Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will take place from 11–13 March 2026, marking the start of the spring sourcing season. The upcoming edition will spotlight sustainability, performance, and AI-led textile innovations. With China driving continuous advancements in the fashion supply chain, the event aims to connect the global industry through innovation and collaboration.
Ms. Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said:
“Intertextile Apparel has proved time and again to be unmissable. As the industry changes, our fair’s scale and focus on what’s next are more crucial than ever. The Spring Edition will build on our 2025 success and continue to emphasize AI, sustainability, and performance-driven solutions.”
Focus on Fashion, Performance, and Sustainability
China’s textile industry has made strong sustainability strides. Emission intensity decreased by 60% between 2005 and 2022, and by 14% more from 2022 to 2024. Reflecting this shift, the Econogy Hub expanded by over 60% between the 2024 and 2025 Autumn Editions.
In 2026, the Econogy Hub will feature open booth layouts, display areas, and seminars. It will welcome suppliers of eco-friendly materials and certification agencies. Visitors can also use the Econogy Finder to easily locate sustainable suppliers across the fairground.
Innovation will be equally vital. At the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone, exhibitors will demonstrate AI-powered textile applications that reduce waste, detect defects early, and improve inventory accuracy. Leading organisations like AiDLab, HKRITA, and Shima Seiki have already praised the platform for connecting them with forward-thinking buyers.
Emerging Trends and Global Appeal
Gen Z’s influence on fashion continues to grow. Their interest in Chinese-style fashion has moved beyond domestic markets and is shaping global trends. This shift presents strong business opportunities for exhibitors in Accessories Vision, Beyond Denim, Essential Suits & Shirts, Premium Wool Zone, SalonEurope, and Verve for Design.
Meanwhile, the Functional Lab will highlight the evolution of athleisure. The trend has moved toward more practical and performance-based designs, catering to consumers seeking both comfort and functionality.
Positive Industry Response
The 2025 edition of Intertextile Shanghai confirmed the fair’s importance in a changing market. Buyers valued its ability to provide resilient, versatile, and innovative solutions. Visitors at the Trend Forum, Bespoke Performance, The CUBE, and Econogy Hub Display Area showed strong interest in eco-friendly fabrics, sportswear materials, and natural fibers. These zones will return in 2026 to give exhibitors greater visibility.
Exhibitor Ms. Karen Yang, Global Marketing Communication Leader at Eastman Chemical (China) Co Ltd, shared:
“Every year we introduce new innovations at Intertextile Apparel. The buyers are creative, eager to experiment, and highly skilled. This year, we were proud to launch Naia™ On The Move at the show.”
Buyer Ms. Eileen Tay, Creative Director of Elizabeth Little LLP (Singapore), added:
“Intertextile Apparel is a convenient, comprehensive platform for sourcing. It gathers leading European and Japanese suppliers, and the accessibility in Shanghai makes buying easier than ever.”
Event Details
The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, Sub-Council of Textile Industry (CCPIT), and the China Textile Information Centre. It will be held alongside Yarn Expo Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC, and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
For more details, visit www.intertextileapparel.com.
