Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2025 closed on 4 September with strong results, confirming its role as one of the world’s most important textile industry fairs. The event gathered more than 3,700 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions and attracted over 100,000 visitors from 123 countries and regions to the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

With China’s vast manufacturing base, leading export position and second-largest consumer market, the fair provided a timely platform for sourcing, networking and market insights. Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, described the event as an essential meeting point for key players to track trends, find new markets and strengthen partnerships.

Business matching was a strong feature, with around 150 representatives from eight international delegations taking part in tours and meetings, while 50 VIP buyers from 14 countries held 350 sessions with exhibitors. Delegates noted the value of matchmaking and the chance to access China’s innovation and sustainability-driven textile sector.

The show occupied nine halls covering 240,000 square metres. New offerings included the debut of the Essential Suits & Shirts zone, alongside international pavilions from Italy, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan and the first Türkiye Pavilion. The Econogy Hub grew by 60% year-on-year, spotlighting sustainable materials such as bio-leather from Peelsphere and eco-friendly dye solutions from Chloris Biochem. Functional innovation was showcased by exhibitors including Cathay Biomaterial, Fibrant and Regina Miracle, while the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone featured technology providers such as AiDLab and Shima Seiki.

Alongside sourcing, 37 seminars and nine themed forums enriched the fringe programme. Topics ranged from sustainable design and AI-driven applications to functional textile production and trend forecasting. The Intertextile Directions Trend Forum and displays such as Bespoke Performance and The CUBE featured over 900 samples, offering visitors direct access to future trends for A/W 2026–27.

Exhibitors and buyers alike praised the scale and quality of the event. Companies including AiDLab, 3M, Lanificio Luigi Colombo and PEELSPHERE highlighted the fair’s unique ability to connect them with international partners and target customers. Buyers from the UK, Türkiye and the USA underscored the efficiency of sourcing and networking opportunities, as well as the increasing importance of sustainability across all product categories.

Speakers noted that the fair acted as a bridge between cultures and markets, while industry associations emphasised its role in promoting collaboration, innovation and responsible growth across global textile supply chains.

Intertextile Apparel is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, and the China Textile Information Centre. The fair was held alongside Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC and PH Value, reinforcing its position at the heart of the apparel textile value chain.

www.intertextileapparel.com