Motif

Zebra motif

Irregular branching stripes evoke the contrasting bands on a zebra’s coat.

Also searched as: zebra print, zebra stripe

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Schematic motif family, not an exact swatch or registered design. Color, scale and repeats vary; closely related names can overlap in trade use.

How it is made

Printed and woven versions vary the band width, direction and color. Designers often stylize the marks rather than reproduce a particular animal.

How to recognize it

Look for tapered, curving bands that fork or end unevenly.

Common uses

  • Upholstery
  • Fashion prints
  • Accessories

What to distinguish

Zebra is an animal-inspired motif, not a fiber or hide claim. A simple even stripe lacks its characteristic irregular branching.

Sources & further reading

Research checked 2026-09-27. Descriptions are original summaries; references support terminology and construction, not every product sold under a name.

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