In a world striving for rapid evolution, the values and identities of humans and objects stand steadfast, and nurturing individuality is key – according to Identities, the theme connecting the Intertextile Directions Trends of S/S 2026, developed by four renowned international forecasters. From 11 – 13 March 2025 at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, fairgoers will be able to discover the emergence of four key trends – SIMPLE, HACKING, MISCHIEF, and FREEDOM – at the Trend Forum in Hall 5.1 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
For the upcoming sourcing season, prominent trend forecaster Elementi Moda (Milan) will take charge of the Forum and create a tangible showcase of the trends, predicted by them and the three other members of the Intertextile Directions Trend Committee – DONEGER | TOBE (New York), NellyRodi™ Agency (Paris), and Sachiko Inoue (Tokyo). The Forum will feature collections of fabrics and accessories from various exhibitors, arranged according to each trend story. In-vogue fabrics for S/S 2026 range from natural and understated textiles with raw simplicity, to curated cute materials with whimsical and innovative elements.
‘When we change our clothes’ – understanding the upcoming trend stories
Wanting to dress in favourite clothes, resemble someone admired, or remain true to self are a few of the near-universal ideals for personal style choices. As a concept, fashion embraces each wearer’s diverse passions, and that shines through in the I-dentities theme.
SIMPLE
Seeking a peaceful lifestyle in harmony with nature, the trend utilises a colour palette mildly drawn with neutral tones, showing natural softness and delicate brushstrokes. Fabrics are split into three categories: Quiet craft, featuring fabrics of inherent quality and raw simplicity such as cotton-cashmere and dehydrated linen; Emo-tech, using materials with a strong focus on texture, overdye as well as faded and vintage-inspired patterns; and Mystic past, woven or knitted feminine fabrics with a cool, soft texture and delicate appearance.
HACKING
Blending sport, beauty, comfort, and sustainability, with rhythmic and refreshing hues such as dark camouflage contrasting with signage brights. Sexy corp, the first category, is characterised by organic, recycled and synthetic fashion materials balancing performance and practicality. Outdoorsy, meanwhile, makes use of new-quality and highly functional fabrics with a touch of individuality. Lastly, Glam move prioritises comfortable materials with lightness and wearability, such as sophisticated satin, triacetate, and wool blends.
MISCHIEF
A neo-romantic style brimming with modernity, revealing a milky pastel palette empowered by a playful spectrum of hues. Sugarbaby shows shirring, puffed fabrics, matelassé, and other fabrics with a free-spirited and joyful kitsch, while Preppy boy is marked by fresh and airy organic materials and refined country-style fabrics. Finally, Cheeky Cheeky consists of multicoloured, playful fabrics blending different types of fibres, with many including pigment prints and innocent, childlike drawn patterns.
FREEDOM
This trend draws from the desire to escape into an extraordinary, non-routine existence, using an exotic palette fusing mysterious hues with sunny gradational tones. Fabric categories consist of Dramatropic, with voluptuous fabrics such as sleek silk satin, grosgrain, and chiffon; Happy Hippie, embodying diverse personalities using dynamic materials with a pleasant and cool feel; and Serenity, and its supple, nuanced fabrics with flocked finishes, delicate embroidery, and floral and bird motifs.
The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre. It will take place alongside Yarn Expo Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). For more details on this fair, please visit: www.intertextileapparel.com.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition will be held from 11 – 13 March 2025.
Other upcoming shows:
Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies
26 – 28 February 2025, Ho Chi Minh City
Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics / Yarn Expo Shenzhen
11 – 13 June 2025, Shenzhen (Futian)
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn
2 – 4 September 2025, Shanghai
