Blue African Dress with Ruffle Sleeves

Africa - Northern Africa

Blue African Dress with Ruffle Sleeves

Sizes: L, XL, 2XL, 2XL (relaxed), 3XL, 4XL

Opacity: 3

Sleeve: Cropped

Elasticity: The fabric has no elastic content, however the cotton component of the fabric will slowly stretch to your shape (similar to the way denim stretches to fit the wearer).

Ankara fabric refers to a cotton fabric that is printed with colourful, multicoloured designs via a process involving applying wax to the fabric before dying it. This process was introduced into Western Africa by the Dutch, who had taken it from Indonesia. Yes, another name for using wax to dye fabric is batik. However, in Africa, the story never stops there!

With Africa being a continent made up of many tribal peoples, symbolic art is prevalent. Hence, the Ankara printing technique was soon utilised to produce a vast array of traditional and culturally significant patterns. One of the most significant of these patterns is the Ankara disc or record. It is the circular pattern depicted on this dress.

While the Dutch may have introduced the fabric making process in the West of the continent (in modern day Ghana), and tribal peoples all over the continent added their own significant symbols and art forms to that fabric, it was the people in the North of the continent, influenced by Islam and Christianity, who had a particular interest in modern dress. Hence, when we here at Myriad Modest Fashion find African clothes that have a truly African style that represents people of many tribes and nations, we describe these clothes as being Northern African, as this was the generalised geographical region of the continent where these important African fabrics and patterns were used to make beautiful modest style clothing.

And look at the inherent elegance and confident beauty possible when a whole history of peoples are able to impact upon the development of modest clothing. From its celebratory colour scheme, to its traditional geographic designs to its proudly feminine styling with ruffled sleeves and a broad skirt - this is a modest dress that shows the power and beauty possible through multiculturalism and a love for one’s home. What a beautiful modest dress to own in order to pay respect to such a tradition! 😍

Garment Sizes provided in centimeters (bust)

L - 105

XL - 110

2XL - 115

2XL (relaxed) - 120