Urban Pastels: Softening Streetwear for AW26/27

Streetwear has long been defined by bold graphics, oversized silhouettes, and high-energy colour. But for AW26/27, we’re seeing a gentler shift – one that blends utility with softness and redefines what “urban cool” looks like for kids. Urban Pastels is all about merging street-led design with calming, expressive colourways, giving fleece, jersey, and knitwear a new direction.

Key Colours

At the heart of this story are soft purples – lilac, mauve, and violet – layered with grounding tones of charcoal, brown, and black. Pops of peach inject warmth, while occasional brights (seen in bags and trims) add a playful spark. This palette bridges the gap between nostalgia and modernity, offering versatility across both casual and statement pieces.

Silhouettes & Styling

Silhouettes nod directly to streetwear classics: oversized cargo trousers, boxy sweatshirts, and sporty jackets. But instead of traditional heavy hues, these shapes are lightened with pastels, soft textures, and minimal branding. Accessories- from retro sneakers to utility-inspired crossbody bags – complete the look, bringing in both function and personality. Layering remains key, with mix-and-match separates styled for ease and adaptability.

Fabric Direction

Soft yet durable fabrics dominate:

  • Fleece and brushed jersey for comfort-led essentials
  • Nylon trims and tech panels that nod to utility and sport
  • Knits that carry the pastel tones into colder months

This combination ensures garments feel ready for everyday wear while retaining a playful, fashion-forward quality.

Why It Matters

Urban Pastels reflects a cultural shift: the growing appetite for softer, more versatile clothing that encourages creativity and individuality rather than uniformity. In kidswear especially, there’s a demand for clothing that looks stylish yet feels comfortable – pieces children can play in, parents can trust, and brands can use to push seasonal storytelling.

Commercial Takeaway

For brands and retailers, Urban Pastels offers an opportunity to:

  • Refresh familiar streetwear shapes with unexpected colour
  • Introduce pastel palettes into boys’ and unisex ranges, not just girlswear
  • Build versatile capsules where comfort meets style
  • Position fleece and jersey as “must-have” fabrics for both fashion and function

By softening the edges of streetwear, Urban Pastels makes the trend more inclusive, wearable, and commercially relevant – ensuring it resonates across global markets.

Image Credits: @bienabien_official, @vejakids, @r.robot_official, @apricotstudios_

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