Textiles Trade Fair: Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris 2026: Global sourcing landscape shifts towards quality, diversification and proximity

The changing dynamics of global textile and apparel sourcing will be under the spotlight when the 59th edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris takes place from 31 August to 2 September 2026 at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre, with more than 1,000 international exhibitors participating, reflecting a sourcing landscape increasingly shaped by supply-chain consolidation, diversification and the growing demand for closer production partners.

Organised around three complementary sectors — Texworld Paris, covering fabrics and textile raw materials; Apparel Sourcing Paris, focusing on finished garments and fashion accessories; and Avantex, dedicated to technology, innovation and solutions for a more sustainable and higher-performing fashion industry — the event is positioning itself as a comprehensive sourcing platform at a time of considerable change across the global textile industry.

Buyers seek a more focused offer

One of the clearest messages from the organisers is that the sourcing market is moving away from the pursuit of sheer volume. According to Julien Schmoll, Marketing and Communications Director at Messe Frankfurt France, buyers are increasingly seeking carefully selected and dependable suppliers capable of delivering quality, flexibility and competitive pricing.

The response at this edition is a more focused and navigable exhibition, with Halls 3 and 4 organised around womenswear, casualwear and sportswear. The aim is to make suppliers' areas of expertise more immediately identifiable while encouraging greater interaction between manufacturers, brands and sourcing professionals.

For textile buyers, Texworld will feature more than 500 textile manufacturers and weaving companies from around ten countries. Major textile-producing nations will be represented through national pavilions and collective delegations, including China, Türkiye, Korea and India. India's high-end embroidery specialists, in particular, are highlighted as evidence of the country's continuing momentum in premium textile production.

European expertise gains visibility

The show is also placing emphasis on technical expertise, craftsmanship and product differentiation. Among the exhibitors attracting particular attention is La Lainière de Picardie, part of the Chargeurs PCC Group, which specialises in interlinings for the ready-to-wear sector.

Its participation highlights the continuing relevance of European textile manufacturing, combining industrial heritage with certified materials and a responsible sourcing proposition. The organisers see this as an example of European manufacturers seeking to expand their international reach through premium production.

Another first-time exhibitor is Estonia's Osaühing Tekser Grupp, a specialist in high-end linen manufacturing. Its presence reflects growing interest in premium natural fibres where traceability and quality are increasingly important purchasing considerations.

The Initiatives area in Hall 4 will further explore the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and innovation, with showcases from Korea, Türkiye and the China Textile Innovation Center, alongside Chargeurs PCC and technical textile specialist Oracle. Students from Atelier Chardon Savard will also present 12 looks exploring textile finishing techniques, creativity and material innovation.

Sourcing strategies become more geographically diverse

Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 500 manufacturers of garments and fashion accessories, maintaining participation at a level comparable with September 2025 despite the more challenging global economic environment. China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Euro-Mediterranean region remain at the heart of the sourcing offer, but the geographical mix is becoming more diverse.

Armenia returns with around 10 companies following strong interest in its debut in September 2025, while Kyrgyzstan will have around 15 exhibitors for its second consecutive appearance. Uzbekistan is expanding its presence, while Bulgaria will make its first physical participation with a pavilion bringing together several manufacturers.

Meanwhile, established sourcing countries including Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh will retain significant representation. The organisers point to Bangladesh's continuing importance as the world's second-largest sourcing hub for finished apparel after China.

Near sourcing moves centre stage

Perhaps one of the most significant developments is the emphasis on near sourcing, as brands and manufacturers seek greater control over lead times and supply chains.

Developed in partnership with FourSource, the Near Sourcing Hub will bring together around 30 companies from Türkiye, Serbia, Romania and Portugal in a 250-square-metre area at the entrance to Hall 3. Ten manufacturers will exhibit physically, while samples from approximately 20 additional companies will be accessible through QR codes connecting buyers to the FourSource digital platform.

The initiative reflects a broader shift towards shorter production lead times, closer supplier relationships and improved supply-chain control — factors that are becoming increasingly important as brands reassess sourcing strategies.

New categories broaden the sourcing proposition

The exhibition is also expanding its product offer. A new Jewellery & Leather area will introduce companies specialising in jewellery and leather accessories, while finished denim products will be identified within the Casual & Sport sector.

A new Outdoor zone, positioned between Texworld and Apparel Sourcing, will bring together around 50 exhibitors spanning technical fabrics for activewear and sportswear garment manufacturers. The organisers describe the new area as a response to the changing needs of buyers seeking complementary sourcing solutions within a single exhibition.

Avantex puts technology and circularity in focus

Technology and sustainability will receive particular attention at Avantex, which will bring together around 30 exhibitors working across innovative materials, technology solutions and responsible initiatives.

Artificial intelligence, traceability, industrial optimisation, circularity, sustainable materials and new business models will all feature, alongside discussions involving manufacturers, start-ups, investors and brands.

The Texpertise Focus AI x SPOTT inspiration hub will examine the growing role of artificial intelligence within the fashion industry. Among the companies featured will be GoldenEye Smart Vision, with an AI-powered textile inspection solution; FreyZein, specialising in technical textiles without petrochemical derivatives; and SAO Textile, which transforms recycled fishing nets into textiles. Other exhibitors will explore the intersection of design, circularity, data intelligence and responsible supply chains.

Entrepreneurial innovation will also take centre stage through the Avantex Fashion Pitch, with start-ups presenting solutions aimed at the long-term transformation of fashion. Finalists will pitch on 31 August before an international jury, with the winners receiving a package of support including a dedicated Avantex stand, a €2,000 prize, access to the Foundry fashion incubator at IFA Paris and other promotional and speaking opportunities.

Looking towards AW 2027-28

Beyond sourcing, the programme will provide a forum for discussion around the issues reshaping the industry, from emerging materials and changing professional skills to artificial intelligence, the regenerative textile economy, sustainability and regulatory developments.

Louis Gérin, Artistic Director of the shows, will present Autopsy, the new Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris trend book, which looks ahead to the Autumn-Winter 2027-28 season.

Circularity will be a further focus through the Threading Circularity Forum on 2 September, organised by the Fédération de la Mode Circulaire and the TCBL association. The programme will examine repair ecosystems, extending product lifecycles, local resources and the reinvention of European value chains through keynotes, a panel discussion and case studies.

For journalists, the Econogy Tour on 31 August will provide a guided look at environmentally responsible initiatives across the exhibition, focusing on circularity, eco-design, traceability and production-process optimisation.

Taken together, the September edition suggests that the sourcing conversation is moving beyond the traditional question of where products can be made towards how, how quickly and under what conditions they can be made. The stronger emphasis on near sourcing, traceability, technical expertise, premium natural fibres, AI and circularity reflects an industry attempting to balance competitiveness with greater resilience and responsibility.

Photos from Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris February 2026 edition, by Lucia Carpio

Trade Fair Report: Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris Reports Strong French Turnout and Qualified International Demand at 58th Edition

Organisers of the 58th edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris have reported positive results after the three-day event closed on February 4, 2026, at the Paris-Le-Bourget Exhibition Centre. The show brought together 1,100 exhibitors and, according to organisers, reaffirmed its role as a leading global sourcing platform for international buyers.

Despite ongoing economic shifts and changes to distribution networks, the event delivered solid business activity. Attendance was slightly down compared with February 2025 but stable against the September edition, reflecting broader structural changes in the apparel market. French visitors accounted for 22% of total attendance — a notable increase — followed by the UK (9.4%), Italy (6.5%), Spain (6.2%), with the Netherlands and Germany each at 4.1%.

Messe Frankfurt France said the figures underline the continued importance of major European markets in driving the sector. Julien Schmoll, Marketing and Communication Director, described this edition as “more concentrated but more targeted,” highlighting the quality of visitors and the intensity of business discussions.

Long-standing partners — including the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, China National Textile and Apparel Council and the Korea Federation of Textile Industries  — reported strong commercial engagement and qualified buyer meetings.

Exhibitors echoed the positive outlook. Oracle Textile Technology, a Chinese specialist in technical fabrics for premium down jackets, said it met major European and American accounts and achieved its objectives. Huaren Linen cited new prospects alongside established clients such as Marks & Spencer and Monoprix. Bangladesh-based Sara Fashionwear reported that 10–15% of its contacts were new, particularly from Eastern Europe.

Buyers emphasised a growing focus on premium quality, competitive pricing and supply chain responsiveness. Céline Simon of Gémo identified opportunities with Egyptian manufacturers and accessories suppliers, while Paris designer Lamine Badian Kouyaté, founder of XULY Bët, praised exhibitors’ flexibility after sourcing knitwear partners capable of accelerating delivery timelines.

Frédéric Bougeard, President of Messe Frankfurt France, said the show reflects a more selective and demanding market, adding that its “smart sourcing” model prioritises curated offers and concrete projects over volume.

The next 59th edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will take place from August 31 to September 2, 2026, at Paris-Le-Bourget. It will incorporate the Avantex Paris sector, dedicated to sustainable fashion technologies, further strengthening links between sourcing, innovation and industry transformation.

Images by Lucia Carpio

Textile Trade Fair: Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris - 2 to 4 February 2026; Positioned as Major International Sourcing Platform for Textiles and Apparel

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will return to the Paris–Le Bourget Exhibition Centre from 2 to 4 February 2026, bringing together more than 1,100 exhibitors from 33 countries for its 58th edition. Positioned as a major international sourcing platform for textiles and apparel, the event aims to respond to shifting market conditions by offering buyers structured access to a wide and diversified global supply.

The organisers at Messe Frankfurt France have announced “Very Middle Ages” (Très Moyen Âge)

as its new trend book for the Spring–Summer 2027 season of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris. The trend book sets out the creative directions expected to shape upcoming collections against a backdrop of global pressure marked by geopolitical tensions, social expectations, digital transformation and shifting markets.  

“At a time when fashion, like the wider world, is experiencing strong turbulence, Very Middle Ages chooses to look to the future by invoking a reinvented past,” Messe Frankfurt France said. The concept is described not as a nostalgic retreat, but as a reflective lens through which contemporary tensions can be examined.

Spread across Halls 2, 3 and 4, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will once again combine fabric sourcing, finished apparel, networking and trend analysis. Organisers say the scale of participation reflects a market in constant evolution, where brands continue to prioritise reliable and competitive partners. To support this, the event will feature themed sourcing routes tailored to different buyer profiles, dedicated networking spaces and digital tools designed to facilitate connections between visitors and exhibitors.

For 2026, the layout of the show has been redesigned to improve visitor flow and create a more coherent sourcing journey. While the exhibition remains centred on the same three halls, sector distribution has been adjusted to better align fabrics and finished products. The All About Her segment of Apparel Sourcing and Texworld’s Knit offer will now be grouped in Hall 3 alongside national pavilions. Hall 4 will host Activewear and Casual & Sport, while Print and Jacquard exhibitors will be positioned closer to Silky Aspects. Hall 2 will continue to serve as the show’s central hub, housing trend forums, conferences, service areas and networking spaces.

Texworld Paris itself will welcome 591 exhibitors from 18 countries, underscoring the international scope of the fabrics and raw materials offer. Major production regions including China, Turkey, India, Korea and Taiwan will be represented, alongside national pavilions and collective delegations. Highlights include the Turkish pavilion led by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, which will host workshops on the traditional marbling art of Ebru, and the Korean pavilion, supported by KOFOTI, bringing together 34 companies. Growth is expected in sectors such as embroidery, knit and activewear fabrics, reflecting continued demand for both creativity and technical expertise.

At the entrance of Hall 4, the Initiatives space will showcase craftsmanship and textile innovation through a curated selection of exhibitors and installations. It will host trend forums organised by the China Textile Innovation Center and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, offering insights into upcoming creative directions. A dedicated “Embroidery Highlight” will focus on Indian Zardozi embroidery, with samples and multimedia content provided by several specialist companies. Oracle Textile Technology will also present its research and development work in high-end down jackets.

The ELITE sector, located in the centre of Hall 3, will feature a selection of high-value textile manufacturers chosen for their quality, competitiveness and logistical performance. Exhibitors will come from countries including Bangladesh, South Korea, China, Turkey and Pakistan. New arrivals include Indian companies OCM India, specialising in premium wool fabrics, and Reliance, known for suiting and formalwear, while Turkish manufacturer Sahsa returns with couture jacquards aimed at eveningwear.

Apparel Sourcing Paris will host more than 500 exhibitors from 25 countries, reinforcing its position as Europe’s leading sourcing event for finished apparel and fashion accessories. Near sourcing will again be a key focus, with a significantly expanded Near Sourcing Hub at the entrance of Hall 3. Nearly 50 companies from countries such as Portugal, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Greece, Slovakia and Morocco are expected to participate.

Developed in partnership with the Foursource platform, the hub will combine physical and digital sourcing. Fifteen manufacturers will present collections on site, while samples from around 30 additional exhibitors will be accessible digitally via QR codes linked to the Foursource platform, allowing buyers to request quotations and initiate contacts more easily.

The 2026 edition will also reflect broader market shifts. Bangladesh is making a strong return with 26 companies, primarily focused on sportswear and casualwear. New exhibitors are arriving from Vietnam, Nepal and France, while the formalwear segment continues to expand, with close to 100 exhibitors dedicated to tailoring, suits, shirts and structured womenswear. For the first time, two leather-goods manufacturers will also be present at the entrance of Hall 3.

Sustainability will be a central theme through the Econogy Hub, which will highlight initiatives supporting more responsible and circular fashion. Based on Messe Frankfurt’s Econogy framework, the hub will present solutions spanning the textile value chain. A key feature will be the “Zero Waste Couture” exhibition, curated by fashion designer and artist Lea Theres-Lahr Thiele, showcasing zero-waste design as a driver of innovation through projects using deadstock materials and experimental processes.

The Econogy Hub will also host a TÜV Rheinland information point on textile testing and regulatory compliance, as well as presentations from members of the Fédération de la Mode Circulaire. A photo exhibition by Luxiders Magazine will explore themes of upcycling, recycling and deadstock use. 

The exhibitor offer will be complemented by a programme of conferences and round tables held on the Agora stage. Open to all visitors, the sessions will address fashion trends, market developments, sustainability and innovation. Highlights include the presentation of “Très Moyen Âge,” the Spring–Summer 2027 Trendbook by Louis Gérin, and discussions on the future of mid-market fashion in Europe. 

Trade Fair News: Reinventing the Past for the Future: Texworld Reveals “Very Middle Ages” Trend Book for SS27

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris, the international trade fair organised by Messe Frankfurt France, has announced “Very Middle Ages” as its new trend book for the Spring–Summer 2027 season. The fair will take place from 2 to 4 February 2026 at the Paris–Le Bourget Exhibition Centre.

According to the organisers, the trend book sets out the creative directions expected to shape upcoming collections against a backdrop of global pressure marked by geopolitical tensions, social expectations, digital transformation and shifting markets.

“At a time when fashion, like the wider world, is experiencing strong turbulence, Very Middle Ages chooses to look to the future by invoking a reinvented past,” Messe Frankfurt France said. The concept is described not as a nostalgic retreat, but as a reflective lens through which contemporary tensions can be examined.

The Spring–Summer 2027 edition of the trend book is intended to support designers seeking renewal and imaginative freedom. It explores a deliberately dark and complex universe that blends notions of protection, conflict, magic and augmented identity, using a reimagined, digital Middle Ages as a metaphor for current upheavals.

Four creative universes

Developed under the direction of Louis Gérin and Grégory Lamaud, artistic directors of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris, the project draws on the reflections of a collective of stylists, designers, writers and artists. Their starting point was a central question: how to create in a world that doubts its own capacity to imagine?

The answer takes the form of four creative narratives, each highlighting a different point of friction between reality and expectation: a return to primal functionality, the comfort of digital illusion, warrior-like responses to crisis, and the continuous expansion of the digital self.

Rather than presenting a fixed forecast, the organisers describe Very Middle Ages as an instinctive and sometimes unsettling interpretation of the Spring–Summer 2027 season. The approach positions clothing as a means of protection, affirmation, resistance or transformation, at a time when boundaries between the real and the virtual, the natural and the artificial, and the past and the future are increasingly blurred.

The first theme, Digital Lordship, imagines technology giants as modern-day overlords. In this scenario, individuals become voluntary vassals, surrendering privacy and freedom in exchange for perceived security. Fashion reflects this tension through layered, highly functional silhouettes, heavy fabrics, metal-coated finishes and ribbed knits in steel grey, charcoal black and silver holographic tones.

The second theme, Nuclear Sorcery, explores a form of artificial “reenchantment”. While visually rich, it represents an aesthetic of illusion, where advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, offers comfort even as it risks dulling critical thought. The silhouettes emphasise softness and protection, featuring iridescent organza, translucent fabrics, foamy knits, light mohair and second-skin jerseys. The colour palette ranges from spectral purples and carmine red to opaline hues and so-called “radioactive” greens.

The third theme, Speculative Crusade, draws on humanity’s long history of conflict and the pursuit of domination. This darker, martial direction is expressed through armoured, combat-inspired silhouettes and hybrid materials with visceral textures. Colours include dark reds and browns, textured blacks, military khaki and burnt chrome.

The final theme, Data Inquisition, depicts a society under constant surveillance, where difference is swiftly judged and individual identity is absorbed by the collective. In this world, clothing becomes an interface and an extension of the digital self. Garments function as adaptable, modular second skins, presented within an icy, algorithmic palette dominated by cool blues.

Each theme is supported by mood boards and colour palettes structured around three key colours and six complementary shades. The four creative universes will be presented at Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris in the trend forums area of Hall 2, where visitors will be able to explore immersive displays featuring looks developed by the artistic directors using selected materials and finished products.

Louis Gérin is also scheduled to present the full scope of the trend book during a dedicated conference at the February 2026 edition of the fair, offering designers detailed creative insights for developing Spring–Summer 2027 collections.

All images courtesy of  Messe Frankfurt France / Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris

Trade Fair Report: Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris draws 7,000 buyers as innovation and craftsmanship take centre stage

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris closed its 57th edition on a high note, attracting more than 7,000 buyers across three days, according to organisers Messe Frankfurt France.  The fair presented 1,300 garment and textile companies from 35 countries.

Held from 15 to 17 September 2025 at the Parc des Expositions in Le Bourget in Paris, the fair saw particularly strong attendance from France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Germany. Visitor numbers were up 25% compared to the July 2024 edition, with organisers attributing the increase to the decision to return to the event’s traditional September slot.

Attendance was also more evenly spread across the three days, supported by a redesigned layout. Two halls were devoted to product offerings and one to services, complemented by networking spaces, relaxation areas and trend forums. The setup was intended to encourage connections while providing a more accessible stage for new ideas.

 

For the first time, exhibitors were almost equally divided between textiles (Texworld Paris) and finished garments and fashion accessories (Apparel Sourcing Paris).

“This evolution reflects buyers’ needs,” explained Julien Schmoll, Marketing and Communication Director at Messe Frankfurt France. “Brands are increasingly outsourcing not only production but also design, seeking suppliers who can deliver turnkey collections: creative, high-quality, competitively priced products, especially in the mid-range and premium segments.”

With 1,300 exhibitors, including those in the Avantex sector, the event strengthened its position as Europe’s leading sourcing fair. Several international manufacturers sought to expand their European presence, including Hong Kong-based knitwear producer Wing Ka Shing, which manufactures in DongGuan, China. Currently selling more than 80% of its products to US brands, the company is seeking to diversify into Europe to avoid US import tariffs.

“We came to showcase our products and connect with European buyers,” said the company’s Sales Manager, who noted strong interest from Spanish fashion teams.

The Near Sourcing Hub, organised with Messe Frankfurt partner FourSource, spotlighted suppliers from Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. Portuguese knitwear manufacturer FashionTeam, one of eight companies exhibiting on-site, reported keen interest from French and Spanish buyers.

“They don’t come to us for the price – they come for the service: quality, fast turnaround and flexibility,” said CEO Soames Rudowski. A further 28 suppliers presented samples digitally via QR codes linked to FourSource’s B2B platform.

The Initiatives area at the entrance to Hall 4 highlighted exceptional creativity. Pasari Textiles of India demonstrated traditional hand embroidery, while the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce presented contemporary Turkish designs. Students from LISAA Mode produced live knitwear and crochet pieces, and the China Textile Innovation Centre (CTIC) showcased designs from selected Chinese manufacturers.

Innovation was also at the forefront.

Avantex Paris served as the fair’s innovation hub, with around 30 participants presenting technologies for sustainable fashion. The show was divided into three areas: the HUB for services and solutions, the Designer HUB for studios and agencies, and ReSources, curated by Textile Clothing Business Labs (TCBL).

A busy programme of debates and round tables tackled themes such as artificial intelligence, circularity, bio-based materials and new consumption models. One of the highlights was the Bio Fashion Innovation Day, organised by TCBL, which presented advances in eco-design and localised production.

In addition, Messe Frankfurt’s Econogy Tour introduced visitors to exhibitors engaged in verified CSR initiatives, part of its wider Texpertise Econogy framework.

GoldenEye Smart Vision claimed the top prize at the Avantex Fashion Pitch 2025 for its AI-powered textile quality control system, which detects defects, improves production efficiency and reduces waste.

A “special prize of the heart” was awarded to Green Worms, an Indian micro-enterprise that collects and recycles local waste, creating sustainable employment for women from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“By recognising GoldenEye and Green Worms, we are celebrating innovative solutions that address major challenges, from digitalisation to sustainability,” said Claudia Franz, Director of Brand Management at Messe Frankfurt, and Julien Schmoll of Messe Frankfurt France.

Winners will receive financial support, exhibition space, business coaching and international visibility. With 11 projects competing, the competition reaffirmed its role as a launchpad for sustainable fashion start-ups.

Meanwhile a TikTok Shop debuts live shopping at the fair this season with a Global Selling Product Selection Event, where influencers hosted live shopping sessions featuring exhibitor products.

“We wanted to give our exhibitors the chance to explore this new distribution channel and learn from it, as retail continues to evolve,” said Frédéric Bougeard, President of Messe Frankfurt France. TikTok Shop, launched in France in March, already has more than 21 million users.

Looking ahead to 2026

Organisers have announced that the next spring–summer edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will take place from 2 to 4 February 2026 at the Parc des Expositions, Paris–Le Bourget. 

The February 2026 edition is expected to feature a more curated offering aligned with market demands, confirming its role as a key date in the international fashion sourcing calendar.

Photos courtesy of Messe Frankfurt France

Textile Fair: Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris returns to former venue for February 10 - 12 2025

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris is set to make its return to the Paris-Le-Bourget exhibition centre from February 10 to 12 2025, showcasing its latest edition centered on the Spring-Summer 2026 season. 

Organized by Messe Frankfurt France, the event promises exciting innovations, including enhanced product offerings and redesigned visitor itineraries, for the international textile industry.

Photo credit: Messe Frankfurt France

Over 1,200 weavers and garment makers are gathered in Halls 2, 3, and 4 of the exhibition centre for this February 2025 edition. This return to a reimagined venue signals a fresh chapter in the visitor experience. According to the organizers, this edition will showcase the rich diversity of global sourcing, offering creative collections at competitive prices tailored to the fashion industry.

To enhance the sourcing experience, the organizers are leveraging their return to the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre to revamp and restructure the visitor areas. This includes reconfiguring the layout of sectors and services to foster new synergies between raw materials and finished products.

Hall 4 will feature areas dedicated to women’s wear, including sections such as All About Her, Embroidery & Lace, and Silky Aspect, with a focus on knitwear, silk, and lace. Hall 3 will spotlight apparel for the outdoors, with an emphasis on sportswear and casualwear.

Hall 2 will serve as a hub for relaxation, dining, and networking. It will also offer spaces for inspiration, including trend forums, product showcases, services, and the Agora—a venue for conferences and roundtable discussions.

This season, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris places a strong emphasis on innovations, sustainability, and creative initiatives. A highlight is the new “Initiatives” zone at the entrance of Hall 4, showcasing sustainable solutions like Bao Lan Textile’s pineapple leaf fiber fabrics, developed with Ecofa Vietnam, which boast antibacterial properties and UPF 50+ UV protection. This area will also feature the China Textile Information Centre’s trends forum and the Econogy Hub, focusing on sustainability initiatives in the textile sector.

The event also shines a spotlight on international exhibitors. Key participants include China, Turkey, India, Korea, and Taiwan, alongside alternative sourcing regions such as Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Egypt. Notable contributors include Dutch companies like Quality Textile, Nooteboom, and Verhees Textiles in the cotton sector and Korean knitwear specialists such as O.N.K. and W-Tex. The Denim sector sees growth this year, with around 30 exhibitors, including major players like Winwin Textile from China and NZ Denim from Bangladesh.

Apparel Sourcing expands its global reach, with a special focus on African producers, including companies from Ethiopia, Rwanda, and the Arise Integrated Industrial Platform presenting Togo, Benin, and Gabon. Near Sourcing is also highlighted through Foursource, which represents exhibitors from Eastern Europe, Portugal, and Morocco. Over 500 exhibitors will present finished products, fashion accessories, and clothing, with national pavilions hosted by countries like China, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, as well as a return of five Ukrainian companies supported by their textile association.

To enhance the visitor experience, Messe Frankfurt France has introduced three exhibitor tailored initiatives. The Econogy Finder trail identifies over 80 sustainable textile suppliers, while the Small Quantity itinerary highlights 200 exhibitors specializing in limited runs ideal for capsule collections. Lastly, the Hand Made itinerary showcases 130 exhibitors offering authentic, handmade products, all easily searchable via the fair’s online directory and app.

Edited by Lucia Carpio.  Photos courtesy of Messe Frankfurt France.

Textile Trade: Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Paris set to return to Le-Bourget exhibition centre in January 2025; second event rescheduled to September

International trade fairs are essential for professionals to stay updated on industry trends, forge key business relationships, discover new innovations, and effectively navigate the global market. This is especially true for the textile and fashion industries, where fairs serve not just as showcases but as dynamic marketplaces for knowledge, creativity, and collaboration that shape the future of the field.

For fashion designers and makers, these fairs are foundational, providing access to the materials, inspiration, and innovations they need to bring their creative visions to life.

In Paris, one of the world’s premier fashion hubs, trade shows like Première Vision and Texworld And Apparel Sourcing hold immense importance. Held twice a year, they are crucial hubs for innovation, networking, and business growth, offering significant benefits to attendees. The next Première Vision will take place from February 11–13, 2025 at Parc des Expositions in Villepinte, while Texworld and Apparel Sourcing, organized by Messe Frankfurt Paris, will be held from February 10–12, 2025 at Paris-Le Bourget exhibition centre; both will be focusing on Spring-Summer 2026 collections.

Organizers expect a strong turnout of buyers and fashion brands at Texworld and Apparel Sourcing, giving attendees access to global sourcing opportunities for designing and building their Spring-Summer 2026 collections. This return to the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre venue is significant, as the exhibition center was unavailable for the last two seasons due to its use during the 2024 Summer Olympics. In the interim, Texworld and its related fairs were relocated to the Parc de Versailles fair ground in south Paris.

In addition, Messe Frankfurt has announced that its second Texworld And Apparel Sourcing fair in 2025 will now take place from September 15–17, moving from July to better align with the fashion industry’s creative cycles. This calendar shift, along with the presence of sectors like Avantex and Leatherworld, ensures that sourcing and order placements are more closely tied to collection development timelines.  The July 2024 edition held a couple of weeks before the Summer Olympics welcomed some 1,200 exhibitors from 26 countries. 

To enhance the experience for buyers, the layout of Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Paris will be reconfigured. International suppliers will be housed in Halls 3 and 4, with new synergies created across sectors, such as a dedicated women’s wardrobe section in Hall 4 and a large space for outdoor, sportswear, and casualwear in Hall 3. Services like the trends forum, restaurants, and the Agora—where conferences and roundtables will be held—will be consolidated in Hall 2, offering a more cohesive and efficient experience for attendees.

This reorganization is expected to strengthen the fair’s offerings, with encouraging booking levels suggesting an active and dynamic session. The event underscores the vital role played by European markets in the fashion sector, from ready-to-wear to luxury, with major sourcing nations such as China, Turkey, India, and others well represented.

One noteworthy aspect is the continuation of the Yarn Expo pavilion, which focuses on yarn sourcing and the expertise of leading spinning companies, a concept first introduced in July 2024. Messe Frankfurt’s team is dedicated to meeting the evolving demands of the market, with a strong focus on sustainability. As Julien Schmoll, Marketing and Communications Director at Messe Frankfurt France, highlighted, “Buyers, brand managers, and designers come to Paris looking for players who can export and meet the sustainable development objectives that consumers are imposing on the fashion world today.”

A key initiative is the focus on sustainable fashion, driven by the Econogy principle and promoted worldwide through Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network. The Econogy Finder will help buyers identify suppliers of sustainably produced textiles, while Econogy Talks will offer a platform for discussing environmental issues, and the Econogy Tours, first launched in July 2024, will return for the February 2025 event, offering specialized insights into sustainable sourcing.

All photos courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Paris/Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Paris - July 2024 event.