As a recent graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Apparel Merchandising, I had the opportunity to take a global sourcing class where I created a sustainable line of swimwear in a semester-long project. Working on this project is where I learned that sustainable shopping just means more. I often feel like the majority of consumers don’t realize that shopping sustainably means going beyond the environment. Unfortunately, there isn’t much information surrounding this topic, or consumers fail to do the research that would educate them on this.
Texworld NYC is working to bridge the gap between consumer understanding and sustainable practice. Texworld NYC is able to communicate this to businesses by hosting ethically, sustainably certified and on-trend manufacturers at their bi-annual B2B convention in New York City. They also make a point to host manufacturers that offer the opportunity to order supplies in smaller increments and source locally in the United States. All of this leads to further educating the masses on what it means to shop sustainably and that shopping sustainably can be (and is) trendy. Additionally, each vendor or manufacturer that Texworld NYC hosts finds producing on-trend fabric, trim, and textile supplies equally as important as sustainability and ethics.
Keeping up with the trends (or the zeitgeist if you will), is so important in any industry, whether that be fashion & apparel, technology, social media, or hospitality. Some of the trends in fabric and trim you find at Texworld NYC this July may consist of regeneration, ancient times, versatility, and environmentalism through design and color stories in the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Forecasting agents like WGSN expect to see earthy pigments, jewel tones, resourceful repurposing and futuristic minimalism on the runways in the next few years, and assume that textile manufacturers and fashion houses will follow this.
Beyond color and design directions, AI design will continue to be a force of power in the fashion and apparel spaces, following in the spirit of meta-morphosis. This may look like lots of digital hues, use of otherworldly materials, immersive experiences, and keeping longevity and durability at the heart of design. It will be important to keep play, creativity, and innovative thinking in mind when it comes to finding the essential materials for your business – whether that be in the realm of garment construction or even deciding who is the right manufacturer to work with this upcoming season.
While color, design, and an overall theme of the fashion and apparel industry are important to consider for the next season, so is packaging, print, and texture. Forecasters predict that fresh perspectives, rebellious resistance, and sensory levels will be big in how consumer products feel in 2025 and 2026. Tactile materials that promote calmness, serenity, and focus will have a strong appeal to the consumer and will promote confidence in how they feel in addition to how they look. Materials like jacquards, wovens, cotton, nylon, twill and reconstructed lace are expected to be extremely apparent in apparel and textiles.
Prints featuring funky geometrics, woven checks, quilting, herringbone and stripe blocking are forecasted to be prominent as well. Nostalgic boho with references to a western lifestyle will make a difference in next season’s collections as consumers shift from maximalism to a more lowkey, hand-crafted aesthetic. As far as accessories and footwear go, sustainability continues to rise to the top in these departments, with many forecasters expecting to see more and more eco-friendly sunglasses, luggage, and permanent jewelry. Playful chunky sandals, handcrafted leather and woven footwear, puffy shapes and eye-catching celestial jewelry will also be important to keep in mind too.
As far as all things apparel go, manipulated and fluid silhouettes promoting comfort and timelessness, tailoring, asymmetric styles, and elegant simplicity will dominate the catwalks next fall and spring. “Directional, yet classic” is an idea many forecasters have been playing with as they anticipate what’s next in fashion. Again, sustainability is at the core of many of the aspects of what is considered “on-trend”, and it’s important to keep this in mind while sourcing for your ideal consumer.
Many consumers tend to appreciate authenticity in what they buy, whether that be a garment’s style, silhouette or print, how a garment makes them feel, a particular aesthetic they are drawn to or what’s at the center of how their garments are produced. There are so many important things to consider when selecting the next best product – fabrics, textiles, & fully-constructed merchandise alike – but keeping sustainability at the center is just as important as ever right now. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries as you shop but keep everlasting, authentic ideals at top of mind too