This is it! What you've been searching for! Some, not as resilient as you, have even given up hope, assuming the rumor of its existence to be but a myth. The truly authentic African dashiki! The abundance of design, color, and symbol instantly announce the cloth to be one of the famous wax or fancy prints, made, of course, in West Africa (usually Mali). Then the subtle elegance of the marvelous embroidery around the neck catches your attention. Yes, both the embroidery and the fashioning of the shirt itself is done by hand by a skilled African tailor or seamstress; that means that each top, even in the same fabric, will be unique. Did we mention it has deep pockets? (Probably symbolic of your own personal abundance.) And one more thing: it's a dashiki which means pure wearing bliss!
The dashiki originated in Africa as a man’s shirt at first. It took various forms, including the grand boubou for formal occasions. However, as is true with all great ideas, it was discovered by the rest of the world and is now enjoyed by people of many genders, ages, and cultural origins. Its loose, comfortable fit works on almost any body type. It can be dressed up or down. And it’s just plain fun to wear!
This dashiki was made in 100% cotton wax or fancy print fabric, produced in Africa. Wax prints do indeed utilize wax in the printing process, not unlike batiks. Fancy prints do not but are rolled color by color. Occasionally areas of the cloth will have small white flecks due to not quite getting the dyes properly. This is common and in a minor amount is NOT considered a flaw. (If it is a large area, we will discount the piece and report it.) The top begins with a firmness that softens with wear and washing. What's really wonderful, is that the joyful cloth, being carefully hand sewn by Guinea tailors whose livelihood depends on their skills, assures that this shirt is truly one-of-a-kind! Even the same style with the same fabric and the same tailor will not be exactly alike. (Therefore pictures are representative and measurements are averages. If an inch or two or pattern placement will be issues, you may wish to consider carefully before bidding or buying.)
Please note: We try our best to show each item as it truly is. However, different lighting, fabrics, browsers, and monitors may not all show the colors accurately. If the exact color is of major importance for you, please email us, and we will try to help from this end.
REALLY IMPORTANT INFO—PLEASE READ!
Condition: New, without tags (hand made)
Fabric: 100% cotton wax and/or fancy print fabric
Care: Hand wash and air dry flat; iron carefully on wrong side with cover cloth; do NOT iron embroidery
Size: Free size, OSFA
Measurements:
Measurements are taken with garment lying flat (and doubled if necessary). They are AVERAGES of this type of shirt.
Back/shoulders (from sleeve seam to seam): 25 inches
Chest/Bust (about 2 inches below armpits): 56 inches
Hips/Bottom hem: 56 inches with slits for about 2-3 more available inches
Length (from shoulder two inches from head opening to bottom hem): 33 inches
Sleeves: 10 inches width along seam at shoulder (20 inches total circumference) and 8 inches length from seam at shoulder
Head opening at the neck has a protective placket/piece of cloth sewn behind the embroidery to protect it. This can usually be seen in the photos. It is similar to the way pockets or skirt pleats may be tacked down lightly to protect them prior to purchase. It may be carefully cut and removed to allow easy dressing and restore the traditional dashiki neckline. Some dashikis also come with a small velcro patch for dressing while leaving the placket in place.
Checking your fit:
The best way to see if this, or any other item, will fit well is to take the same measurements from a similar garment which has a fit you like. You can also use your own measurements, but be sure not to pull the tape tight, and always add a few inches for comfort. Remember, pictures are representative and measurements are averages. If an inch or two, color shades, or pattern placement will be issues, please consider very carefully before bidding or buying.
Return policy:
We suggest that you ask any questions before bidding or buying and check the measurements carefully. That will greatly decrease the likelihood of having to return an item. Please remember that handmade clothing and fabrics will show minor flaws; these are proof of authenticity. If more than one is available in a particular pattern, they will not be identical. There will be slight differences, especially in the pattern placement; the item in the photographs is only representative and the measurements only averages. Again, we suggest you ask any questions before purchase, especially if design placement or an inch or so will be of major importance.
All apparel returns must be in the original, sellable condition. We will not accept returns that have been washed, damaged, stained (for instance makeup or cream around the neck--cover your face with a cloth when trying on or taking off a top, please), or had their tags (if any) removed, While subjective, we reserve the right to decide whether an item is in original and resellable condition or not.
They must be returned to us within 7 days (regardless of the general shop return policy which may read differently), and we must be contacted first.
The customer is responsible for shipping costs back to us, and all shipping costs are nonrefundable (as we cannot recover them ourselves). Refunds are given as store credits or exchanges only (regardless of the general shop return policy which may read differently).
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