6 Fun Print Trends Guaranteed to Make You Smile This Summer

Spring and summer's colour trends are a bit of a given, aren't they? Yellow, pink, green—these are shades that return in one way or another every warm-weather season. Don't get us wrong. There's nothing we love more than a joyful colour palette, but what we find even more interesting are the summer prints that come out to play this time of year.

Print trends are way more unpredictable than colour trends. Yes, you can always expect to see florals, but how they're going to be interpreted that season is anyone's guess. (Spoiler alert: This year is all about retro, '70s-style blooms.) Then, there are checks. After years spent favouring gingham, now everyone in the know has become borderline obsessed with checkerboard.

These are perhaps the two dominating print trends of the summer, but don't worry if they don't float your sartorial boat. There is a host of other print microtrends you can get on board with that'll give your wardrobe an instant 2022 refresh. Scroll below to see what we consider to be the top summer print trends right now.

1. RETRO FLORALS

summer-print-trends-293364-1622627820814-image

(Image credit: @IMANLEILA)

Style Notes: It’s expected for florals to make a comeback at this point in the year, but retro, ’70s-inspired florals? They feel incredibly fresh for 2022. 

Shop the trend:

2. FRUIT FOR THE PICKING

summer-print-trends-293364-1648756520318-main

(Image credit: @MONIKH)

Style Notes: It seems that we’re not the only ones in holiday mode this year. Brands are serving up a cocktail of tropical fruity prints for 2022, which are making us want to book a getaway ASAP. 

Shop the trend:

3. WATERCOLOUR

summer-print-trends-293364-1622627816312-image

(Image credit: @SONGOFSTYLE)

Style Notes: Although tie-dye is still very prevalent this season, a more delicate take on the motif is starting to sweep the new collections—beautiful watercolour brush strokes. 

Shop the trend:

4. CHECKERBOARD

summer-print-trends-293364-1622627817333-image

(Image credit: @CHARLOTTEKUHRT)

Style Notes: Although they started out life as a micro-trend, checkerboard motifs have proven they have serious staying power and, by the look of it, are set to be just as popular for 2022. Instead of black and white combinations, I’m looking to bright clashes to instil some joy into my wardrobe. 

Shop the trend:

5. PSYCHEDELIC SWIRLS

summer-print-trends-293364-1622627819688-image

(Image credit: @NNENNAECHEM)

Style Notes: This is another variation on the overarching tie-dye trend that’s been captivating fashion for the past few seasons. Now, we’re beginning to see more and more swirl and marble prints coming through. Personally, I might even prefer them to the OG. 

Shop the trend:

6. RAINBOW STRIPES

summer-print-trends-293364-1622627814123-image

(Image credit: @BASMA_K)

Style Notes: Becoming just as integral to the spring/summer print scene as florals, rainbow stripes are also starting to shine through now that spring is here! 

Shop the trend:

Next Up: The Best High-Street Buys We've Seen on Instagram This Month

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.