Bold prints and soft textures define fashion in 2025, says Clearpay

As 2025 nears its close, new data from payments platform Clearpay paints a picture of a fashion year defined by confident self-expression, nostalgic textures and a willingness to experiment with shape. From leopard print’s dominance to the rise of funnel-neck outerwear, shoppers embraced pieces that offered both personality and comfort.

Texture Takes Over

If one story defined the year, it was the return of tactile dressing. Mohair became the breakout knit of 2025, recording a 237 percent sales increase compared to the previous year, according to Clearpay. Suede also resurfaced as a wardrobe mainstay, particularly in earthy tones—brown suede sales rose 120 percent year-on-year.

The boho revival further fuelled demand, with suede jackets surging 257 percent. The trend nods to pop-culture nostalgia: shoppers drew inspiration from the iconic Penny Lane coat, blending 1970s spirit with modern styling.

Leopard Print Leads the Pack

Animal print proved its staying power, with leopard cementing its status as 2025’s unofficial neutral. Clearpay reported a 366 percent rise in leopard-print purchases, while leopard-print trench coats alone saw a 345 percent increase. Worn head-to-toe or used as a statement piece, the print showed up across wardrobes in bolder, more creative ways than in previous seasons.

The Funnel-Neck Moment

Silhouettes also shifted, driven in part by Victoria Beckham’s viral funnel-neck coat featured in her latest documentary. Funnel-neck jacket sales rose 111 percent, while collarless coats increased 218 percent. Clean, architectural shapes resonated with consumers looking for pieces that were both refined and functional.

Scarves Step Into the Spotlight

Accessories played a crucial role in 2025 styling, with “scarfcore” dominating the early part of the year. Triangle scarves saw a 138 percent jump, following Kendall Jenner’s appearance in a statement scarf during Paris Fashion Week. Headscarves saw even stronger momentum, soaring 361 percent as shoppers leaned into low-lift accessories that added polish while protecting hair on the go.

What’s Driving the Shift?

Clearpay’s consumer insights psychologist, Shakaila Forbes-Bell, says 2025’s standout trends reflect a deeper emotional current.

“As this year draws to a close, it’s clear that people have become more creative in how they express themselves through fashion, and that’s because people become happier, less anxious and more resilient when engaging in creativity,” Shakaila Forbes-Bell says. “The resurgence of leopard print and statement collars reflects a need to satisfy our ingrained desire for individuality.”

But experimentation has also come with a desire for comfort. “This year’s appetite for tactile fabrics like suede and mohair leans into a desire to self-soothe, as we tend to reach for softer fabrics when feeling cautious or low,” she adds. Shoppers, she says, were pursuing pieces that felt “expressive, but grounding.”

A Year Defined by Bold Expression

With trends circulating at high speed on social media, consumers used 2025 to break away from fast-trend cycles and prioritise a sense of personal identity. Whether through the boldness of leopard print, the softness of mohair or the structure of a high collar, wardrobes this year reflected a willingness to experiment, and a renewed confidence in dressing for oneself.