As the approach of fall and winter ushers in colder weather in the northern hemisphere, fashion stores and runways start to shift their focus to comfortable and warmer textiles. Within this context, modern variations of classic textiles like checks and plaids are paired with a growing focus on producing them in a sustainable manner.
In this article, we’ll explore the top textile trends in the women’s fashion industry this autumn/winter 2024/25 season, giving you a better idea of what items to stock.
Table of Contents
Overview of the global textile market
Top 5 women’s textiles in A/W 24/25
The bottom line
Overview of the global textile market
Globally, the textile market was valued at USD 1.84 trillion in 2023 and is forecast to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% between 2024 and 2030.
The garment industry has seen an increasing emphasis on sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials, which is forcing textile companies to invest in ethical manufacturing and low-impact products.
Additionally, technical advancements are influencing the way textiles are designed, produced, and recycled. As such, the use of smart textiles that boast innovation in raw materials, fashion design, and manufacturing techniques is rising.
Top 5 women’s textiles in A/W 24/25
1. Plaid patterns
Warm and faded colors give heritage prints an update for the A/W 24/25 season. Plaid and check fabrics with a washed-out finish can be used for shirts, jackets, pants, denim, and outerwear.
Soft fibers in mid to heavy materials are also popular during the winter season. Plaid textiles are often made from cotton, hemp, or linen. For ultimate comfort, merino wool, alpaca, and mohair give plaid fabrics a tactile, brushed surface.
According to Google Ads, madras patterned textiles are experiencing a recent resurgence, attracting a search volume of 4,400 in March and 8,100 in August, representing an 84% increase over these five months.
2. Tactile padding
The women’s puffer remains a key fashion item in the autumn and winter 2024/25 season. Textiles with quilted padding are mostly applied for outerwear, jackets, and shirts.
For an update on the trend, expect to see more stitched quilting with organic shapes over more traditional patterns. Creased quilting and 3D blister stitching are other techniques that give puffer textiles added depth. Businesses are also advised to invest in responsible quilted fabrics that use low-impact padding, like recycled cotton, FSC-certified Lyocell, and GRS-certified polyester or nylon.
The term “quilted fabrics” saw a 22% increase in search volume between March and August, with 27,100 and 33,100 searches, respectively.
3. Dark florals
Floral textiles are being reimagined for the fall and winter season with darker tones and high-contrast embroidery. These flower patterns are commonly seen on jackets, outerwear, dresses, and shirts.
Dramatic and opulent floral-patterned fabrics are some of the most popular trends this season, with jacquards, embroidery, and lace proving popular textiles. Finally, a variety of materials can be used, including polyester, nylon, cupro, Tencel, silk, and cotton.
According to Google Ads, the term “flower design cloth” experienced a 22% increase in search volume over five months, with 4,400 in March and 5,400 in August.
4. Outdoor utility
The women’s clothing market is continuing to see a rise in performance textiles and weatherproof textiles for outdoor items like jackets and bottoms. Cotton is the most popular utility material for outwear, while polyester or nylon are suitable for lightweight base layers.
Windproof and waterproof textiles developed using sustainable plant-based methods are becoming increasingly popular in eco-conscious markets. These high-quality fabrics may feature beeswax coatings and low-impact water repellent finishes to give them “natural” performance.
The term “performance fabrics” garnered a search volume of 3,600 in March and 4,400 in August, representing a 22% increase over five months.
5. Papery fabrics
Lightweight fabric is a newer trend, gaining steam for its ethereal and contemporary style. This material is suitable for apparel product categories like shirts, bottoms, jackets, outerwear, and accessories.
Quality lightweight textiles that create movement and dynamic draping are key to this trend. A washed or hammered finish can also give papery fabrics an extra dimension. Such wrinkle-free fabrics offer easy maintenance and versatility, making them suitable for both day and nightwear. In terms of color, pastel shades are ideal for uplifting moods, while gray gives an elegant and flexible base.
The bottom line
The latest innovative textile trends for women feature traditional fabrics updated with eco-friendly construction. Plaid patterns and dark florals are classic prints that have been revitalized with new finishes for the contemporary market, while puffer fabrics, utility textiles, and papery fabrics are also popular for their play with texture and dimension.
As the textile industry continues to evolve rapidly with new technological advancements, retailers must research and adapt to changing trends. As such, business buyers are advised to take the fabric sourcing trends listed above so as to capitalize this A/W 24/25 season.
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