AW25/26 Print & Pattern Trends: A Designer's Guide to the Future of Fashion Prints
AW25 centres on themes of connection and escapism.
It’s about reconnecting with nature, embracing our creativity and spirituality, and exploring new technological realms. In a turbulent world, these connections offer us pathways to stability, peace, and joy. In this blog and in our AW25 trend forecast we look at how these themes are translated into the most current AW25 print trends.
Take a look at our trend forecasts to further help you understand the colours and prints that best suit your brand.
Key Trends for AW25/26
Nature connects
Exploring the soothing and restorative qualities of the natural world, textures, no prints and figurative patterns are soft, calming, and effortless to wear. This trend is all about easy sophistication. Patterns draw inspiration from intertwining leaves, ghostly barely-there florals, subtle animal prints, and earthy textures. Together, they create a grounding and calming mood.
Expressive Escapism
Looking to the past for comfort, this trend blends nostalgic influences to help us feel grounded in the present and optimistic about the future. It draws on old manor-house interiors, retro geometrics with a bohemian twist, playful preppy stripes, and emerging circus-inspired motifs. These elements combine to create a fresh take on nostalgia, allowing for personal expression and a celebration of historical interests.
Digital Nightshade
Technology is transforming fashion, with AI-generated patterns, ombre glitch art, and digital distortions leading the way for AW25/26. This trend explores the darker, futuristic side of prints, featuring glowing, otherworldly designs created through a digital lens.
Key Print Trends for AW25/26
New Bohemian: retro and romantic
Motifs ranging from paisley, wallpaper scrolls & simple foulards are combined to create a new pretty bohemian feel. A soft 70s palette helps this feel contemporary and feminine
Moody Florals: Dark and Dramatic
Dark, moody florals are a key trend. Think deep, rich colours and intricate details. These dramatic prints have a soft digital edge and ombre - often combines with playful watercolour to create a slightly subversive otherworldly feel.
Subtle Skins: Calming and elegant
From snakeskin to pony all animals are considered inspiration on warm earthy tones to create a sophisticated feel.
Heritage Checks: Classic with a Twist
Traditional checks are being reimagined with on the bias in oversized proportions, and unexpected colour combinations to create 90’s College Core feel
Colour Trends for AW25/26 colour palette is a mix of dark romanticism and bright optimism. Deep, rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby are paired with earthy neutrals like brown and grey. On the other hand, vibrant hues like neon yellow, cobalt blue, and magenta add a sense of energy and playfulness.
How to Incorporate AW25 Trends into Your Designs
Balance Bold and Subtle: Combine statement prints with more delicate patterns to create a balanced and cohesive collection.
Focus on Texture: Use texture-led prints to add depth and dimension to your designs.
Play with Scale: Experiment with oversized and undersized patterns to create visual interest.
Tell a Story: Use prints and patterns to convey a specific message or mood.
Collaborate with Experts: Partner with a design studio like us at Pattern Assembly to create custom prints that align with your brand's vision.
By understanding and implementing these key AW25 trends, designers can create innovative and inspiring collections that resonate with consumers.
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