10 Trending Ideas For Fashion Designers in 2024

Staying ahead of fashion industry trends is essential for fashion designers looking to stay in business. While it can be difficult to predict what will be popular next, there are a few current trends that show no signs of slowing down, particularly for 2024.

As your trusted clothing supplier, we are always keeping my ears to the ground, sniffing out the hottest trends that’ll make your designs pop. Let’s dive into 10 key themes for 2024 that we have consolidated based on different inquiries.

Here are 10 trending ideas for fashion designers to consider as they plan their collections for the upcoming season in 2024.

#1. Hyperfeminine

The “Barbiecore” trend of 2023 was all about embracing the playful, vibrant aesthetic of the iconic Barbie doll. It wasn’t just about wearing pink, but about capturing the essence of Barbie’s world through fashion, lifestyle, and attitude. And that trend continues to be well beyond 2023 and looks very dominant even in 2024.

Pink, of course, is the dominant color, but not just any pink. Hot pink, bubblegum pink, and fuchsia ruled the roost, often paired with other bright and playful colors like orange, yellow, and aqua.

In terms of fashion inspiration, think of 80s and 90s nostalgia with a modern twist. Read – Puff sleeves, ruffles, lace, and sequins added with a touch of fun and flirtyness.

Mini skirts, bodycon dresses, and leggings channeled the doll’s iconic silhouette. Accessories like glittery handbags, statement earrings, and oversized sunglasses complete the look.

If you are developing a collection around this trend, we would recommend that you collate your moodboard with inspirations around ruffles, lace, and playful details! This trend calls for delicate fabrics like soft tulles, airy chiffons, and luxurious satins.

We have a fantastic selection of eco-friendly recycled polyester tulles with a beautiful drape, perfect for cascading skirts and romantic sleeves. Check out our fast fashion catalog primarily catering to this trend.

Insider Sourcing tip: Double down on pastel pink and lavender hues, the key colours for this whimsical style.

#2. Color Pop

The hyperfemine colour trend extends to overall vibrant colour trends for 2024. While neutral basics remain versatile staples, 2024 is all about adding vibrant pops of colour to refresh your designs.

This doesn’t mean head-to-toe neon, but rather strategic injections of colour to elevate basic pieces. Think of Millennial pink, an all-time favorite, remains quiet popular – offering a soft and feminine touch.

Lavender purple evokes sophistication and calmness, while canary yellow adds a burst of sunshine energy. Pistachio green provides a fresh and earthy feel, perfect for nature-inspired designs.

Our recommendation for fashion designers is to play with colour blocking for bold statements, and use colour accents like belts, scarves, or handbags to add a subtle touch. Remember when it comes of pop colours – colour psychology plays a very important role, so consider the emotions that you want to evoke with your palette choices.

Ready to add vibrancy to your collections? We’ve got you covered!

Our color experts predict millennial pink’s continued reign, but keep an eye on rising stars like lavender purple and canary yellow. For a fresh, earthy feel, pistachio green is taking off. We offer these colours in a variety of sustainable fabrics like Tencel and organic cotton, ensuring your designs are both vibrant and eco-friendly.

Insider Sourcing tip: Consider colour blocking techniques – pair bold hues like canary yellow with calming lavender for a statement piece.

#3. Sustainable Fabrics

Consumers are increasingly growing eco-conscious, demanding clothing produced with respect for the environment. This is not a specific trend for 2024, it is fairly an old trend but it is becoming mainstream with each passing year.

We recommend that you – as a fashion designer embrace this trend by incorporating sustainable fabrics into your designs.

We suggest using recycled materials like polyester made from plastic bottles or nylon from fishing nets.

We offer a wide range of certified sustainable fabrics like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and hemp. Our recycled polyester knits are perfect for comfy joggers and relaxed tees, while organic cotton poplins lend themselves to crisp shirtdresses and flowy skirts. Organic cotton offers a softer, eco-friendly alternative to conventional cotton, particularly if you are building up collections in kids or baby wear.

Hemp, another sustainable fabric is known for its durability and fast-growing nature, is also gaining traction, so you may want to consider Hemp. For a unique touch, explore hemp twills – perfect for adding texture and durability to your designs.

Tencel, derived from wood pulp, offers a silky texture and is biodegradable. By using sustainable fabrics, you not only appeal to environmentally conscious consumers but also contribute to a greener fashion industry.

Insider Sourcing tip: Getting certified manufacturers produce sustainable collection is not cheap. If you are building up a clothing brand in sustainability space, we recommend that you highlight the sustainable aspects of your garments clearly. Your consumers will appreciate transparency and are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly choices. Here is a list of our available certifications.

#4. Gender-Fluid Fashion

Gender fluid fashion is not really a trend. It has always been there in one form or another but with inclusivity being a key – gender-fluid fashion is going mainstream. From Coco Chanel blurring lines with tailored suits to Marlene Dietrich rocking tuxedos on screen, fashion became a tool for individual expression, defying gender limitations.

Celebrities like Harry Styles and Jaden Smith are embracing fluidity and designers are showcasing genderless collections at every major fashion event, and what more – even retailers offer inclusive sizing and styles.

So what are you waiting for? Break free from traditional gender norms!

Design garments that transcend the limitations of “menswear” and “womenswear” and embrace inclusivity. Think silhouettes that are relaxed and loose-fitting, allowing individuals of any gender identity to express themselves freely.

Opt for neutral colour palettes and avoid overly feminine or masculine details. Play with androgyny through sharp tailoring in blazers and trousers, or create flowing silhouettes with dresses and skirts. Remember, clothing should be about self-expression, not about adhering to outdated gender constructs.

If you are developing a genderless collection, we’re proud to offer fabrics and trims that support your vision for gender-fluid designs. Our selection of unisex jersey knits comes in a variety of weights and colours, perfect for creating comfortable and versatile pieces like oversized tees and relaxed-fit trousers. Explore our gender-neutral button closures and trims to eliminate traditional associations with “masculine” and “feminine” details.

Insider Sourcing tip: Think beyond the typical colour palette – experiment with bold prints and patterns that celebrate individuality.

#5. Sleeves

Sleeves are back and they are stealing the show in 2024!

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with a range of fabrics ideal for creating dramatic puffs, voluminous bells, and playful ruffles. Our lightweight organzas are perfect for creating structured puff sleeves that stand out, while our drapey rayons are ideal for flowing bell sleeves with a vintage feel. Bell sleeves infact, offer a more relaxed and vintage-inspired feel, while statement ruffles add texture and movement.

Experiment with different sleeve lengths and materials to create unique silhouettes. Bold sleeves work well with simpler garments, allowing the sleeve to be the star of the show. Don’t shy away from colour and pattern choices in your sleeves to further enhance their impact.

And don’t forget playful ruffles – our pre-gathered tulle trims come in various colours and widths, adding instant drama to any garment. Insider Sourcing tip: Consider offering interchangeable sleeve options for added versatility and customisation.

#6. Comfort & Leisurewear:

The athleisure trend continues to reign supreme, but with a focus on comfort and everyday wearability. Work from home trend is dominant. People are not coming to work even when the Covid restrictions are not around. Shared office space companies like WeWork and other commercial real estate companies are feeling the heat, then you as a fashion designer should take a note of these underlying currents.

The concept of comfort and leisurewear is now moving beyond traditional gym wear. We recommend that you design joggers, sweatshirts, and other cozy pieces that are comfortable and yet still stylish enough for everyday activities.

You should ppt for soft, breathable fabrics like fleece and terry cloth, and incorporate trendy details like tie-dye prints, relaxed silhouettes, and cropped lengths. Consider adding functional elements like pockets and hidden zippers for added convenience. Perhaps have the pocket large enough to fit an iPhone.

This trend of comfort and leisurewear speaks to our desire for comfortable clothing that still makes us look and feel good, perfect for running errands, lounging at home, or even working remotely and it is not going out of trend anytime soon.

#7. Tech-Enabled Clothing:

The future is here! Explore the exciting world of smart fabrics by incorporating technology into your designs.

Fabrics with integrated heating elements can provide warmth on chilly days, while cooling fabrics can regulate body temperature during exercise. Imagine jackets that charge your phone or dresses that track your fitness activity. With advancements in technology, the possibilities are endless.

Partner with tech companies or fabric developers to explore integrating innovative features into your designs. Remember, tech-enabled clothing should not only be functional but also stylish and seamlessly integrated into the garment’s design. We have an entire section dedicated to discussing What is Digital Fashion.

#8. Personalization:

If Tiktok and Shein has demonstrated anything today is – personalisation at Scale. In today’s world, individuality reigns supreme. And every platform algorithm is customised uniquely at a very granular level of individual preferences.

For too long, fashion remained one-size fits all industry and we are seeing massive shifts in consumer behaviour and the flood gates for mass personalisation is now open. Every platform, whether it is Youtube, instagram, Tiktok, Amazon or even Google – each platform is evolving to serve the needs of individual taste at mass scale and as a fashion designer, you must think along similar lines.

Consumers are looking for clothes that reflect their unique style and personality. You could offer customisation options like embroidery, monogramming, or adjustable features. We recommend that you consider creating made-to-order pieces where customers can choose specific details like fabric, color, and fit. If you are looking to build capsule collections with small MOQs, our Quick launch program could be a great fit.

This trend caters to the growing desire for self-expression and allows customers to truly own their clothing choices. Partner with clothing suppliers and platforms like Hula Global that offer customization tools or explore hosting in-person customization events to engage your customers directly.

#9. Vintage Inspiration

The past is always in style, but with a modern twist!

The past is always present, especially in fashion! Incorporating vintage inspiration allows you to create unique and timeless pieces that resonate with modern audiences. Here’s how to navigate this trend in 2024 –

• Focus on Details : Don’t limit yourself to entire eras. Borrow specific details like puff sleeves from the Renaissance, ruffles from the Victorians, or embroidery from the Edwardian era.
• Sustainable Revival: Upcycle vintage clothing or source deadstock fabric to breathe new life into old pieces while minimizing environmental impact.
• Modern Mashups: Mix and match vintage elements with contemporary trends. Pair a vintage floral dress with chunky sneakers or a classic blazer with modern denim.
• Cultural Inspiration: Explore vintage styles from diverse cultures, like the vibrant kimono, the elegant sari, or the flowing djellaba. Be mindful of cultural appropriation and collaborate with artisans for authentic expression.

Remember

• Research & Respect: It is important to understand the historical context of vintage styles before incorporating them. You should avoid stereotypes and cultural appropriation.
• Sustainability: Opt for eco-friendly fabrics and up-cycling opportunities to align with conscious consumer values. Work with ethical suppliers like Hula Global, who are certified, transparent and honest about the details.
• Uniqueness: Don’t simply copy & paste from the past. Bring in your own perspective, inject your personal style and reinterpret vintage elements for a contemporary audience. Remember, fashion is an art and you – as a fashion designer is an artist. It would be entirely up to you to bring uniqueness to vintage collections.

We offer a variety of fabrics with a vintage feel, like lightweight chambrays for denim jackets with a 70s vibe or floral Liberty Tana Lawn prints for romantic dresses reminiscent of the Victorian era.

Explore our selection of vintage-inspired buttons and trims to complete the look. Sourcing tip: Choose sustainable materials with a vintage aesthetic. Here is a link to our catalog.

#10. Cultural Influences

We are increasing living in a connected world. It is important that you embrace the world’s diverse cultures and weave their vibrant stories into your designs!

At Hula Global, we offer a selection of ethically sourced fabrics and trims inspired by various cultures, allowing you to celebrate their unique beauty without appropriation.

Explore vibrant African prints like Ankara wax fabrics, perfect for statement dresses and skirts. Channel the timeless elegance of Japanese kimonos with our selection of silky satins and delicate brocades. Add a touch of Indian flair with intricate embroidery trims inspired by traditional sarees.

Insider Sourcing tip: Partner with artisans and local suppliers from different cultures to ensure authenticity and responsible sourcing. Be mindful of cultural sensitivity and avoid appropriation by collaborating with communities and respecting their artistic heritage.

Remember, incorporating cultural influences requires respect and understanding. Always research properly, collaborate with local communities, and credit your inspiration sources. Together, we can celebrate the beauty of diverse cultures and create truly unique and meaningful designs.

Conclusion

If you’re a fashion designer, it can be difficult to keep up with all of the trends in the apparel and fashion industry. From new fabric textures and styles to emerging markets that are developing into major hubs for designers. You need a team that knows what’s going on every step of the way if you want your designs to stay ahead of the curve.

Thankfully, Hula Global is here! We have been working in this space since 2014 and know everything there is about how changes happen in design from season to season. Contact us today so we can hear more about your goals and help make them happen with innovative fashion ideas!

Read also:

• How Do You Start A High-End Clothing Line?
• Why It Is Important to Know the Cost of the Your Clothing Vendors