Brushstroke Checks – AW26/27’s Fresh Take on a Classic

Checks have been a reliable cornerstone of fashion for decades -from heritage tartans to preppy ginghams and graphic plaids. But for Autumn/Winter 26/27, we’re seeing a significant evolution: the rise of the Brushstroke Check. This move on takes the familiar grid structure and infuses it with an expressive, hand-rendered quality that feels modern, tactile, and full of personality.

Instead of clean, mechanical lines, Brushstroke Checks embrace imperfection and artistry. The edges are painterly, the strokes look layered and textured, and the overall feel is more organic than digitally sharp. It’s a check that nods to tradition but breaks free of uniformity, giving designers a way to refresh a category that is both commercially strong and creatively ripe for change.

The Colour Story — Bold Yet Balanced

Colour plays a central role in bringing Brushstroke Checks to life.

• Punchy cobalt and rich navy anchor the story with depth and winter-appropriate saturation.
• Golden ochre and honeyed yellows bring warmth and energy, while feeling vintage-inspired.
• Artistic turquoise adds an unexpected pop that’s youthful and digital-age fresh.
• Soft winter white keeps the palette wearable and versatile, ideal for base fabrics.
• Deep aubergine and muted rose-browns add sophistication and a grounding touch.

This palette is commercially versatile: designers can opt for playful, colour-blocked contrasts for kidswear or keep it pared-back and refined for premium lines and older age groups.

Why It’s Resonating Now

1. The Desire for Human Touch: Consumers are leaning into craft and authenticity. After seasons of hyper-digital prints and AI-generated graphics, hand-painted textures feel personal and tactile.
2. Heritage With a Twist: Checks remain a trusted, sell-through pattern. But brands are under pressure to innovate while maintaining commercial safety. Brushstroke Checks strike the perfect balance.
3. Cross-Generational Appeal: While playful enough for younger kids, the slightly artistic, abstract quality also works for tween and teen markets — where design maturity is essential.
4. Runway to Real World: We’ve seen painterly effects appear in womenswear and luxury brands; AW26/27 will push this into kidswear and unisex markets as the aesthetic trickles down.

Design Applications to Explore

• Outerwear: Oversized, hand-painted check coats or padded jackets feel elevated and unique.
• Knitwear: Brushed, fuzzy yarns highlight the painterly texture – perfect for cosy jumpers and cardigans.
• Day Dresses & Skirts: Play with scale; go extra large for dramatic impact or small for sweet, wearable checks.
• Pyjama Dressing: Bring artistry to lounge and sleepwear – painterly checks add playful charm while staying commercial.
• Accessories: Scarves, hairbands, and small bags can lift a look with a pop of brushstroke pattern.

How to Make It Feel New

• Experiment With Overlays: Layer transparent brush marks over clean grids for depth and movement.
• Play With Direction: Mix horizontal and vertical strokes irregularly rather than perfect repeats.
• Think Scale: Oversized brush marks feel fresh for outerwear and occasionwear; smaller scale suits shirting or babywear.
• Mix Media: Combine screen printing with embroidered strokes or textured yarns for added dimension.

Trend Takeaway

Brushstroke Checks are the modern evolution of a perennial favourite. They provide a bridge between heritage reliability and fresh creativity, making them a safe yet forward-thinking choice for brands entering AW26/27. Whether you’re a premium label looking to elevate classics, or a mass brand searching for an easy trend refresh, this painterly approach to checks is a must-consider print direction.

For kidswear in particular, this trend allows you to keep commercial silhouettes – dresses, outerwear, pyjama sets – while adding art-led originality that speaks to today’s style-conscious parents and creative, digitally savvy tweens.

Image Credits: @pammofficial, @misha_and_puff, @emiliawickstead