5 Print Trends Taking Shape in October 2026
Five print trends that runways, forecasters and searches all point to this month, with the data behind each one to help you plan your next collection.
In this article
If you're planning prints for your next collection, it helps to know which directions have real momentum. This month we checked three kinds of signals: what designers showed on the Spring/Summer 2027 (SS27) runways, what forecasters like WGSN and Future Snoops are predicting, and what people are searching for on Pinterest and Google.
A trend made this list only when more than one signal pointed the same way. Here are the five we're seeing take shape in October 2026. After each one, we share our read on how strong it is.
1. Deep red and burgundy
Deep red is the clearest color signal this month. Forecasters, runways and searches all agree on it. The shades lean toward wine and iron-oxide red rather than a bright tomato red.
In a print, deep red can work as the base color under a tonal floral, or next to cream, black and soft pink.
Where we're seeing deep red
- Forecasters: WGSN and Coloro named Bloodstone, a deep iron-oxide red, as the main color for Autumn/Winter 2028/29 (FashionUnited).
- Catwalks: Future Snoops spotted wine red at Dries Van Noten, Mugler and Chanel (FashionUnited).
- Runway data: scarlet showed up in 4.3% of SS27 looks, up 0.6 points from SS26 (T-Fashion).
- Search: Pinterest searches for "burgundy color palette" are 2.6x last year, and grew 35% in the past month (Pinterest Trends).
Our read: very strong. Forecasters, runways and searches all agree on deep red. If you plan around one trend from this list, this is the one we'd start with.
2. Animal prints: leopard, deer and zebra
Searches for leopard and deer prints just reached a two-year high, while the runway numbers are still small. That gap makes animal prints an early signal to watch.
If leopard feels too familiar for your brand, deer motifs offer a quieter way into the same trend.
Where we're seeing animal prints
- Search: Pinterest searches for "leopard pattern" (2.3x last year) and "deer pattern" (2.2x) both had their busiest week in two years on October 6.
- Zebra: searches for "zebra pattern" are 2.5x last year, but have slowed since mid-September (Pinterest Trends).
- Runway: leopard showed at Dolce & Gabbana and Balmain, and zebra at Proenza Schouler. Animal prints were 3.4% of Milan looks and 2.3% of London looks (T-Fashion).
Our read: early signal. Searches are strong, but the runway numbers are still small. It's worth testing with one or two prints before you build a whole collection around it.
3. Plaid and checks
Checks are growing on the runway and in searches, from plaid and tartan to houndstooth.
Scale changes how a check feels. An oversized plaid reads very differently from a small, tight check, so it's worth deciding which one suits your collection before you start.
Where we're seeing plaid and checks
- Runway data: checks made up 5.3% of SS27 looks, up from 3.8% in SS26. Thom Browne showed 44 checked looks and Chanel showed 29 (T-Fashion).
- London: checks were 6.1% of London looks, up 2.2 points (T-Fashion).
- Search: Pinterest searches for "plaid pattern" are 2.7x last year, close to their two-year high. Searches for "tartan pattern" are up 79%.
- Google: worldwide searches for "plaid pattern" were up 61% in September (Google Trends).
- One to watch: Pinterest searches for "houndstooth pattern" grew 33% in the past month (Pinterest Trends).
Our read: strong and rising. Checks are growing on the runway and in searches at the same time, which is a good sign the interest will last into next year.
4. Florals with a tapestry feel
Florals are the most-used print on the SS27 runway. Many of this season's florals are dense and rich in color, with the woven look of an old tapestry.
Where we're seeing tapestry florals
- Runway data: florals were about 14% of SS27 looks, up 2.8 points, which makes them the top print of the season (T-Fashion).
- Milan: florals grew 4.3 points in Milan (T-Fashion).
- Press: tapestry prints showed at Ralph Lauren, Saint Laurent and Acne Studios (HELLO! Fashion).
- Search: Pinterest searches for "tapestry pattern" are up 93% on last year, and "floral pattern" is up 29%.
Our read: strong. Florals lead the runway and tapestry searches are climbing. Many brands will use florals, so the color and scale you choose will do the most to set yours apart.
5. Stripes
Stripes are the second most-used print on the SS27 runway, and their share keeps growing slowly. They're a steady choice when you want a print that pairs easily with the others in a collection.
Where we're seeing stripes
- Runway data: stripes were about 9% of SS27 looks, up 1.5 points. Thom Browne, Junya Watanabe and Dries Van Noten showed the most (T-Fashion).
- London: stripes grew 2.4 points in London (T-Fashion).
- Search: Pinterest searches for "stripe pattern" are 2.2x last year, though they dipped 15% in the past month (Pinterest Trends).
Our read: steady. Stripes keep growing slowly, and searches dipped a little this month. They're a reliable choice to pair with one of the stronger trends above.
Which of these fits your collection?
Start with the trend that matches your customer. Then adjust the color, scale and print mixing until it feels like your brand.
If you're planning prints for your next collection, you can request access to our ready-to-buy collection or ask us about a custom print.