Hand-applied dyes can run in the first washes. Wash the garment on its own, at 30°C maximum, without soaking, and dry it in the shade.

Will my garment look exactly like the photo?

Not exactly: because the cloth is dyed by hand, patterns and shades vary from one length to the next. That is what makes each piece unique.

Can I combine it with another fabric?

Yes, part by part when the style allows it: on the Ebolowa kimono set, for example, a front band in purple adire or ndop makes a lovely contrast.

Orange and indigo tie-dye, hand-dyed, made in Douala

Tie-dye is a resist-dyeing technique: the cloth is knotted, folded or bound before it goes into the dye bath, and the tightly bound areas stay light. It is practised across West Africa, notably in the Gambia, Mali and Nigeria, by dyers who are very often women.

Because it is dyed by hand, every length shows variations in pattern and shade, giving each garment its own character. In Cameroon, tie-dye is loved for flowing, relaxed outfits, from the Saturday market to seaside holidays.

Hand-dyed cotton. A light to medium-weight, supple fabric with the slightly uneven shading typical of artisanal dyeing.

Soft, light and very breathable: an excellent choice for Douala's humid heat.

Material : BATIK · Width: 115 cm

Roomy Maroua kaftan with elbow sleeves
Ebolowa kimono set, jacket and wide trousers
Buea butterfly jumpsuit
Top or trousers of the Bertoua set

Seasons : For the dry season and hot days, from morning to night.

Hand wash or machine wash at 30°C, inside out, on its own the first few times
Don't soak it, as hand-applied dyes can migrate
Dry in the shade, inside out
Iron on the reverse at a medium setting

Every length is different: embrace the variations, they are part of the charm
For a calmer look, pair it with plain pieces in indigo or white
Loose, flowing cuts like the kaftan show the patterns off best

Orange and indigo tie-dye

Designs to sew in this fabric

Frequently asked questions