How to Care for Your African Print Clothes: Washing, Storing & Styling Tips

June 11, 2025
Posted by Beryl Maritim

If you’ve ever hesitated before throwing your favorite Ankara dress or Kitenge palazzos in the wash—you're not alone. African fabrics are bold, beautiful, and unique, but they need a little extra love to stay that way. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple but effective care tips for African fabric—how to wash Kitenge, maintain Ankara clothes, store them properly, and even how to style them with care.

Whether it’s your first African print outfit or your fifteenth, these tips will help you get the most out of your wardrobe.

Washing African Print: Keep Those Colours Bright

African prints—especially wax prints like Ankara and Kitenge—can fade quickly if not washed properly. But with the right steps, you can keep them looking just as vibrant as the day you bought them.

Here’s what we recommend:

Wash in cold water to preserve color and prevent shrinking.
Turn garments inside out to protect the print.
Use a mild detergent—no bleach or harsh chemicals.
Hand wash if possible, or use your machine’s gentle cycle with similar colors.
Always wash prints separately the first few times—some may bleed.

Got bold pants like our African Print Palazzo Pants? Hand washing keeps them bright and bouncy for longer.

Drying Tips: Air, Don’t Fry

Once washed, drying your prints properly is just as important.

Air dry in the shade—direct sun can fade colors fast.
Don’t twist or wring the fabric.
Lay flat or hang on a line, but avoid using wire hangers that might leave marks.

This is especially useful for structured pieces like our African Print Capes, which hold their shape best when dried gently.

Ironing & Storage: Handle With Care

We get it—African prints wrinkle. But no worries, here’s how to handle it:

Iron inside out on low to medium heat.
For delicate items, place a thin cloth between your iron and the garment.
Steaming is a great alternative, especially for our reversible Kimonos or Crop Jackets.

To store:

Fold neatly and keep in a cool, dry space, away from direct sunlight.
Avoid hanging heavy wax fabrics—they can stretch out.
Add a lavender or cedar sachet to keep them smelling fresh

Styling Smart = Less Washing

One secret to keeping your African prints in great shape? Wear smarter.

Layer with light tops underneath to reduce direct contact with skin and sweat.
Avoid over-washing—if it’s not stained or sweaty, you don’t need to wash it after every wear.
Rotate your wardrobe so no one piece gets overused.
Mix bold prints with neutrals for a fresh, wearable look.

For example, a Reversible Shawl can be worn multiple ways before needing a wash—perfect for variety without the laundry stress.

Final Thoughts: Wear What You Love, and Care for It Too

African print clothes are bold, fun, and meaningful—but they’ll only last if you take care of them. Now that you know how to wash Kitenge, maintain Ankara clothes, and store your favorites right, you’ll get more wears, better photos, and a wardrobe that keeps turning heads.

Browse easy-care pieces, reversible styles, and classic African designs at www.africanyuva.co.ke. We design with comfort, culture, and longevity in mind—so you can love what you wear, again and again.