Live

9 Places Where You Can Buy Authentic African Clothing (and Accessories!) Online

By Janay Nicole

Posted on March 23, 2017

Not only is Africa amazing because of its booming cultural diversity, notable innovation, and rich history, the continent is also known for its eye-catching fashion sense. Here’s where you can find African prints that are inspired by the Motherland.

1. TheMotherland.online

Motherland.Online African Prints

TheMotherland.online is a one-stop shop for super cool clothes and accessories with African prints. In addition to must-haves like soaps and beauty products for flawless beauty (ahem, pure shea butter anyone?), this amazing site sells clothing and products for women and kids as well as dashikis. They also have a variety of artwork and accessories including tote bags, bowties, even phone cases. The website even offers a free guide to teach you about beauty secrets. Definitely check them out!

2. Zuvaa

Zuvaa African Prints

From trendy to traditional-styled African clothing, Zuuva has it all. The website highlights the work of up-and-coming designers who specialize in clothing and accessories (as well as hair and skin care) women, men, and children. Zuuva has received props from BET, Forbes, Essence, and other popular news outlets.

3. Cee Cee’s Closet NYC

Created by two sisters, Chioma and Uchenna Ngwudo, Cee Cee’s Closet seeks to celebrate the beauty of West African prints through its richly designed clothing and accessories. All of their products are handmade in Nigeria and have a positive economic impact on their artisans. We’re currently crushing on their Abina Mini Backpacks!

4. Grass-Fields

Grass-Fields understands that shoppers are motivated by seeing their personality represented in their outfits. The company specializes in modern women’s clothing and accessories, including headwraps, skirts, jumpsuits, and dresses made with choice fabrics from Cameroon, Nigeria, and Benin.

5. Zabba Designs

Zabba Designs keeps this question at the forefront of their work: “If you are not having fun, then what’s the point?” The Liberia-based company features a colorful and expressive mix of patterns inspired by West Africa in the style of clothing worn in the Western world, including men and women’s clothing, headwraps, handbags, and accessories. Customers are sure to find pieces that fit a variety of sizes and personalities from Zabba, starting around $30 and up.

6. Maryam Garba

maryam garba African prints

Maryam Garba specializes in professional women’s clothing in vibrant colors. Their dresses, skirts, tops, and pants can be worn for special occasions or to show pride in the workplace. Yes to the business-cultural slay.

7. Dupsie’s

Dupsie’s offers more affordable prices for African clothing geared towards men, women, and children. Dashikis and wedding wear included. It seems that the site sells mostly traditional clothing with a sprinkle of contemporary.

8. Ocacia

This South-African based clothing store offers contemporary high-end fashion clothing items inspired by the Motherland. Specializing in men and women’s clothing, Ocacia not only sells clothing, but shoes, jewelry, wraps, and art in the form of baskets. Whether you want to rock African threads at work, home, or the runway, Ocacia’s got you covered!

9. Aaron International

Many people in or from Africa have their outfits tailor-made to their specific sizes based on a patterned cloth and design of their choosing. If that sounds appealing to you, it may be time to check out Aaron International. This online site sells a combination of fabrics but also finished outfits at affordable prices. They even sell hijabs, shoes, and accessories, and jewelry.

This list is a good start to the many different places offering African-inspired threads. Be sure also research the meanings and connotations behind different patterns and designs to be a knowledgeable shopper!