TEXTRENDS 2025
Textile Trends for spring/summer 2028
Textile Trends for spring/summer 2028.
ISPO’s
Trend Expert Louisa Smith
Louisa Smith is an international textile trend consultant working with companies as early as three years in advance in all sectors of the textile chain, from fiber through to final garment. Louisa’s vision and research, monitoring textile developments through to global affairs has a bearing on delivering the right on-trend directions that connect the industry at all levels.
With over 25 years of international experience in the fashion and textile industry, Louisa works with a range of companies in delivering on-trend information and market intelligence at all stages. Graduating in Fashion and Textile design at Manchester Metropolitan University, her career commenced in the fashion manufacturing and textile hub of Hong Kong, developing connections with China, the USA and Europe.
An avid traveller, Louisa continues to monitor consumer habits, social aspects and retail developments throughout the world, incorporating what she sees and visualizes during her travels into her trend work.
A regular on the international textile trade show circuit, her market and textile research and product development articles combined with published trends are featured internationally in a variety of trade publications.
Textile Trends
Spring/Summer 2028
Visions for the Textile Industry ISPO is your gateway for future trends. In cooperation with trend expert Louisa Smith ISPO has studied various global trends with influence on the textile industry and its products. In combination with the defined trend colors and five more detailed textile trends, these megatrends provide a good vision where the future of textiles will take us.
ISPO is very pleased to have the opportunity to share these visions for Spring/Summer 2027 with the textile industry and to use these trends as a basic guideline for ISPO Textrends Spring/Summer 2025.
The megatrends show visions that are not specific to one particular area, but will influence the entire textile chain right down to the consumer. The color cards and the textile trends result from a range of influences, from consumer behavior to the global economy. Film, music, social media, art and many other activities are reflected in these trends.
They form a basic guideline how new developments and innovations of ingredient products will be shown, presented and highlighted at ISPO Textrends Spring/Summer 2025.
Vision for Spring/ Summer 2028
Be the Change
Nothing changes if nothing changes. With the latest news of ISPO relocating to Amsterdam, this provides the kickstart the sports and outdoors industry needs—an injection of energy, new ideas, innovation, and a fresh approach to an ever-growing sector.
For Spring/Summer 2028, we will witness the evolution of circularity as textile-to-textile (T2T) processes come full circle. New feedstocks are emerging that are less reliant on fossil fuels. Bio-based synthetics are stepping up, while second-generation engineering is steering this sector in a new direction. Biotech finishing and green chemistry are enhancing performance with zero trace options. Classics such as merino wool, silk, linen, and cotton will team with new sustainable substrates from natural ingredients, as well as robust hybrid developments.
The sports and outdoors sector is thriving, attracting a wide range of consumers from professionals to those focused on cross-generational health and well-being. People now understand the benefits of movement. This isn’t a race; there is no prize at the end. It’s about continuity—moving, breathing, socializing through sport, and, most importantly, enjoying the amazing products we can develop in enhancing the consumer’s experience.
A new level of responsibility is emerging at every stage, from sourcing to product design. Responsibility is the buzzword. But who should be accountable for creating a cleaner and more efficient industry? The answer is all of us—from grassroots organizations to consumers and back. Circularity must drive change. So join ISPO Textrends in being the change!
Mega Trend 1 Full Circle
The sustainability movement is evolving rapidly, with ongoing debates over the pros and cons of natural, synthetic, and man-made ingredients. In this constantly shifting space, there’s no single winner—each brings something unique to the table. As we adapt, it just makes sense to be more mindful and ecological in how we source and manufacture.
Sustainability has always been part of the sports and outdoor world, having already addressed the problems of forever chemicals is a big step forward. You can see this cleaner mindset everywhere—from safer chemistries to more use of bio-based, recycled, and biodegradable materials that once felt out of reach. The industry is also cutting back on water and energy use, while exciting new bio-based materials and alternative feedstocks are emerging to sit alongside trusted favorites.
Of course, sustainability doesn’t stop at materials. It’s also about responsible design—creating products that perform well, last longer, and stay in use, while already knowing the details of their disposal. The focus now is on making things that can be repaired, resold, or responsibly recycled at the end of their life. This circular approach gives products a second life rather than leaving a negative footprint, helping move the entire industry toward a more sustainable future.
Mega Trend 2 Assigned
The sports and outdoors world has always thrived on movement — on pushing boundaries, adapting to change, and finding new ways to perform better, at all levels of the supply chain, from the supplier to the consumer. So when the digital revolution hit, it wasn’t something to fear, but to embrace. Disruption, after all, is just another word for progress. From that first wave of digital transformation came a new era of innovation — one where technology and creativity work hand in hand to redefine what’s possible.
Today, with the 5th Industrial Revolution currently underway, digitalization is more than a buzzword; it’s the engine driving our industry forward, morphed with the human side. AI and integrated automation are now part of our everyday rhythm, shaping everything from product design to supply chains, retail to recreation. And yet, amid all this change, one thing remains constant — the human touch. Technology may enhance efficiency, but it’s people who give it meaning, who ensure integrity, and who turn data into experience.
Imagine materials that tell their own story through embedded sensors, or retail spaces that adapt in real time to customer needs. This is particularly pertinent as DPPs (digital product passports) become an integral part of the supply chain. Football stadiums are already developed sensorial experiences IRL and IRT, allowing spectators to replay what they have just seen. These connected ecosystems aren’t just improving how we make and sell — they’re redefining how we move, play, and interact with the world around us.
Mega Trend 3 Boost
The sports and outdoors industry continues to grow in demand as consumers recognize the importance of movement and camaraderie. Run clubs and networking groups that bring people together, whether outdoors or in the urban gym—reminding us what it means to be. Getting active isn’t just about physical health; it’s a powerful boost for our mental wellbeing, too. The fresh air, the shift in scenery, and the energy of movement all help clear the mind.
In our 24/7, hyper-connected world, the constant stream of information — especially the negative kind — can be exhausting. Yet, it’s a small irony that the same digital tools that drain us also connect us to these real-world experiences. At least, in this case, technology is working in our favor. No algorithm can understand the joy of walking through a breathtaking mountain landscape, the thrill of surfing the ocean’s waves, or the energy of bustling city streets.
The rush of adrenaline, the bonds of camaraderie, the exhilaration of competing, and the emotions we share in a crowd are uniquely human experiences. We must nurture and protect these moments, as they are essential to keeping our connection to one another and to our humanity alive. This also indirectly fuels a new level of creativity within collections to complement the inherent performance and sustainable backbone that materials bring to the forefront.
Colors Spring/Summer 2028
KEEP IT SIMPLE - BUT SIGNIFICANT
The impact of color on our emotions, culture, and market behavior is varied yet important. This season, we want to focus on how many colors we should change. Colors are limitless, making it impossible to count the number of available tones.
While we invest considerable energy in sustainable sourcing, do we pay equal attention to the sustainable story behind our colors? The processes involved—lab dips, water usage, continuous sampling, and the specific scientific recipes needed to create particular colors—can be overwhelming.
We aren’t suggesting that we eliminate colors; life would be rather dull without them. Instead, we recommend that core palettes for each season remain consistent across brands and material suppliers. If something isn’t broken, why fix it? If green grass or sky blue from the previous season performed well, why change it? More brands are now opting for solution dyeing, which significantly reduces water use for continuous filament synthetics. Our color stories—ranging from the CORE to the Satellite palettes—will continue to be shared. They represent our moods and ideas, and they are not finite. From now on, ISPO Textrends will present the established Spring/ Summer core palette each season, as
well as the Fall/Winter CORE, and we encourage everyone to follow suit. The phrase “Don’t sweat the small stuff” is becoming outdated. To achieve higher efficiency and accountability, we need to focus on the smaller issues that drive change. Let’s begin by addressing these details—so let’s start sweating the small stuff! We want to continue introducing colors, but let’s be smart and strategic in how we do it.
Core
Kicking off with this season’s CORE palette for Spring/Summer, you will find all the essential primary tones combined with neutral hues of gray/ stone, white, and black. It is a best-selling basic palette that can be interplayed or teamed with the seasonal satellite palettes on offer.
A naive human-to-human hand print in chalky tones with a natural nuance. These can be elevated with coatings or pared down for a sun-dried look— perfect for the season, with an understated chillout vibe, befitting the natural dyestuffs emerging for the cellulosic sector.
H2H
Renewal
With plastics playing a particularly strong role in recycled synthetics, especially in ocean-waste fabrics for the season, this palette pulls from the mood of waste. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure - let’s go bright and brazen with this palette, or give it a sludge look.
Impact
Sensationally soothing but deceptive, this palette has a backbone. Working equally well in matte combinations through to next level synthetics with gloss. It is clean, compact, and on point, particularly appealing for a sports lifestyle and urban outdoor use.
Raw ambition
Inspired by the oceans and the beach, this palette takes a natural yet retro approach to hues. There is a vapory, wave-swept look to what were predominantly dark tones, now emerging in an ethereal offering.
Trend editorial: Louisa Smith Trend photos: Shutterstock
Color Reference: Pantone® Textile Color Guide – Paper Edition TPG. The Pantone® colors printed may not reach the exact Pantone® standards. Please refer to the current Pantone® system for accurate matches.
Textile Trend 1 Curated
The Mood Protecting the foundation of an age-old industry, traditional textiles are carefully curated and preserved, enhancing their inherent functionality for future generations. The use of cotton, hemp, linen, wool, and silk plays a crucial role in creating natural performance in both pure and blended qualities. The message is about age-old resources, pre-man-made, with new functionality and performance.
Additionally, responsibly sourced leather and down contribute to the zero-waste category, as they are byproducts of the food industry. Emerging materials include biosynthetic and alternative options sourced from cellulosic products. Consumers engage with an emotional connection through the tactility of this trend, the feel-good factor of legacy embraces.
Rediscover the benefits that nature has to offer, not just in materials but also in trims. The luxury of silk and the high-performance qualities of merino wool demonstrate that traditional ingredients still hold significance in the sports and outdoor industry.
Material ingredients
Traceable down - biodegradable, recyclable, compostable
Merino wool
Wool
Cotton - conventional and organic
Recycled cotton and wool
High tenacity hemp and linen
Luxe-touch silk
Lyocell and modal
Mineral and plant-based performance finishespadded
Recycled metal for trims
Shell and nut buttons and trims
Waxy coatings
Natural rubber
Material ideas
Pure and hybrid blends in knits and wovens teaming with bio-synthetics
Classic cotton twill - bonded with PU protection for lifelong durability
Merino wool circular knits in pure and hybrid qualities
Multi-cellulosic blends - easier return to feedstock and biodegradable
Knitwear - summer weights - an alternative to interlock
French Terry toweling - cotton-rich Slub weaves for enhanced texture
Mono fabrics - knits and wovens
Slub surfaces in hybrid blend knits - consider linen/ bio synthetics
Classic rip stop in bright synthetics through to tough-looking classics
Perfect compositions and fiber origins for all sectors of the textile sector
Micro-messaging to consumers about the content of the product and the disassembly of the product at the end of life
Mono-based fabrics with engineered stretch
Classic basics reworked with new bio-based technology
High tenacity laminations and coatings
Cotton and linen denim 3/1 twills
3L fabrics with natural ingredients being the main component
Hybrid blends enhance the trend towards lightweight natural content
Target Markets
All sports and the outdoors sector
Yoga and pilates studio, fitness, and active living Beach-to-street
Outdoors/urban outer layers
Soft equipment - backpacks and sleeping bags
Textile Trend 2 Tough Tactics
The Mood
With trail running on the rise, urban gyms and cross-training, and a global following for the Hyrox competitions, a new level of toughness is emerging. It is not pretty, it is not delicate or demure, but it is comfort-driven, combined with innovative engineering to get the best for the wearer.
From moisture management to anti-odor, stain-resistant, and water-repellent, this trend draws on both natural and synthetic ingredients. High-power compression plays a role here, delivering core stability and muscular protection. Going harder, going faster: materials in this sector respond rapidly, adapting to temperature, movement, and pressure.
Tough and tenacious, lighter weight performance adds to the appeal, as engineered synthetics stronger than steel can produce the ultimate innovation. Dark tones dominate, particularly appealing to the dope/solution-dyed synthetics essential to this high-performance sector.
Material ingredients
Bio-degradable polyester - chemical additives speed up the process
Recycled insulation and recycled down PFC-free and PFAS-free finishes
Mono materials - circularity
Dyed yarns for constructing patterns
Spandex - recycled or bio-based
Water-less printing
Dope/solution dyed pellets
Electrostatic spinning technology for membranes
Recycled nylon 6.6. for sensual touch, stretch, and longevity
Textile-to-textile recycled yarns - from natural and synthetic feedstock
Recycled textile to textile - repurposing too - e.g, fabric to insulation
Carbon capture yarns - capturing CO2 for energy to create yarns
Bio-based coatings and laminates
Graphene as an ingredient in yarns, microencapsulation, and coatings.
Material ideas
Reducing microfiber pollution through construction and performance finishes
High tenacity, classics with a gritty look
Double-sided knits with micro brushed finish
Locked-in permanent performance
Classic rip stop in dull synthetics
Perfect compositions and fiber origins for all sectors of the textile sector
Classic 100 percent fabrics in both synthetic and natural forms
High tenacity wovens - plain weaves with mechanical stretch
Four-way stretch wovens with spandex/elastane
High compression circular and warp knits
Micro lightweight packable performance outershells
Clear communication on how to return a product to the circular economy
Target Markets
Trail running
Street running
Urban Outdoors
Travel
Camping/Hiking
Soft equipment/footwear
Textile Trend 3 Buckle up
The Mood
There is no doubt about the significant efforts that have gone into developing alternative ingredients for the sports and outdoor sectors. Innovations such as algae dyes, mushrooms, and pineapples are emerging as new sources for fibers. Citrus sources are enabling performance finishes and bio-based green chemistry, marking the beginning of a transformative era. We are exploring renewable raw materials from diverse sources, including dandelions, cactus, mushrooms, and even food waste.
This is no longer a distant dream; it is now a reality. It is time to buckle up and join this movement. Green chemistry and bio-based ingredients derived from renewable sources are non-toxic and biodegradable. This hazard-free direction benefits not only the environment but also consumers.
This distinctive, initially niche movement is gaining momentum, particularly in the realm of performance finishes, dyes, and auxiliaries typically used in the textile sector. While it may not have reached mainstream status yet, it is growing in popularity and attracting a new group of advocates who will champion this bio-based cause.
Material ingredients
Alternative ingredients from waste sources
Color chemistry and finishes - bio-based membranes and coatings.
Algae for dyeing and auxiliaries
Ambient prints - energy and water saving - biobased fixing agents
Transfer prints using organic ingredients
Bio-based dye stuffs for cellulosic and synthetic fabrics
Bio-based PFC-free and PFAS-free finishes
Second generation bio-based syntheticstransparent carbon tracking - 100% cellulosic in source
Dandelion oil/rubber
Bio-based PFC-free and PFAS-free finishes
Bio-derived dope dyed synthetics
Solvent-free adhesives
Bio-mass derived ingredients
Bio EVA foam
Biodegradable thread
Material ideas
Bio-based hybrid blends in knits and wovens
Incorporate traditional cellulosic fabrics and team with this new generation of bio-based performance
Leather-like products
Classic basics reworked with new bio-based technology
Bio-based performance - cooling, warming, antiodor
Bio-based finishes - mosquito repellency, moisture management
Mono fabrics - knits and wovens with bioperformance through finishing
Phase change materials (PCM) absorb and release heat in large quantities for the perfect personal ambient temperature
Super fine gauge knits with thermoregulating and heating technology
Bio-based transparent coatings that refract light from the surface of the fabric
Temperature regulating fabrics in knits and wovens
Trims and accessories using bio-plastic alternatives or new natural resources
Target Markets
All sports and outdoors sector will be influenced at different stages but this bio-tech
Outdoors/urban outer layers
Running and road cycling
Swing sports - tennis, golf, paddle, pickle ball
Studio fitness and active living
Active intimate apparel
Soft equipment - backpacks and sleeping bags
Textile Trend 4 Abridged
The Mood
We are focusing on engineered innovation to achieve the same level of performance as previous materials while significantly reducing weight. This trend emphasizes ingredient efficiency and performance in the final product. Using one-size fabrics promotes responsible manufacturing by eliminating the need for multiple sizes in base layers, with bio-based spandex and engineered stretch mono-fabrics playing a key role.
Bonded and clean-cut fabrics are incredibly lightweight and offer a range of performance benefits, including anti-odor properties, UV protection, and a cool touch. As temperatures continue to rise, sun protection becomes increasingly important, which can be achieved through UV-resistant fabrics or specialized finishes.
Packability is a major focus, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to carry lighter gear, making room for some additional luxuries during their excursions. Every gram matters in this sector, and thanks to today's innovative spinners, achieving the seemingly impossible has become a reality.
Material ingredients
Carbon capture polyester
Polypropylene - virgin and bio-based - the lightest yarn known, hydrophobic performance, anti-static, and new dye techniques - plus it is recyclable.
Water-based Polyethylene Terephthalate PET in nano-structures
Glossy color refraction from membranes
Hydrophobic finishes - fabric and yarn - inspired by bio-mimicry
Functional laminates
Spandex/elastane - bio and recycled and T2T
Textile-to-textile in synthetic ingredients
Printed membrane technology—anamorphic— creates a 3D surface illusion.
Nylon 6.6, for sensual touch and longevityrecycled post-consumer
Nylon 6.5 - bio-based, renewable biomass and low temperature dyeing - enhances the sustainability
Bio-based polyester with inherent stretch - perfect for lightweight mono fabrics - easier to return to the circular economy
High-tenacity micro-fine denier aramid fibers
Graphene yarns and finishes
Material ideas
Membrane-like outer layers with membrane technology
Compact weaves - nano structures with perfect surfaces - 7 denier yarns
Nanotech performance - water repellency
50g/m² is now a reality—any lighter?
The lightest wovens possible without neglecting strength and durability
Gauze-like circular knits
One size circular and warp knits - through engineering, we can eliminate multiple product sizes, as a one-size-fits-all all comes through
Clean-cut fabrics - reducing the need for additional stitching - smoother finish
3D digital printing for trims
Recyclable mono wovens - lightweight and durable - repairable
Compression warp and circular knits
Performance finishes - cool touch, moisture management, UV+, anti-odor, DWR
Anti-tear micro light ripstop
Water repellent yarns eliminate the need for DWR finishes.
Composites
Target
Markets
Back packs - ultra light - crucial for multiple sectors - travel/outdoors
Footwear - fewer components and super-light soles
Bike-packing
Outdoors - all system levels, base to outer layerdurable and packable
Intimate active
Athletics
Compression-based layers with built-in performance for running and workouts
Travel and urban outdoors - especially with packability key in these lightweight qualities.
Textile Trend 5
Aquatic
Imagine Lightweight
Dwr
Buoyancy
Circularity
Environment
The Mood
The summer season would not be the same without a strong emphasis on aquatic sports, whether in the ocean or in inland lakes. In recent years, water activities have gained popularity, particularly paddleboarding, which appeals to many for its ease and efficiency. This trend not only promotes beach-to-street activities but also encourages advanced pursuits like deep diving and ocean-related adventures.
A key factor in this movement is the collection and recycling of ocean waste to create nylon 6. Fishing nets are the primary component, but plastic waste is also collected and processed to produce new materials. The appeal lies in conveying this message to consumers; it involves emotional storytelling that resonates with them.
Furthermore, the issue of microfiber pollution is being addressed through alternative engineering and additives that enable the creation of biodegradable options, especially for synthetic materials. This trend is not solely dependent on synthetics; it also collaborates with cellulosic materials and utilizes the dyeing and fixing capabilities that algae can provide.
Material ingredients
ESSENTIAL - UV-resistant textile construction, yarns, and finishes
Anti-odor technology
Moisture management
Four-way stretch with spandex/elastane
Near-infrared warmth from the sun
Insulation made of recycled or natural materials
Clean chemistry for DWR
Microfiber eliminating additives
Ocean-waste Recycled synthetics
Virgin synthetics that are highly durable at the finest of deniers
PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent)
Hollow fiber synthetics for spring warmth
Material ideas
Natural rubber wetsuits
Neoprene-like double knits - spacer style
Lightweight ripstop with mechanical stretch
Cotton/synthetic hybrid blends - single jersey
Lyocell/bio-based synthetics blends
Circular and warp knits
Mono fabrics that are easily returned to the circular economy
High-tenacity rip-stop fabrics
Knits mimic lightweight wovens - offering enhanced comfort
Embossed surface effects and true and mock-mesh structures
Lightweight wovens for bottoms - mechanical stretch
Team knits and wovens together for enhanced engineered performance within a product
Classic twill for outer layers
Calendared finish on lightweight outer shells - a natural finish
Classic twill with a natural touch in hybrid blends
Textured knits - pique and jacquards
2.5 and 3-layer fabrics embracing bio-based synthetics and membrane technology
Target Markets
Sailing
Beach sports
Paddle boarding
Running
Trail hiking
Outdoors - beach-to-street
Travel
2028
Stay tune for the next competition.
For more information please contact stephanie.ledru@lol-marketing.com
