African print athleisure isn't a trend — it's a movement. As activewear has evolved from gym-only to all-day wear, our Ankara and wax prints have found a natural home in the category: bold enough to make a statement, comfortable enough to live in, and meaningful enough to wear with intention. We see it as a head nod to the Ankara wrappers worn in the marketplace all the way to Aso Ebi (the family cloth) culture for special occasions. Even after the world fashion runways caught on to it, we knew there was more when we stretched its versatility into athleisure. Here's how to style it.
Start With a Statement Piece
The easiest way to build an African print athleisure look is to anchor it with one strong piece and let it lead. Our No Wahala Ankara Sports Bra or No Wahala Seal Leggings are perfect starting points — pair either with a solid-color top or bottom in a color pulled directly from the print or simply a color pop. It’ll amaze you how boldness and versatility never end. Black, white, and earth tones also work beautifully.
Layer for Versatility
Athleisure lives and dies by layering. Throw the No Wahala Ankara Print Sweatshirt over a sports bra for a post-workout look that transitions seamlessly to brunch or errands. The key is proportion — a relaxed sweatshirt over fitted leggings keeps the silhouette balanced.
Accessorize With Intention
A great Ankara look doesn't stop at clothing. The No Wahala Ankara Headband adds a finishing touch that ties the whole look together — and signals that you know the culture, not just the aesthetic. Pair with minimal jewelry to let the print breathe.
Mix Prints Confidently
One of the most common questions we get: can you mix Ankara prints? Yes — with a few guidelines. Stick to prints that share at least one color, vary the scale (one large-scale print, one smaller), and keep the rest of the outfit neutral. The result is layered, intentional, and unmistakably bold.
Dress It Up or Down
African print athleisure is one of the most versatile categories in your wardrobe. Wear the No Wahala Ankara Crewneck with joggers for a casual day out, or style it with tailored trousers, blazers and sneakers or even heels for a smart-casual upscale look that bridges cultures and dress codes.
Browse the full Ankara Athleisure collection to find your starting piece.