African prints are bold, beautiful, and unforgettable, but let’s be honest, sometimes people toss all of them into one big bucket called “African fabric.” Darling, no. That’s like calling all Italian food “pasta.” Cute, but criminal.

So let’s set the record straight. Today, we’re breaking down three of the most iconic African prints: Ankara, Kente, and Adire. They may all be stunning, but they each come with their own history, personality, and vibe. By the end of this, you’ll not only know the difference, you’ll be the one educating everyone at brunch.

Ankara: The Showstopper

If African prints had a Beyoncé, Ankara would be it. Bright, bold, everywhere, and impossible to ignore.

Ankara is a 100% cotton fabric, famous for its eye-popping colors and patterns. The designs are created using a wax-resist dyeing technique (fancy term for the fabric refusing to take dye in certain spots, which creates those iconic patterns). Originally popularized in West Africa, Ankara has since gone global.

What makes Ankara special? Its versatility. You’ll see it in dresses, suits, skirts, headwraps, bags, shoes, if it can be stitched, Ankara will cover it. It’s like the extrovert of fabrics: loud, energetic, and always ready for a party.

Personality vibe: The friend who walks into the room and suddenly everyone’s mood improves.

Kente: The Royalty

If Ankara is Beyoncé, then Kente is the crown. Literally.

Kente originates from the Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana, and it’s traditionally handwoven on a loom. Each strip of cloth is woven in bright, geometric patterns, then stitched together to form a larger piece. And here’s the kicker, every single color and design has meaning.

• Gold: royalty, wealth, status

• Blue: peace, love, harmony

• Green: growth and renewal

• Red: passion and political struggle

Kente isn’t just fashion, it’s symbolism woven into fabric. For centuries, it was worn only by kings, queens, and chiefs for sacred ceremonies. These days, you’ll see Kente at graduations, weddings, and major milestones because wearing it is a declaration: “I know who I am, and I came to reign.”

Personality vibe: The leader in the group chat. Wise, dramatic, and always has the final say.

Adire: The Artist

Now, let’s talk about Adire, Nigeria’s gift to the fabric world. The word literally means “tie and dye” in Yoruba, and that’s exactly what it is. Made primarily by women in southwestern Nigeria, Adire fabrics are crafted through resist-dyeing techniques using indigo and other natural dyes.

Picture this: folding, tying, stitching, or even painting on the cloth to create mesmerizing patterns before dunking it into rich dye baths. The result? A one-of-a-kind fabric where no two pieces are ever exactly the same.

Adire has an earthy, soulful energy. It’s less “look at me” and more “I am art, and if you get it, you get it.” In recent years, designers have pushed Adire into the global fashion spotlight, mixing traditional methods with modern silhouettes.

Personality vibe: The artsy friend who always knows the coolest café in town and owns at least three journals filled with poetry.

So, What’s the Difference?

• Ankara is your bold, everyday print, vibrant, versatile, and easy to wear.

• Kente is your regal statement, woven with meaning and reserved for life’s big moments.

• Adire is your artsy soul, handmade, unique, and forever creative.

They’re not interchangeable. They’re sisters, different personalities, same family. Together, they paint the story of African identity, pride, and creativity.

Final Word: Wear Them Loud, Wear Them Proud

So the next time someone calls your Ankara “Kente,” or mistakes your Adire for Ankara, you have permission to give them a little side-eye, then lovingly educate them, of course. Because these fabrics aren’t just textiles, they’re history, culture, and power stitched into every thread.

And at Afrohoard, we celebrate them all, because no matter which print you choose, darling, you’re not just getting dressed. You’re telling a story.

BY AFROHOARD BLOGGER 

ENI MICHELLE