When you invest in a Besida piece, you're not just buying clothes: you’re bringing home a statement. These fabrics carry history, culture, and craftsmanship. But like any art, they need a little TLC to keep looking fresh. Most of our collections are made from two iconic fabrics: Ankara and Adire. Can you tell the difference between the two? Knowing which is which can help you care for them better. Taking care of your Besida pieces is way easier than you think.
Understanding Ankara: The Vibrant, Bold Cotton Fabric
Ankara fabric is famous for its bold, colorful patterns. It’s made from 100% cotton, which means it’s breathable, comfortable, and durable. It’s also lightweight, making it perfect for any season.
Texture: Ankara is smooth to the touch and has a crisp structure that holds its shape well. You’ll notice that it’s sturdy without being too stiff, allowing for structured designs like dresses, pants, and kimonos.
How to Care for Your Ankara Pieces
Wash in Cold Water
Cotton fabrics like Ankara do best in cold water. Tossing them into a hot wash might cause the colors to fade over time, and nobody wants that! Cold water helps preserve the vibrance that Ankara is known for. If you're hand-washing, use a mild detergent and gently swish your piece around without scrubbing too hard.
Easy tip: For machine washing, use the delicate cycle and throw your Ankara item in a laundry mesh bag for extra protection.
Air-Dry, Always
The dryer is not Ankara’s friend. High heat can shrink cotton and dull its colors. Instead, hang your Ankara pieces in the shade to air dry. The sunlight may feel like a shortcut, but direct exposure can cause fading. Stick with a shaded area to maintain the bold vibrancy of the fabric.
Pro tip: Dry your clothes inside out to protect the patterns even more.
Iron Inside Out
Cotton wrinkles easily, and Ankara is no exception. Just iron your pieces inside out on a medium heat setting. This way, the heat won’t be too harsh on the designs, and you’ll still get that smooth, crisp finish.
Hack: Lightly spritz water on your Ankara piece before ironing for a smoother result, especially for those items with more structure like pants.
Spot Clean for Small Stains
If you get a tiny stain, don’t panic. You don’t always need to wash the entire item. Instead, spot clean by dabbing the area with a mild detergent and water mix. Ankara holds up well to spot cleaning, so you can save yourself a full wash cycle.
Understanding Adire: The Hand-Dyed Masterpiece
Adire is different from Ankara in both its origins and its process. It’s a hand-dyed fabric, often made using intricate techniques that result in unique patterns. Each piece of Adire is like a work of art: no two are ever exactly the same. Adire fabrics are typically softer and more flowy than Ankara, with deep, rich colors and patterns that tell a story.
Texture: Adire tends to be softer to the touch compared to Ankara. It has a smooth, almost silky texture that feels light against your skin, making it perfect for kimonos, scarves, and loose-fitting dresses. The dyeing process often gives it a softer drape and a luxurious feel.
How to Care for Your Adire Pieces
Gentle Hand-Washing is Best
Because of its hand-dyed nature, Adire requires a bit more care. To maintain the rich depth of its colors, hand-washing is your best bet. Use cool water and a mild detergent to gently wash the fabric. Avoid scrubbing or wringing out the material, as this can affect the dye.
Pro tip: To keep the dye intact, add a little bit of salt to the wash water. It helps set the colors and prevents fading over time.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Unlike some factory-printed fabrics, Adire dyes can be sensitive to strong chemicals like bleach. Using a harsh detergent could break down the dye, leading to dull colors. Stick to gentle, eco-friendly soaps or detergents made for delicate fabrics.
Air-Dry Flat or Hang in Shade
Just like Ankara, Adire isn’t a fan of the dryer. Lay your Adire items flat to dry or hang them up in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight. Since Adire tends to be softer and lighter, laying it flat can help preserve its natural drape and shape.
There’s no need to rush the drying process. Let the air do its job, your Adire piece will be dry and ready to wear before you know it.
Steam, Don’t Iron
If your Adire piece wrinkles, reach for the steamer instead of the iron. The delicate nature of the fabric means it responds better to gentle steaming. If you don’t have a steamer, don’t stress, just iron on the lowest setting, and always do it inside out.
Pro tip: Hang your Adire pieces in the bathroom while you shower—the steam will naturally release any wrinkles without you having to do much!
Store Carefully
Storing your Adire correctly will make a big difference in its longevity. Because of its softer texture, it’s best to store Adire folded in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging it for long periods, as this can stretch the fabric. If you do hang it, use a padded hanger to prevent any sharp edges from leaving marks.
General Tips for Both Ankara and Adire
1. Rotate Your Pieces
If you have multiple Besida pieces, don’t wear the same ones back to back. Give each item a break between wears. Rotating helps prevent over-washing and keeps your wardrobe looking fresh.
2. Keep Away from Oils and Lotions
Be mindful of skincare products like oils, lotions, or even perfumes that can stain delicate fabrics. If you're planning to wear your Besida pieces, wait until your skincare has fully absorbed before putting on your outfit.
3. Stain Treatment, the Simple Way
Life happens, and stains are sometimes inevitable. If you spill something on your Besida piece, tackle it quickly but gently. Dab the area with cold water and a mild detergent solution. Avoid rubbing aggressively, as that can set the stain.
Adire vs. Ankara: Key Differences in Care
Ankara: Tougher and can handle a bit more wear, making it ideal for machine washing (on delicate) and slightly higher heat when ironing.
Adire: More delicate and requires gentler handling; think hand-washing, steaming instead of ironing, and laying flat to dry.
Above all, Wash with care, air dry, and store thoughtfully, and your Besida pieces will stay as beautiful as the day you got them.
Now, let’s test your knowledge! Look at this Besida dress below. can you tell what material was used? Is it Ankara or Adire? NO CHEATING ;)
Feel free to share your own care tips or photos of your favorite Besida looks with us on Instagram or TikTok. We’d love to see how you style and care for your pieces!