Functional Fabric Fair, powered by Performance Days, has concluded its 2025 autumn edition in Portland, Oregon, marking one of its most successful events to date. Held on 12–13 November at the Oregon Convention Center, the fair followed a sold-out sustainability workshop on 11 November that brought together 200 industry professionals for a full day of discussion and learning. Attendance increased by 4% and the show floor expanded by 10% compared with the previous year, underscoring the sector’s strong momentum and growing commitment to sustainable, high-performance textile development.

The three-day event drew executives, designers, sourcing teams and product developers from leading global performance and activewear brands. Attendees explored an extensive marketplace of next-generation fabrics, finishes, trims and accessories geared toward the Autumn/Winter 2026–27 season. More than 350 sustainably certified suppliers exhibited, including 35 newcomers making their Portland debut, offering visitors a comprehensive view of emerging material technologies.

This year’s edition strengthened its focus on circularity through a dedicated showcase on textile-to-textile recycling, highlighting the role of recyclers and the accelerating impact of Extended Producer Responsibility regulation.

Additional features included the new Cotton Forum, which emphasised advancements in cotton’s performance capabilities; the Future Fabrics Expo Innovation Hub, presenting 35 regenerative and circular materials; the Innovation Zone, which highlighted 12 near-market breakthroughs; and the Trend Forum’s curated overview of essential sustainable fabric categories. The Wool Forum further demonstrated wool’s natural durability and suitability for functional applications.

Exhibitors reported strong engagement, with many citing high-quality contacts and a renewed enthusiasm across the show floor. Sponsors of the official after-hours event noted the positive energy and the fair’s growing reputation as a central meeting point for performance textile innovation.

The event also delivered a robust education programme, including the Expert Talks series and the Day 0 Sustainability Workshop. Industry leaders convened to discuss actionable solutions for responsible production, supported by dedicated networking areas such as themed coffee and refreshment bars. Participants praised the value of bringing brands, suppliers, manufacturers and fibre specialists together to address urgent issues shaping the sector.

Functional Fabric Fair also announced the winners of its Forum Awards for Autumn 2025, recognising outstanding achievements in performance, sustainability and innovation across six categories. Winning companies included Toray International Europe, Xefco, Fujian Unitex Technology, Rheon Labs, Flytec and A-Girl’s.

Following the success of the Portland event, the organisers confirmed the fair’s 2026 schedule, spanning winter, spring, summer and autumn editions in Orlando, Portland and New York City. Registration is now open for the inaugural winter event at the PGA Show in Orlando, which will be free to verified industry professionals.

www.functionalfabricfair.com