You know that moment: you’ve carved out time to sew, picked out a pattern, maybe even pre-washed your fabric stash… and yet, nothing feels exciting anymore. Everything looks a little too safe, a little too “last season.” That’s your cue. Time to spark some inspiration and dive into the textures, colours, and fibres that are shaping what we sew and wear next.
Staying in step with the latest fabric trends doesn’t mean blindly following the crowd or reinventing your wardrobe every month. It’s about finding fresh ways to elevate your makes, explore new materials, and fall in love with sewing all over again. And if you've ever been unsure what “trendy” actually looks like when you’re the one behind the machine, don’t worry. This is where we break it all down.
From runway influence to practical advice on sewing with on-trend textiles, here’s your no-fuss, sewist-approved guide to what’s in, what’s fading out, and how to make the most of it confidently.
Fashion Isn’t About Patterns Only; It Starts with Fabric
You can have the most beautiful pattern in the world, but if the fabric isn’t saying the same thing, the whole thing falls flat. That’s the power of textiles, as they set the tone before a single seam is sewn.
The latest trends in fabric for clothing don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re influenced by fashion runways, interiors, pop culture, and even global events. The rise of soft loungewear fabrics during the stay-at-home years? Not a coincidence. Nor is the growing love for tactile textures, eco fibres, and vintage-inspired florals.
Being aware of what’s trending doesn’t mean you need to chase every novelty print or buzzy new blend. But it does help you make choices that feel current and intentional, especially if you’re sewing for clients, selling your work, or simply want your handmade wardrobe to feel fresh.
Plus, there’s something undeniably fun about sewing with fabrics that feel modern and now. It might be the punchy colour palette that brightens up your winter sewing queue, or the crinkle cotton that makes your handmade sundress feel like something off a boutique rail. The joy is in taking the trend and making it yours.
What Fabric Is Trending Right Now?
If you’ve been wondering what fabric is trending right now, you’re not alone. The good news is, the answer isn’t just one thing. In fact, it’s a whole mood. This season’s most-loved fabrics are all about texture, comfort, and creative expression, with a strong nod to sustainability and versatility. Here’s what’s making waves right now, and what to sew with it.
Washed Linen
No longer just for summer, washed linen is having a major moment. It’s breathable, soft, and slightly rumpled in the best possible way. Great for everything from elevated basics to oversized shirting and wide-leg trousers, it offers the ideal balance of relaxed and refined. Bonus: The more you wash it, the better it gets.
Tactile Textures
Think crinkle cotton, waffle knits, bouclé and slub weaves. These fabrics add instant interest to otherwise simple garments, making them a dream for minimal patterns. A basic tee or shift dress takes on a whole new personality when the fabric has depth you can see and feel.
Soft Stretch Knits
Stretch fabrics, especially ribbed jersey and modal blends, are still going strong, thanks to the loungewear boom that never really left. But today’s stretch knits feel more elevated. Look for smoother finishes, breathable blends, and earthy tones. They’re perfect for wrap tops, mock-neck tanks, and soft trousers that feel as good as they look.
Sheer Overlays
Whether it’s delicate tulle, soft mesh, or iridescent organza, sheer fabrics are cropping up everywhere—layered over slips, peeking out from hems, or used as statement sleeves. If you love sewing with drama, this is your trend. Just remember: sheer can mean slippery, so opt for small projects first or pair with a stable lining.
Bold Prints
Oversized florals, abstract squiggles, and painterly motifs are trending hard, especially on natural fibres. These prints make even the simplest garment pattern feel like art. If you’re nervous about going loud, start with accessories like headbands or tote bags before you commit to a full dress.
Sustainable Fibres
Eco-conscious sewing is more than a trend; it’s a movement. More sewists are turning to TENCEL™, bamboo blends, organic cotton, and recycled poly fabrics as they consider the environmental impact of their craft. These options often come with beautiful softness and drape, too, which is a win-win.
The beauty of fabric for clothing is that there’s always room to experiment. Whether you're drawn to texture, print, or innovation, there's something in this mix to inspire your next make.
What’s on the Way Out?
Just as some fabrics take the spotlight, others quietly fade to the back of the shelf. Trends shift, tastes evolve, and what once felt fresh can suddenly feel a bit… tired. That doesn’t mean you should never touch these fabrics again. Instead, if you love something and it works for you, keep sewing it. But if you’re aiming for a wardrobe (or product line) that feels up to date, here are a few textiles losing steam right now.
High-gloss Synthetics
Those stiff, overly shiny satins and plasticky polyesters? They’re taking a backseat to more tactile, breathable options. Makers are choosing natural or blended fibres with a softer hand and a more elegant finish because they value comfort and quality above gloss.
Stiff Craft Cottons (for Garments)
While quilting cottons will always have a home in the sewing world, using them for apparel, especially garments that need drape, has fallen out of favour. Today’s clothing fabrics are all about movement, breathability, and wearability. Swap them out for viscose, cotton lawn, or double gauze when you want softness with structure.
Basic Stretch Polyester
The ultra-stretchy, synthetic-heavy blends that dominated activewear and budget fashion for years are now being edged out by more luxe-feeling stretch knits, often blended with bamboo, modal, or organic cotton. If it feels scratchy, sweaty, or squeaky, it’s time to let it go.
Faux Fur and Velvet (Until Winter)
While these will likely return in cooler months, right now they’re taking a seasonal break. Lighter layers and breathable textures are stealing the show. Save your stash of plush fabrics for future outerwear, festive accessories, or statement winter coats.
Fabric trends evolve, but they don’t erase what came before. Just think of this as a gentle nudge toward fresher choices, especially if you’ve been stuck reaching for the same safe yardage time after time.
Ready to Sew Something Fresh?
If you’ve been itching to shake things up, now’s the perfect time to experiment with trending textures, colours, and fibres. Whether you’re after floaty viscose for your next wrap dress or a bold print to transform your go-to tote pattern, the right fabric can spark your next big idea and make it feel brand new.
Not sure where to start? Take a scroll through a well-stocked fabric store that keeps its collection up to date. One that offers garment fabrics by the metre, with everything from on-trend prints to trusted staples and seasonal arrivals. You’ll know it when you see it, and when you feel that first swatch in your hand. Because staying on trend doesn’t mean sewing for others. It means sewing things that feel like you, just with a little extra flair.
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