pagne

Pagne is a long rectangular piece of cloth worn as a wraparound garment by women in West Africa, particularly in francophone countries such as Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Benin. The term is French and widely used in fashion and everyday dress. Pagne fabrics are typically cotton and commonly feature wax prints or batik-inspired designs, known for their bright colors and bold patterns. Widths are usually about 110 to 120 centimeters, and lengths commonly range from four to six meters, enabling the cloth to be wrapped around the hips and tied at the waist, forming a skirt or dress, or used as a blouse or head wrap.

Wearing styles vary by region and occasion. The cloth is typically wrapped around the waist and secured with a knot or pin, and may be worn alone or paired with a matching top. Pagne attire is everyday clothing as well as ceremonial dress for weddings, baptisms, and other events. The patterns and colors can signify personal taste, social status, or cultural affiliation, and pagnes are sometimes exchanged as gifts or part of dowries.

Production and trade: pagne fabrics include locally printed wax textiles and batiks. Dutch wax prints historically influenced the style and were popularized in West Africa, but today many pagnes are produced regionally in West Africa. Care typically involves washing in cool to warm water and ironing or steaming to maintain crisp folds and vibrant colors.