China’s flagship textile fair reinforces its role as a global trendsetter amid digital and ecological transformation.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will return from 11–13 March 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, marking the start of the global spring sourcing season. This year’s edition will spotlight the convergence of fashion, sustainability, performance, and digital innovation, reflecting China’s continued centrality in the world’s textile landscape.
According to Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, “Intertextile Apparel has proved time and again to be unmissable.” She emphasized that as the industry undergoes rapid transformation, the fair’s focus on “what’s next”—particularly in AI, sustainability, and performance textiles—is more critical than ever.
Among the highlights is an expanded Econogy Hub, featuring sustainable materials, technologies, and testing institutions with open booth layouts and live seminars. The Econogy Finder tool will guide buyers to eco-conscious suppliers. Meanwhile, the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone will explore practical AI applications across predictive quality control, waste reduction, and inventory optimization.
Generational shifts will also feature prominently, with Gen Z consumers driving demand for creative, China-inspired fashion and sustainable athleisure. Zones such as Beyond Denim, Verve for Design, and Functional Lab are expected to attract strong interest.
Organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, CCPIT-TEX, and the China Textile Information Centre, the fair will run alongside Yarn Expo Spring, CHIC, PH Value, and Intertextile Home Textiles—solidifying Shanghai’s position as the nexus of global textile sourcing.
