Print and pattern trends expand on the basic theme of spring/summer 2023, namely the emphasis on ecological or social issues. Upcycling and crafting are making inroads into print, with a focus on recycling and reusing patterned materials to create new, modern motifs. Nature is celebrated as humble plants serve as inspiration for contemporary florals, while bold, haunting graphic statements bring personal and social causes to the fore.
Trendstop brings FashionUnited readers a first look at the key print and graphic trends hitting the Spring Summer 2023 menswear runways.
Upcycled 3D craftsmanship
Prints get a three-dimensional makeover as designers get creative with printed patches and found objects that are reused on garments. Bold stripes and checks are overlaid with contrasting cartoon graphics or colorful illustrations of household items for a print-on-print relief effect that creates excitement with its mix of classic patterns and youthful-urban motifs. Crocheted pieces repurposed into bags add a pop of color and a touch of the handmade to simple garments.
Say it with meadow flowers
Botanical prints take inspiration from nature, eschewing greenhouse flowers in favor of translating the beauty of wild flowers into clear, bold prints. Unexpected, usually overlooked botanicals like dandelions take center stage and sunny yellow blooms with a photorealistic or graphic quality are placed with care on plain sweatshirts, t-shirts and knitwear. Contrasting backgrounds offer a contemporary, gender-neutral take on floral motifs.
Simplified social statements
At a time of social change and a new wave of protest movements, graphic statements on clothing are rediscovering their voice. Simple, bold, one-word prints are placed on the front and back of t-shirts and outerwear in exaggerated proportions for maximum impact. Vertical placements allow for even bigger statements on long garments, while high-contrast backgrounds enhance oversized lettering.
Exclusive offer
FashionUnited readers can get free access to Trendstop’s Spring Summer 2021 Key Print Directions. Just click on the banner to get your free report.
Trendstop.com is one of the world’s leading trend forecasting agencies for fashion and creative professionals, known for their insightful trend analysis and forecasting. Customers include H&M, Primark, Forever21, Zalando, Geox, Evisu, Hugo Boss, L’Oreal and MTV.