Fashion Trends After Pandemic: What’s Hot?
26.11.2021Fashion has always been a reflection of the times. Many in the industry see parallels between the Covid-19 pandemic and changes in fashion trends following the second world war. Dior’s “New Look” was born out of the postwar period. Designers and consumers back home in 40s were able to be creative with the resources available.
The similarities between fashion and clothing are striking today, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. Fashion trends are changing and upcycling as well as repurposing are gaining popularity.
This is because different regions have had to experience the pandemic in a different way. Fashion trends will change as the world emerges slowly from global quarantine. In the months ahead, consumers in Europe, America, and China will gravitate to different trends. So what can we say about fashion trends?
Predictions for Europe and the USA: Top confinement fashion is sporty comfort
Many people found that they had more time in the day and were able to change their routines to adjust to their quarantine life. Many people have turned to home exercise during confinement.
Mrs. Sweendog, a fitness influencer, has taken to posting daily workouts on her Instagram Stories
Zoom workouts are offered by big brands like Under Armour.
This healthy movement is actively promoted by Instagram users: According to Instagram analysis 1 in 4 #covid19 posts relate to a healthy lifestyle while in confinement. Activewear has seen a surge in popularity among American consumers.
The trend for leggings is often seen, and they are expected to continue their steady behavior in the summer. Like leggings and cycling shorts, it is also in fashion. The US is expecting a 12% increase in the number of cycling shorts as summer nears.
However, not everyone becomes an athlete while in ‘prison’ — others choose to relax and enjoy this time. Loungewear has been created to help people relax through meditation, yoga or just plain lying around. People are searching for practical and comfortable clothes. High quality in soft and comfortable fabrics.
As part of the healthy self-care movement, certain pieces of clothing are in fashion. Net-a-Porter saw a 40% increase in sales of track pants within the first week of lockdown. Track pants are a fashion trend that is growing in popularity.
There are also other classic comfort items that are in fashion. Sweatshorts are another popular trend. This is likely due to the weather and the need for comfort while staying in. The US is seeing a 9% increase in sweatshirts compared to last year. They are also a solid core product that can be added to any collection. The most popular colors for sweatshirts and shorts are neutrals like greys and soft pastels.
People are finally craving soft, cozy fabrics.
1. Traditionally, teddy textures are more prominent in outerwear. However, they are increasingly being used in loungewear pieces, such as full sets, during confinement.
2. Ribbed knit will also be a hot trend in the US this season, often in pyjama-like pieces like tank tops or pants.
3. Velvet, another soft and comfortable fabric, is a popular choice for confinement. Analysis shows that velvet will remain stable in Europe, and increase by 13% in America for 2022. This is a remarkable increase considering summer is usually its lowest season.
Europe and the USA: Romantic minimalism is a key trend in fashion during and after the pandemic
Consumers in Europe and the US have been embracing minimalistic, romantic pieces that incorporate some aspects of sporty comfort. This trend continues into Spring and Summer. This style reflects the caution that many West consumers feel towards the post-Covid period. But more importantly, it expresses a latent hope: these vernal fashion trends serve to remind us that life is a process.
- Pastels, which are a color that is very similar to Easter, will be in fashion in the next months. These colors echo the tranquility of meditation and spring picnics, once people are permitted to go outside again.
- Grey is also a big trend. It’s a great color choice for the sunny season of Spring and Summer but it’s also a good color choice for the “rainy days” consumers who have been spending inside.
- Post-confinement customers will wear earth tones in the same category as neutral tones. We noted this earlier this year during FW21 Fashion Month.
- Beige: The color will see an 8.8% increase in Europe this summer, with tops and outerwear the most in demand.
- Khaki: The popularity of this color will also increase compared to the Summer 2021. It is expected that it will see a 5% increase in Europe and a 15% rise in the US. Khaki is the most fashionable color for outerwear and dresses.
European and American customers will be sporting their spring excitement, not just neutral, minimalist clothing. There is nothing that says spring like floral and flowing fabrics and post-Covid will be full of them.
Floral maxi dresses, which are perfect for outdoor brunches or leisurely afternoons, will be in fashion for the next few months. Even though they are not only floral, ditsy dresses will be a popular choice for picnics in parks as more people choose to use green spaces instead of restaurants and stores. This summer, the European ditsy print rose by 21% compared to last year.
The following trends are also indicative of a feminine, soft aesthetic:
- Puff sleeves: This trend is most prominent on dresses.
- Loose fittings: People will not be letting go of their confinement clothing. Loose fittings will look stylish with flowing, supple fabrics in a range of garments, including tops and trousers.
China forecast: Optimism is translated to the top post-Covid trends
While Americans and European consumers are making the transition from being in confinement to freedom, Chinese consumers are already showing signs of post-Covid trends. The lockdown is almost over, and statistics show that the average Chinese consumer is keen to resume pre-pandemic consumption.
This phenomenon is known as “revenge shopping” because people go back to the shops after months of confinement and buy clothes to flaunt their looks on the streets.
It is no secret that consumers spend significantly more time on social networks during confinement than ever before. This has led to them being more exposed and more open to their favorite influencers. In the next few months, young Chinese consumers will display large or repeated logos that were often inspired by KOLs. Brand pride is not expressed more strongly than obvious logos. The most popular design elements are large, bold text on clothing.
The trend for sequins is also a celebration. And what’s more worthy than the end to this pandemic? This trend will be especially popular for dresses, possibly to celebrate nights out after months of confinement.
Bright colors will be a big statement, reflecting the eagerness of many Chinese customers during this time.
- Yellow
- Red
- Orange
- Fluorescents are another color that will be popular in China this summer. Fluorescents will be a hot trend in the months ahead, whether it’s on jackets, pants or maxi dresses, or shoes.
Bold logos, bright colors, and dazzling sequins are all great ways to convey a positive change in your mind. This summer will see bold trends and optimistic looks on the streets and social media.
Social media analysis methodology was able to predict the buzzing trends for this summer.
Consumers in the US and Europe: This summer, consumers will wear their heart on their sleeves. Activewear and loungewear are popular among the hopeful and cautiously optimistic European and American consumers. Many of these people will transform sporty comfort into romantic minimalism after confinement. They’ll wear loose, comfortable vernal clothes that are soft and easy to move in, so they can spend more time with their friends.
Chinese consumers: Chinese consumers are almost all free from confinement across the pond in China. Their clothes won’t conceal their excitement this summer. Chinese consumers will be displaying bold textures and colors as a sign of celebration after confinement.