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When it comes to fashion design, the type of fabric plays a huge role in the silhouette of the overall outfit. Before you get down to business in buying fabric for your fashion line, it helps to know what fabrics are in trend these days.
No matter if you're an aspiring fashion designer, current dressmaker, or a student taking up sewing classes, this article may just come in handy for you! Here’s a round-up of the current fabrics trends today, to help you decide on your choice of material for your next collection:
If you are looking for something breathable and versatile
Lately, we are seeing a lot of popular fashion brands introduce linen into their summer collections. This soft, breathable fabric was formerly only used for home furnishing and bedsheets. However, it has grown in popularity since the early 1990s to become a summer holiday staple. Linen clothes are a must especially in Singapore, where it’s summer all year round. After all, it has the ability to effectively absorb perspiration and wick away moisture from your body!
When it comes to versatility, linen is second to none. It’s no wonder this fabric is loved by both men and women. From shirts and dresses to pants, there’s something for everyone. Because of its lightweight and breathable nature, linen clothing is also ideal for loungewear. For those working from home, your linen loungewear can easily double up as your work-from-home outfit in the day.
The choice for elegance and luxury
Satin is a popular choice amongst dressmakers as the satin weave creates a beautiful drape with its elastic, shiny, and soft features. It’s a crowd favourite especially for evening affairs, as it adds a luxurious and elegant touch to the look. Satin was once one of the most expensive textiles to produce, and it wasn't until the late 1800s that it became popular for undergarments and slips due to its smooth texture.
It's no surprise that satin has become a wardrobe staple these days. Although satin has been thought of as a night-time option, it can be worn during the day as well. The fluidity of this fabric makes it a very popular choice amongst dressmakers and fashion designers today.
For a touch of sophistication to elevate your look
More people are appreciating outerwear made from suede even though this fabric isn’t exactly shaping up to be the most practical of outerwear materials. Suede isn’t exactly the lightest material and is not prone to water stains, but people are still drawn to suede clothing due to its classy look and versatility. Simply throw on a well-fitted suede jacket and it can easily elevate your most basic outfit!
The suede fabric has been in style since the 1960s, and it is made from the underside of animal hide. It is mostly popular for fashion items such as jackets and shoes. However, if you’re enrolling yourself in a jacket-making course, don't stop yourself from experimenting with constructing something made of suede such as a suede bomber jacket! It will definitely be a value-added wardrobe piece, effortlessly adding sophistication to your outfit!
For a handcrafted and modest touch
In a world where fast-fashion brands are churning out a myriad of identical garments in a matter of days, it’s no wonder that handcrafted products with a more modest feel are becoming more valuable. Those who are in the sustainable fashion sphere will know that the crochet trend has been picking up and evolving each day. Crocheting, like knitting, is a method of making fabric by interlocking strands of yarn until they create a textile.
In the past, the art of crocheting may have been associated with an elderly lady on a rocking chair crocheting sweaters and scarfs for her grandchildren. However, the version of crocheted outfits displayed by fashion brands nowadays has a sensual appeal, taking the form of skin-baring crop tops and lace-like dresses. If you're intending to experiment with crochet, we've found a website for you with some free patterns that you can explore!
You can also take a look at how big fashion brands like Fendi and Bottega Veneta are introducing crochet into their spring/summer collections for some added inspiration!
A classic statement textile that does not compromise style
As a durable, wrinkle-resistant textile, leather has a range of styles and textures depending on the animal, grade, and treatment. (If you're interested to know more about the different types of leather read our blogpost on leather-making!)
Leather combines functionality and style together, as it provides warmth and comfort without compromising style. However, with more people adopting sustainable lifestyles and progressively abandoning animal leather, many fashion brands are turning to 'vegan leather'. As an aspiring fashion designer in a sustainability-focused future, it is good to also start championing leather alternatives.
If you're someone that is interested in working with leather, check out some of our leather-making courses such as our bag-making courses or footwear courses!
Because the fashion industry moves so quickly, it’s important to stay on top of the latest fabric trends. A good designer or dressmaker knows which fabric works best for each outfit, and the choice of a good fabric contributes greatly to the overall experience. We hope that this article has helped you a little in understanding some of the latest trends!
Aspiring fashion designers and dressmakers who are interested in taking up sewing courses at TaF.tc, look forward to being trained under the guidance of our professional trainers. As a Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre, we are dedicated to equipping our students with proper alteration techniques, pattern drafting and other useful skills required in the fashion industry. Find out more about TaF.tc’s course today!
