April 13, 2023

Surface pattern design trends for 2023

Theren Moodley
Theren Moodley
Co-Founder
A decade's worth of fashion experience across; product design, development, sourcing & logistics

We may be almost 1/4 of the way through this year, but it’s never to late to have a refresh on the latest surface pattern design trends for 2023, and how to incorporate them into your designs.

Focusing on textiles and fabrics, we’ll run-through both the actual surface pattern design trends for 2023, and also some recommended textiles they work well with.

As we’re coming up to the summer months, with fall not long after, we’ll put on focus on surface pattern trends and materials for those seasons.

In summary:

  • Bold Geometric - Big bold geometric shapes that were hot in 2023, continue to be trending in surface pattern design in 2023
  • Monochromatic - Mono serene colors like earthy greens, muted blues and pale yellows are in a stark contrast to the bright, bold hues of 2022
  • Retro Inspiration - Retro vibes have been around for a while and show no sign of disappearing. A surface pattern design trend to watch in 2023
  • Nature - Plants, florals, and in particular trees. A surface pattern design trend we saw a lot of in 2022 will continue into 2023
  • Mismatched - A mix of patterns and textures will be trending for textiles, and this trend has also moved over into print patterns
  • Animal - Leopard print in particular will be a surface pattern design trend we will see a lot of in on our shelves for SS23

For both in-depth content on the hottest fabrics for SS23, checkout our other two blogs on the topic.

Let’s dive right in 👇🏾

Surface Pattern Design Trend 1 - Bold Geometric

Inspired by the art deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s bold geometric shapes, colors and patterns have been in our minds for a while.

Way before they became a surface pattern design trend for 2023.

Strong lines, sharp angles, and bright, contrasting primary colors like orange, yellow and blue.

Bold shapes and statements seem to be the norm these days and print pattern designers will have the whole universe to play with to incorporate this trend in their designs for 2023.

For Summer, expect this surface pattern design trend for 2023 to appear on light, wearable  fabric compositions.

Compositions like cotton , silk or polyester will all be key components carrying this surface pattern design trend of 2023.

For summer 2023 you’ll naturally see this surface pattern trend on dresses, skirts, and blouses.

Bold geometric surface design trends for 2023
Bold geometric surface design trends for 2023

Surface Pattern Design Trend 2 - Monochromatic

In a polar opposite to the bold geometric surface design trends for 2023, monochromatic colors will add some balance to wardrobes and fabrics this year.

Neutral hues, earthy tones and paler colors will provide some subtlety in the cooler months of the year.

Think earthy greens, muted blues and paler yellows for as some key color surface pattern design trends for 2023.

[Ying and yang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yin_and_yang#:~:text=Yin and yang (%2Fjɪ,formed into objects and lives.).

Because design is all about balance, right?

In Spring and Fall expect these hues on natural fabrics such as cotton and wool.

And on jackets, jumpers and long pants.

Surface Pattern Design Trend 3 - Retro Inspiration

A trend that appears to be have been around for a while, this surface pattern design trend shows no sign of slowing down for 2023.

Sparked by a neo-70s revival from the Quentin Tarantino’s “Once a upon a time in Hollywood”, expect this surface pattern design trend for 2023 to contain hues of mustard, orange and tan.

Lookout for faded, aged, blurred lines, and pattern prints with a nod to historical dynasties of the past.

In particular islamic inspired architecture of the Ottoman empire.

Checkout our blog on the trending patterns and prints we saw at PV 2022.

This surface pattern trend for 2023 can be paired with practically anything, but in particular expect it’s design on light fitting natural fabric compositions.

Shirts, dresses and throw overs in particular will be all the rage with the pattern.

Surface Pattern Design Trend 4 - Nature

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, it's no surprise that sustainability and nature-inspired designs are becoming increasingly popular in surface pattern design for 2023.

From earthy tones and organic shapes to floral prints and botanical patterns, designers are finding new ways to incorporate nature into their work.

We saw a lot of this surface pattern design trend last year, and into 2023 it’s not going anywhere, in particular around the use of florals.

Similar to the bold geometric patterns, expect this surface pattern design trend to feature the most in Summer, on light wearable assortments, in particular big flowy summer dresses.

Compositions that hold color well, while providing a wonderful feel like silk will be the fabric of choice for this surface pattern design trend for 2023.

Nature surface pattern design trend 2023
Nature surface pattern design trend 2023

Surface Pattern Design Trend 5 - Mismatched

We spoke about this fabric trend for 2023, in an earlier blog, but we also see this trend moving over into surface pattern design trends for 2023.

Think a combination of textures, colors and shapes to help with fabric feels and comfort, as well as looks.

Not something we will see much in summer, expect this surface pattern design trend to feature heavily in the colder months like Fall and Winter.

Composition and looks wise, think fleece, wool and cotton blends in big comfy sweaters, jumpers and pullovers.

Perfect for those cooler nights by the fire.

Surface Pattern Design Trend 6 - Animal Prints

Saving the best till last, depending on who you ask.

Animal prints.

In particular, Leopard print.

This staple of the early to mid 00s has made a revival for surface pattern design trends for 2023, almost 20 years after we first saw it on our shelves.

Interestingly this time round however, expect more subtle colors and tones and prints that can be worn in a variety of environments.

Animal prints surface pattern design trend 2023
Animal prints surface pattern design trend 2023

From toned up workwear, to more toned down nightwear.

We expect this versatile surface pattern design for 2023 to appear in a variety of fabric compositions and assortments in 2023.

From trousers and skirts, to jackets and jeans.

Checkout our full interactive moodboard with all the fabrics, patterns and looks here.

Conclusion

As we look ahead to 2023, it's clear that surface pattern design will continue to evolve and adapt to new trends and technologies. From sustainability and nature-inspired designs to bold colors and geometric shapes, and animal prints.

This year theres a mix of bold old and new, bold and muted, which should keep everyone happy.

As fashion becomes less uniform and more personalised the surface pattern design trends of 2023 appears to be following the industry as a whole.

Like this blog?

Read our other content on the trending fabrics for 2023.

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