A Guide to Different Types of Animal Print
Animal prints remain a perennial favorite in the fashion world, constantly reappearing on runways and in wardrobes. While leopard and zebra might be the most recognized, the animal kingdom offers a much wider spectrum of patterns. This guide explores some of the distinct and Different Types Of Animal Print found in fashion and design.
Cheetah Print
This feline print features thick, solid black spots, often interspersed with smaller black dots, set against a tan background. Cheetah print gained significant popularity in the 1930s, boosted by the film Tarzan the Apeman. It is frequently regarded as a more sophisticated alternative to leopard print.
Close-up of cheetah animal print fabric pattern showing characteristic thick black spots mixed with smaller dots on a tan background
Cow Print
Making a notable appearance on the Autumn/Winter 2018 catwalks, cow print is characterized by irregular, somewhat rounded black shapes printed onto a white background. Compared to bold feline or reptilian patterns, cow print offers a more understated and modern aesthetic.
Black and white cow animal print pattern featuring large irregular patches typical of Holstein cattle fur
Crocodile Print
First incorporated into fashion during the 1800s, crocodile print mimics the texture of crocodile skin. It consists of relatively small, irregular scales, often arranged in an uneven grid pattern. Commonly found on accessories like bags, belts, and shoes, it also appears on garments for a touch of luxury.
Detailed texture of a crocodile animal print showing irregular rectangular scales in a grid-like pattern, often used for accessories
Giraffe Print
Less common than predator prints, the giraffe pattern is composed of large, irregular polygonal shapes (often brownish) tightly clustered and separated by lighter, cream-colored lines. Like cow print, giraffe patterns are bold, yet their neutral colour palette makes them surprisingly wearable and less overwhelming.
Giraffe animal print pattern displaying characteristic brown polygonal blotches separated by cream-colored lines
Hyena Print
A rarer sight in fashion, hyena print can manifest in either a spotted or striped design. The spotted version bears resemblance to cheetah print, while the striped variant is closer to tiger print. In both cases, the background tends to be a more distinct tan or brownish hue.
Example of hyena animal print featuring irregular dark spots scattered on a tan or brownish background
Jaguar Print
This feline pattern is distinguished by its black “dirty” rosette spots – thick-edged circles containing smaller black spots within them. Jaguar print has ancient roots, dating back to Mayan civilization, and experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1970s with the rise of the Punk Rock movement.
Jaguar feline animal print showing 'dirty' rosette spots – thick black rings with smaller spots inside – on a golden-tan field
Leopard Print
Perhaps the most iconic feline print, leopard patterns feature rosette spots composed of thick-edged circles, but crucially, these have a clean, lighter-coloured centre. Like cheetah print, it surged in popularity in the 1930s due to Tarzan the Apeman and has remained arguably the most popular animal print ever since.
Classic leopard animal print pattern with rosette spots featuring thick black edges and clean, lighter tan centers
Peacock Print
An uncommon and visually striking animal print, the peacock pattern replicates the intricate and colourful “eye” design of peacock feathers. Often featuring vibrant blues, greens, and golds, this print is associated with mystery and eccentricity and can adorn both garments and accessories like purses.
Vibrant peacock animal print displaying the intricate eye pattern of peacock feathers in blues, greens, and golds
Snake Print
Integrated into fashion since the early 1900s, snake print (or snakeskin) is known for its distinctive scaled appearance, typically rendered on a neutral background. It is most frequently utilized for accessories such as bags, belts, and footwear, lending a touch of exotic texture.
Snakeskin animal print pattern showcasing interlocking diamond or oval scales in neutral tones like grey, brown, or beige
Tiger Print
Another easily recognizable feline pattern, tiger print consists of long, wavy, irregular black stripes set against a typically orange or golden-tan background. Since the 1970s, variations have emerged featuring tiger stripes in various non-natural colours, offering a bolder fashion statement.
Bold tiger animal print featuring long, irregular vertical black stripes against a vibrant orange background
Tortoise Shell Print
With usage dating back to Ancient Greece, the tortoise shell pattern is renowned for its luxurious and classic appeal. This generally brown-spotted print, featuring mottled patches of amber, brown, and black, is predominantly used for accessories like jewellery, belts, and especially eyeglass frames.
Classic tortoise shell pattern with mottled patches of amber, brown, and black, often used for eyewear and accessories
Zebra Print
Gaining traction in the 1970s, partly due to a growing interest in global cultures, zebra print offers a highly graphic look. It is defined by contrasting long black stripes tightly packed together on a white background, creating a bold, linear pattern.
Graphic zebra animal print characterized by distinct, tightly packed black and white vertical stripes
From the subtle texturing of snake print to the unmistakable stripes of a tiger, the spectrum of animal-inspired patterns is rich and diverse. Recognizing these Different Types Of Animal Print enhances appreciation for their enduring impact and versatile application within the realms of fashion and design.
