Each new season encourages a revisit of our clothing habits, but not necessarily a complete overhaul. The fashion trends of this season are characterized by a dual movement: bolder cuts and new rules that change the way clothes are made and sold. Understanding these changes allows for more sustainable choices without sacrificing style.
Technical fabrics and PFAS restrictions in clothing
Have you ever noticed the term “water-repellent” on a label of a jacket or technical pants? This treatment often relies on chemical substances from the PFAS family. PFHxA, one of them, is subject to a European restriction effective from October 10, 2026 for clothing, accessories, and shoes placed on the market.
In practice, brands must reformulate their water-repellent treatments to comply with specific thresholds. For you, this means that waterproof jackets, windbreakers, and shoes this season increasingly use PFAS-free alternatives. Checking the composition on the label or on the online product sheet becomes a useful reflex.
This change is not visible to the naked eye, but it alters the texture and sometimes the feel of technical fabrics. Some PFAS-free water-repellent finishes offer slightly different water resistance: sufficient for an urban downpour, but sometimes less effective in prolonged rain. Testing the garment before intensive use remains the best approach.
To explore pieces that incorporate these changes while remaining stylish, Vêtement Glamour’s fashion page offers an updated selection each season.
Fashion labels and eco claims: what’s changing this season
Do the terms “sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” or “carbon neutral” on labels seem vague to you? This ambiguity is set to decrease. The European directive Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition, which is expected to be transposed from September 27, 2026, strictly regulates generic terms like “sustainable” or “eco-friendly”.
Carbon neutrality claims based solely on offsets are becoming legally risky for brands. In practice, a brand will no longer be able to label a product as “carbon neutral” without solid and verifiable evidence.
Why does this matter for your style? Because brands that genuinely invest in the quality of their materials do not need these marketing terms. A well-cut garment in a sturdy fabric is recognizable by its fit, not by a slogan on the label. This season, prioritize pieces with detailed compositions (fiber percentages, fabric origin) over those relying on flattering vocabulary.
Bolder cuts and structured silhouettes for autumn-winter
The silhouettes of the autumn-winter season mark a return to sharp volumes. The oversized blazer remains, but it is now worn with more fitted pants to create a high-low contrast. This opposition of proportions effortlessly structures the silhouette.
Three cutting axes dominate this season:
- Defined shoulders on jackets and coats, which visually widen the bust and give a strong look even on casual pieces.
- Midi skirts and dresses, slightly flared below the knee, which elongate the leg while remaining comfortable for everyday wear.
- Marked pleat trousers, straight or slightly wide, which are gradually replacing skinny cuts in seasonal wardrobes.
Opting for a structured cut transforms a basic into a statement piece. A simple straight wool pant with a sharp crease has more visual impact than a slim jean paired with expensive accessories.
Red as the standout color
Red has been traversing collections for several seasons without losing momentum. This time, it ranges from deep burgundy to bright red, on structured pieces: long coats, straight dresses, high-neck sweaters. Wearing red from head to toe (the total look) remains a strong option, but a single red piece is enough to anchor an outfit.
Red works best on opaque and dense materials like felted wool, thick crepe, or leather. On a thin or transparent fabric, the effect fades.
Digital passport for textile products: a tool for better choices
The European regulation ESPR classifies textiles among the priority products for the future digital passport. This system will associate each garment with information about its composition, manufacturing, reparability, and end-of-life.
Even though its full deployment will take time, some brands are already anticipating by integrating QR codes on their labels. Scanning this code before purchasing allows access to concrete data: cotton origin, assembly location, repair instructions.
To enhance your style this season, cross-referencing product information with your own aesthetic judgment becomes the best method. A garment whose provenance and durability you know is worn with more confidence.
Unsold textiles and the end of destruction: the impact on collections
The European regulation on eco-design stipulates that, from July 19, 2026, large companies will be prohibited from destroying certain unsold textiles. They will also have to publish information on the volumes concerned and their destination.
This constraint pushes brands to produce more focused collections. Fewer references, but pieces designed to last several seasons. For consumers, this translates into more limited choices in stores, but an increase in average quality.
Here’s what this concretely changes in your wardrobe:
- Basic pieces (t-shirts, plain sweaters, classic pants) gain in finishing as they must justify their production.
- End-of-line and massive clearance sales should become rarer, making sales less spectacular but prices more stable throughout the year.
- Brands are investing more in timeless colors and cuts, which facilitates the construction of a coherent wardrobe over several seasons.
The fashion trends of this season are not just about a color palette or a standout cut. They reflect a European regulatory framework that profoundly alters the manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of clothing. Choosing a well-cut piece in a material with transparent composition remains the most relevant style gesture, regardless of the current trend.
