On the African continent, wax wadding is a popular design language. This is a special wax technique for applying a pattern to a fabric. The size of the pattern is measured by the loincloth, which corresponds to one yard of fabric.

Wax cotton was invented in Indonesia and brought to Africa in the twentieth century. Such loincloths were very popular with African women and quickly spread throughout the continent. The patterns showed historical events, habits and customs of the local population, sayings and aphorisms.

The patterns depict symbols, objects, animals and even people, including famous ones like presidents or musicians. Each region has its own meaning. The Vlisco Group, which manufactures and sells these fabrics, maintains a website where you can learn the meaning of various symbols and patterns.

The fashion for wax wadding spread so quickly that women selling loincloths on the market made good money on it.

Wax cotton is used for both casual and formal wear. Young people most often wear ordinary denim clothes in everyday life, but for special occasions they choose clothes made of waxed cotton, creating special patterns for this.

Recently, wax wool has been spreading all over the world. Such fabrics with a pattern appear on furniture and other items not only in Africa, but also on other continents.