African Print Kaftan Dresses for Women: Dashiki, Ankara and More
African print kaftans are bold, joyful and full of colour. From dashiki medallions to mudcloth patterns and portraits of African women, these prints turn a simple, loose kaftan into a statement dress. Here's our guide to the African print kaftan dress for women: the main print styles, our favourite pieces, how to style them and where to wear them. Every Gypsie Blu plus size kaftan in this post is one size that fits 1X-3X, with a 52-inch length.
African print styles, explained
- Dashiki: the dashiki is a loose pullover top from West Africa, known for its bold, ornate border around the neckline. "Dashiki print" now means that bright medallion-and-border pattern.
- Ankara: the colourful wax-print cotton fabric popular across West Africa, with bold repeating motifs.
- Mudcloth: a hand-dyed cotton cloth from Mali, called bògòlanfini, with earthy geometric symbols.
- Batik: a wax-resist dyeing technique; batik-style prints are popular in West African fashion.
- African woman prints: artistic portraits and silhouettes of African women, often called "lady face" prints.
Our kaftans are polyester and satin prints inspired by these designs, not handmade textiles.
Dashiki print kaftans
Dashiki kaftans have the classic ornate medallion look. Try the blue dashiki medallion kaftan, the gray dashiki mandala kaftan or the black dashiki tribal kaftan, all with a V-neck and kimono sleeves.
African woman print kaftans
Portraits and silhouettes of African women turn a kaftan into wearable art:
- Royal blue African woman kaftan
- Cream African woman kaftan
- Pink African woman kaftan
- Red African silhouette kaftan
- Yellow African drummer kaftan
Each has a V-neck, 3/4 kimono sleeves and a 52-inch length. See also our post on lady face print kaftans.
African print satin kaftans
For weddings, parties and dinners, an African print on a satin kaftan looks dressy. Try the terracotta African lady satin kaftan or the rust African satin kaftan, both with a V-neck and 3/4 kimono sleeves. Satin isn't real silk; see our silk vs satin guide.
Mudcloth, batik and tribal kaftans
Earthy and graphic: the black tribal mask mudcloth kaftan, the blue batik tribal kaftan and the teal African tribal kaftan.
Dashiki tunics, Ankara tube dresses and skirts
- Dashiki tunics: the orange dashiki tunic and the red dashiki tunic are 36-inch short kaftans to wear with jeans or leggings. See all plus size tunics.
- Ankara tube dress: the blue African Ankara midi tube dress has a halter neck and a 38-inch length, in 1X, 2X and 3X.
- Dashiki skirts: the red dashiki border rayon skirt comes in S-XL. See all skirts.
How to style an African print kaftan
- Let the print lead: choose solid accessories in one colour from the print.
- Jewellery: gold hoops, wooden or beaded bangles and statement earrings.
- Head wrap: a solid head wrap in a matching colour finishes the look.
- Shoes: flat sandals for day; gold or tan heeled sandals for evening.
- Shape: add a thin belt or wrap a scarf at the waist.
- Cooler days: a denim jacket or long cardigan with boots. See how to wear a kaftan in winter.
Where to wear an African print kaftan
- Celebrations: family gatherings, birthdays, Kwanzaa (December 26 to January 1) and Black History Month in February. Learn more about Kwanzaa on Britannica.
- Weddings and parties: a satin African print with heels.
- Church and Sunday brunch: a portrait print with a cardigan.
- Vacation: bright dashiki prints as a beach cover-up and dinner dress. See our resort wear guide.
- Every day at home: a soft polyester print as a house dress. See our muumuu and lounge dress guide.
Plus size African print kaftans
A loose African print kaftan flatters every shape: the bold print draws the eye, the kimono sleeves cover the upper arm and the 52-inch length makes a long line. Most of ours are one size that fits 1X-3X (US 16W-26W). See our kaftan size guide and plus size kaftan styling guide.
African print kaftan FAQs
What is an African print kaftan?
A loose, kimono-sleeved kaftan dress in a print inspired by African designs, like dashiki borders, Ankara wax prints, mudcloth symbols or portraits of African women.
What is the difference between a dashiki and a kaftan?
A traditional dashiki is a loose pullover top; a kaftan is usually a long, loose dress. Our dashiki kaftans use the dashiki print on a full-length kaftan, and our dashiki tunics are a shorter version.
What size are your African print kaftans?
The kaftans and tunics in this post are one size that fits 1X-3X. The Ankara tube dress comes in 1X, 2X and 3X, and the dashiki skirt in S-XL.
What fabric are they?
Most are polyester; the terracotta and rust African prints are satin, and the dashiki skirt is rayon. Check each product page.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock styles arrive in 6-11 business days and made-to-order styles in 12-18 business days, with free US shipping.
