German textile trade show Munich Fabric Start, held Jan. 23-25, was home to approximately 1,000 companies from the apparel supply chain, including trim manufacturers. To help designers navigate the wide range of buttons, zippers, ribbons, appliqués and labeling solutions, the trade show curated four trend directions for Spring/Summer 2025 trims.
In addition to fashion trends, the four themes are being driven by external factors like climate change and technology, and how they’re impacting consumers’ mindsets.
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Here’s a closer look at what’s next in the trims category.
Subtle Calm
The acceleration of technology coupled with feelings of exhaustion and overwhelmingness are driving consumers toward products that bring them a sense of calm and simplicity. In Sublime Craft, trims have taken on a clean and unstated appearance to help soothe the mind.
Traditional craft techniques like crochet and braiding mix with natural wood and stone textures. Metallic finishes in the silver and gold families are light and bright as well. They add subtle luster to buckle and buttons, while metallic threads enhance the richness of brocade ribbons. High-shine silver cords and matte silver patches simultaneously contrast and complement one another.
Sensual Mind
Consumers’ yearning for safety, security and holistic well-being is ushering in demand for soft and comforting products.
In Sensual Mind, trims with organic shapes and soft 3D surfaces take precedence over bold novelties. Reverse weaves, linen-like textures and nubby tweeds add a comforting tactile aspect to items like ribbons, labels and ppliqués.
There’s also a girlish quality to trims that speaks to the viral coquette aesthetic. Here, bows, gingham check, lace and rose motifs add an innocent and uplifting vibe. Soft shades of pink are contrasted with bold shades of retro red.
Provincity
The line between urban and rural blurs in Provincity. The theme speaks to consumers’ desire for the country’s open spaces, family-oriented neighborhoods and nature as well as cities’ cultural diversity and mobility.
This want is reflected in trims with minimal lines and natural colorways. Suede is used to create gritty patches, buttons have a marbling effect and ribbons pull design references from folk art.
Joy Inside
Trims are less serious in Joy Inside, a theme that celebrates optimism and creativity.
Graphic scribbles, batik effects, florals and blurred abstractions add energy to trims. Clashing colors are combined in gradients. Patches feature colorful animal illustrations. There’s also a playful approach to surfaces. Chunky chains have a matte and powdery touch. Translucent tape frame pastel zippers and buttons have a gummy-like texture.
