South Africa

Shweshwe
is a printed fabric widely used for South African clothing. The fabric can be easily identified for its intricate prints and beautiful panels.

The fabric is typically used for traditional ceremonies in rural areas thus there is a constant demand for the Shweshwe fabric.
It is manufactured with an acid discharge and roller printing technique on pure cotton calico. The width of the fabric is typically 90cm in all over patterns and A-shaped skirts panels printed side by side. The fabrics come in various  colours to accommodate different individual preferences.

Da Gama textiles happens to be the local textile industry that produces the Shweshwe fabric which however  is threatened  by competition from cheap imitations such as China.

The location where the fabric is originated:
Eastern Cape,
King Williams Town,
De Gama Street.

The cost for a 3-cats Shweshwe, would cost a customer R65  which is sold per meter.

Africa is a diverse country and within its  diversity  each culture has its unique African print fabrics which makes it different. A unique feature with African fabrics is that they are bold, vibrant and printed with beautiful designs. These fabrics are well known for their bright colors, unique designs and patterns that are hand-made which gives us a sense of ethnicity. African prints are not only a cultural statement but have become a sense of fashion statement whereby fashion gurus have started shifting their attention towards embracing them. These fabrics are most popular in west, east and central African countries such as Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana and South Africa.

Stay tuned for a journey of Amazing African Prints...

At African Prints Arise, our vision is to go out there (across borders) and find beautiful African Prints and bring them straight to your doorstep.
We find where all the hidden fabrics are located and share them with you.

Stay tuned for amazing finds.