According to I-dentities, the topic linking the Intertextile Directions Trends of S/S 2026, which was created by four prominent international forecasters, “nurturing individuality is key in a world striving for rapid evolution, where the values and identities of humans and objects stand steadfast.” At the Trend Forum in Hall 5.1 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), attendees of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition from March 11–13, 2025, will have the opportunity to learn about the advent of four major trends: SIMPLE, HACKING, MISCHIEF, and FREEDOM.
Leading trend forecaster Elementi Moda (Milan) will lead the Forum for the next sourcing season and produce a physical display of the trends that they and the other three members of the Intertextile Directions Trend Committee—DONEGER | TOBE (New York), NellyRodi™ Agency (Paris), and Sachiko Inoue (Tokyo)—have predicted. In accordance with each trend narrative, the Forum will showcase collections of textiles and accessories from different exhibitors. Fabrics that are in style for S/S 2026 include handpicked adorable materials with quirky and inventive aspects, as well as natural and subtle textiles with raw simplicity.
The full Spring / Summer 2026 Trend Guide can be viewed here.
‘When we change our clothes’ – understanding the upcoming trend stories
Some of the almost universal goals for personal style decisions are to be true to oneself, wear one’s favorite clothes, or look like someone you respect. The I-dentities theme reflects the idea that fashion welcomes the various passions of its wearers.
SIMPLE
The trend uses a color palette that is subtly rendered with neutral tones, displaying natural softness and delicate brushstrokes, in an attempt to create a tranquil lifestyle that is in harmony with nature. Three categories are used to classify fabrics: Mystic past, which consists of knitted or woven feminine fabrics with a cool, soft texture and delicate appearance; Emo-tech, which uses materials with a strong focus on texture, overdye, and faded and vintage-inspired patterns; and Quiet craft, which features fabrics of inherent quality and raw simplicity like cotton-cashmere and dehydrated linen.
HACKING
combining sustainability, comfort, sport, and beauty with cool, rhythmic colors like black camouflage and brilliant signs. Organic, recyclable, and synthetic fashion materials that balance functionality and performance define Sexy Corp, the first category. In contrast, Outdoorsy uses brand-new, incredibly useful textiles with a dash of uniqueness. Last but not least, the Glam Move emphasizes wearable, light, and pleasant materials like triacetate, elegant satin, and wool blends.
MISCHIEF
A milky pastel color scheme supported by a lively range of hues reveals a neo-romantic design full of modernism. While Preppy Boy is characterized by light, fresh organic materials and sophisticated country-style fabrics, Sugarbaby displays shirring, puffed fabrics, matelassé, and other fabrics with a free-spirited and happy kitsch. Last but not least, Cheeky Cheeky is made up of vibrant, whimsical textiles that combine various fiber types; many of them include pigment prints and innocent, kid-friendly sketched designs.
FREEDOM
Using an exotic palette that combines enigmatic hues with sunny gradational tones, this trend is driven by the desire to escape into an unusual, non-routine existence. The fabric categories include Dramatropic, which features voluminous materials like silk satin, grosgrain, and chiffon; Happy Hippie, which uses dynamic materials with a pleasant and cool feel to embody a variety of personalities; and Serenity, which features soft, subtle fabrics with delicate embroidery, flocked finishes, and floral and bird motifs.
The China Textile Information Center, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, or CCPIT, and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. are co-organizers of the exhibition. It will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) alongside Yarn Expo Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC, and PH Value. For additional information on this fair, please visit: www.intertextileapparel.com.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition will be held from 11 – 13 March 2025.
Other upcoming shows:
Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies
26 – 28 February 2025, Ho Chi Minh City
Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics / Yarn Expo Shenzhen
11 – 13 June 2025, Shenzhen (Futian)
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn
2 – 4 September 2025, Shanghai
