The Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2025 has concluded, once again reaffirming its position as a premier global trade event for the textile industry. Held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, this year’s fair brought together thousands of exhibitors and visitors from across the globe, fostering an environment of innovation, business expansion, and knowledge sharing.
With industry-leading manufacturers, buyers, and designers converging under one roof, the event provided invaluable insights into the latest textile trends, market shifts, and technological advancements shaping the sector in 2025. This in-depth review will explore the major themes observed at the fair, including sustainability, performance fabrics, trade dynamics, smart manufacturing, and networking opportunities.
In previous editions of Intertextile Shanghai, sustainability was often a buzzword or a niche selling point. However, in 2025, it has become a necessity rather than an option. With increasing global regulatory pressures and consumer awareness about environmental impact, textile manufacturers are now fully integrating sustainability into their production processes.
One of the standout features of this year’s fair was the sheer number of exhibitors showcasing Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified fabrics. These fabrics, made from post-consumer PET bottles, textile waste, and other recycled materials, not only reduce environmental impact but also align with global brands’ sustainability commitments. Bio-based materials, such as bamboo viscose, Tencel (lyocell), banana fibre, and biodegradable polyester, were also widely promoted as part of the industry's move toward a circular economy.
Another key innovation that gained traction was waterless and low-impact dyeing technologies. Traditional dyeing processes consume massive amounts of water and chemicals, making them a significant contributor to pollution. To combat this, textile manufacturers introduced dope-dyed yarns, air-dyeing technology, and digital printing solutions that dramatically reduce water and chemical usage. These advancements are not just environmentally beneficial but also provide cost efficiency in the long run by reducing waste and energy consumption.
At Zhejiang Wanjie Textile, we observed a significant increase in inquiries about sustainable warp-knitted fabrics, particularly recycled polyester and biodegradable textiles. European and North American buyers were particularly keen on sourcing fabrics that meet stringent environmental standards, demonstrating the shift in global demand towards ethical and responsible textile production.
The rise of athleisure, outdoor apparel, and technical textiles has driven unprecedented demand for functional fabrics that offer more than just aesthetics. At this year’s fair, high-performance textiles took centre stage, with exhibitors showcasing materials that enhance comfort, durability, and versatility.
One of the most sought-after fabric categories was moisture-wicking and quick-dry textiles. As consumer preferences shift towards active and performance-driven clothing, polyester-spandex blends with advanced breathability and sweat absorption capabilities have become a staple for global brands. These fabrics are particularly relevant for sportswear, yoga wear, and outdoor apparel, where comfort and performance are equally important.
Another major trend observed was the rise of antibacterial and odour-resistant textiles. With growing concerns about hygiene, particularly in the post-pandemic era, many manufacturers have incorporated silver-ion, bamboo charcoal, and graphene-infused fibres into their fabrics. These treatments prevent bacterial growth, thereby reducing odours and extending the lifespan of garments.
Ultra-stretch and comfort-focused fabrics were also widely showcased, particularly in the warp-knitted sector. Four-way stretch spandex blends, buttery-soft velvets, and ergonomic fabrics that contour to the body’s movements were in high demand. This trend reflects a broader shift towards comfort-oriented fashion, where clothing must not only look good but also feel exceptionally soft and adaptive to body movement.
One of the standout innovations in performance textiles was the introduction of thermoregulating fabrics. These textiles, equipped with infrared-reflecting coatings and phase-change materials (PCM), provide heat retention in cold conditions and cooling effects in warm environments. Such fabrics are particularly relevant for winter sportswear, mountaineering gear, and technical uniforms.
At Wanjie Textile, we received significant interest in our warp-knitted sportswear fabrics, particularly those produced using high-density E36/E40 Karl Mayer warp knitting machines. These machines enable us to manufacture high-performance textiles with exceptional stretch, durability, and breathability, catering to the growing demand for technical sports fabrics.
As the world’s largest textile supplier, China continues to dominate global fabric production, offering a fully integrated supply chain and cost-effective solutions. However, at this year’s Intertextile Shanghai Fair, it became evident that the global sourcing landscape is evolving.
Buyers are increasingly diversifying their sourcing strategies, with many exploring options in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia). This shift is primarily driven by cost considerations, trade policies, and geopolitical tensions, particularly between China and the United States.
For textile exporters, quality differentiation and compliance with international standards are becoming critical factors in maintaining competitiveness. European and North American buyers are prioritising suppliers who can offer certified sustainable fabrics, ethical production practices, and advanced functional textiles.
Despite these shifts, China remains at the forefront of textile innovation. The country's investment in smart manufacturing, automation, and digitalisation is giving its textile industry a competitive edge over emerging markets.
At Wanjie Textile, we understand the importance of enhancing our product offerings and supply chain efficiency to meet evolving global demands. Our strong inventory position—over 6 million meters of traditional fabric in stock—enables us to provide fast delivery, low MOQs, and customisation options, which remain crucial factors for international buyers.
Technology and digitalisation have become game-changers in textile production, and this year’s Intertextile Shanghai Fair highlighted the growing role of smart manufacturing and automation.
One of the key technological advancements showcased was the integration of AI in fabric design. AI-powered software allows textile designers to create highly detailed, customisable patterns and colour variations, significantly reducing the need for physical sampling. This innovation not only speeds up the design process but also reduces fabric waste, making it an essential tool for sustainable production.
Another major development was the adoption of blockchain and RFID-based traceability systems. With global regulations demanding greater transparency in the supply chain, textile manufacturers are now implementing digital tracking technologies to verify material origins, production processes, and ethical compliance.
Automated quality control and defect detection systems were also widely presented at the fair. These AI-driven tools enhance production accuracy, minimise defects, and ensure higher fabric consistency, which is crucial for maintaining quality standards in international markets.
Beyond showcasing the latest textile innovations, Intertextile Shanghai remains a vital platform for networking and business development. This year, the exhibition facilitated thousands of business meetings, helping suppliers and buyers establish long-term partnerships.
For exhibitors like Wanjie Textile, the post-fair period is crucial. Many visitors expressed interest in our fabrics, requesting detailed specifications, fabric swatches, and customised production capabilities. Following up promptly on these inquiries will be essential in converting discussions into concrete orders.
The Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2025 has once again provided a valuable platform for industry players to align with emerging trends and market demands. Sustainability, performance textiles, and digital transformation are shaping the future of the textile sector, and companies that adapt to these changes will remain competitive in the global market.
For WANJIE Textile, this year’s event reinforced our commitment to innovative, high-quality, and sustainable fabric production. As we move forward, we will continue to invest in new textile technologies, eco-friendly solutions, and enhanced customer service to meet the ever-evolving demands of the global textile industry.
