How Do I Care for My African Clothing? Tips to Preserve the Beauty of Your Wax Prints and Handmade Pieces

African clothing is more than just fashion—it’s a statement of heritage, artistry, and individuality. Whether it’s a bold Ankara dress, a delicate hand-stitched top, or a one-of-a-kind wax print skirt, each piece deserves thoughtful care to maintain its vibrancy and structure over time.

At Tivona World, we create garments with cultural richness and quality in mind. To help you keep your African-inspired wardrobe looking fresh and fabulous, here are our best tips on how to wash, store, and preserve your clothing for the long haul.

🧼 Washing African Prints: Do’s and Don’ts

✅ DO:

1. Hand Wash in Cold Water
Wax prints and handmade items do best with gentle hand washing. Use cold water to prevent fading and preserve the richness of the dyes.

2. Use Mild, Non-Bleach Detergent
Opt for a mild detergent or a product formulated for delicate fabrics. Harsh chemicals can strip the color and weaken the fabric fibers.

3. Wash Separately or With Like Colors
African prints can bleed, especially on the first few washes. Avoid mixing them with light or white clothing.

4. Turn Garments Inside Out Before Washing
This reduces friction and protects the outer print from wear and tear.

5. Air Dry Away from Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can cause vibrant colors to fade. Instead, hang or lay your clothing flat in a shaded, breezy area.

❌ DON’T:

• Don’t use bleach or strong stain removers
• Don’t wring or twist the fabric harshly
• Don’t tumble dry, especially with high heat
• Don’t dry clean unless the garment care tag specifically says it’s safe

🧺 Caring for Delicate and Embellished Pieces

Some African garments are adorned with hand-embroidery, beads, cowrie shells, or lace accents. These deserve extra care:

• Spot clean where possible
• Place in a mesh laundry bag if machine washing on gentle cycle
• Air dry flat to avoid pulling or sagging
• Store in a cloth garment bag if heavily embellished

🧳 Storing African Clothing: Protecting the Fabric

1. Avoid Plastic Bags for Long-Term Storage
Plastic can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Use breathable cotton or fabric garment bags instead.

2. Fold, Don’t Hang (for heavy prints)
Some wax prints are structured and stiff. Hanging them for too long can distort their shape. Fold and store flat when possible.

3. Use Lavender or Cedar for Freshness
Natural moth repellents like lavender sachets or cedar blocks keep your clothing smelling great while protecting against insects.

4. Rotate and Refold Occasionally
To avoid permanent creases, occasionally refold your garments and change how they're stacked.

🧵 Bonus Tip: Ironing Wax Prints

To bring out the crispness of wax prints:

• Iron on the reverse side
• Use low to medium heat
• For extra protection, place a cloth or pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric

💬 Final Thoughts from Tivona World

African fashion is rooted in tradition, expression, and craftsmanship. By caring for your garments properly, you not only extend their beauty and lifespan—you honor the artistry and culture behind them.

So the next time you slip into your favorite Tivona World design, know that a little extra love goes a long way.

Explore more of our handcrafted fashion at www.tivonaworld.com