The top 3 SS26 textile and fabric trends you should know

Living in a material world? You're going to love this.

Welcome to your quick-read guide to the fabrics, fibers, and finishes that'll be dominating the SS26 trending fabrics scene. This is the second blog in our SS26 trends blog series, which dives into all the must-know intel on upcoming fonts, colors, garments, and fabrics. This five-minute read will save you hours of research and set you up for more sustainable choices ahead of Digital Product Passport rollouts, not to mention dishing the intel on which designers, patterns, and colors to reference. Let's get into it…

1. Return to nature: environmentally friendly textiles and natural fabrics

Natural fibers and fabrics are rarely out of style, but the reasoning behind this trend is building in momentum and urgency — the environmental impact of the fashion industry and the consumer desire to shop sustainably.

Linen is leading the charge for uniform dressing via crisp shirting or mixed with wool for the bold power-suiting trend. Cotton is also getting in on the uniform action, but was also spotted in the romantic, dreamy historic garmentry of the upcoming Rococo and nostalgia aesthetics via fine poplins and heavy gabardines.

What could be more natural than wool? As well as teaming up with cotton for suits, we spotted it cozying up to models on the runways for Versace (knitted two-piece skirt set), Moschino (trompe l'oeil knitwear), and Dior (knitted capes). To nail this trend, focus on climate-adaptive, wrinkle-resistant wools in airy summer weights, paired with Argyle diamond prints or checks.

Silk is also set to slide into the mix this spring and summer...literally. It’s being given crisp form through linen blends or imbued with extra fluidity by mixing with elastane. This was a big fabric for the romantic, feminine runway looks we spotted on catwalks, given added drama through draping, pleats, length, and pure billowing volume.

Returning to nature doesn't just involve natural fabrics — there's room for innovative newcomers in SS26, too. SeaCell, Naïa, and Tencel offer similar effects with a more sustainable slant. Recycled and biopolymer fabrics are also go-to choices for brands looking to reduce their reliance on virgin fossil fuels.

2. Fantasy land: otherworldly fabrics and innovative finishes

Times are austere, and consumers are turning to fashion as a whimsical way to escape. SS26 is all about otherworldly garments that evoke romantic histories, mythical archetypes, and a sense of childlike play.

We saw lots of floaty and fluid fabrics on catwalks from Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Isabel Marant, so get the chiffon, voiles, tulle, and organza on order! Exaggerated silhouettes and maximalism are key themes, so expect to put your light and floaty fabrics to work in voluminous layers and ethereal draping. Colors for this trend are lilac, Millennial Pink, minty green, and creamy whites.

Crinkly cloqué, jacquard, rubber, and memory foam are also making their way into apparel for 2026, encouraging a tactile sense of play and self-expression. Fendi showed perforated leather in structured, futuristic sports-style outerwear (with bright red accents, no less!) and Lacoste showed a silky emerald sport set in a liquid finish.

Of course, fantasy escapism would never be content with a color palette and some fabrics. This is your chance to get the metallic threads out, hun! Mother-of-pearl finishes, satin knits, and shimmery threads give garments a distinct dreamcore effect suited to the maximalist, opulent, OTT vibe that will be trending next year.

3. Human touch: durability, hand-finishing, and crafty textures

The rise of AI and the dominance of fast fashion have sparked a growing demand for durable fabrics and elements that scream ‘handmade’ in early 2026.

As well as hardwearing, durable basics like Supima cotton, we can expect to see garments with functional finishes, like thermoregulating knits, windproofing, and PFC-free water repellency. In fact, Lanvin showcased a short, waterproof jacket in bright chartreuse during Milan Fashion Week, and Chloé presented a billowing moss green anorak at Paris Fashion Week.

Premium leather also made an appearance in SS26 collections for designers like Ferrari (oxblood leather cropped, pleated trousers), Burberry (emerald trench coat), and Balenciaga (double-breasted oxblood leather jacket with lilac suede heels and camel suede barrel-legged cropped trousers). To rock the second-skin look, go for crocodile, buttery suede, or smooth finishes in SS26 statement shades like oxblood, pillar box red, or rich mahogany.

Designers have been leaning into the maximalist vibe of early 2026 and are bringing in plush textures like embroidery, wovens, and raffia. You’ll want craft-inspired textures like crochet and finishing touches that showcase a human element — think visible stitching, intricate embellishments, and the kind of playful bling a magpie would envy.