Page 40 - Designing Ways 302
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FABRICS






                 Textiles with

             multidimensional

                    designs

                by Stienie Greyling



                 extiles in 2026  are entering an
                 era of multidimensional design
           T– where craft meets computation
           and sustainability is embedded at the
           molecular level.
             Current fabric trends emphasise
           sustainability, tactile  comfort  and  bold
           maximalism, focusing on natural fibres
           like linen and wool, along with cosy
           textures like bouclé and velvet.   Colour Trends.                        while complementary blush pink and
             Key styles include earthy tones, vibrant   •   Blue is back: but blues are moodier   terracotta  lift  the  neutrals  out of  the
           jewel colours and innovative, eco-friendly   and darker in shades, ranging from   ordinary.
           recycled materials, with a strong trend   cobalt and greys, blues to icy blues.
           toward layered, high-texture surfaces in   Deluxe, Pinterest, Lick and Etsy  all   Furnishing fabric trend 2026.
           both fashion and home interiors.      named blue as their colour of the   Regenerated and regenerable fabrics:
             Trending fabrics for fashion include   year. These blues feel calm, grounded   beyond ‘green washing’.
           patterned cottons, blended weaves and   and timeless.                  Not ‘sustainability’ in the generic sense –
           printed canvas. These fabrics allow   •   Brown resurgence: rich chocolate   overused, worn out, often ineffective, but a
           designers to express creativity while   tones replace the lighter cappuccino   circular economy applied with rigour and
           keeping pieces wearable. Patterned fabric   shades of the last two years and are   beauty. The textiles of Northern Europe
           is also popular for layering, making   being used on walls and upholstery   are already patenting fibres deriving from
           simple outfits feel intentional.      to create a cocooning space.   production waste and post-consumer
             Upholstery  fabric  trends  for  2026   •   Earthy and natural tones, burgundy,   waste, without aesthetic compromises:
           embrace ‘soft luxury’ and tactile comfort,   ochre, rust and spice inspired shades   recycled cottons with extra-soft finishes,
           moving away from minimalism toward    are trending this Spring for a more   regenerated wools with low chemical
           rich  textures,  including bouclé, matte   grounded palette, more reminiscent   impact processes, mixed yarns obtained
           velvets and chunky weaves. Key trends   of Autumn than Spring.       from fishing nets and marine polymers.
           include organic, nature-inspired patterns,   •   Soft Neutrals and Prints: let’s not forget
           deep jewel toned colours and sustainable,   that Pantone named Cloud Dancer   Multisensory textures: between touch,
           durable materials like performance linens,   their 2026 colour of the year, described   light and sound.
           alongside a nostalgic resurgence of 1970s     as a billowy white.  Neutral colours are   The fabric will no longer just be looked
           inspired patterns and delicate lace.  used to create calm, comforting spaces   at or caressed: it will be experienced.




























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