"Sheer" 4th of 12 #materialTrends for 2012 Sheer black returns in popularity, but new for 2012 is a rainbow of colorful sheer fabrics. Embellishments include embroidery, silkscreen, faux fur, and crystals. Sheer, translucent, and clear are popular in a wide range of consumer product categories including furniture, fashion, home decor, technology.