22 African Print Dresses That Will Be Perfect For Church

Charles Hix once said, “Looking good isn’t self-importance; it’s self-respect.” With that in mind, African print attires are specifically made to enhance self-respect and etiquette. Apart from being colorful, African print is also prestigious and classy. A dexterously made African dress will not only give you confidence and character but will also make you the cynosure of all eyes.

For those who also mind their spirituality, the church is an esteemed go-to place for spiritual nourishment. Therefore, they are also conscious of their attire when going to church. They want to appear decent without being seductive. African print dresses cater for your politesse. So, let’s explore some of the most popular African prints that you will definitely want to add to your wardrobe.

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Ankara

This popular fabric is also known as the African wax print, Dutch wax print, or Kitenge. The Ankara print was originally made through the ‘Batik’ process by the Dutch. The main feature of this fabric is the color intensity of both right and wrong sides that is almost the same. Did you know that African prints convey different messages? Ankara fabrics are used to convey various messages and are named after buildings, personalities, and cities among others.

Kente

The word ‘Kente’ is derived from the word ‘kenten’ which literally means ‘basket’. It is believed to have originated from Ghana and was made by the Akan language speakers, especially the Asante dialect. Kente fabric was made by hand weaving cotton and silk cloth strips way before the 11th century. Although this glamorous print has become the symbol of African heritage for all, it was initially worn for religious and sacred purposes by the royals.

Bogolan

We can’t agree more with Dr. Charles E. Kellogg, a soil scientist who said, “Essentially, all life depends upon the soil.” Have you ever thought that soil or rather mud can be used to dye fabrics? Well, the Bambara tribe of Mali has used fermented mud to make mud cloth. Bogolan in Bambara means ‘made from mud’. In case you have a repugnance for chemically dyed fabrics, this is a perfect African print for you.

Kikoy

Kikoy is commonly found in Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Kenya. Although it emerged from cultural interactions between East Africa and Oman countries many centuries ago, it is mainly considered a symbol of the Swahili culture. The main features of this famous African cloth are its rectangular shape and its contrasting woven patterns. Unlike other African prints, Kikoy gets its distinct patterns from weaving in cotton yarns of contrasting colors.

Shweshwe

The main feature on this South African fabric is its intricately done geometric patterns. This African print is made on dyed cotton fabrics. Often seen as the denim of South Africa, Shweshwe derived its name from King Moshoeshoe 1 of Lesotho. It is said that in the 1840s, he was gifted this fabric by French missionaries. Due to his influence as a king, he ended up popularizing it.

Now that you know various African print designs by name and their origin, let’s have a look at 22 stunning African print dresses that are ideal for church.

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#1. African Ankara Print Plus Size Dress – Get It Here

In the past, plus size women were left out when it came to trendy fashion designs but not any more. Bearing in mind that African women are curvaceous and of different body sizes, this Ankara print dress design addresses all the issues. The bright orange, red and white decorations on a black background bring out a nice contrast of colors.

#2. African Prints Ankara Maxi Dress – Get It Here

This maxi dress is showcasing Ankara print so perfectly. The high rising head cap is a show grabber that completes this attire to the wearer’s satisfaction. It even comes with a side pocket that can fit in your Bible.

#3. African Fabric Smock BabyDoll Midaxi Dress – Get It Here

Modesty can be easily achieved through this African fabric dress design. The blue and deep yellow colors look good together. The Yellow belt, straw sun-hat, and matching blue heels complement this attire stylishly. Obviously, you can look both modest and stylish.

#4. African Print Yellow Ruffle Sleeve Dress – Get It Here

The dress features a traditional Ankara (African wax print) pattern. The color palette is dominated by golden yellows and deep burnt reds/oranges, creating a rich, sun-kissed look. You can easily pair this with a matching headwrap (gele) for a fully traditional look or simple gold hoops for a more modern “Afro-chic” vibe.

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#5. African Women Maxi Dresses – Get It Here

This is a mesmerizing multi-color kaleidoscope Ankara print. It features a “confetti” dot background with large, stylized floral/butterfly motifs in electric blue, magenta, lime green, and orange. The dark navy or black base makes those neon-adjacent colors truly pop.

#6. African Print Highlow Gown – Get It Here

 A striking royal blue Ankara wax print featuring geometric, diamond-shaped motifs in a textured bronze or gold-tone. The high contrast gives the fabric a luxurious, almost metallic depth.

#7. African Print Halter Maxi Dress – Get It Here

A vibrant, color-blocked Ankara-inspired design using bold horizontal bands of cobalt blue, cherry red, and bright orange. The print features large circular “seal” motifs and “X” patterns with a marble-like texture.

#8. Ankara African Print Maxi Dress – Get It Here

Want to turn up to church in style? This g Ankara dress will get you all the attention that you need. Its notable features are the V-neck, long sleeves, and the stylish floral design on the side.

#9. African Print Yellow Tube Dress with Coat – Get It Here

A vibrant canary yellow Ankara print featuring a bold, black minimalist “tally” or geometric motif. The high-contrast pattern is striking yet maintains a clean, organized aesthetic. A sleek strapless tube-style maxi dress. It features a straight neckline and a high center-front slit, which adds a touch of modern allure and allows for easier movement in a structured fabric.

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#10. African Print Mermaid Dress –Peplum Waist – Get It Here

A vibrant, multi-colored Kente-inspired checkerboard print. It features a rhythmic mix of orange, royal blue, and yellow squares, creating a high-energy, textured visual effect that is synonymous with celebration.An exaggerated mermaid (or trumpet) cut. The dress is form-fitting through the torso and hips, flaring out dramatically at the knees into tiered ruffles that touch the floor.

#11. multifunctional convertible dress – Get It Here

A sophisticated indigo and bronze Ankara print featuring concentric, wave-like geometric patterns. The muted, darker color palette gives it an expensive, high-end feel compared to more brightly colored prints. The model has paired it with a unique wooden barrel-style clutch and metallic strappy heels, which perfectly lean into the “Afro-futuristic” aesthetic.

#12. African Print Sleeveless Dress – Get It Here

The design of this yellow dress has brought out an artistic asymmetrical balance that is otherwise hard to achieve. The geometric print is also visually attractive making this half-sleeved dress one of its kind.

#13. Red Ankara Maxi Dress – Get It Here

A rich, deep crimson Ankara wax print. The background features a subtle, crackled black texture, overlaid with large, golden-yellow organic motifs (reminiscent of traditional fans or floral elements). The color combination is regal, bold, and universally flattering.

#14. Off-Shoulder African Print Maxi Dress – Get It Here

A stunning burnt orange and indigo Ankara print. The pattern features dynamic, swirling brushstroke motifs that create a sense of constant movement. The warm orange base is beautifully contrasted by deep navy/purple streaks, giving the fabric a rich, multidimensional look.

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#15. African prom dress – Get It Here

A stunning fuchsia/magenta Ankara wax print. The fabric features a fine white horizontal grain and is decorated with large, dark-toned organic motifs that resemble abstract leaves or wings. This specific shade of pink is incredibly celebratory and photogenic.

#16. African print dress – Get It Here

The color combination on this fabric is resplendent, to say the least. The V-neckline and 3 quarter sleeves give this Tribal print attire likable and unique features. One can’t fail to notice the flared bottom of the top and the shiny beige heels. Obviously, you can emphasize your figure in a decent way.

#17. African ball gown – Get It Here

A sophisticated marble-effect Ankara print in shades of burnt orange, sienna, and cream, with black “veining” throughout. The pattern mimics the wings of a butterfly or natural stone, giving the gown a grounded, elemental feel. A majestic ball gown with a full, structured skirt. The skirt features a dramatic train that pools around the wearer, creating a 360-degree “throne” effect.

#18. Stylish African print Dress for women – Get It Here

Yellow, blue and red are colors that always match. The V neck and the chiffon fabric on the upper bodice are notable features of this contemporary dress. In this appearance, the ushers would certainly be at your beck and call.

#19. Ankara Maxi Ruffled Sleeves – Get It Here

This is a body-con mermaid silhouette that uses full-body smocking to hug every curve before flaring out into ruffles at the mid-calf. The off-the-shoulder neckline is paired with massive, tiered ruffles on the sleeves that create an architectural, “butterfly” effect.

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#20. JALIA African Print Wrap Dress – Get It Here

This blue Dashiki dress shines in its lucidity. Note the artistic effect of the rhyming collar, tie belt, and hem print designs giving this attire a complete and bold fashion statement. The entire front view looks like an optical illusion.

#21. Ankara and Organza Fit and Flare – Get It Here

Modish is one word that describes this brown and yellow Ankara print dress. The high collar, V-neck, long sleeves, matching tie belt are some of its irresistible features. The brown silk organza gives this garb a top-notch uniqueness.

#22.  African clothing African fashion – Get It Here

The chic design of this African print Raissa Midi dress makes it a must-have for any lady who keeps her wardrobe à la mode. The orange, maroon and splash of black colors bring out a unique contrast of colors on this long-sleeved dress. You can’t fail to notice the modish neckline and the simple matching tie belt.

Conclusion

Although African print is no longer an eccentric art of the African artisans and does not necessarily conform to the traditional processes, its authenticity and popularity are on an upward trajectory. Lately, African prints have been employed in the making of trendy bags and phone acessories.

Contemporary interior décor also incorporate African print. For instance, Bogolan or mud cloth is commonly used in most high-end African-themed hotels as wall decorations, table cloths, pillowcases, and upholstery. There you have it. Which of them will you purchase first? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.