7 HIGHLIGHTS OF FUNCTIONAL FABRIC TRENDS WINTER 2026 

Oct 31, 2024

CURATED FUNCTIONAL FABRIC TRENDS WINTER 2026

There is so much to discover at this trade fair, but I’ll just share my most important highlights with you for a short review.  Furthermore, as always the focus topic “Colorization – chemistry is everywhere” is very interesting:

“Color is an essential component of our clothing with an impact on the entire textile chain. The global impact of dyeing is huge – which is why the new Focus Topic ‘Colorization – Chemistry is Everywhere’ is looking for alternatives to conventional, often still questionable dyeing and solutions for better colors.” Read more here.

1. SPRAY DYED PRINTS: DOMILES

This amazing print on a raincoat really caught my eye. Domiles developped a kind of a new dyeing method where the dye is directly sprayed onto the fabric through a spray heads, allowing the fibers to color. So far works on poly, nylon and cotton materials. The color is then fixed and set by a high-temperature oven. Unlike traditional dyeing methods, this process saves a lot of energy and water consumption.

Founded in 2006, Domiles is known for their expertise in designing signature fabrics/garments for top name-brands. They produce not only the quality fabric for fashion/sports and outdoor-wear apparel but also extends our services to the end of finished garments adn are a Bluesign system partner.

SEE MORE AT → DOMILES

2. THERMO REGULATION JACQUARD by MERRYSON

These beautiful jacquards offer a great solution for sports when the body begins to sweat: the fiber itself will elongate when absorbs the sweat, forming a three-dimensional air chamber to enhance the convection of the skin surface layer, and thus provide a cooling sensation; and when the sweat is almost evaporated, the air chamber can provide a thermal insulation effect, preventing the body from shivering.

The component of the moisture strtchable fibre is modified nylon which has the effect of fast moisture absorption and release. After recycling, the mono-material fibers can be reused without extra fiber separation procesing, which greatly reduce carbon emissions and achieve sustainable environmental protection goals.

SEE MORE AT → MERRYSON

3. FUNCTION MEETS FASHION

This category comes up with rich, velvety textures in knitted fabrics by hyperbola and Cotton Incorporated, glittering effects and unique jacquards by YRC Textile combining yarn and space dying. These fabrics offer a wide range of possibilities for functional pieces and athleisure.

SEE MORE AT → PERFORMANCE DAYS

4. NEW AREA: BODYWEAR FORUM

SEE MORE AT →PERFORMANCE DAYS

5. BRA COUTURE

This time there was more clothing on the show than usual, and I particularly noticed the activewear tops with wonderful details like these two seen at Bodywear area (left) and Cai Textiles (right).

SEE MORE AT →PERFORMANCE DAYS

6. DRY BLISTERED 3D textures

This type of effect – dry, grainy, bubbly – was on display at many exhibitors. Knitted very good for cool streetwear.

7.  ALGAE SWIMSUIT at INNOVATION ZONE

At the innovation zone you can discover very creative and inspiring companies and products like this swimsuit made of algae by or leather made of leaves by Nova Kaeru, beLeaf, which is already in use by the luxury brands like Loewe.

SEE MORE AT → PERFORMANCE DAYS

Interested in more inspirations to make your research easier?

Check out my latest Active Trend Forecast with inspiring color palettes, moodboards, print inspirations and fabrics for active wear.