Women Artwork & Print History
Bogolanfini
Bogolanfini, or mud cloth, originated within the Bamana Empire in what is now Mali. In the mid-18th century, the Empire’s women were using an iron-rich mud pigment to paint the cotton with symbolic zig zags, chevrons, triangles and other designs. It’s a significant pattern and no two are alike, as the mud cloth was used at important rituals; when a young woman reaches puberty, on her wedding day, when she gives birth, and upon her death. Typically, the design’s symbols reflect what is wished for the woman’s life; health, bravery, fertility, beauty, community. And so, it is with Blackness Wear. We are using Bogolan sportswear line to reflect the bravery, beauty, and potential of the unique women who wear it.
Women’s Wear
The optimal combination of polyester and spandex ensures a snug fit and breathable comfort, and allows for dynamic, unencumbered movement. Customers tell us they love the support that our sports bras provide, without feeling confined.
The comfortable high waist on our long, soft leggings offers full coverage and compliments a woman’s form, without the frustrations of other leggings that often ride up or bunch up along the legs.
Exceptional fit and outstanding function are our goals for the woman athlete moving through her day in Blackness Wear; whether on the track, on the field, or at the park.
Men Artwork & Print
Kente
It was in southern Ghana among the Akan people, where the first kente cloth was developed from weaving methods used well before the eleventh century. Kente was originally created in black and white and means ‘basket’ in Asante (a dialect within the Akan language). Weaving this particular pattern is historically the responsibility of men. Each pattern has its own name and story, adopted from historical events, important chiefs, queen mothers and proverbs. The colors weaved into kente are symbolic as well, used for specific rituals and inferring different blessings of strength, good health, peace, goodwill, etc. Popular among royalty throughout the centuries, kente’s design continues to symbolize nobility, prestige and cultural sophistication. And so, Blackness Wear employs the kente pattern for menswear, to honor athlete kings who are committed to excellence in their performance, in their lives and to their communities.
Men’s Wear
The optimal combination of polyester and spandex and Cotton ensures a snug fit and breathable comfort, and allows for dynamic, unencumbered movement. Customers tell us they love the added attention to details like hidden zipper pockets and thumb hole on our hoodies.
Our track suits offer a snug warm feel with a high neck jacket and strong zipper. Stylish for a run in the city, it boosts hidden zipper pockets on both jackets and jogger
Our T-shirts and Tank tops are made for high performance sports with an optimal combination of polyester and spandex with ventilation Lazer holes on the back.
Our Hoodies come in Polyester fleece and cotton fleece with separate side pockets and Thumb hole to maximize warmth.
Our Men Leggings offer a comfortable fit with a high waist and padded cup to allow for dynamic and unencumbered movements.