Are tights in Style 2023?

When it comes to runway trends, there's often a decent amount of overlap between cities. But if there's one fashion week that's more likely to introduce a few new ones, it's Paris. The French capital has a long-held reputation as the city whose designers inspire everyone else, and with good reason: It's home to many of fashion's greatest minds.

And sometimes, as the saying goes, great minds think alike. From elegant capuche head coverings, to body-hugging catsuits, to the asymmetrical silhouette we're calling the "sideways mullet hem," read on for some of the spring 2023 trends that Paris designers are aligned on.

Capuches

Capuche may be French for "hood," but this softer fashion version looks more like a cowl or an already-attached headscarf than what you'd see on a sweatshirt. We saw them covering models' heads as extensions of dresses, jackets and catsuits at Saint Laurent, Schiaparelli, Mônot and Off-White.

Catsuits

Speaking of catsuits, many Paris designers, from Acne to Valentino, favored the one-and-done style for Spring 2023, especially light, body-hugging versions. They range from sheer to sparkly to printed; some were styled alone while others were used as a layering piece — and none of them are boring.

Extra-Mini Flare Dresses

Ultra-short hemlines are yesterday's news, but we were intrigued by how a few Paris designers did them on fit-and-flare dresses. Loewe's Jonathan Anderson showed a slew of these extra-mini frocks; his have a sort of tennis-meets-Alaïa feel. Rick Owens and Isabel Marant showed lighter, more relaxed versions.

Hotpants

Dresses are, of course, not the only way to show off some leg. If you're more of a shorts person, everyone from Chloé to Coperni to Valentino seems determined to make hotpants happen for next spring.

Leather Bra Tops

Despite these being spring collections, there was a lot of leather and leather-like material on the Paris runways. One way to make this textile work for warm weather is to cut it into something that doesn't cover much skin, like a bra. Givenchy, Mônot, Vaquera and more did just that.

Low-Rise Everything

This was the season that just about everyone in Paris showed low-rise bottoms. We're talking skirts, jeans, trousers, cargo pants and shorts. This trend clearly isn't going anywhere.

Panniers

One of Paris's less practical trends is the pannier — a relic of 18th-century French fashion. Dior, Lanvin, Rochas and Cecilie Bahnsen all created modernized versions of the hip-accentuating silhouette.

Sideways Mullet Hems

Business on the side, party on the...other side? A number of Paris designers seemed to collectively decide to shift mullet hems from front-to-back to side-to-side. There are both gradual and dramatic versions, some more akin to early-aughts handkerchief dresses. We're not exactly sure what to call this asymmetrical phenomenon, but it is an intriguing rethinking of an overdone silhouette.

Statement Tights

Another trend that feels odd for spring, but was quite prevalent among the shows in Paris: tights. But not just any tights. From abstract patterns to logo prints to decadent lace, this hosiery is designed to make a statement.

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Wilmington, Del., 11 January 2022 – The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative fibre and technology solutions for the apparel industry, launches its highly anticipated legwear trends forecast for AW22/23. With the ongoing effects of the pandemic, this season the legwear sector shifts its focus to self-empowerment and innovation, bringing enlightenment and liberation to the new collections.

Each year, through an alliance with the trend forecasting experts from Stijlinstituut Amsterdam, The LYCRA Company remains at the forefront of legwear by presenting a forward-thinking prediction of the cutting-edge trends through a capsule collection that showcases the latest legwear innovations.

“For over 20 years we have been inspiring our customers with our legwear trends forecast; it’s a value added benefit of working with The LYCRA Company that our customers appreciate,” said Jane Gwyther, senior strategic manager – legwear, The LYCRA Company. “This year’s forecast tells a story about the future. Our series of creative legwear is intended to inspire and dress up a generation that is interested in problem-solving innovations. Each look features technologies we have developed to satisfy unmet consumer needs in legwear comfort and performance.”

The LYCRA Company and Stijlinstituut Amsterdam together have identified four key themes that address the hopes and dreams of the modern consumer:

TREND 1: FITNESS FIRST

Graphic accents add playfulness and energy Self-care and health are increasingly important. It has become interconnected with every aspect of our lives, brought to life in the relationship between fashion and fitness.

Look 1 (left): Wellness is the new status symbol. Images courtesy of the brand.

Athleisure has moved far beyond the basic black legging, as design meets functionality. Social media is buzzing with an increasing number of people showcasing their healthy lifestyles and posting photos of themselves wearing stylish athleisure apparel across a range of activities and occasions.

COOLMAX® EcoMade ALL SEASON technology helps expand the comfort zone of the wearer, no matter what they demand of their apparel. Made from 100% post-consumer recycled resources, it ticks the social responsibility box for this growing tribe who incorporate wellness into everything they do.

Look 2 (right): Blurring lines and cross-sector convergence

As the lines between work, home and pleasure blur, so do the lines between activewear and daywear. Trickling through from streetwear to luxury, the influence of athleisure has profoundly changed the way we dress. On-the-go lifestyles, work-from-home and a growing awareness of health and fitness has driven a desire for apparel that can “do it all”.

New COOLMAX® EcoMade technology made from 100% textile waste offers moisture management and dries quickly, whilst LYCRA® ENERGIZE™ fibre adds compression to help optimise performance.

Look 3 (not pictured): Technology Reshaping Fashion

Technology is reshaping the state of the fashion industry – automating, personalising and speeding up the fashion space. High-tech performance technologies bring functionality and style to garments. THERMOLITE® FAR INFRARED (FIR) technology makes it possible to develop lightweight, warmth generating garments. Deeper saturated colours are achieved using LYCRA® LIVING LIGHTS technology.

LYCRA® ENERGIZE™ fibre helps revitalize tired legs, while LYCRA® FUSION™ technology makes tights that are durable and ladder-resistant.

TREND 2: POSITIVE VIBES

Amplifying creativity and expressing views through fashion

Expressive garments, made for motion, are injected with humour, bravely disregarding classic fashion rules. They are crafted to appeal to those who dare to wear playful designs and express themselves through fashion.

Look 1 (left and right): Composed and Curated Rebellion. Images courtesy of the brand.

A wild mix of patterns, prints and dyes come together to deliver a perfect symphony of style, promoting diversity, inclusivity and creative expression. Personalisation makes fashion “for me” and empowers by offering choice. LYCRA® ADAPTIV fibre personalises fit. It provides shaping and compression as needed and makes garments easier to put on and take off – perfect for modern, busy lifestyles.

LYCRA® 3D technology offers a smooth, uniform appearance and freedom of movement, whilst LYCRA® FREEF!T®technology brings added comfort and shape retention to waistbands, with no digging in and rolling over.

Look 2 (not pictured): Lasting Style with Heritage Motives

Heritage motives are always in fashion and offer a comforting familiarity, whilst being perfectly adaptable to each generation’s style. LYCRA® DRY technology absorbs moisture fast to help keep feet dry. LYCRA® MADE TO FIT YOU technology fits smoothly; regardless of ankle circumference; stays in place but with less digging in and marking on the skin.

Look 3 (not pictured): Uplifting Expressionism

Vibrant colours and bold patterns, clashing shapes and styles. Proud, self-expression brings positive vibes to fashion. LYCRA® ADAPTIV fibre brings shaping and compression for different body shapes where needed. It perfectly combines stay-in-place fit with exquisite comfort. Seamless garment suits different body shapes and sizes. True comfort in motion.

TREND 3: LUXE ESSENTIAL

Less and luxe, rejuvenating professionalism and chic Designers and buyers report a new wave of glamour and chic as people, begin to dress up again. However, excess is out. This look is about restrained finesse. This is a comfortable interpretation, making the everyday extraordinary.

Look 1 (left): Romantic Glamour. Images courtesy of the brand.

Gender neutral and unashamedly nostalgic, this look takes inspiration from the glamour era of the silver screen. Deco-esque geometric shapes, presented in a subtle and very personal way. LYCRA® SHAPING technology enhances the silhouette, offering comfort with smooth, yet firm, support across a wide range of body types.

Look 2 (not pictured): Return of the Pinstripe

A contemporary take on the classic pinstripe appears in stylish outfits everywhere. COOLMAX® freshFX™ technology provides long-lasting freshness whilst LYCRA® BLACK technology achieves true black, without glitter or grin-through.

LYCRA® MADE TO FIT YOU technology provides an everyday stay-up concept for all thigh sizes with a second skin effect and no digging in. LYCRA® FUSION™ technology enhances durability with ladder/run resistance.

Look 3 (right): Luxurious Marble

Revered by ancient cultures for its beauty and strength, marble has represented luxury and glamour throughout the history of civilization. In AW22/23 we will see marble appearing in everything from fashion to interior design.

THERMOLITE® FAR INFRARED (FIR) technology uses the body’s infrared energy to generate gentle warmth, whilst LYCRA® ENERGIZE™ fibre adds energizing compression.

TREND 4: BIO RHYTHMS

The flaws and imperfections of natural materials, stone and cracked effects, rugged piles and organic patterning, make an alluring untamed aesthetic. Designers make use of natural forms, patterns and textures to blur the lines between the organic and the synthetic.

Look 1 (left): Artificial Nature

Designs explore a simulated view of the natural world, straddling the divide between nature and technology. LYCRA® SUPER SUMMER SHEER technology delivers incredibly sheer hosiery with a better than bare appearance and greater durability due to LYCRA® FUSION technology. LYCRA® MADE TO FIT YOU technology offers the perfect stay-in-place band while minimising red marks.

Look 2 (right): Growing and Evolving Form

Dynamic patterns that look as if they are still growing and moving. Diffused, dispersed and spread, embracing uncontrollable and dynamic colouring as if captured during a process of evolution. COOLMAX®toughFX technology transports moisture away from feet and offers improved durability. LYCRA® SOFT COMFORT technology makes garments easy to put on and off and stay in place.

Look 3 (not pictured): Animal Ambition

Guilt-free artificial furs and skins feature alongside animal inspired patterns and cosy textures. Fabrics and materials that look just as snug as they feel and perform even better.

THERMOLITE® ALL SEASON technology for everyday at home socks offers lightweight warmth and keeps feet dry at the same time. LYCRA® SOFT COMFORT technology for the ultimate all-day comfort and easy donning whilst staying in place.

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