Texhibition Istanbul 2025 reaffirmed its status as a leading international trade fair for fabrics, yarns, and textile accessories. Organized by ITKIB Fuarcılık A S in collaboration with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (ITHIB), the event took place from March 5-7 at the Istanbul Expo Center. It welcomed 22,623 visitors from 106 countries, with over 500 exhibitors showcasing their latest collections and technologies. A dedicated embroidery section was introduced for the first time, further expanding the fair's diverse offerings.
Turkish textile industry strengthens global position
Turkiye's textile and apparel industry continues to establish itself as a global leader, with an export volume of $32.1 billion. Minister of Trade Omer Bolat highlighted the country’s standing among the world's top six textile exporters and as the EU’s third-largest supplier. Texhibition Istanbul plays a crucial role in reinforcing this position by promoting innovation and design expertise on an international scale.
TIM President Mustafa Gultepe emphasized the industry's focus on digitalization, sustainability, and long-term strategies to remain competitive. With an integrated supply chain from cotton to ready-to-wear, Turkiye boasts over 20,000 manufacturers committed to fast, ethical, and eco-friendly production. The sector saw a 20 per cent increase in textile exports in 2024, reaching $15 billion across 212 countries and regions.
Texhibition Istanbul featured a wide range of exhibitors, including established brands such as BTD, Bossa, Gulle, Hefa, Iskur, Karafiber, KuçukÇalık, Kıvanç, Kipaş, Migiboy, Menderes, Narteks, and Yunsa. Hall 8 was dedicated to leading yarn and fiber manufacturers like Diktaş, Ensar, Karafiber, Sasa, and Tepar. The newly introduced embroidery section in the same hall featured 14 exhibitors, including Estar Broche-Akspa Tekstil, Antik Dantel, İpek Tül, and İzmir Brode.
The denim sector also took center stage at the Blue-Black Denim Hall 7, where 21 leading companies, including Bossa, Isko, Kipaş, and İskur, presented their latest sustainable denim innovations. The Blue-Black Denim Show, alongside creative installations and workshops, made this one of the most dynamic sections of the fair. Innovative collections showcased advancements such as metallic-shimmering fabrics and vintage-reworked denim, leading to increased interest from EU buyers in Turkish denim products.
Innovation and sustainability drive the industry forward
Texhibition Istanbul 2025 showcased cutting-edge textile innovations, reinforcing the industry's commitment to technological advancement. The Innovation Hub, curated by designers Arzu Kaprol and Filiz Tunca, featured innovative developments such as transformative denim fabrics that change color upon treatment, an interactive dress with ultra-thin light circuits, and eco-friendly materials derived from pomegranate peels.
A key highlight was MYTH AI, a startup specializing in AI-driven pattern creation and design adaptation for manufacturers. Texhibition Trend Lab further emphasized how innovation is shaping sustainable textiles, blending futuristic aesthetics with practical functionality.
Sustainability remained at the core of the fair, with numerous exhibitors showcasing eco-friendly production methods. Karafiber presented its Ecocell Lyocell fibers, made from sustainably grown wood, while Korteks introduced a polymer recycling plant that produces polyester fibers from recycled plastic bottles. Digital integration also played a role, with Isik Etiket unveiling smart textile labels featuring QR codes that provide material composition, care instructions, and production details. These labels, made from recycled paper and embedded with seed paper tags, contribute to a zero-waste solution, allowing users to plant them instead of discarding them. Since 2022, Isik Etiket’s initiative has resulted in the planting of over 6,069 seedlings.
The ReValue Stock Hub provided a sustainable business platform for marketing surplus fabrics. Through physical and digital presentations, it facilitated customized business opportunities for buyers while reducing industry waste.
A premier hub for trade and networking
Texhibition Istanbul 2025 successfully served as an international hub for trade, fostering connections between manufacturers, designers, and buyers. The fair recorded a 30 per cent increase in international visitors compared to September 2024, with the EU accounting for 41.3 per cent of attendees. Prominent buyers, including Joseph Ribkoff and Simons from Canada, Nike and Alexander Wang LLC from the USA, Asos PLC and Reiss Ltd from the UK, and Ferrotex Industrial and Puntex from the Dominican Republic, participated in business networking sessions with exhibitors.
Ahmet Oksuz, Chairman of ITHIB, expressed pride in hosting Texhibition Istanbul for the seventh time, emphasizing its role in elevating Turkiye’s presence in the global textile market. Vice Chairman Fatih Bilici highlighted the country’s status as the world’s fifth-largest textile exporter and commended Texhibition Istanbul for connecting Turkish manufacturers with global buyers. He underscored the event's focus on sustainability, digitalization, and creative innovations as key factors shaping the future of the textile industry.
With its strong emphasis on sustainability, technology, and global networking, Texhibition Istanbul 2025 reaffirmed its position as a key meeting point for the international textile industry, driving the sector toward a more innovative and eco-friendly future.
