Wax print fabric is the colorful soul of African fashion. At BouBouQueens, our wax print outfits and wax print clothing celebrate the joy, culture, and creativity of the continent. From long wax print dresses to two-piece women's wax print sets, as well as pencil skirts, structured blazers, and printed caftans, our wax print wardrobe dresses all women who want to wear their roots with pride—to the office, for an evening out, while traveling, or for a ceremony.
What is real Dutch wax print?
Dutch wax print is a cotton fabric printed using the batik wax technique, inherited from the Dutch East Indies in the 19th century, then adopted and magnified by West African women. Its characteristic: the print goes through both sides of the fabric, with slight irregularities (craquelures) that signify authenticity. The major historic houses—Vlisco, Uniwax, GTP, ABC—have been producing wax prints for over a century, each with a pattern that has a name, a history, and sometimes a political or sentimental meaning ("capable husband," "my rival's eye," "if you go out, I go out"). Buying an authentic wax print outfit means wearing a culture, not just a simple print.
Wax, Ankara, Kente, Bogolan: African fabrics to know
Wax print is often confused with other African fabrics. A quick guide:
- Wax (Dutch): wax-printed cotton, vibrant patterns, historically manufactured in the Netherlands, Ivory Coast (Uniwax), and Ghana (GTP).
- Ankara: Nigerian term referring to local or African wax print, often cheaper but just as colorful.
- Kente: hand-woven in Ghana, assembled strips, symbolic patterns. Akan royal fabric.
- Bogolan: cotton dyed with fermented mud in Mali, ochre and black patterns. Bambara identity.
- Bazin Riche: glazed damask cotton, hand-embroidered. Solemn elegance for ceremonies.
How to wear wax print: daily, office, evening
Wax print is no longer reserved for Sundays: it can be worn everywhere if you know how to style it.
- Everyday: a midi wax print skirt with a white t-shirt, white sneakers. Instant "fresh" effect.
- To the office: a structured wax print blazer over black trousers, or a belted wax print shirt dress.
- For an evening out: a long slit wax print dress, or a women's wax print skirt + embroidered bustier set.
- For a ceremony: a wax print boubou with a matching headscarf for a baptism or civil wedding.
Golden rule: dare to use a bold pattern on one strong piece, and calm down the rest of the outfit with solid colors.
Our limited edition pieces
Each BouBouQueens wax print collection is produced in small series, or even as unique pieces, from fabric scraps selected in West Africa. This means two things: you wear a piece that no one else will wear after you, and our prices remain fair because we never buy dormant stock. Our signature cuts: long slit wax print dress, skirt-bustier set, oversized blazer, printed caftan, wax print kimono, and the famous butterfly-sleeved wax print boubou dress.
Wax print care
- First wash separately, by hand, in cold vinegared water (1 glass of white vinegar to set the colors).
- Then: machine wash at 30°C with mild detergent, no bleach, inside out, in a mesh bag.
- Dry in the shade, iron at medium temperature on the reverse side.
- Avoid the dryer, which weakens fibers and dulls colors.
Why order your wax print outfit from BouBouQueens
- Authentic wax print (Dutch, Ivorian, Ghanaian) selected by our teams in West Africa.
- Hand-sewn pieces in small series.
- Free delivery in France and Europe, free returns within 14 days.
- Payment in 3 or 4 interest-free installments (Klarna, Alma).
- Custom-made possible in 3 to 5 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How to recognize a real Dutch wax print from an imitation?
Real wax print is printed on both sides of the fabric with the same intensity. It features small, intentional craquelures inherited from batik wax printing. The borders often bear the manufacturer's name (Vlisco, Uniwax, GTP, ABC) and the mention "veritable wax hollandais" or "guaranteed Dutch wax."
Does wax print shrink when washed?
Slightly, especially on the first wash. That's why our outfits are cut with a margin, and we recommend a first cold wash in vinegared water to set the colors and prevent excessive shrinkage.
Can wax print be worn to the office?
Absolutely. Focus on one strong wax print piece (skirt, blazer, or shirt dress) and pair it with solid basics (white shirt, nude pumps, black trousers). Wax print then becomes an elegant signature rather than a costume.
What size should I choose for a wax print dress?
Wax print is not stretchy. Refer to the size guide on each product page and, if in doubt, go up a size or contact us for a custom fit.
Do you sell wax print fabric by the meter?
We mainly offer finished pieces. For fabric scraps or specific custom projects, contact our customer service: we assist some clients with personalized projects.
