Pastel tones are back—or were they ever gone? Even before the year began, as trend predictions for 2025 were being explored, the fashion industry was already signaling that pastels would resurface in the coming months..

As well put out in a Who What Wear’s recent blog post: The soft shades return each year in updated iterations, and often a noteworthy shade that falls within the pastel color family.

Pastels have been making waves since Paris Fashion Week's Spring/Summer 2025, showcasing extra light and faded colors, as reported in a 2024 article from ELLE Magazine.

In the past week, pastels made a bold statement at CPFW AW25, where "Practically Perfect Pastels" stood out as one of the event's best street style looks.

Image from: www.hellomagazine.com

Most recently at Chanel's Spring/Summer 2025 Haute Couture show, white, pastels and bright tones were one of the main characteristics of the collection.

But we know what you're probably thinking—why is a sustainability-focused company diving into color trends? In a world where fashion's rapid cycles often fuel overconsumption, we know that we need to flip the script and bring new perspectives to it.

That’s why our mission goes beyond mere trend-watching, creating a strategic resource for SME brands to make informed, responsible choices that don't compromise creativity or impact.

For brands, specially small and medium sustainable ones, staying relevant means more than following trends, it's about intelligent adaptation. So our purpose here is to bridge the gap between aesthetic innovation and environmental consciousness.

Why not empower brands to source sustainable materials strategically through intentional textile choices?

That's why we're here to highlight pastel and light-tone textiles from our global sustainable Marketplace and share the latest trends embracing these timeless hues.

The pastel tones to be on watch

While other colors and trends will remain prominent in 2025, including the color of the year prediction "Mocha Mousse", pastels will make their mark.

Notably, Pantone's color palettes for Mocha Mousse feature light tones that align with the pastel trend. In their "RELAXED ELEGANCE" palette, they include:

• PANTONE 13-1108 CREAM TAN

• PANTONE 15-1217 SIROCCO

• PANTONE 16-1407 COBBLESTONE

Explore similar shades in our marketplace

Misil Dye Classic 24598 (Ripstop, 100% Cotton, 230 gsm)

ST-AL028809 (83%Recycle Poly17%Spandex)

Here are other pastel colors that have gained popularity in 2024 and are expected to remain strong in 2025:

• Butter or lemon yellow

WL0716-22 Spandex jersey with wicking

• Baby blue

Finished Knitted Fabric Single knit Jersey 60% Recycled Pre Consumer Cotton , 40% Recycled Post Consumer Polyester

• Light Pink

Finished Knitted Fabric Single knit Jersey 60% Recycled Pre Consumer Cotton , 40% Recycled Post Consumer Polyester

And to help you embrace pastels in 2025, we've crafted a mood board filled with inspiration—giving you fresh ideas on styling and a creative preview of how our textiles can fit into your production.

Our tips for timeless inclusion

Let’s be honest: navigating trends in today’s fashion landscape isn’t easy, especially for SMEs brands. The pressure to innovate, stay relevant, and align with sustainability goals often feels like a balancing act.

But it's also not true that you have to choose between following trends and staying true to your sustainability goals. There are strategic ways to navigate both, allowing you to stay on trend while remaining aligned with your brand’s core values and purpose.

Here’s some tips on how you can approach this balance with intention and impact:

1. Invest in Transitional Pieces → Pastels are often seen as seasonal, but they don’t have to be. Invest in versatile pieces that seamlessly transition across seasons. Think of garments that effortlessly move from day to night, or styles that stay relevant year-round—this not only reduces waste but keeps your brand adaptable.

   
   

2. Mindful Color Mixing → Pastels have a real place in any wardrobe, but the trick is in the mixing. By developing a color palette that can blend easily with customers' existing pieces or your previous collections pieces, you allow them to build capsule collections, meaning less waste and more longevity for each item they buy.

   
   

3. Partnering for Sustainability → Suppliers and designers can work together to create sustainable collections that leverage trends like pastel tones. Platforms like World Collective Marketplace are bridging the gap by offering materials that are not only on-trend but also certified for environmental responsibility. By partnering with suppliers who prioritize circularity, brands can ensure their collections are both stylish and sustainable.

   
   

4. Craft for Longevity → Durability is key when it comes to trends. Invest in high-quality fabrics and expert craftsmanship to ensure your pastel pieces aren’t just beautiful—they’re built to last. Offer clear care instructions and design with longevity in mind so your customers can enjoy their items year after year.

   
   

5. Storytelling → It’s not just about selling a color; it’s about selling a story. Pastels are timeless: they always find their way back into the spotlight, but it’s essential to show how they’re not just trendy, but also thoughtfully made. Share how each piece is crafted responsibly, highlighting both the quality and sustainability of the product. Like you, your customers also want to know that they can stay on trend, without compromising on their values.

Harnessing our Marketplace for sustainable innovation

From pastels to many other shades, patterns, and materials, the World Collective's Marketplace offers a path to reimagine fashion's future.

Looking for organic cottons, plant-based fabrics, or cutting-edge recycled textiles? Our curated selection meets the exact needs of brands committed to purposeful design.

We've dismantled traditional sourcing barriers—through our Marketplace, you connect directly with verified suppliers who prove sustainability and quality can work hand in hand.

Every textile in our marketplace tells an innovation story. We demonstrate that trend-forward design and environmental responsibility complement each other perfectly.

Ready to source materials that don't just look good, but do good? Click here to join us and transform your supply chain.