Moncrieff
Moncrieff
Newstalk
Do fashion trends tend to return?
6 minutes Posted Mar 18, 2026 at 3:59 pm.
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Fashion might feel fast and unpredictable, but research suggests it actually runs on a cycle. A study highlighted by Rhys Blakely in The Times supports the idea that trends tend to come back roughly every 20 years.

By analysing over a century of clothing data, researchers found styles like hemlines rise and fall in a kind of rhythm, meaning what’s out today could easily be back in fashion tomorrow. Even in today’s fast-moving, social media-driven world, the takeaway is simple: don’t throw it out just yet.

Joining Seán to discuss is Cathy O’Connor, Fashion Stylist.