Active Forecast A/W 24/25:

Future Terrains
Future Terrains speculates on scenarios for a planet that is
reaching the end of abundance. This will result in a
stronger focus on biosynthetic or regenerative innovations
for active, as well as designs that aid rest and preserve
energy, and products that support emergency preparedness

Yvonne Kostiak
12.06.22 - 9 minutes

@aidesign.png
Introduction
WGSN’s A/W 24/25 forecasts explore how the macro themes covered in our
STEPIC reports (examining Society, Technology, the Environment, Politics,
Industry and Creativity) will filter down to seasonal product development. Future
Terrains focuses on synergies between Industry and the Environment.

It is becoming increasingly clear that we are at the end of abundance, with our planet
struggling to support our demand for resources. In the coming years all industries will
be searching for alternatives, whether it be regenerative crops that repair the planet, or
lab-grown and space-mined resources that have a lighter impact on it.
As designers and consumers speculate about what our future terrains will look like –
either on Earth or out in space – we will see the emergence of products and aesthetics
that appear to have been excavated from the ground or plucked from the cosmos. Look
out for otherworldly encrusted or gloopy surfaces, or references to volcanic materials
and barren lunar landscapes, as well as products that have been stress-tested for
extreme environments, such as packable prepare-wear, radiation-proof skincare, and
solar-powered appliances to withstand power outages.
Biophilic design will also have a bigger presence, but it will shift away from the clean,
green, sanitised aesthetics it has become associated with, and move towards murky
colours and swampy textures, as well as intense pigments, bioluminescent effects and
psychedelic ingredients inspired by biosynthetic innovations.
As more people and businesses explore the sustainable and self-care benefits of
powering down and living with less, we will see sleep and rest mode inform product
development. We will also see a greater focus on zero-waste circular systems, and
Pangaia
designs that embrace the complexity of true simplicity. Like turning off the lights to see
the stars, we will all be looking for ways to strip away the extraneous and admire the
beauty of what’s in front of us.
More reading
Future Terrains connects with the following macro forecast themes:
STEPIC Drivers: Nature As a Board Member | The Second Space Age
STEPIC Innovations: Bio-Synthetic Streams | Sleep for Sustainability | Future Mining |
The End of Abundance
Big Ideas: Resource Ready | Preservation Mode
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Colour

150-65-19

010-42-20

015-33-25

016-49-37

024-65-27

058-55-18
Future Terrains A/W 24/25

Apricot Crush
This is a grounding palette that offers warmth

Intense Rust
Peony Pink

Astro Dust

Nephrite
Flame
and reassurance as well as some mystical hues.
Natural terrains and plants inspire Nephrite,
Astro Dust and Intense Rust. Neutrals are

17-0235 TCX
16-2614 TCX

18-1442 TCX

17-1463 TCX

15-1247 TCX
17-1537 TCX
tinted, offering an undyed quality. Midnight
Plum has a depth inspired by space, and can be
uplifted when combined with pops of Flame,
Apricot Crush and Peony Pink.

Sustained Grey
Midnight Plum
Deep Emerald
Fresh Mint

Tidal Teal

Chalk
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Plant power
The concept: this theme takes visual cues from
plants and terrains, but activewear will also
need to engage with nature beyond aesthetics.
Innovative materials take on irregular patterns,
tonal plant motifs, and textures that could
disappear into the wild when worn or at the end
Roark
of their life.
Materials: use materials that have a minimal
impact on the environment, coming from
sources such as regenerative farming, or by
using biofabricated materials. Ensure materials Groceries Apparel @ltekstudio
can safely biodegrade or be recycled at the end
of their lifespan. Consider how they could have
a positive effect, such as including seeds, as
seen in Paula Ulargui Escalona's pieces for
Loewe. Loewe

Prints and graphics: use natural tie-dye,

jacquard knit or low-impact melanges to create
a natural patina. Inspiration from AI surrealism
creates tonal otherworldly all-over prints.
Relevant for: training, yoga, dance, studio,
outdoors, all-day active

@monomosite Just a Corpse Nike

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Sleep preservation
The concept: protecting our down-time, rest
and sleep will be increasingly important for
physical and mental wellbeing in an always-on
world. 'Switching-off' beyond our bodies could
also help the environment by reducing energy
consumption. Create pieces that aid sleep, rest
@othership
and relaxation rituals.
Materials: use low-impact jerseys and wovens
in enhanced naturals such as hemp and
cellulosics. Infrared (IR) fibres convert body
heat into full-spectrum infrared energy to boost Dagsmejan Yogini
post-sport recovery, improving blood
circulation and skin cell repair. Integrate
sensorial cushioning into indoor footwear.
Silhouette and styling: create for comfort in
styles that can be easily layered and wrapped Lunya

around the body.

Relevant for: sleep, yoga, meditation, spa

@thenapministry Indigo Luna Cullan Kerner

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Emergency preparation
The concept: an evolution of S/S 24's prepare-
wear trend, this theme continues the survivalist
narrative as we enter into the polycrisis era.
More extreme weather patterns such as
flooding, storms and an increase in wildfires
will call for practical, protective and packable
@comfyoutdoorgarment_official
pieces.
Materials: technical innovation often found in
explorer gear will feed into lifestyle products,
ensuring protection and longevity. Integrate
reassuring strength with materials such as @gozzilah @aidesign.png
Dyneema. Use climate-adaptive technologies to
deliver active warming or cooling. Ensure
waterproofing is PFC-free and look to low-
impact and natural alternatives.
Silhouette and styling: create modular pieces CP Company

where elements can be easily added or

removed. Make lightweight, packable items
such as protective footwear.
Relevant for: outdoor, camping, all-day active,
lifestyle

@pragmatiko.eth Idées Kréati On Canyon

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Super nature
The concept: health and wellness will be
measured in increasingly holistic ways, taking
into account mental and spiritual health in
conjunction with physical health. Some athletes
are turning to alternative therapies such as
psychedelics to help treat injuries and mental
Pitaya Yoga
health issues. Tapping into nature will
supercharge performance and materials.
Materials: biofabricated design will fuel
innovation in new planet-powered materials,
shifting our reliance from petrochemical and Mythical State Of @nataliafromearth
vulnerable cotton sources. Tap into food waste
streams for plant-based leathers and dyes.
Prints and graphics: evolve designs from S/S
24's Tropadelic direction towards motifs
featuring #Mushrooms, #Psychedelic patterns @blaqboy_films

and #Infographics in dark tones with bright

pops.
Relevant for: running, trail, outdoor, yoga,
lifestyle

@julius.horsthuis Janji Allbirds

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Ancient space
The concept: our perception of the natural
world will start to expand into the cosmos as we
enter the second space age. Aesthetic
inspiration comes from new interpretations of
'futuristic', which will draw on ancient themes
reimagined through creativity and AI-generated
@sundae.school
design.
Materials: the comfort and protective
properties needed for space travel will trickle
down to styles that are worn on Earth. Base
layers become therapeutic to the skin and body A-COLD-WALL* @jose_monroy_design
by being imbued with vitamins and minerals
from sources such as algae. Cushioned comfort
materials in super-matte work well for modular,
layering pieces.
Silhouette and styling: create styles for ROA Hiking

layering, with cutouts for ventilation and

thermoregulation. Keep pieces slick and
minimalist.
Relevant for: outdoors, snow sports, lifestyle

SpY @eyal_sebb Skin Series

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Future craft
The concept: increased transparency will
engage consumers with how activewear is made
and what it is made from. This theme raises the
ingredients above aesthetics and gives brands
and retailers an opportunity to showcase
climate-positive designs.
Insider
Materials: use traditional materials associated
with craft such as undyed responsible animal
wools, or push innovation with new
regenerative materials such as carbon-capture
yarn or biosynthetics. Design for circularity by Pangaia Goldwin x Spiber
using monomaterials that can be recycled
onwards, or materials that will biodegrade
safely.
Print and graphics: ingredients become the
star of the show in this trend. Educate the Unless

wearer about their origins through

#Infographics or QR codes.
Relevant for: yoga, lounge, outdoors, lifestyle

Peak Performance Alo Yoga Craghoppers

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Action points
Invest in bio-based materials
and innovations
Natural ingredients aren't always best
for the environment, especially if they
aren't ecologically responsible. You can
have a more positive impact by creating
materials from sources that are easy to
grow, such as fungi or algae, or via waste
streams such as food
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Diversify materials beyond
cotton and polyester
An over-reliance on mainstream
materials such as cotton and polyester
could have a negative impact, as both
are becoming increasingly volatile in
terms of price. Increases will be driven
by the energy crisis and an increasingly
turbulent climate that is prone to floods
and droughts, impacting crop yields
Design for high functionality,
modularity and longevity
Use lightweight and efficient materials
that can be packed easily or layered
when needed. Design for
multifunctionality in order to help
consumers streamline their wardrobes
and invest in items that will have
longevity
Slow down and help consumers
power down to recharge
Explore how you can reduce product
and trend cycles with 'perfect' products
that can span seasons and years, with
minimal updates. Plan for depth rather
than breadth, offering clarity to an
already overwhelmed consumer. Create
pieces that offer comfort and restoration
Influences
Loewe
Paula Ulargui Escalona
Paula Ulargui Escalona is a
designer from Spain whose
profile has been raised through
her collaboration with Loewe.
She specialises in eco design and
integrates growing plants into
textiles.
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Unless
Unless's Degenerate
sneakers
These sneakers contain no
plastics and are made from
natural and bio-based materials
that can safely biodegrade at the
end of their life. The brand has
used materials in collaboration
with biotech innovators Natural
Fiber Welding.
Skin Series
Skin Series
Created by textile scientist Rosie
Broadhead, Skin Series makes
therapeutic undergarments. The
Algae collection is made with a
material that contains seaweed,
which is rich in vitamins,
minerals, and amino acids that
have therapeutic benefits for the
skin and body.
@mollysellars_
Molly Sellars' upcycled
clothing
Molly Sellars is a British designer
who repurposes festival waste
such as discarded tents and
sleeping bags. Sellars creates and
makes outdoor-ready garments
which are all one-offs.
Mythical State Of
Mythical State Of
This US-based brand focuses on
building a community that
shares a passion for endurance
running and all-terrain biking,
with a rebellious and spiritual
streak. It creates small-batch
pieces using deadstock and
natural materials, adorned with
rock- and psychedelic-inspired
graphics
WGSN’s forecasts are created by our global team of experts
Fashion forecasting team
Helen Palmer, Head of Materials and
Textiles
Sara Maggioni, Head of Womenswear
Nick Paget, Senior Strategist, Menswear
Erin Rechner, Head of Kidswear
Allison Goodfellow-Ash, Strategist,
Kidswear
Jane Collins, Senior Strategist, Footwear
and Accessories
Hannah Allan, Strategist, Kidswear
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Yvonne Kostiak, Senior Strategist, Active Victoria Bulmer, Strategist, Materials Contributors
Graham Krag, Senior Strategist, Prints Fanny Chow, Strategist, Prints and APAC
and Graphics Graphics Charlotte Chan, Content Strategist
Charlotte Casey, Senior Strategist, Charlotte Browning, Strategist, Active
Africa
Knitwear
Raeesa Brey, Researcher
Jo Lynch, Strategist, Intimates
LATAM
Rebecca Saygi, Strategist, Swimwear
Mariana Santiloni, Client Services
Rose Hudson, Strategist, Prints and Manager
Graphics
Nicole Ajimal, Strategist, Materials
WGSN trend matrix 2025
Mapping the continuity between the themes covered in our STEPIC Drivers, STEPIC Innovations, Big Ideas
and Product Forecasts.

STEPIC STEPIC Drivers STEPIC Innovations Big Ideas Forecast

Diversity for Survival
The Polycrisis Era Flex-Abilities
From Personalised to Individualised

Society
Digital Duality
Decentralised
Layered Realities
Digital Culture Expanded
Adaptive Design
Technology Imagination

Bio-Synthetic Streams
Nature As a
Resource-Ready
Environment Board Member
Sleep for Sustainability
Future Terrains
Beyond Borders
Politics The Great
Migration Urgent Optimism
All the Rage

Industry
Future Mining Inter-Actions
The Second Preservation
Space Age Mode
The End of Abundance
Creativity

Conscious Subcultures
Synthetic Strategic
Creativity Imagination
AI Surrealism

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WGSN 2025 forecast schedule
Your guide to when WGSN's 2025 forecast reports will be published.

STEPIC STEPIC Big Future Personas/Product Product

Drivers Innovations Ideas Consumer Opportunities Forecasts

The six global macro- The 12 areas of innovation
economic drivers that that will lead transformation
will shape 2025, and across industries in 2025 and
strategies for success their implications for
business, culture and design
STEPIC Drivers and STEPIC
Innovations contextualised
for the fashion, beauty,
interiors, food and drink,
and consumer tech
industries
The key consumer
sentiments and profiles
that will disrupt
industries in 2025
The Future Consumer
profiles contextualised for
the beauty, food and drink,
consumer tech and
interiors industries
Product Forecasts present
the design directions for
each industry and product
category, with more than
80 reports throughout the
year across WGSN

Business Strategy Business & Product Strategy Product Strategy Business & Consumer Strategy Consumer Strategy Product Strategy
Insight Insight, Fashion, Beauty, Interiors, Fashion, Beauty, Interiors, Insight Beauty, Food & Drink, Fashion, Beauty, Interiors,
Food & Drink, Consumer Tech Food & Drink, Consumer Tech Consumer Tech, Interiors Food & Drink, Consumer Tech

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