Matcha Mania: When Tea Culture Inspires Fashion

From the Japanese tea ceremony to fashion runways, matcha – this green tea powder with countless benefits – has emerged as a true source of inspiration. How is this matcha culture permeating the fashion world, particularly for ethical brands like iné? Get ready for a journey blending tradition, wellness, and contemporary style.

Table of Contents

• Matcha: Between Ancient Culture and Wellness Trend
• From Bowl to Wardrobe: Matcha, a New Fashion Inspiration
• iné Storytelling: Being (Eco)logical Means Doing Things Differently
• Matcha Green: A Trendy Color in the iné Collection
• FAQ on Vegan Sneakers, Ethical Fashion, and Matcha

 

Matcha: Between Ancient Culture and Wellness Trend

 

From Zen Ritual to Trendy Beverage

Matcha is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition: this powdered green tea is prepared during a precise and meditative ceremony. Here, the tea master pours hot water over the matcha, illustrating a ritual passed down since the 12^th century. The word matcha (抹茶) literally means "ground tea." Made from finely ground tencha tea leaves, it was originally consumed by Buddhist monks to promote concentration. Over the centuries, matcha became a pillar of Japanese tea culture, symbolizing serenity and respect. 

 

Today, this green powder has conquered the world. Far from being exclusive to insiders, it's enjoyed as lattes in urban cafes and flavors desserts and smoothies. This matcha mania is explained as much by its unique taste as by its benefits: rich in antioxidants, gentle caffeine, detox effects… A true natural boost favored by adherents of the wellness trend. A creamy matcha latte, a trendy drink blending green tea powder and plant-based milk. Its jade green color and heart-decorated foam reflect the balance between softness and energy that urban dwellers seek in their quest for well-being. Matcha's popularity on Instagram and Pinterest, where its vibrant green looks amazing, attests to its status as a lifestyle icon. Hashtags like #matchalatte or #matchalove boast hundreds of thousands of posts – proof that the craze goes beyond a simple drink to become a way of life.

An Inspiring Color and Values

Beyond the beverage, matcha green fascinates. Its naturally vibrant hue oscillates between jade green and pistachio green. A symbol of nature and balance, it evokes the tranquility of bamboo forests and the energy of tea leaves. It's no wonder this soothing color has permeated other fields, becoming a true Japanese inspiration in contemporary design. For example, some artisans now dye textiles with matcha or tea extracts to achieve organic green tones. Dyeing a garment with tea infuses it with a bit of Zen philosophy, a way to aesthetically link fashion to nature in a tangible way.

 

 

The Japanese tea ceremony codified the use of matcha within a spiritual framework. The initiate, often in a kimono, whisks the matcha in a bowl with a bamboo chasen. This ancestral ritual, imbued with grace and slowness, illustrates attention to detail and respect for nature – values that resonate today, even within ethical fashion.

 

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A true bridge between tradition and modernity, matcha embodies values that resonate with our era: authenticity, patience, and a return to simplicity. The rise of yoga, meditation, and the quest for natural products in our lifestyles echoes this. Drinking matcha tea in the morning or wearing a naturally dyed garment means embracing a more conscious approach, more in harmony with the environment. This search for global harmony is now reflected… in the way we dress.

 

From Bowl to Wardrobe: Matcha, a New Fashion Inspiration

 

Matcha Green, the Star of Trends

 

 

It's impossible to talk about matcha without mentioning its unique color. Matcha green has literally taken over the wardrobes of fashionistas in recent seasons. According to a major trend report, "matcha" green was even named color of the year 2024. Indeed, Stitch Fix (an online styling service) notes a surge of +60% in demand for green clothing, proving that this shade captivates with its originality. Why such enthusiasm? Matcha green, as it's called, offers a rare balance: both soft and invigorating. It lies between a calming sage green and an energetic pistachio green. As a result, it flatters all skin tones and adds a vibrant touch to any outfit without being garish.

Designers have clearly understood this: monochrome matcha green outfits illuminated shop windows and fashion feeds in Spring 2025. Once confined to tea leaves, the matcha shade is now making its mark on cutting-edge silhouettes, a symbol of serene boldness. Worn as a total look, it instills a quiet confidence; in touches (a jacket, sneakers, a bag), it energizes a neutral palette. According to the WGSN consultancy, "cool matcha" is expected to continue its triumph in 2025 thanks to its "sophisticated and calming" aspect. Both trendy and easy to match, it's the favorite color that replaces our perpetual beiges and grays with a touch of escapism.

 

 

Beyond the fashion effect, this success reveals a deeper aspiration. After difficult periods, many seek comfort and optimism. Matcha green responds to this need: it evokes nature's rebirth, health, and vitality. By sporting this shade, one displays a positive and Zen mindset – almost as if wearing the relaxing virtues of matcha tea! Social networks are overflowing with #MatchaOutfits where users compete in creativity to integrate this color into their outfits, proof that the wellness trend and fashion are converging.

 

The trend doesn't spare men's fashion either. Matcha green is available in polos, t-shirts, and cardigans to offer a variety of styles and adapt to all skin tones. As many shades of green (which ultimately recall all the variations of matcha, from powder to latte!) as there are possibilities for clothing and accessories! 

 

Slow Fashion & Wellness: The Same Fight?

Ethical fashion and the matcha craze share an essential commonality: they invite us to slow down and consume differently. Just as preparing matcha requires time and care, building a responsible wardrobe demands reflection and high standards. We prioritize durable, timeless pieces, designed with respect for the environment and workers. This parallel between the tea ritual and conscious dressing echoes a global quest for meaning in our society.

In both cases, it's about quality rather than quantity. Instead of succumbing to ephemeral fast fashion, we choose a garment for its story, its eco-responsible material, its reduced impact. The same goes for our morning cup of matcha: we prefer it organic, from sustainable farming, and we savor it fully rather than drinking it hastily. This underlying movement should translate into a desire to return to the essentials, to appreciate what we consume. In this sense, yes, matcha mania and sustainable fashion go hand in hand. Rather than giving in to a mere trend, we should be more interested in the concept of the Zen matcha ceremony and return to natural materials, to a more organic aesthetic. The result: our clothes would tell a story with more meaning and values.

 

 

Ultimate proof of this convergence, the renowned trend forecasting company Pantone has introduced several tea-inspired green shades into its recent palettes. And according to a fashion article, dressing in matcha green could even "make you more serene," so much does the color have a calming psychological impact. Of course, wearing green doesn't replace a meditation session, but it helps create a calm and harmonious visual atmosphere around oneself. Fashion is no longer just about appearance: it also reflects a state of mind. By adopting the matcha trend, one expresses a desire for a healthier, more balanced, and sustainable lifestyle – from the plate… to the outfit of the day.

 

 

When Timeless Fashion is Trendy

Behind iné, there is a vision: to offer vegan sneakers, unisex and minimalist, that reconcile urban style with respect for the planet. When Audrey Delanoë founded the brand in 2024, it was to " prove that you can have style without compromising on values ."

 
"Before creating trendy sneakers, I created harmonious sneakers that I liked. That's how our timeless pieces remain fashionable today." — Audrey Delanoë, founder of iné

iné draws inspiration from the 90s heritage for the look of its sneakers – featuring retro lines and a sole inspired by vintage running shoes – while incorporating 2025 innovations for materials. This is the art of slow fashion according to iné: drawing from the best of the past (durability, repairability, timeless aesthetics) and using the best of the present (eco-designed materials, short supply chains, local manufacturing). The result? Sneakers with a sleek design, easy to wear daily, for both Her and Him. Far from the cliché of basic ethical fashion, iné claims a polished and trendy aesthetic in addition to being responsible. Being logical and ecological ultimately means offering products desirable for their style and impeccable in their design.

 

Matcha Green: A Trendy Color in the iné Collection

 

Sneakers with Nature-Inspired Hues

At iné, nature is never far from creation. Proof of this, several models in the range feature green colorways that inevitably recall the tone of freshly whisked matcha tea. This touch of matcha green is not just aesthetic: it symbolizes the alliance of urban spirit with organic freshness. For example, our flagship model Vibes Green and Neon Yellow displays a deep green contrasted by sparkling neon yellow – a balance between botanical softness and urban energy. 

 

Its unisex design blends a deep "matcha" green with dynamic neon yellow touches, on an airy white base. These handmade sneakers from Portugal embody the fusion of urban energy and organic softness. On an off-white base, the forest green and fir green overlays evoke nature, while the neon yellow trim "twists" the whole with a modern and fun touch. It's the ideal pair for those who want a bold yet subtle look.

Another example, the Vibes Pink and Green model combines a soft pastel mint green with a tender pink and a gentle sand beige. The Vibes Pink and Green sneaker offers a pastel interpretation of the matcha trend: its delicate mint green intertwines with powdery pink and sand beige, for a soft yet fresh result. Inspired by 90s running shoes, this vegan pair advocates a confident retro style without sacrificing comfort. The contrast with powdery pink creates a surprising harmony between freshness and softness, perfectly in tune with current trends. This unisex model with a slightly vintage look challenges traditionally gendered fashion codes.

 

 

These color choices at iné are no coincidence. They are bold without being flashy, calming without being bland.

Achieve a successful urban look with the Vibes Green and Neon Yellow on your feet. Our unisex model pairs equally well with raw denim and a relaxed hoodie as with a dressier outfit. 

 

The touches of green and yellow add character to the ensemble while remaining easy to pair. iné encourages everyone to embrace these matcha shades in their personal style. You can play the Zen card by combining your green sneakers with neutral tones (off-white, beige, light gray) for a balanced and modern look. Or, on the contrary, make the neon pop by associating it with a bold piece to create a 90s-inspired pop contrast. The possibilities are endless, and that's the beauty of it: the matcha color, however unique, proves to be surprisingly versatile in a wardrobe.

 

 

Proof that you can be trendy while consuming responsibly. At iné, we are convinced: the next fashion revolution will be green – in every sense of the word.

 

FAQ on Vegan Sneakers, Ethical Fashion, and Matcha

Q1. What exactly are vegan sneakers?

A. Vegan sneakers are shoes made without any animal-derived materials. Specifically, this means they use no leather, suede, or animal-based glues. Instead, brands opt for innovative materials: plant-based leather alternatives (corn, grape, cactus…), solvent-free synthetic microfibers, recycled textiles, etc. The goal is to offer shoes that are just as stylish and robust as classic sneakers, but 100% cruelty-free. By choosing vegan sneakers, you make a gesture for animals and for the planet, as these new materials are often more ecological (less polluting production, recyclability, etc.).

Q2. Are vegan sneakers as durable and comfortable as leather sneakers?

A. Yes – and increasingly so! Early generations of synthetic leather might have lacked longevity, but recent innovations have significantly improved performance. Today, materials like BioVeg (corn leather) or mushroom leather offer durability comparable to animal leather, without its ecological impact. In terms of comfort, vegan sneakers are generally lighter and more flexible, as they lack thick leather. Brands focus on ergonomics: recycled foam insoles, breathable meshes made from recycled fibers, etc. The result is shoes that are comfortable for everyday wear, which you don't need to "break in." As always, quality depends on the shoe's overall design, not on the presence or absence of animal leather.

Q3. How to care for vegan sneakers to make them last?

A. Caring for vegan sneakers is quite simple and similar to caring for classic trainers. Here are some tips: clean them regularly with a soft brush and a damp cloth (a little soapy water is enough in most cases). For stubborn stains, use a mild soap or a cleaning product specifically for synthetic materials – obviously avoiding polishes or greases designed for leather. Let them air dry (away from direct heat sources that could alter the material). If your sneakers have faux suede or textile inserts, a solvent-free waterproofing spray can be applied to protect them from rain and dirt. Finally, store them away from dust, and remember to alternate pairs to let each pair breathe. With this care, your vegan sneakers will maintain their shine and condition for many years – a true sustainable fashion habit!

Q4. Is matcha green easy to wear every day?

A. Absolutely, and more than you might think! Matcha green, with its medium shades that are neither too light nor too dark, actually pairs well with many wardrobe colors. For a minimalist look, you can combine it with neutral tones: off-white, beige, pearl gray, or navy blue will perfectly highlight a matcha green piece (for example, a sweatshirt or a pair of sneakers) while maintaining a chic harmony. For a bolder style, matcha green combines well with complementary colors like pale pink (hello to the very patisserie-like matcha-raspberry combo!), lavender purple, or even pastel yellow. In terms of clothing, a touch of matcha green can liven up a classic outfit: a matcha green t-shirt under a black jacket, matcha green sneakers with a jeans/white t-shirt ensemble, etc. You can also try the monochrome total look in matcha green for the most fashion-forward – in this case, play with textures and shades to avoid a block effect. Since it's a nature-inspired color, it always brings a touch of balance. Don't hesitate to practice in front of the mirror by trying out different combinations; you'll see that this green proves surprisingly versatile for everyday wear!

 

Conclusion: A Green (Matcha) Future Against All Odds

Matcha mania isn't just a hipster fad for colorful lattes. It's a sign of a generation aspiring to consume better, in all areas – food, wellness, and now fashion. Seeing matcha green infuse our wardrobes is a strong symbol: that of an awakening to nature's abundant offerings, including stylistic inspiration. The enthusiasm for this color reflects a desire for freshness, positivity, and authenticity. All these values resonate with ethical fashion promoted by brands like iné.

We believe that the fashion industry should no longer ride trends but rather offer timeless pieces. We did not create our sneakers based on the popularity of this or that color. Our vegan sneakers align with this vision of timeless and conscious fashion, while remaining joyful, committed, and creative. And if the matcha wave is only just beginning, we are convinced it foreshadows a fundamental trend: that of fashion aligned with a healthy and responsible way of life. Fashion where you can have style while staying true to your values.

Adding color to your outfits is also a way to boost your mood! From accessories to shoes, there are countless ways to integrate this trend while also making a gesture for the planet. So don't hesitate to take the green (matcha) step towards more colorful outfits that energize you – your mind (and the planet) will thank you. Send us your best looks on Instagram! 

 

 

Sources & Credits

• FashionUnited – 2024 Trends according to Stitch Fix (Matcha color of the year)
• Pinterest – WGSN Cool Matcha 2025 (calming tea-inspired color trend)
• Emirates Woman – Article "From cup to closet" (matcha green, wellness and fashion)
• Shohei Collection – Matcha tea-dyed shirt (example of natural dye)
• iné – "Imagining iné" Page (founder's story and vision)
• iné – Vegan Unisex Sneakers Shop (technical material details)
• ClimateSeed – Fashion Industry Environmental Impact (CO₂ emissions)
• La Belle Déchette – Shocking Textile Industry Figures (textile waste, source Ellen MacArthur)
• SustainYourStyle – Fashion & Environment (water pollution by the textile industry)
• DataBridge – Global Vegan Footwear Market (growth forecasts)