Authentic Ankara Fabrics Abuja: Spotting the Real Thing
Not every fabric sold as 'Ankara' in Abuja is genuine wax print — a growing number of cheaper imitations (often roller-printed rather than true wax-resist dyed) have made it into the market, and they can be hard to tell apart from authentic Ankara at a glance.
The difference matters. Authentic Ankara fabric goes through a wax-resist dyeing process that creates small natural imperfections — tiny cracks or variations in the pattern — and the design is visible almost identically on both sides of the fabric. Imitation or 'fancy' prints are usually printed on one side only using a roller machine, so the back of the fabric looks faded, blank, or noticeably different from the front.
At Labelos Fabrics, every authentic Ankara fabric we stock in Abuja comes from suppliers we've sourced from consistently, and we check the fabric ourselves before it reaches the shop floor — looking at both sides of the print, the texture of the wax coating, and how the colors sit in the fabric rather than just on the surface.
If you're checking for authentic Ankara fabric yourself: flip it over. If the print looks nearly as clear on the back as the front, with slight natural texture or tiny cracks in the wax pattern, that's a strong sign it's genuine. A flat, flawless print on the front with a pale or blank back usually means it's an imitation.
We're always happy to show customers the back-and-front comparison in-store so you can see the difference for yourself. Come by our shop in Life Camp, Abuja, or reach out on our WhatsApp channel with any questions before you buy.