Even with the slow downfall of a major U.S. fabric store, there’s no need to worry about the future of textiles. Textiles are everywhere — the clothes we wear, the home décor we love, and even the rugs we walk on. The textile industry is here to stay and will continue to grow.
But just because textiles have been around forever doesn’t mean you should get complacent with your business or forget what your customers are looking for. Like any industry, the textile world has trends and shifts, and it’s up to you to stay ahead of them for the sake of your fabric store and your customers.
In this blog, we’ve stitched together nine textile industry trends you’ll want to keep an eye on for 2025 and beyond.
Let’s get started.
You need to stay competitive. Like any business, if you don’t keep up, you’re bound to get left behind. There are plenty of business owners ready to take your place if you can’t provide the fabrics, sewing machines, and accessories that quilting and fabric shoppers are looking for.
Over 33,500 fabric, craft, sewing, and supply stores were located in the U.S. in 2023 — a 4% increase from the year before. That’s a lot of competition! To stay ahead of the curve, here are some textile industry trends you need to know.
We’re sure you’ve heard “sustainability” countless times over the last few years. Hopefully, it hasn’t desensitized you to just how important it really is. Here are a few facts to put its importance into perspective:
Younger generations are fully aware of the planet they’re inheriting and they want to make a difference. Nearly 80% of millennials say buying sustainable products is important, and they’re even willing to pay up to 10% more for them.
While fast fashion doesn’t exactly align with sustainability, influencers, better labeling, and a growing push for change are forcing companies to step up. Consumers are holding them accountable and demanding real proof — not just vague promises like “planting a tree to offset emissions.” Basically, they want to see actual proof before they buy, not just empty claims that can’t be verified later.
As a fabric store owner, don’t be afraid to question your suppliers about what they’re doing to be sustainable. Ask if they’re using BioSolutions, which are a more friendly alternative to harsh chemicals. How are they determining which fabrics can be reused and which just go straight to waste without a second thought? Think of creative ways to turn your scraps into fabric gold.
Related Read: How To Source Fabric for Your Store: 3 Options
Tech in fabrics is becoming a big thing. These aren’t your basic materials — think fabrics that adjust to changes in temperature or ones with built-in UV protection. Basically, technology is making fabrics smarter. For quilt and fabric shop owners, this is huge because customers are always looking for new, high-performance options.
You’ll start seeing things like moisture-wicking or odor-resistant fabrics popping up in everything from workout clothes to everyday wear. As more people want fabrics that do more for their lifestyle, offering these tech-enhanced fabrics in your store will help keep your selection fresh and in demand. It’s all about staying ahead with materials that bring something extra to the table.
Neutrals and solids will always have their place, but bold prints and vibrant patterns are making a huge comeback. This means you can expect more colorful, eye-catching textiles to hit your shelves. People are loving everything from oversized florals to bold geometric designs. Customers are on the lookout for fabrics that stand out and make a statement — whether it's for fashion, home décor, or quilting projects.
For quilt shops, this is especially exciting. Bold prints open up a whole new world of creative quilt designs that can break away from the traditional. Keeping an eye on emerging trends in patterns helps you stay ahead of the game and offer fabrics that inspire customers to create something unique and show-stopping.
More and more people are looking for products that reflect their individual style, and textiles are no exception. Personalized fabrics are on the rise — whether through custom prints or made-to-order designs. Offering customers the chance to customize fabrics in your store can set you apart and attract those who want something truly unique, whether it’s for a quilt, a sewing project, or a home décor piece.
Some fabric manufacturers already offer custom printing services, and integrating this into your store could give you an edge. As personalization becomes even more important, think about how you can let your customers design something that’s one-of-a-kind. It’s all about giving them the ability to create exactly what they want.
The slow fashion movement, which emphasizes quality over quantity, is one of the latest textile industry trends. Consumers are increasingly rejecting fast fashion in favor of long-lasting, well-crafted clothing and accessories. This trend is likely to impact the fabrics and materials your customers choose for quilting and sewing projects.
As a store owner, consider showcasing fabrics that align with the slow fashion ethos — high-quality, timeless textiles that encourage creativity and long-term use. By aligning your store with this movement, you can cater to customers looking to invest in their crafting projects in a more sustainable way.
Digital fabric printing has been around for a while, but it’s becoming more accessible and affordable for fabric stores. This opens up a world of possibilities, especially for quilt shops and fabric stores that want to offer custom designs or smaller print runs.
With digital printing, you can give your customers a wider variety of unique fabrics that cater to specific tastes. This is a great way to create special collections or limited-edition prints. You can even collaborate with local artists to bring exclusive designs to your store. It’s all about offering something different and exciting that your customers can’t find everywhere else.
DIY culture, especially when it comes to quilting and sewing, is still going strong. More people are rediscovering the joy of making things by hand, whether it’s a quilt, a garment, or a home décor project. This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on everything DIYers need, from a wide selection of fabrics to sewing notions, patterns, and tools.
In 2025, DIY is expected to keep growing, with a bigger focus on workshops, tutorials, and crafting kits. By providing your customers with all the tools and resources they need to complete their projects, you can create a loyal following and make your store a go-to destination for all things DIY.
The home décor trend is stronger than ever, and fabric stores are tapping into the demand for textiles that can help customers personalize their living spaces. Whether it’s custom upholstery fabrics or unique curtain materials, people are looking for ways to elevate their homes with stylish, one-of-a-kind fabrics.
To stay competitive, think about offering home décor fabrics that are on trend — like boho, mid-century modern, and Scandinavian styles. Customers are constantly searching for new ways to make their spaces feel more personal and special, and offering the right fabrics can be a major driver for your store’s success. Keeping up with home décor trends ensures your offerings stay fresh and in demand.
Customers expect to be able to shop anywhere, at any time. Make sure your fabric store is available both in store and online. Having a well-designed website is important for reaching customers who may not be able to visit your physical location. It gives them the chance to browse, shop, and learn about your latest offerings from the comfort of their homes.
A website also gives you the opportunity to show off new fabrics, offer online-exclusive deals, and even provide tutorials, blog posts, or project ideas that inspire your customers. Plus, integrating your online and offline stores (like offering curbside pickup or local delivery) helps make the shopping experience seamless.
In short, a strong online presence is a must for staying relevant and accessible in a world where customers expect convenience and flexibility everywhere and anywhere they shop.
Related read: 8-Step Guide to Creating a Fabric Store Website
As textile industry trends continue to shape the market, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and efficient. Luckily, Like Sew is an all-in-one point of sale (POS) solution that helps you streamline your operations, manage inventory, and improve customer service — making it easier to stay on top of what’s trending and grow your business.
When it comes to sustainability, Like Sew has you covered. With features like fractional yardage and serialized inventory, you can reduce waste and get the most out of your stock. The e-commerce integration makes it easy to sell online, cutting down on the need for a physical storefront and helping lower your carbon footprint. Plus, offering customer loyalty programs encourages repeat business, reducing the environmental impact of constantly attracting new customers.
Like Sew’s vendor management system keeps you updated on product details, so you can make smarter purchasing decisions and align with sustainable textile industry trends. And with class management tools, you can encourage your customers to embrace upcycling and reusing materials in their quilting and sewing projects, further promoting eco-friendly practices.
Ready to grow your business and stay on top of the latest textile industry trends? Schedule a free demo today to see how Like Sew can help you thrive in 2025 (and beyond).