Top fashion trends for 2026: A look into the Future
With a combination of predicted data from Heuritech for Spring/Summer 2026, insights from a fashion analyst, and inspiration drawn from SS26 runway shows, we can identify the top 10 forecasted key trends expected to make waves in upcoming seasons.
Top Trends of 2026
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Dots
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Brut Denim
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Romantic Fabrics
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Variations of Checked
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Moccasins
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Alternative Animal Prints
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Creamy Yellow
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Ruffles & Bubble-Hem
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Purple Hues
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The New Raw
Heuritech's approach to trend forecasting
At Heuritech, our trend forecasting methodology harnesses the power of advanced artificial intelligence and data analytics. We utilize state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms to scrutinize extensive visual data from social media platforms. By detecting patterns and shifts in consumer behavior, we deliver real-time insights into emerging trends. Our approach melds the quantitative precision of data science with the qualitative insights of fashion industry experts, ensuring forecasts that are both accurate and actionable. This comprehensive methodology empowers brands to stay ahead of market trends and tailor their strategies to current consumer preferences, fostering innovation and growth in the fashion industry.
Small Dots, Big Dots, Dotted. Dots, Dots, Dots.
By balancing playfulness and sophistication, this print adds visual interest without overwhelming an outfit. It feels retro and whimsical at the same time as it feels modern and minimalist, depending on scale and color. Big Dots in Europe is forecasted to grow by +55% in visibility during SS26 compared to the year before, and in the US by +33%. Among women in Europe, Big Dot Dresses (+80%) and Dotted skirts (+47%) are trending in especially midi lengths, the lady-like length that incorporates playfulness with the dotted print.
During this season SS26 Fashion Week, designers presented collections featuring dots in various colors and forms. The list of brands that incorporated them on the runway is long, from Altuzarra, Khaite, and Nina Ricci to Junya Watanabe, MM6, and Jean Paul Gaultier.
2. Raw Authenticity in Brut Denim
Unwashed and untreated, this denim is all about authenticity, with no distressing, no fades, just pure, stiff cotton in its most natural state. The brut denim is seen on baggy jeans, jackets and mostly visible in city looks among both genders. One trend spotted on social media is styling Brut denim pants with a matching jacket. A head-to-toe raw brut denim look, featuring coordinated jeans and jackets, is circulating widely around the world. Among women, a more fitted denim jacket (+5%, EU) is gaining popularity, especially in combination with a paired of Flared Bootcut Jeans (+2%, EU). Looking into world wide data, this fabric is projected to boost visibility by +6% among women and +3% among men. It is considered a rising star with a big magnitude among trendy and edgy consumers.
On the SS26 runway, brands as Casablanca, Givenchy, Dior and Zimmerman all included the denim fabric in their collection. Not only that, the fabric showed a +200% growth in visibility on the runway compared to SS25 fashion weeks.
3. Romantic Fabrics
Lace maxi skirts, satin skirts with lace trims, flowy lace pants, and lace stockings are set to be standout pieces in women’s wardrobes in 2026. Forecasts indicate strong growth for lace skirts, with an expected +20% increase in the EU and +13% in the US, reflecting rising consumer interest in romantic and feminine silhouettes.
Pairing a midi lace skirt with an oversized pullover in a modern pastel shade like vanilla yellow or layering it under a relaxed basic oversized tee, creating a balance between delicate textures and a casual, yet romantic style. For the EU during SS26, plain skirts in delicate fabrics such as Fine Lace (+10%) and See-Through (+5%) will emerge. These pieces highlight subtle femininity and sensuality without overpowering the look.
4. Variations of Checked
Checked prints are often associated with Fall/Winter, but seasonal dressing is fading, and for SS26 we can see all kinds of variations of checked patterns growing in visibility. For both men and women in Europe, gingham is forecasted to grow by +17% and +31%, respectively. It has been spotted on everything from swimwear and short-sleeve shirts to boxers.
In the US, it also shows strong growth, with +22% for women and +4% for men.
Other variations of checks, such as Prince of Wales (+19%) and Windowpane checks (+13%) for women in the EU), are also forecasted to grow. These are appearing in styling with layering, midi-length skirts, and thinner fitted jackets.
5. Slipping into Moccasins
Loafers, boatshoes and moccasins have long been a stable choice for shoes and the past year it has tapped into the Edgy market. Miu Miu made boat loafers among women desirable and the rise of suede and Bohemian references as for example moccasins, have grown steadily over the past year, thanks to Kamali at Chloé and Isabel Marant’s runway influence. During the summer months of 2025, this shoe type grew +40% among women, and its visibility is expected to remain stable in 2026. Among men, it is estimated to grow +7% in the EU and is considered a consistent riser.
6. Alternative Animal Prints
If leopard print made its mark in 2024–2025, 2026 is set to welcome a new wave of animal-inspired patterns.
Zebra stripes are poised to steal the spotlight, with projected growth of +21% in the EU and +17% in the US for Spring 2026, especially resonating with the 26–35 age group. Dresses will be their canvas of choice, forecasted to rise by +25% across both regions.
The dotted print previously mentioned may also draw inspiration from Dalmatian patterns. Additionally, both snake and crocodile prints are projected to achieve +22% growth in the EU over this period. Finally, among women in the US, Cow Print will be an IT-print with a forecasted growth of +87% during SS26.
7. Creamy Yellow
Color trends like Vanilla Yellow and Popcorn Yellow are rising fast because they strike that perfect balance between a hue that’s not too much and not too little. Both Vanilla Yellow and Popcorn Yellow are estimated to increase +22% among women in Europe during Spring 2026, and +8% and +10%, respectively, during the same period in the US. It’s almost a fresh take on a new neutral that works well on everything from bridesmaids’ dresses to activewear. Vanilla Yellow Dresses are estimated to grow by +23% during SS26, with a big magnitude among women in Europe. For men, these shades may be subtler, yet they show steady growth in popularity: +10% for Popcorn Yellow and +7% for Vanilla Yellow across Europe. These colors are most commonly seen on college-style sweaters and short-sleeve shirts.
8. Ruffles & Bubble-Hem
During the spring season in both the EU and the US, tiered ruffle skirts are making a strong comeback among trendy consumers, with forecasted growth of +20% in the EU and +17% in the US. Alongside this, draped skirts and bounce bubble hems are also gaining popularity, appearing not only on skirts but increasingly on sarouel pants as well.
These trends are most commonly seen on optical white skirts, which are expected to grow by +14%, and low-waist styles, with a projected increase of +17%. Overall, the emphasis is on playful volume, movement, and a light, airy aesthetic that resonates strongly with the spring wardrobe.
9. Purple Hues
The color purple is estimated to influence the year of 2026, ranging from rich almost burgundy tones to airy, luminous lilacs.
Regardless if it’s for a chic city stroll in New York, adding elegance to runways in Paris and Milan, or infusing spiritual depth and vibrancy into cultural celebrations such as Ramadan, the color adds a playful elegance to any look.
For womenswear in SS26, shades like Plum and Muted Berry (a grey-purple tone) are projected to grow by +10% in the EU. In the US it is expected to see visibility gains from other hues, with Mauve (+2%) and Sangria Purple (+5%) leading the forecast.
For menswear, purple also signals growing relevance. Hues such as Eggplant and Vivid Purple are forecasted to grow by +7% and +5% respectively in the EU.
The rise of purple illustrates a wider movement toward individuality, spirituality, and emotional expression.
10. The New Raw
Practicality meets city-ready style in a wardrobe designed for modern urban living. Minimalism is elevated through smart outdoor pieces, timeless basics, and a palette of green and yellow hues. This aesthetic celebrates thoughtful layering, versatile outerwear, and the freedom for personal expression, allowing each piece to serve multiple purposes while maintaining a sleek, polished look. As urban lifestyles shift, more people are embracing cycling, not only for its environmental benefits but also for the convenience and efficiency it brings to city mobility. Coupled with a growing economic emphasis on investing in quality, long-lasting garments and garments that are practical yet stylish.
This is reflected in nature-inspired color palettes, with particularly shades of green which are emerging as key tones for the season. Pea Green (+13%), Pickled Green (+6%) and Dusty Green (+4%) are some of the green hues we can expect to see more of in 2026 in both ready to wear and active wear. Adaptable and stylish pieces as Thong Sandals with a growth of +49% during SS26 among women in the EU and +11% in the US. Among men in the EU, it's forecasted to grow by +15%.
In spring, the fabric Opaque Rainproof is growing by +12% in the EU and +6% in the US among women. It is expected to appear on monochrome windbreakers with funnel necks, styled either with a skirt or palazzo pants (+37%) in a balloon-draped hem for a chic city look, or paired with mini cycling shorts (+16%), tube socks, and yellow-green sneakers (+20%) for a cool, sporty vibe. As urban living evolves, the wardrobe of 2026 reflects a balance of innovation and timeless design with pieces that transition from city streets to active lifestyles.
Stay Ahead of 2026 Fashion Trends with Heuritech's AI-Powered Insights
As the fashion industry accelerates its pace season after season, brands and manufacturers face an increasingly complex challenge: anticipating what consumers will want before they even know it themselves. From the runways of PFW to the streets of Shanghai, fashion week presentations by designers like Chanel, Prada, Dior, and Bottega Veneta offer creative inspiration, but translating these bold visions into commercially successful collections requires more than intuition.
Heuritech empowers brands to bridge this gap between runway aesthetic and market reality. While luxury houses like Miu Miu, Loewe, Fendi, and Versace debut their latest silhouettes, and established names including Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren refine their classic signatures, our AI technology analyzes millions of consumer signals in real-time. This data-driven approach reveals which runway trends from the leather bags featured at multiple shows to the bold color palettes brought to life by creative directors will actually resonate with shoppers in the coming summer or beyond.
Whether you're planning next season's collection or fine-tuning your current offerings, Heuritech's predictive analytics help you make confident decisions. Instead of producing pieces that may end up as unsold inventory, you can invest in the trends, silhouettes, and aesthetics that our AI forecasts will capture consumer attention. In an industry where timing is everything and margins are increasingly tight, being ahead of the curve isn't just an advantage, it's essential.
