These Print Trends Have Staying Power

When it comes to clothing patterns, designers have always had a thing for leopard, cheetah, and tiger stripes, but other lesser-known prints are catching up as well. The animal print clothing craze has taken over the fashion scene in the last couple of years, partly thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of Joe Exotic’s true-crime series Tiger King.

Since the show’s release, people have rediscovered their love of animal prints. Even if you’re no fan of the controversial Netflix docuseries, you should definitely try the animal print clothing trend as a gateway into the world of statement styling. This is especially true if bold patterns like polka dots, tropical florals, and brightly-colored tie-dye seem too intimidating for you.

Unlike zig-zag, plaids, and stripes prints you may encounter while outfit-shopping, most cheetah prints, tiger stripes, and other animal prints come in neutrals, so you can team them with whites, brown, and black without having to worry about a potential color clash. For instance, the ever-fashionable leopard print can be used to put together any outfit, from relaxed to smart casual and even office wear.

All in all, animal prints of various styles are hot and trendy right now. So, if you are ready to give this roaring trend a whirl, here are some of the most evergreen animal prints you can snap up right now to bring out your inner cool cat.

1- Leopard Print

Let’s be honest; leopard spots are one of those animal print clothing trends that are going to stick around forever, and we aren’t complaining. The staying power of the popular pattern is impressively evident in its ubiquitous infusion into pretty much any clothing item, from low-top sneakers, belts, and leggings to wide-leg pants, fur jackets, and even bucket hats.

As proclaimed by one of the hottest lifestyle brands, Sanctuary, the perennial animal print trend is forever stylish and deliciously chic, but the true power of leopard print comes out when you pair it with the right pieces, particularly tops and pants. For instance, this year, we saw the fierce leopard fur coat dutifully return, and it looks chicer than ever before.

Showcase your outfit styling savvy by pairing blue acid-wash skinny jeans and a brown leopard fur coat for a highly gorgeous casual ensemble. Then, add a black crew-neck t-shirt, dark brown sunglasses, and a burgundy leather clutch to your get-up to up your coordination game. As for the footwear, you can’t go wrong with purple or pink leather ankle boots.

Too dressy for you? No worries – you can swap out the acid wash jeans for a light blue swing dress to pair with your leopard fur coat. Then, finish off your outfit with a pair of black leather derby shoes for a bit of kick of spice in your otherwise super-casual ensemble.

2- Tiger Stripes

Many clothing patterns come in waves, but some animal prints remain forever popular and earn their keep season after season. And this year, amid all the crazy patterns that’ll get their five minutes of fame, we witnessed our beloved animal-inspired print make a comeback: tiger stripes!

The camo pattern that found its footing in the early 1960s feels more relevant than ever, and we think it will form the pillar of your outfits for many seasons to come. At the Spring 2022 Runway circuit, the tiger stripe was among the most stand-out animal prints, so you can be sure it is one trend that will steal the show throughout spring and summer.

Pair your favorite tiger striped clothing pieces with bright yellows and some oversized jewelry this year. For instance, you can try pairing a tiger striped top with a black suede mini-skirt and call attention to your face with oversized green earrings. If it’s pizzazz that you are gunning for in an outfit, introduce a bright, multicolored plaid blazer, a black leather waist belt, yellow fishnet tights, and a yellow leather tote bag to your ensemble.

3- Zebra Print

The good news for those who have been avoiding brightly-colored patterns is that the zebra print is back with a bang this year. Even better news? The print was all over the Fashion Week runways, appearing at major spring, summer, and fall collections, so you can rest assured this is one animal print clothing trend that’ll trickle down to everything, from belts to beanies.

In the hands of well-known designers like Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Sanctuary, and DKNY, the zebra print is considerably more graceful than ever before. It appears in skirts, dresses, boots, crop tops, coats, pants, and athleisure – just to name a few.

Among upcoming chic looks, zebra printed straight-leg pants are in style this spring season. Pair them with a white blazer atop a white short-sleeve blouse for an effortless get-up for the warmer weather. If you wish to add an instant glam factor to your outfit, wear black leather pumps and tote a blue suede satchel bag.

4- Geometric Prints

Retro florals stole the show throughout the summer months, so it is only natural that the next throwback print serves as a nod to the groovy era of geometric patterns. One trend that seems to have a lot of traction and staying power is geometric prints of quadrilaterals, polygons, and other symmetrical shapes of varying proportions.

These come in concise and busy arrangements that will help add a touch of chic to an otherwise bland outfit. They’re definitely attention-grabbing, ensuring that your geometric printed clothing item is the focal point of your entire outfit. Small and big designers alike have embraced the trend, offering some of the most elegant pleated skirts, knit tank tops, vests, printed shirts, and even midis.

5- Snake Print

Snake print is the ultimate animal print clothing trend that has persisted despite naysay from some corners of the fashion industry. A few years back, designers brought neon green snake print designs to the fore, and people went on to create some of the strongest looks on the street with the pattern.

Today, the serpentine print comes in many different styles, including traditional shades like brown, gray, and green. However, for a more chic and wearable take on the animal-inspired print, trendsetters and designers turn to Instagram feeds for inspiration.

Instagram influencers like Tiffany Hsu and Juliette Foxx recommend clashing pieces of animal print clothing. For instance, you can team a pair of tiger-striped pants with snakeskin ankle boots while staying true to neutrals in items like shirts and coats.

Conclusion

Animal prints are the definitive trend of many seasons, and you’ve got plenty of styles to choose from. If you’re looking for something with the potential to remain fashionable season after season, leopard prints, tiger stripes, snakeskin, zebra prints, and geometric prints should be your go-to choice. Even so, other clothing patterns like logo prints, gray scale prints, grandma florals, polka dots, and Artscape prints are also having a significant moment right now.