5 textile trends for spring 2018

March 20, 2018

TEXTILE TREND 1: SENSORY
An emotional intercommunication between the wearer and the final product will enlighten the senses, not just in enhanced performance but through fit, sensual touch and visual appeal. The generated function features in invisible and visible format, from fabrics to finishes, trims to accessories. Smart and intelligent in its delivery, SENSORY also o ers a protective element in new generation lightweight qualities from featherlight base layers through to super soft insulation and multi performance outer shells.

This trend is about getting clever with the high performance ingredients we have, pushing the boundaries in technology and also textile processing.In doing so, this predominantly synthetic trend will o er a strong sustainable story as a reduction of water and energy combined with innovative finishing and sustainable dyeing and finishing processes. All sectors of the industry are gearing up for this trend, with fiber manufacturers leading the way.

Wearable technology and intelligent sensors also feature combined with trims and finishes that react to changing environments, enhancing performance and o ering unrivaled protection. Wellbeing also features with fabrics that energize, heal and nourish the body as well as intensifying performance.

TEXTILE TREND 2: ALLEGIANCE
The mood of consumers is split, their allegiance divided to the inherent features of natural yarns to the guaranteed performance of high-level synthetic ingredients. The obvious solution is to consolidate the best of both worlds, delivering precision performance and comfort touch. Expect to see an increase in hybrid blends, a push towards sustainable solutions as an intermix of natural, manmade and synthetic solutions comes into play.

The textile chain is being cooperative in addressing the ubiquitous ’S’-word’: sustainability. From natural to synthetics fiber producers, textile manufacturers and finishes, all are united in delivering more sustainable products and processes. The strong organic mood influences not just the composition but also the fabric appeal. Porous surfaces work alongside featherweight circular knits, intriguing surfaces morph the functionality of this trend with the fashion aspect. A more decorative approach is being taken, think less about basics: this is about essentials. Essential in wearability and function of the garment, in wellness and wellbeing, and not forgetting giving the consumer a clear conscience.

Push the boundaries as contrasting ingredients intermingle in creating a renewed zeal towards functional fabrics and reworked finishes in establishing e ective and dynamic solutions. Opposites can attract, as a united front for this season will result in delivering a strong sustainable aspect that will appeal to all sectors of the industry.

TEXTILE TREND 3: MYRIAD
Forget less is more and focus on more is more, as an immeasurable amount of performance converts products, containing an assortment of ingredients in one final item. Layering technology, from physical fabric construction from the fibers and yarns to membranes and coatings adds value to the final products. This trend is directed towards incredibly lightweight products, pact full of multi function, allowing bestselling basics to get updated into new generation ‘must haves’ and textile and trim suppliers to play with readily available ingredients and createthe next big thing.

With the abundance of ingredients setting a frenzied mood, it also crosses through to the fabric structure. A humorous and enticing spirit can be seen in prints and structures, taking on a 3D e ect but with a sense of irregularity. Contrasting openwork jacquards bond together in di erent colors and textures, laser cutting and 3D prints give an illusive depth of texture and animated surfaces.

The development so this section leads to highly intelligent products that will eliminate the bulk of layering in garment form to create a new agility and improved performance for the consumer. The availability of true function throughout the textile chain allows for the unthinkable to be achieved. This is about steppingout of the zone, pushing for new developments that will stand out from the competition. It’s about taking what we have available to new levels in a multifaceted way. Anything is possible if we truly believe in it and it performs the way it is supposed to.

TEXTILE TREND 4: PARAGON

Achieving that perfect performance isn’t just down to the prowess of the wearer, the equipment required is just as important in attaining personal goals. Perfection comes into play as surfaces o er a sublime feel, embrace and protect the body as well as deliver enhanced proficiency no matter what the outdoor activity. PARAGON is geared to those who strive to be the best in both conventional and extreme winter sports, and the fabrics, trims and accessories aid a winning performance. Devoted to athletes in all sectors of the sports world, this is the ‘crème de la crème’ of the performance sector.

Compact and embracing, the fabrics’ intelligent instinct kicks in, enhancing the performance of the wearer. A protective aspect features at various levels from core stability to reflective elements, tear resistant to shock absorbing. A tough industrial influence features alongside a modern digital aspect. Combine those with the science of nature, you get the full deal of tomorrows fabrics and accessories.

Uncompromising in its performance, these products from base layer up are tenacious and hardy in longevity, softer, and equally as important, super light in weight without neglecting the robustness, combined with being comfortable and flexible to wear. Zoned compression base layers through to aramid fibers in new generation stretch qualities for woven that embrace and protectthe body. Anti-bacterial ingredients, water repellency and thermal regulation add to the mix in creating the ultimate in active achievements whateverthe conditions.

TEXTILE TREND 5: TRANSMUTATION

Adaptive to all surroundings and activities, fabrics mutate, evolve and chaotically behave on a visual and physical level. An unruly mood dictates through prints and textures, this is a mutiny from the old school style ofsafe performance fabrics - it is time to break free from the norm and reject conventionality. But while this trend takes on a defiant direction to the old to bring in the new, it still requires the traditional aspect of the performance fibers and finishes available to achieve its unique style.

Visual aspects range from bold and brassy to a more subtle blasé appeal, this direction also evolves fabrics and trims that mutate to di erent situations, especially through metamorphism-inspired prints and yarn combinations. Camouflage, mélange and chameleon-like color variations feature in changing e ects from yarn through to innovative coating.

Strikingly optical, the basics of stretch and recovery, protective aspects anda need for a soft touch are key, as compact surfaces work alongside oscillating structures. This is all part of the diversity of this direction, it is the oxymoron trend of the season, expressive through the disparateness and irregularityin surfaces and density through to optically enigmatic graphics. Visually and texturally stimulating, products in this sector are shouting out to be seen ranging from high level performance to a fun hint of glam. Let’s changethe rules!