Knitwear Trends 2026-2027: What Buyers Are Looking for Next Season

Staying ahead of trends is essential for knitwear buyers and designers. Here are the key trends shaping the knitwear market for 2026-2027. This overview covers the key knitwear trends for the coming seasons.

Color Trends

Earthy Neutrals

Warm beiges, sand, clay, and mushroom tones continue to dominate.

Why: Consumer preference for timeless, versatile pieces
How to use: Core collection basics in these shades

Muted Pastels

Dusty pink, sage, lavender, and powder blue.

Why: Soft colors feel fresh without being trendy
How to use: Statement pieces and transitional styles

Deep Tones

Forest green, burgundy, navy, and charcoal.

Why: Replacements for black in seasonal collections
How to use: Autumn/winter hero pieces

Texture Trends

Surface Interest

Texture is replacing pattern as the main design element:

Bouclé: Looped yarn creates nubby surface
Frotté: Terry-like texture
Slub yarn: Irregular thickness creates visual texture
Chenille: Soft, velvety surface

Open Stitches

Lace, mesh, and pointelle continue trending:

Spring/summer lightweight pieces
Layering items with visible texture
Transitional pieces with seasonal versatility

Mixed Materials

Combining different yarns in one garment:

Cotton body with wool sleeves
Smooth front with textured back
Knit body with crochet trim

Silhouette Trends

Relaxed Oversized

Not slouchy, but intentionally oversized:

Dropped shoulders
Extended sleeve lengths
Roomier body without being baggy
Works for sweaters and cardigans

Cropped Proportions

Shorter lengths that work with high-waisted bottoms:

Crop sweaters ending at natural waist
Shorter cardigans
Bolero-style pieces

Long and Layered

Extended lengths for cardigans and dusters:

Hip-length and longer
Side slits for movement
Belted options for shape definition

Sustainability Trends

Traceability

Buyers want to know where and how garments are made:

QR codes linking to factory information
Certification documentation available digitally
Transparent pricing breakdowns

Circular Design

Garments designed for longevity and eventual recycling:

Monomaterial construction (easier to recycle)
Classic styles that transcend seasons
Repair programs and spare parts availability

Commercial Considerations

Pre-Book vs. In-Season

Pre-booking: Still dominant for core styles
In-season buying: Growing for trend-driven items
Mix recommendation: 70% pre-book, 30% in-season

Price Point Trends

Segment	Price Trend	Key Factor
Entry level	Stable	Competition from fast fashion
Mid-market	+5-8%	Better quality expectations
Premium	+8-12%	Sustainable materials cost

Our Trend Support

We help brands translate trends into commercial collections by providing trend analysis, yarn recommendations, and sample development aligned with market direction.

Want to discuss trends for your next collection? Contact our design team.