Why Ankara Clothing Belongs in Your Wardrobe (Yes, Even If You’re New

If you’ve ever admired the vibrancy of African print fashion but felt unsure about pulling it off yourself, you’re not alone. Ankara clothing is bold, colourful, and full of personality—qualities that can be exciting and intimidating all at once. Whether you’ve hesitated because you’re not sure how to wear Ankara or you worry it’s “too much” for your wardrobe, this beginner’s guide is here to help you embrace African prints with confidence and ease.

Common Hesitations About Wearing Ankara Clothing

Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: bold prints can be scary. One of the most common things we hear from first-timers is, “I love Ankara on other people, but I could never wear it myself.”

There’s this idea that you need a certain “look” or background to wear Ankara. But here’s the truth: Ankara isn’t reserved for specific people or occasions. It’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and everyday expression—and there’s absolutely room for you.

Another hesitation is styling. Bold prints can feel overwhelming if you’re used to neutral palettes or minimal designs. You might wonder: How do I pair this? Will it clash with everything else I own? These are valid concerns—but they’re easier to overcome than you think.

How to Start Small with Ankara Clothing

If you’re new to African print fashion, dipping your toes in before diving headfirst is a great strategy. You don’t need to start with a full head-to-toe ensemble. Instead, ease into it with simple pieces that incorporate Ankara in subtle, stylish ways.

Try these beginner-friendly entry points:

A T-shirt with Ankara sleeves or a pocket: This gives you a taste of print while keeping the rest of your outfit casual and familiar.
An Ankara headwrap or scrunchie: Accessories are a no-pressure way to explore colour and patterns.
A bomber jacket lined or trimmed with Ankara: Throw it over a plain outfit for a pop of personality.

The key is to treat Ankara like any other pattern—just one piece at a time.

Style Tips: Balancing Bold Prints

When it comes to styling Ankara, balance is everything. Because the prints are so vibrant, pairing them with neutrals or solid colours can help anchor your look.

Here are a few tips to make styling easy and fun:

Pair Ankara with denim: A bold print top with jeans is a timeless, casual combo that works for any setting.
Keep accessories simple: Let the print do the talking. Opt for minimal jewellery and classic footwear.
Choose a print that speaks to you: Not all Ankara designs are the same. Some are geometric, others are floral or abstract. Find a pattern that feels true to your personality.
Stick with a limited colour palette: If your Ankara piece has a mix of colours, pull out one or two shades and build your outfit around them.

Wearing Ankara doesn’t mean giving up your style—it means enhancing it.

Nkiti’s Beginner-Friendly Ankara Pieces

At Nkiti, we believe that African print fashion should be an everyday thing—not just for weddings or cultural events. That’s why we’ve created a line of beginner-friendly Ankara pieces designed for real life.

Whether you’re heading to brunch, school pickup, or your home office, our collection helps you wear bold prints in a way that feels natural and effortless.

Here are some of our favourites for first-timers:

The Casual Bomber: Classic silhouette with just the right amount of Ankara flair. Throw it on over anything.
The Pocket Tee: Soft cotton with a printed chest pocket—perfect for easing into print without the pressure.
The Everyday Dress: Easy to wear, easy to love. Tailored in comfortable fabric with prints that pop but don’t overwhelm.

We know trying something new can feel risky. But we’ve designed Nkiti to take the fear out of fashion and help you feel bold, beautiful, and completely yourself.

Final Thoughts: You Can Wear Ankara

African print fashion isn’t just for fashionistas—it’s for everyone. Whether you want to express your cultural pride, add colour to your closet, or simply try something new, Ankara is a joyful way to shake up your wardrobe.

Start small, balance your look, and most importantly—have fun with it. Because fashion should never feel like a rulebook. It should feel like you.

Ready to begin your Ankara journey? Shop our website for beginner-friendly styles that make bold prints easy to wear, every day.

Why Ankara Clothing Belongs in Your Wardrobe (Yes, Even If You’re New to It)