Denim Mills Prepare for F/W 26-27 with Comfort and Sustainability

Denim mills are looking at what’s working now to inform their R&D for Fall/Winter 2026-2027.

Anatt Finkler, Global Denim creative director, said the Mexican mill’s client are eager for new concepts, but there’s no ending to the demand for authentic denim. “At the moment, the things that resonates the most are the continuity of the authentic vintage look, with emphasis on comfort stretch and heavier weights between 12 oz. and 14 oz.,” she said.  

Zahra Ahmed, director of Artistic Denim Mills, said buyer requests for the next season are increasingly influenced by regional trends. “Our approach involves carefully analyzing both macro and micro trends within each sector, allowing us to present collections tailored to the specific needs of each market,” she said. “The overarching trend continues to lean towards wider leg and more relaxed fits. Additionally, buyers are showing interest in innovative fabrics that replicate the traditional cotton-rich appearance while minimizing environmental impact and reducing cotton usage.”

Advance Denim has seen an increase in developments and interest in new styles going forward. “We are seeing a lot of interest in our new Blue Loop indigo recycling system that adds another level of sustainability and circularity to the indigo dye process,” said Mark Ix, Advance Denim’s director of North American marketing.

The mill is also preparing for a skinny jean resurgence with FitSense, The Lycra Company‘s solution to provide targeted support and a customizable fit while retaining the classic denim look. Ix said the targeted stretch technology, which was recently introduced in the market by Spanx, is growing in popularity. “We are also seeing an increase in customers asking for more complex indigo shades. Boho Blue is a mid-tone indigo that is bright yet flexible with a clean wash down. Perfect for spring styles,” he added.

Naveena Denim Mills is introducing FitSense technology to its collection as well. “It provides excellent comfort, style, and performance, and aligns with sustainability goals through more efficient production processes,” said Mansoor Bilal, SVP, Naveena Denim Mills. He added that its lift, push-up, toning and contouring qualities make it an appealing solution for outerwear and activewear collections.

Several trends are on Naveena Denim Mills’ radar for Fall/Winter 2026-2027, including tech-infused fabrics with functional properties like temperature regulation and moisture-wicking.

“We are seeing a significant increase in requests for discharged prints and stripes, which are gaining traction with our buyers,” Bilal added. “Additionally, new shades of green and earthy tones are anticipated to be prominent for the colder months. These colors, combined with the trend for discharged prints and stripes, are expected to give collections a natural and grounded look for the upcoming season.”

“The dominant trend we’re continuing to see is the demand for authentic denim looks with an exceptionally soft hand feel,” said Gibran Khaliq, Artistic Milliners’ marketing lead. “This trend is heavily influencing the popularity of wide-leg and boxy silhouettes, which lend themselves well to these fabric characteristics. [Most of] the requests we are receiving right now reflect this desire for comfort and a relaxed aesthetic.”

However, he said don’t count out the impact of stretch fabrics. Artistic Milliners is starting to see requests for high-stretch fabrics bubble up.

“This is quite interesting,” Khaliq said. “This could potentially signal a return of slim and skinny fits in the future, maybe in a year or so. It’s still early to say definitively, but it’s a trend we’re monitoring closely, and one that will certainly inform our research and development efforts for Fall/Winter 26-27. We need to be prepared for a potential shift in silhouette preferences, even while we continue to meet the current demand for authentic, soft, and comfortable denim.”

Several requests from clients are shaping Sapphire Finishing Mills’ F/W 26-27 R&D. Communication lead Jaffar Ali said buyers are seeking woven fabrics that combine comfort with performance properties like moisture management, stretch, and weather resistance. There is also a rising demand for fabrics with rich textures, such as double-faced weaves and exaggerated slubs, which add dimension and interest to layered looks and bolder, more vibrant hues to energize that energize brand’s core collections.  

“Our team is excited to innovate and create fabrics that meet these evolving needs while staying true to the craftsmanship and quality that define us. These trends push us to think creatively and deliver solutions that inspire,” Ali said.

“There is an increasing attraction coming from brands and designers for new shades and colors,” said Sebla Onder, Otra’s marketing and sustainability manager. In line with the emerging trends, she they are looking into more natural earthy tones as is and in denim casts. “Natural fibers and colors are always popular but regeneratively grown or produced materials have been the key here,” Onder added.

A variety in fabric weights suitable for 5-pocket denim and denim apparel silhouettes is on the horizon for Cone Denim.

Pierette Scavuzzo, Cone Denim’s design director, said there’s an emphasis on ultra-comfort, novelty, textural appearance, optical illusions, and fabric flexibility. “Fabrics that can adapt to numerous silhouettes, and allow for a range of washes, are in high demand. The greater the fabric flexibility, the better brands can respond to emerging silhouette trends and market changes, ultimately supporting their success,” she said.

In response to this demand, Cone introduced a new microcapsule of denim fabrics at Kingpins New York called The Lofty Edit. Scavuzzo said the capsule addresses the need for seasonal newness while incorporating elements of novelty and texture ideal for all denim apparel and fashion silhouettes. It features soft, airy denim fabric that provide versatility and inspire creativity in both denim apparel, home goods, and accessories markets. “These fabrics exhibit effortless luxury, designed to offer a unique experience in both feel and appearance,” she said.

For F/W ’26, The Lofty Edit will showcase seasonally appropriate silhouettes that highlight the year-round flexibility of the fabric collection. “We hope to inspire creativity in brands and bring a fresh perspective to denim assortments at retail,” Scavuzzo said.

Aleem Ahmad, US Group’s deputy general manager business development, said the market is leaning strongly toward authentic fabrics with a soft handle. “We’re also seeing growing interest in clean-look fabrics made with linen and Tencel blends. As for colors, tinted shades are definitely catching a lot of attention right now,” Ahmad said.

Siddiqsons is seeing demand grow for value fabrics with a great look and feel. “There is less focus on sustainability as more buyers are concerned about the consumer’s ability to afford the inflation driven prices,” said said Abbas Jan, Siddqsons’ director sales and marketing. “Natural fibers are regaining traction due to their sustainable nature and affordability, buyers are seeking new and innovative finishes that can elevate the tactile experience.”

For Naveena Denim Limited (NDL), the demand for softness continues to lead buyer preferences for F/W 26-27, reflecting trends from Summer 2026. “There is a clear interest in fabrics that deliver a luxurious hand feel while maintaining comfort and performance, making them ideal for evolving seasonal demands,” said Umair Masood Tata, NDL director.

However, the Lahore-based mill continues to see sustainability as a cornerstone, with a strong focus on recycled and biodegradable fibers.

“These trends guide our R&D efforts, pushing us to craft fabrics that harmonize innovation, comfort, and environmental responsibility,” he said. “As future-focused generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha continue to prioritize sustainability and functionality, we are dedicated to creating fabrics that resonate with their values, offering high-performance solutions that align with their vision for a sustainable and forward-thinking future.”

“One of the key trends we’re seeing is the demand for multi-functional fabrics that offer versatility in both design and performance,” said Fatma Korkmaz, Isko R&D manager. The Turkish mill is responding with collections like Isko Multitouch, which multiple textures and styles in a single material so brands can experiment with designs.

Additionally, Korkmaz said stretch fabrics are making a strong comeback, reminiscent of the early 2000s, but reimagined with current technology. “Skinny and sexy silhouettes are returning, with an added emphasis on comfort,” she said, adding that this shift isn’t limited to women’s fashion; men are also seeking ultra-comfortable stretch denim with superior elasticity and performance.

Francisco Ortega, Evlox’s R&D manager, said the mill is seeing brands increasingly look for fabrics that combine elements of sustainability and innovation with aesthetics.

“We are noticing a resurgence in demand for rigid fabrics, both for men and women,” he said. “These types of fabrics are becoming very popular again, as brands are looking for more structure and firmness in their collections. Additionally, there is growing interest in fabrics with irregularities, which add a unique and authentic look, as well as those with linear or salt & pepper effects, which offer interesting texture and appealing visual contrast. These trends reflect a return to vintage styles, but with a modern twist, and we believe they will continue to gain relevance in the coming months.”

AGI Denim is working to ensure its fabrics align with legislation. “On the R&D side, we are offering more functional technologies for the U.S. market and our suite of technologies that address sustainability-focused legislation for the EU are macro trends on our radar,” said Henry Wong, AGI Denim’s VP, product development and marketing.