Shanghai hosts cutting edge textile trade fair

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics is a comprehensive global textile fair in China’s biggest city and in the heart of the world’s largest market and production hub. Did you know that China accounts for one-third of global apparel exports. And, did you know that China is the top cotton-producing country in the world and that it accounts for roughly 70% of South Africa’s wool exports? And that it is the world’s largest producer and consumer of chemical fibre (synthetic fibres including polyester and man-made cellulose fibres like viscose)?

In addition, China is at the forefront of textile innovation, addressing its sustainability challenges and, according to the Knowledge Hub, it is beginning to grapple with labour rights concerns.

In August last year, the AEROVENT ZERO revealed its Chinese-developed high-performance PFAS-free waterproof-breathable material. Another Chinese innovation is Encapsulated Aerogel Fibre. Inspired by polar bear fur, Chinese scientists developed this bio-inspired knitable aerogel fibres for personal thermal insulation. Government policies and sector-specific roadmaps are guiding Chinese manufacturers in reducing emissions and aligning with global standards.

For these reasons, China – Shanghai, in this case – is an excellent location for a textile gathering. Taking place in March, Intertextile is a hub for textile businesses, retailers, designers and makers to learn about new and old textiles and to learn about technologies, sustainability innovations and mingle with the global textile industry. It’s where you can learn about “easywear”, developing technologies for atleisurewear, shirting and suiting (one of the most popular sections of the 2025 edition of the fair), latest technologies and sustainable fabrics.

The fair’s general manager, Wilmet Shea, says it “offers opportunities to the entire industry, no matter the size of the company, where they’re from, or the type of product, and the fantastic participation of returning and new exhibitors and visitors this spring demonstrates their votes of confidence.”

A regular Intertextile visitor Ganesh Anantha says, “Sustainability and functionality really stand out at this platform”. Another visitor Shuchi Singh adds, “The show’s emphasis on innovation, such as modernising ancient techniques for contemporary trends, resonate strongly with the mission to blend tradition with sustainability.”

One of the most exciting features of the show is the Econogy Hub. The name for this sustainability hub combines ‘economy’ and ‘ecology’ to stress the importance of sustainability for the economic success of a company. The inspiration is the famous quote by David Suzuki, Canadian biologist, publicist and winner of the Alternative Nobel Prize who said, “We’ve got to put the ‘eco’ back into economics.”

At the Econogy Hub, trade visitors can find answers to their sustainability questions and up-to-date information on current developments. The Econogy talks programme will help visitors navigate the complicated territory of toxic chemical finishes, sustainable and organic textile sourcing and efficiencies of circular systems.

Intertextile, part of the The Messe Frankfurt Texpertise Network, is committed to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Intertextile in a nutshell

Date: 11 – 13 March 2026
Venue: National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Shanghai, China
Number of exhibitors: 3000 international suppliers from 25 countries and regions
Number of visitors: 90 000 from across the globe
Top visiting countries: USA, Italy, Turkey, India, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia and Korea
Space: 7 halls across over 190,000 sqm of exhibition space
Visit the Intertextile website for more information here

Reasons to attend

Conduct business with onsite business matching
Make connections
Learn from the leaders to explore the trends on functionality
Be inspired by the latest fashion trends
Discover sustainable and innovative solutions
Attend Econogy talks and discussions
Trend forecasting. See Shanghai Apparel fabrics trend spring / summer 2027 forecast here

If you’re a fabric nerd and in the fashion trade, and you haven’t been to a textile fair, you have a treat in store. Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics is currently one of the biggest and most comprehensive apparel and accessories exhibitions for sourcing in the world. There is nothing quite like spending days wandering round halls looking – and feeling – textiles from everywhere around the world. Japan. France. Italy. South Korea. Scotland. Mauritius.

The spring edition promises to be an inspiring and informative three-day experience. It’s where you can learn about new and old textile technologies, make business connections, learn about fashion’s environmental responsibilities and how these intersect with fashion trends. And, in this age of AI, we can all agree with the fair’s general manager, Wilmet, that there is no substitute for the in-person business and connections at this fair.