method of creating patterns on cloth by resisting dye with a layer of wax that allows the dye to be absorbed into the fabric, revealing the pattern underneath. As well as being a highly decorative and ancient craft, batik also reflects traditional African culture.
The patterns in this fabric can represent the various tribal groups, social statuses and marriages within a particular region. They also symbolise the way that whatever you do, good or bad, can have an impact on those around you. The motifs can also represent different events and rituals, such as birthdays and funerals. This can make the pattern a powerful way of communicating. It’s why African wax fabric is so popular for occasions and celebrations. The cloth is also commonly used to create hats and other accessories.
Meanings
Wax prints are fabrics synonymous with African culture. They are an important part of its history, artistry and identity. They have also influenced the fashion world.
They are omnipresent in Africa, with vibrant colours and dense patterns that have been tailor-made into different garments. These cloths have a distinctive waxy feel, with a unique technique that makes them stand out from the rest.
The fabric comes in a variety of styles and patterns, with some designs having specific meanings. In Ghana, these prints are used as a way of non-verbal communication between women.
For instance, an Ahuodi Pankassa design is worn by pregnant women. It features dotted lines, stripes and floral patterns.
Another popular Ankara design is the Nsu Bura. It is an Akan word for a well and features tiny dots which form spirals to imitate the ripples when water is fetched or a stone is dropped into it.
Guinea fowl is also displayed in some of these fabric designs, and this is a common bird found in many dishes across Africa. It is a delicious delicacy that can be eaten on special occasions.
During the colonial period, Dutch wax prints made their way into West Africa and became a style and symbol of status. They were later adopted african wax fabric wholesale by female entrepreneurs who would pick up the fabrics from the coast and trade them throughout the country.
These fabrics have a long and fascinating history and are full of hidden meanings and stories. In fact, many have local Akan proverbs attached to them.
When purchasing African wax print fabrics, it is best to buy a sample first. This will help you understand how the fabric will look and feel after washing. It will also allow you to determine the quality of the fabric before making your purchase.
Styles
African wax fabric wholesale is a popular style of cloth for clothing and accessories. It is a 100% cotton cloth that is printed using a wax-resist technique similar to batik. It is typically sold in 6 yard bolts.
This type of cotton cloth is used to make a variety of garments in Africa, including dresses, skirts, tops, and pants. It can also be worn as a wrap around your body like a towel.
In traditional batik-making, small workshops carve patterns from sponge blocks before hand-printing the wax onto the fabric. The wax resists the dyes so the print looks a little bit different on each side.
During the 19th century, Dutch merchants introduced the batik-inspired prints to West Africa. These fabrics were originally intended for the Dutch East Indies, but they became popular in West Africa and were quickly exported to other countries.
The motifs on the fabric are inspired by African culture, sayings, personalities, mod cons (past and present), and nature. The pattern is usually repeated across the length of the fabric.
There are a lot of styles and designs to choose from, especially if you visit the markets in Africa. Some of the most popular prints include flowers, plants, animal print (particularly birds), tribal print African fabric, and geometrical forms.
The production of these fabrics is a very traditional process and has been passed down from generation to generation in African countries. Often, the women who wear these fabrics create stories and hidden meanings for their designs, which are then printed on the fabric by the manufacturer.
Trends
African wax fabric wholesale has seen a big rise in popularity. These fabrics have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other types of clothing materials and have become an enduring part of many people’s wardrobes.
They are also a great way to add colour and texture to your home decor. They can be used to create stunningly beautiful and colourful designs that are unique and will definitely grab attention.
However, it’s important to note that this fabric is not indigenous to Africa; it was first manufactured in the Netherlands as an attempt to mass produce batik fabrics, a type of hand-drawn resist printing technique popular in Indonesia. It was not successful in the Indonesian market, but found a receptive audience in West Africa.
Its popularity grew quickly, and Dutch merchants started to adapt their original design to suit the tastes of West African consumers. The designs became known for incorporating brighter, tighter patterns and geometric shapes that reflected the tastes of local women traders.
The fabric patterns also often had names that reflected significant events or proverbs, like the famous “Ungrateful Husband” pattern, which is worn by a woman to shame her disloyal husband. It was a symbol of empowerment for the women who wore it.
These fabrics have a complex history, but their appeal is undeniable. They are a symbol of pride and identity, a totem for an entire people and set of traditions. They are a cultural art form and a visual language that has been adopted by African communities worldwide. Using these fabrics to gain profit without recognising their significance, is dishonest and disrespectful to Africans.