The Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2025, held from September 2-4 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), has concluded, leaving an indelible mark on the global textile industry. It was more than a trade fair; it was a dynamic platform that set new standards for sourcing, innovation, and collaboration. From upgraded zones to a comprehensive fringe program, the fair provided a holistic experience that addressed the evolving needs of the market. This review delves into the key highlights, new features, and overall impact of this landmark event.
With over 3,700 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions, the event was a vibrant hub of textile and apparel professionals, all united by the common goal of shaping the future of fashion. The fair's success was further underscored by the welcoming of eight buyer delegations from seven countries and regions, which included 350 arranged meetings for 50 VIP buyers, reflecting a strong commitment to facilitating impactful business opportunities.
Redefined Zones and Curated Displays: A seamless sourcing journey
One of the most remarkable aspects of this year's fair was the strategic enhancement of its various zones, each meticulously curated to cater to specific market segments. The organizer, Messe Frankfurt, successfully transformed the exhibition into a series of focused experiences, allowing buyers to navigate the vast show floor with unparalleled efficiency. As Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., aptly noted, the fair is designed to proactively respond to the evolving needs of the global apparel industry, and the upgraded zones are a testament to this commitment.
The Functional Lab and The CUBE
In Hall 4.1, the Functional Lab was a testament to the surging demand for activewear and technical textiles. This zone showcased a comprehensive selection of innovative fabrics, including smart textiles, outdoor materials, and sports textiles. Exhibitors like Burlington and Unifi Textiles (Suzhou) presented their cutting-edge offerings, emphasizing the fusion of performance and style. The dedicated display area, The CUBE, was a particular highlight, providing a tangible showcase of advanced fabrics and accessories, from moisture-wicking materials to protective apparel. This focused area gave buyers a hands-on opportunity to assess materials that merge innovation with functionality, crucial for athleisure and high-performance garments.
Premium Wool and the debut of Bespoke Performance
The Premium Wool Zone was a sanctuary for luxury and sophistication. Esteemed European exhibitors, including Abraham Moon & Sons and Scop Clarenson, showcased their latest collections, catering to the discerning tastes of high-end designers and tailors.
A significant upgrade was the new Bespoke Performance display area, which replaced the former Functional Suiting Display Area. This new zone masterfully bridged the gap between traditional luxury and modern functionality. As explained by Shea, it's a response to the "increasingly blurry" line between distinct sourcing goals, where consumers now seek performance features in their everyday apparel. The showcase of outfits from the Hong Kong designer brand SUIT ARTISAN perfectly illustrated this synergy of style, practicality, and luxury, offering a fresh perspective on high-end textiles.
A notable success story from this zone was ALUMO AG, a proud winner at The China International Fabrics DESIGN Competition held during the fair. The company was recognized for shirting innovation with three standout fabrics: Cashmerello Light, a lightweight cotton and cashmere blend; Bernina, a polyamide and elastane fabric; and Wunder, a pure cotton quality with natural wrinkle resistance. ALUMO's presence, alongside its partners Brennet and Eugster & Huber, created a curated space of high-quality shirting fabrics, blending Swiss heritage with modern functionality and artistic design.
Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone
Formerly known as the Digital Solutions Zone, the newly named Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone was a hub of technological advancement. It highlighted how digital innovations are revolutionizing the textile industry, from design to manufacturing. A major highlight was the presentation of The Green Machine by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), a groundbreaking recycling system for mixed materials that demonstrated eco-conscious advancements in sustainability. The zone also featured Shima Seiki's latest digital fabric simulation software and AiDLab's AI-based fashion design and textile inspection technology. These exhibits weren't just for show; they represented strategic tools for sourcing teams. As Shea pointed out, the strong attendance at related fringe events shows that buyers recognize the intrinsic value of these technologies for reshaping the market landscape. The fair's digital tools, such as the Connect PLUS platform and the Intertextile Hub app, further streamlined the experience by offering AI-driven recommendations and integrated messaging, proving that digital transformation is at the core of effective sourcing.
The debut of Essential Suits & Shirts
One of the most impactful new additions was the Essential Suits & Shirts zone, specifically curated for the ready-to-wear market. This zone answered a clear market need for practical, high-quality fabrics that are both versatile and accessible. Leading exhibitors like Mahmood Textile Mills and Kohinoor Mills showcased their expertise in producing fabrics that are suitable for both formal and casual environments. Mahmood Textile Mills' commitment to sustainable production methods resonated with the market's demand for eco-friendly textiles, while Kohinoor Mills' innovative approach to weaving, dyeing, and finishing highlighted the balance of style and comfort. This zone filled a crucial gap, providing a focused avenue for buyers seeking adaptable materials for the modern wardrobe.
A Global Meetingpoint: Country pavilions and exhibitor excellence
The fair's international scope was a key differentiator, attracting exhibitors and buyers from across the globe. The presence of nine country and region pavilions—from Italy (Milano Unica) and France to India, Japan, and Türkiye—underscored the event's status as a global meeting point. These pavilions served as condensed showcases of national textile prowess, allowing buyers to efficiently explore the diverse offerings of different regions.
Pakistan underscored its ambition to expand its footprint in the global textile market with a strong showing, fielding 10 exhibitors across the two events—seven at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics and three at Yarn Expo. According to Muhammad Abdullah Tanvir, Deputy Marketing Manager at Diamond Fabrics Limited, "Intertextile Shanghai is the right platform for expanding our global reach; it attracts the right audience and gives us an excellent opportunity to showcase our products."
Meanwhile, Bangladesh continued its strong presence at the fairs, with four companies.The exhibitors expressed optimism about the fair's role in building new business relationships. Luthfor Rahman Munna, Senior Marketing Manager at Square Textiles PLC, said the fair offered a "remarkable experience," while Rabi from Amanat Shah Fabrics Ltd. highlighted its value as a hub for expanding international networks, noting that the company has consistently benefited from its participation over the years.
Beyond the pavilions, a roster of new and returning exhibitors contributed to the fair's rich tapestry of innovation. Itochu Corporation (Japan) demonstrated a commitment to a circular economy with its coffee grounds-based garments and eco-friendly dyes. Fibrant (Netherlands), a pioneer in sustainable nylon solutions, showcased its EcoLactam line with a "world-class carbon footprint," highlighting the industry's push towards greener materials. The inclusion of new exhibitors like Wendler Einlagen (Germany), reinforced the fair's emphasis on quality and sustainability.
The group pavilions, organized by industry giants like Lenzing, LYCRA, Hyosung, and Sorona, were another highlight. These collective displays shone a spotlight on specific innovations. For example, within the Lenzing Group Pavilion, Dezhou Huayuan Eco-Technology introduced a revolutionary ultra-fine denier fiber, 10% finer than cashmere, perfect for skin-friendly intimate apparel. Meanwhile, Quanzhou Lianxingfa Knitting in the LYCRA Group Pavilion demonstrated its expertise in elastic materials for sportswear, and Siris (Ganglong) Knitting in the Hyosung Group Pavilion showcased its vertically-integrated supply chain and global reach, supplying major brands like Calvin Klein and Nike.
Texpertise Econogy: Driving sustainable transformation
The fair's unwavering commitment to sustainability was front and center, championed by the Texpertise Econogy initiative, which built on the success of previous editions. The Econogy Tour in Hall 5.1 provided guided visits to eco-focused exhibitors, led by an independent consultant who facilitated in-depth discussions about the latest innovations in green textiles. This interactive experience was complemented by insightful Econogy Talks, including:
● Impact Now, building greener and Low-Carbon sustainable development supply chains: This seminar, presented by SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services, demonstrated practical strategies for creating a greener and low-carbon textile industry. It covered crucial aspects such as optimizing recycling materials, sustainable chemical management, low-carbon emission reduction designs, and improving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance, offering a roadmap for a more sustainable supply chain.
● Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations (ESPR): Bureau Veritas presented vital information on how companies can navigate and comply with the increasingly prominent EU regulations for sustainable products. Their services, including eco-design solutions, life cycle assessments, and environmental product declarations (EPD), were detailed, providing attendees with critical knowledge for promoting a green transition and circular economy strategy.
The Econogy Hub featured a stringent vetting process known as Econogy Check, which pre-qualified suppliers based on their comprehensive sustainability credentials. This initiative received overwhelmingly positive feedback from buyers, who noted that it saved them significant time and money by pre-qualifying suppliers and building trust in the authenticity of green product sources.
A Comprehensive Fringe Programme: Unpacking the future of fashion
The fringe program was a captivating and essential component of the fair, offering a roundup of the industry's most pressing topics. With 37 seminars and a curated lineup of expert-led discussions across four key themes, the program provided attendees with unparalleled insights and a competitive edge in the fast-evolving fashion landscape. The meticulously planned schedule, available through a comprehensive online event calendar, allowed fairgoers to optimize their engagement. Highlights of the fringe program were a key feature of the show, with events specifically designed to supplement the exhibition's offerings and provide expert-led insights.
Market Information & Business Strategies: Global perspectives and opportunities
The fair also provided critical market insights and strategic guidance:
● Opportunities in ASEAN in a changing trade environment: The ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX) hosted a dynamic forum where industry representatives from across the region shared invaluable market insights and analyzed emerging trends. Attendees engaged in dialogue, strengthened partnerships, and deepened their understanding of ASEAN's evolving textile landscape, particularly pertinent given the "China + 1" sourcing strategy.
● Overview of the UK textile industry and opportunities for the future: The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), a preeminent industry association, provided a perceptive analysis and various business insights relating to the UK’s textile sector. This session offered a unique perspective on a key global market and highlighted potential business opportunities for international partners.
These sessions, featuring discussions led by WGSN, AFTEX, HKRITA, and the OEKO-TEX Association, empowered attendees with the knowledge to discover and tap into new markets and navigate complex trade environments. As Shea emphasized, the strong attendance at these strategic fringe events underscored their critical value to serious sourcing teams.
The fair's success was also noted by attendees like menswear designer Rudy Fontaine from Celio, who described his two days at the fair as full of "lots of ideas and exciting projects ahead," highlighting the event's role as a source of inspiration and a platform for future innovation.
Technology & Solutions: The digital frontier of textiles
The Technology & Solutions category was packed with forward-thinking discussions, highlighting the transformative power of digital innovation:
● Enhancing fashion & textiles through Human-AI interaction: Professor Calvin Wong, CEO & Centre Director of AiDLab, introduced their innovative AI-based technologies. This included AiDA for fashion design, which enhances creativity and efficiency in the design process, and WiseEye for textile inspection technology, which drastically improves quality control. The seminar showcased how human-AI collaboration is driving significant advancements in the textile industry.
● New Era of Digital Fabric: End-to-End DPC solution: This session focused on Shima Seiki’s cutting-edge digital product creation (DPC) solution. Its design software, a key component, enables true-to-life fabric simulation seamlessly integrated with physical production. The presentation explained how this technology is becoming the new standard for digital product creation, significantly shortening lead times and reducing physical sampling cycles, a benefit that world-leading retailers like Decathlon have already successfully implemented.
Design & Trends: Shaping tomorrow's aesthetic
The Design & Trends category was a major draw, offering a visionary look into future fashion directions. The Intertextile Directions Trends Autumn / Winter 2026-27 seminar, led by Michael Bonzom, Creative Director of NeIlyRodi Agency, brought to life the compelling theme "PUSH SENSATION." This session delved into the wildest dreams of humankind, exploring paradoxes such as gentle versus raw, and classic versus theatrical, through a creative and inspiring display of on-trend fabrics and accessories. Bonzom also guided attendees through immersive Trend Forum Tours, providing deeper insights into the showcased materials.
Complementing this, Benedicte Peaudecerf, Style Designer and Trend Forecaster at PeclersParis, presented the FW26/27 Women's Fashion Trend Forecast, offering essential inspiration and guidance through a comprehensive and detailed outlook for the upcoming seasons.
Observations from attendees further confirmed the fair's impact. Wendy (Xuejin) Jin, CEO of Dalian Liren Smile Fashion Co., LTD., noted exciting trends in the faux fur market, a key area of their business. She observed that faux fur is undergoing a revolution, becoming more washable, achieving a quality closer to natural fur, and enabling new design possibilities like patchwork. Her experience at the fair reinforced the company's ability to act as a fully integrated garment manufacturer, connecting with excellent suppliers to provide seamless service from fabric sourcing to production and export.
A confluence of value chains
The co-location of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics with Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC, and PH Value created a comprehensive spectacle for the entire apparel textile value chain. This strategic alignment, especially with Cinte Techtextil China, allowed buyers to explore a full spectrum of textiles, from apparel fabrics to technical textiles, in a single trip. The event’s success, as evidenced by the high number of exhibitors and international delegations, solidifies its position as a global leader in the textile industry. It was an event that did more than showcase products; it fostered dialogue, forged partnerships, and provided the tools necessary for the industry to navigate a rapidly changing world. The 2025 edition proved that in the fast-paced world of textiles, staying connected to innovation and collaboration is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
