A print can look good in a photo and still be thin, poorly dyed, or badly finished. These are the checks worth doing with the fabric actually in your hand, whether you're buying from us or anywhere else.
Weight and density
Hold the fabric up to light. Good Ankara has a consistent density across the piece — no visible thin patches or unevenness. Heavier weaves like Royal Satin naturally feel denser than lighter ones like Poplin, but within any weight, it should feel uniform, not patchy.
The rub test for colorfastness
Rub a small corner of the fabric firmly against a plain white cloth or tissue. A little color transfer on a brand-new, unwashed piece is normal. Heavy color coming off immediately is a sign the dye won't hold up well through washing and ironing.
Finish and edges
Check the selvage (the finished edge along the length of the fabric). It should be clean and even, without fraying or loose threads. A sloppy edge is usually a sign of lower overall finishing quality, even if the print itself looks fine.
Why this is worth doing even when you trust the seller
These checks take under a minute and don't require any special knowledge — just the fabric in your hand. Doing them is a good habit regardless of where you're buying, and it's exactly what we check before any piece gets listed.
Browse the current collection, or message us on WhatsApp if you'd like us to walk you through a piece before you buy.