Ankara and senator fabrics have become extremely popular choices for modern African women’s fashion. These colorful, vibrant fabrics allow ladies to make bold fashion statements while connecting to their cultural roots. In this article we talk about Ankara And Senator Wears For Ladies.
What is Ankara Fabric?
Ankara fabric, also known as African wax print fabric, has its origins in Indonesia where locals crafted colorful batik fabrics using wax resistant dyeing techniques. As trade expanded to Africa, the fabrics grew popular for their vivid colors and intricate patterns. Today, ankara fabrics are manufactured locally across the continent with a focus on vibrant colors and bold, abstract motifs.
Ankara fabric is 100% cotton which makes it comfortable to wear. But its defining characteristic is the colorful, graphic prints that make it stand out. Modern ankara patterns include everything from traditional symbols to contemporary pop culture references. This versatility allows the fabric to be styled both in traditional African attire as well as Western style clothing.
What is Senator Fabric?
Senator fabric gets its distinctive name from the title holders who first popularized it. In the 1960s, the wives of Nigerian senators began wearing the fabric, spurring a widespread trend. It continues to be a go-to fabric for elegant African women’s fashion.
At first glance, senator fabric may look just like ankara. But there are a few key differences. Senator fabric has a sheen or glossy finish to it while ankara has a matte look. Senator patterns also tend to be more subdued and intricate compared to bold ankara prints. The fabric is mercerized during production to give senator its signature shine.
Senator fabric is also 100% cotton. But the mercerizing process strengthens the fibers so senator doesn’t wrinkle as easily as ankara. This makes senator a great choice for tailored dresses and skirt suits. The sheen also gives it a more formal look compared to casual ankara fabric.
Styling Ankara Fabric
The versatile nature of ankara fabric makes it easy to incorporate in your wardrobe. Here are some fresh ways to rock ankara fabric:
Ankara Prints and Patterns Mixing
Don’t be afraid to clash prints and patterns with ankara fabric. The bold colors and graphics allow ankara to be mixed and matched with other prints without looking over the top. Try contrasting two different ankara prints in one outfit. Or pair ankara with polka dots, florals or animal prints for an eclectic style.
Ankara Skirts
Flirty ankara skater skirts and figure hugging pencil skirts allow you to show off the vibrant fabric. High waisted ankara skirts also look super chic when paired with crop tops. For the girl who prefers pants, rock a high waist ankara print pencil skirt to show off your curves.
Ankara Dresses
Ankara fabric lends itself beautifully to stylish dresses from bodycon styles to flowing maxi dresses. Tailor the dress to accentuate your best assets. Pair it with a jean jacket or duster coat to offset the boldness.
Ankara Jumpsuits
For the brave fashionistas, an ankara jumpsuit makes a powerful style statement. Opt for wide leg styles and cinch the waist with a belt. Keep accessories minimal and let the jumpsuit shine.
Ankara Work Attire
Ankara doesn’t have to be just for going out. Find blouses, cropped pants and pencil skirts to incorporate ankara into your professional wardrobe. Stick to less busy patterns and pair them with neutral basics for balance.
Styling Senator Fabric
Senator fabric exudes elegance and class thanks to its distinctive sheen. Some tips for rocking senator fabric with flair:
Senator Skirt Suits
A well-tailored senator skirt suit never goes out of style. Pair a form fitting pencil skirt with a peplum jacket. Or rock a sleek straight skirt with an oversized blazer. Senator’s gorgeous sheen makes it perfect for polished skirt suits. Accessorize minimally to let the suit stand out.
Senator Evening & Cocktail Dresses
Make an entrance in a senator evening gown or cocktail dress. The fabric’s shimmery appearance makes it perfect for more formal occasions. Go for figure hugging styles or structured ball gown silhouettes paired with the right accessories.
Senator Workwear
Ladies, ditch the boring black suits and update your workwear with senator fabric. Pencil skirts, blazers and even wide leg pants lend your professional wardrobe a modern twist.
Senator Mix & Match
Once you start building up your senator collection, the possibilities are endless for creating new looks. You can even mix senator pieces with other fabrics like lace, chiffon or satin. Just keep the colors and patterns minimal.
Ankara and Senator Fabric Care Tips
To keep your ankara and senator pieces vibrant and luxurious, follow these fabric care tips:
– Hand wash or dry clean only. Machine washing can damage prints and finish.
– Wash in cold water using a gentle cycle and mild detergent. Avoid bleach.
– Hang dry in shade or lay flat. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading colors.
– Iron inside out on medium heat while slightly damp. Use spray starch to maintain senator’s sheen.
– Store folded or hanging in cool, dry place away from direct light.
– Pre-treat oil stains with dish soap and lift residue with paper towel. Rinse thoroughly.
– Bring to a reputable African fabric specialist for stubborn stains or necessary repairs.
With the right care, your ankara and senator pieces can stay beautiful for many seasons. Following fabric recommendations also prevents damage and costly replacements.
Stand Out With Ankara and Senator
Ankara and senator fabrics open up an exciting world of color, print and texture for African women. Whether you incorporate them in everyday casualwear or for special occasions, these fabrics allow you to connect to your culture while making bold fashion choices. Just have fun and express your personal style!
I hope you’ve found this overview on ankara and senator fabrics insightful. From understanding the differences to styling tips and fabric care, this guide provides a great introduction to these trendy African prints. Feel free to share with other African print lovers too! I sincerely hope you find this “Ankara And Senator Wears For Ladies” article helpful.