Just like the changing seasons, the ebb and flow of fashion trends is one of the few constants in life. With the time between seasons seemingly getting shorter and shorter these days, the need to stay on top of the latest fashion trends has never been more important.

In terms of what is in store this season, while some of the latest trends seem to directly build on the popular fashion trends from last year, there are a number which seem more unique.

With that said, let’s take a look at some of the major fashion trends that look set to dominate our wardrobes in 2022.

Fashion maximalism

After months and months of stay-at-home orders, social distancing and working from home, it is perhaps little surprise that adjusting what we wear to post-pandemic life will be an important consideration in the coming months.

Despite the industry predictions that when life returned to normal we would not be particularly inclined to give up the comfort of our sweatpants for something more fashion conscious, it seems many of us are turning to fashion with a renewed intensity.

This trend is certainly evident on social media these days. It looks like many people are using fashion as a way of expressing joy, optimism and individuality as they return to ‘normal’ life.

With this in mind, we should expect people to be more willing to take risks and make a statement in the clothes they wear. As such, expect plenty of bold prints, sharp cuts and statement pieces in the year to come.

Survivalism and the outdoors

Another fashion trend that we can expect to see a lot more of in 2022 and which is similarly linked to a post-pandemic sensibility, is what some industry experts are calling ‘survivalism’.

Survivalism is essential a taste for all things related to the outdoors, which is reflected in our styling and fashion choices.

This trend has been identified by a number of social media fashion analysts, who have noted an up-surge in search terms such as Sherpa vests and cargo pants, as well as for certain outdoor brands.

The defining sensibility of survivalist fashion is functionality and durability. Fashion pieces must not only look good but must also be able to withstand use in the outdoors. Some of the features you can look out for include looser cuts, tougher fabrics, ample pockets and other ‘technical’ features.

With these stylistic desires in mind, a number of brands are popular, including several traditional outdoors brands such as Patagonia, Columbia and North Face. The increase in demand for clothes from these brands has even created a number of collaborations with well-known fashion designers and fashion houses.

The survivalist trend has sprouted off several other fashion trends, including what is known as “gorp” or “gorpcore”. This name is a reference to the “good ol’ raisins and peanuts” traditionally found in trail mix. The ‘gorp’ look focuses on functional clothing that incorporates earth tones, quilted fabrics, hats and trail-ready hiking shoes.

Sustainable fashion

A trend uniting both the ‘maximalist’ and ‘survivalist’ ends of the fashion spectrum in 2022, is the demand for sustainable fashion.

There is no overlooking the fact that human society is in the midst of fighting a climate crisis, which has most certainly influenced our fashion choices.

For this reason, there has been a slow but sure turn away from fast fashion, as well as a demand for brands to flex their sustainability credentials. While some brands such as a Patagonia and Allbirds put environmental concerns at the centre of everything they do, other brands have tended to issue environmental impact statements that have varied greatly in terms of the commitment they entail.

Nevertheless, sustainability has clearly become an important concern for the fashion minded. Consequently, there is a big emphasis among many of the major brands on sustainability and the environmental impact of their new fashion lines.

Another trend this concern for sustainability has inspired is that of re-selling and vintage clothing. As such, upcycling and recycling have experienced a resurgence. Interestingly, certain brands have also started to embrace re-selling — something they have traditionally, and somewhat understandably, been hesitant about.

In terms of the textiles this trend will spur, we can expect to see a focus on newer, more durable materials that are less resource intensive. Biodegradability will also be an important concern.