Tips to Preserve the Vibrancy and Quality of Your Dashiki Fabric

Dashikis are beautiful garments with colorful patterns that hold cultural significance to African people. The dashiki is a bright garment worn mostly in West Africa, covering the top half of the body. It can be formal and informal, from loose clothing to more tailored outfits. 

A common African clothing for women and men is a loose pullover with a decorative V-shaped collar and embroidered details on the neck and sleeves. The dashiki is often worn with matching pants and a kufi cap, especially in Islamic communities across African communities. 

The bright colors and detailed designs make dashiki fabric unique but also requires proper care to maintain its beauty over time. In this blog, we will mention easy and practical tips to keep your dashiki looking fresh and bright for years to come.

Before moving to the tips, let’s understand the color significance of the daishiki fabric in traditional African clothing.

Color Significance of Dashiki Fabric

In some West African weddings, grey is the traditional color, and grooms often wear white dashiki suits during the ceremony. However, some couples choose non-traditional colors like purple or blue. 

Purple and lavender represent African royalty, while blue stands for love, peace, and harmony. For funerals, black and red are the traditional colors of mourning. You can often see African people wearing these colors according to the occasion.

8 Tips to Preserve the Vibrancy and Quality of Dashiki Fabric

1. Read the Care Label

   Always check the care label before washing or caring for your dashiki. The label has important information about how to properly wash the fabric. Some dashikis are made from delicate cotton, while others might be a blend of materials.

   Knowing the fabric type will help you choose the right method for cleaning and maintaining it.

2. Hand Wash for Best Results

   Hand washing is highly recommended to preserve the bright colors of your dashiki. Washing machines can be too harsh on the fabric and cause colors to fade quickly. Use cold water and a mild detergent to gently clean your dashiki.

   Avoid scrubbing the fabric too hard, especially on the designs, as this can damage the print. Don't dry it under the sun as it will damage the fabric and colors will also fade quickly.

   

   
   Click here to shop dashiki fabric in yellow and get it stitched into new tops or suits with your unique ideas.

3. Avoid Bleach and Harsh Detergents

   African print fabrics are quite colorful and extreme washing powder can easily damage them. Using bleach or harsh detergents can cause the colors of your dashiki to fade. Always choose mild and color-safe detergents that are gentle on fabrics. If your dashiki has any stains, try using a natural stain remover like baking soda or vinegar rather than bleach.

4. Air Dry to Protect the Fabric

   To prevent shrinkage and maintain the shape of your dashiki fabric clothing, air drying is the best option. Lay your dashiki flat on a clean towel or hang it up in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade, so it’s better to dry it in a cool and dry place away from the sun.

   

   
   Check out this orange and red dashiki fabric in large prints.

5. Iron on Low Heat

   If your dashiki gets wrinkled, you can iron it, but be careful with the heat setting. Always iron on the reverse side of the fabric using a low-heat setting. High heat can damage the fabric and dull the colors. If you're worried about damaging the fabric, place a thin cloth between the dashiki and the iron.

6. Store Properly to Prevent Fading

   Proper storage is key to keeping your dashiki fabric looking fresh. Store your dashiki in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Folding it neatly and keeping it in a drawer or wardrobe will prevent dust and dirt from settling on the fabric.

   If you’re storing it for a long period, consider wrapping it in tissue paper or using a breathable garment bag.

7. Rotate Your Dashikis

   If you have multiple dashikis clothing, rotating them will help extend their lifespan. Wearing the same one repeatedly can cause it to wear out faster. By rotating your collection, you give each dashiki a chance to rest, keeping the fabric and colors in better condition.

   Also, you can flaunt your African traditional dresses for women and men with new patterns and colors on different occasions.

   

   
   Highlighted Fabric: Fuchsia and Teal Dashiki Fabric

8. Treat Stains Immediately

   If your dashiki gets stained, it's important to treat the stain as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits, the harder it can be to remove. Gently blot the stain with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid scrubbing the fabric, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers.

Conclusion

With proper care, your dashiki can stay vibrant and beautiful for many years. You can preserve the color and quality of this special fabric by hand washing, using mild detergents, air drying, and storing it carefully. These simple steps will ensure that your dashiki fabric remains a special part of your wardrobe for a long time.

Tess World Designs offers a wide range of beautiful fabrics, including dashiki, metallic, and kente cloth. Along with these vibrant fabrics, we also sell stylish pieces like headwraps and other clothing items. 

We work hard and bring authentic African styles to your wardrobe that are perfect for any occasion.