Textile Trends for a Post-Pandemic World

In a world of extreme disruption, humans have had to transform the way in which we communicate with one another. This massive change leaves us with a myriad of unanswered questions about the future of human connection: How do we develop relationships in a non-physical way? How do we maintain a sense of tangibility in a virtual world? How do we manage our health and wellbeing? And how do we connect with a higher meaning beyond the here and now?

For the textile industry, we need to attempt to answer these questions through materials. The result is a highly adaptable trend that merges seemingly disparate ideas – virtual tools used to recreate the natural and spiritual; materials with healing and filtering properties; ancient mysticism as a way to see the future; open-source collaboration favored over single-source competition. We are blending technology and talismans, spirituality and science.

The thread woven throughout all of these themes is a desire for products to serve a purpose for humanity, whether its a new anti-microbial fabric providing protection or a virtual therapy app providing reassurance. In the post-pandemic world, we will be reevaluating and re-prioritizing what we connect with and how, and we will be doing this in increasingly unconventional ways with more agility than ever before.

How does this translate into textiles?

The following four action points will be the keys to translating our current societal feelings into textiles that consumers are drawn to.

1. Provide reassurance and protection with science-backed materials: the pandemic created a survivalist mentality that has permeated our culture, so protective and defensive garments will set products apart. Antiviral fibers and antibacterial finishes address health and hygiene concerns.
2. Use fashion fabrics closely mirror home environments: minimalism will provide a sense of restorative calm, while #twomilewear extends the versatility of day-to-night wear to indoor-outdoor practicality. Soft plushes and sleepwear-driven silks will satisfy consumers’ desire to treat themselves.
3. Consumer expectations are stimulating innovation within performance: look for near-term solutions with bioactive weatherproof coatings and easy-clean finishes. Invest in the long-term with smart fiber innovations such as climate-adaptive breathability and enhanced strength that caters to changing commute patterns.
4. Stay abreast of digitization: tech-celleration is streamlining efficient production, waste-less design and sampling tools. Along with haptic technologies, designers’ move into the digitized world will drive cross-reality aesthetics in casual and technical qualities through ombre colors, diffused patterns and high-definition surfaces that will be adaptable to casual, technical and eveningwear looks.

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Next-to-Skin Sheers

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Silver

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Luxe Lounge

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Transluscent Performance

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Functional Flats

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Restorative Plush

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Filtered Obre

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Tinted Basics

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Mineral Textures

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Image Sources: Linked in image captions.
Sources: WGSN Women's Textile Forecast S/S21, WGSN Women's Textiles Forecast A/W21/22