From bio-based fibres and recycled materials to moisture management, thermal regulation and circular sourcing, Texhibition Istanbul highlighted textile developments that could offer new possibilities for UK childrenswear buyers, retailers and product developers.

 

Texhibition Istanbul returned to the Istanbul Expo Centre from 9-11 September for its 10th edition, bringing together around 500 exhibitors across five halls and spanning 42,850 sq. m of exhibition space. Organised by İTKİB Fuarcılık A.Ş. in cooperation with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (İTHİB), the fair reaffirmed its standing as one of the most important international sourcing platforms, attracting 15,493 trade professionals, including 2,888 international visitors from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, North America and other regions. European visitors accounted for 51.6% of international attendance.

 

 

Sourcing remained at the heart of the event, with buyers, brands, designers and product developers meeting Turkish manufacturers across a range of fabrics, yarns, denim, printing, embroidery, accessories and technical textiles. Nearly 2,500 B2B meetings involving more than 300 Turkish companies took place over the three-day fair.

Türkiye’s integrated textile infrastructure spans yarn and fabric production through to finishing and specialised textile solutions, providing international buyers with a broad sourcing base. The industry is also placing greater emphasis on materials development, sustainability and technology, as sourcing requirements evolve.

Reflecting this focus were two areas of the fair: the Innovation Hub and the newly launched SmartTex Hub. Both areas showcased alternative fibres, new fabric constructions and technical and performance textiles.

 

 

The Innovation Hub showcased new fibres, fabrics and functions.

Hemp was one example, with several companies including Mem Tekstil incorporating the fibre into textile developments. Durable and breathable with a linen-like handle, hemp can also be blended with viscose to achieve a softer, lightweight feel and increased moisture absorption.

Mert İpek’s Inner Shelter combines a clean outer surface with a soft terry lining, all in 100% organic wool. Designed to provide warmth, breathability and comfort without a separate synthetic lining, the mono-material construction also offers a simpler path to circularity.

Ariteks’ ArShirt EMK was a more specialised example of textile engineering. The conductive fabric incorporates stainless-steel microfibres and has applications in protective and baby clothing.

 

 

The Hub also featured Umorfil®, a bionic fibre incorporating collagen-peptide amino acids derived from recycled fish scales, demonstrating how alternative raw materials are being used in fibre development.

Meanwhile, this season’s addition of the SmartTex Hub brought together 27 companies and institutions across the Smart Performance, Eco-Tech and Advanced Materials sectors.

Areas covered included thermoregulation, moisture management, water and stain resistance, antibacterial and UV protection, recycled and bio-based fibres, and lightweight technical yarns.

 

 

Innovation at Texhibition also extended to circular sourcing.

The ReValue Stock Hub once again provided a platform for surplus fabrics, connecting existing materials with new sourcing opportunities. The seminar programme also covered sustainability, chemical compliance, digitalisation and the Digital Product Passport – issues that brands and retailers increasingly consider alongside fabric selection.

The developments on show highlighted a wider choice of fabrics, combining softness, comfort and durability with performance, alternative fibres and new approaches to sustainability. For kidswear, that means more options when selecting fabrics to meet the demands of everyday wear.

The next edition of Texhibition will take place on 3-5 March 2027. For further information, please click here.