As we gear up for another year of innovation and growth in the fashion and textile industry, 2024 & 2025 promises an exciting lineup of trade fairs in China. These events are crucial for anyone looking to scale their brand, discover the latest in textile technology, and network with industry leaders. Here's a comprehensive guide to the must-attend trade fairs in Chinese manufacturing for the coming year.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics 2024 & 2025
- Dates: August 27-29, 2024 (Autumn Edition) March 11-13, 2025 (Spring Edition) |
- Location: National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai
One of the most significant textile trade shows globally, Intertextile Shanghai is a twice-yearly event that showcases a wide range of fabrics—from casual and formal to imported selections from Europe, Japan, and Korea. It also highlights denim, functional, and sustainable fabrics, as well as trims and accessories like zippers, buttons, tapes, and buckles. The show is a must-visit for those interested in the latest functional and sustainable yarns, with the Yarn Expo running concurrently. Alongside, CHIC, another major event, features Chinese local brands, white-labeling brands, new fashion and textile technologies, and manufacturers.
Given the event's scale, planning is essential. Wear comfortable shoes, bring snacks, and plan your visit to ensure you cover the key areas relevant to your business. For accommodation, it's advisable to book a hotel 1-3 metro stops away from the venue to avoid transportation delays.
We are also supporting a B-corp fashion brand by offering flexibility in producing hats and accessories using deadstock fabrics. This involves short development and production times, accommodating flexible quantities per style.
Fashion Source Shenzhen
- Dates: April 18-20, 2024 (Spring Edition) | November 7-9, 2024 (Autumn Edition)
- Location: Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, Shenzhen
This major trade show in Shenzhen mirrors the Intertextile Shanghai but offers an additional opportunity to connect with the industry if you miss the Shanghai event. Held twice a year, Fashion Source is large and attracts many visitors, so advance planning is crucial to make the most of the three-day event.
Functional Textile Shanghai by Performance Days
- Dates: May 8-9, 2024 | October 16-17, 2024
- Location: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, Shanghai
This show, a spin-off of the Performance Days event in Germany, focuses on functional textiles and fabrics tailored for active and outdoor apparel. It’s a smaller, more specialized two-day event that takes place in May and October. The venue is more accessible, and while the food options are limited, there’s a shopping center across the street for convenience.
ISPO Shanghai & Beijing
- Dates: ISPO Shanghai - June or July 2025| ISPO Beijing - January 2025
- Location: ISPO Shanghai - Shanghai New International Expo Center | ISPO Beijing - China National Convention Center, Beijing
For insights into the latest developments in the sports and outdoor industry in China, ISPO is a go-to event. While the show is more focused on showcasing local brands and new product ideas rather than sourcing fabrics, it's an excellent opportunity to understand market trends and innovations in the sports sector.
Specialized Trade Shows by Link-Fashion Group
- Dates: May 8 - 10, 2025| July 2025 (Shenzhen)
- Location: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (Shanghai) | Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Shenzhen)
These curated shows cater to specific sub-segments of the apparel industry, such as children's wear, customization clothing, occupational clothing, school uniforms, denim, activewear, and smart textile manufacturing. Held in May in Shanghai and repeated in July in Shenzhen, these events are perfect for brands operating in these niches. Most exhibitors focus on the local market, but many cater to both local and international audiences.
Texcare Asia & China Laundry Expo
- Dates: August 6-8, 2024
- Location: National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai
Scheduled for early August in Shanghai, this expo is ideal for those in the commercial laundry and dry cleaning sectors. It showcases a wide range of equipment and solvents used in commercial laundry services, particularly for hotels.
Chinainterdye
- Dates: April 16-18, 2025
- Location: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, Shanghai
This event is focused on dyestuff, functional additives, and other chemicals used in wet processing, dyeing, and finishing textiles. Held in April at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition Center, Chinainterdye is less crowded, offering a pleasant visiting experience for those interested in sustainable chemical solutions in fabric production.
ITMA Asia + CITME
- Dates: November 19-23, 2024
- Location: National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai
The premier event for fabric engineers, ITMA Asia + CITME, showcases machinery for spinning, weaving, knitting, and embroidery. Held in November at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center, the event requires plenty of walking, but the crowds are smaller compared to Intertextile Shanghai.
CISMA Shanghai
- Dates: September 25-28, 2024
- Location: Shanghai New International Expo Center, Shanghai
The world's largest sewing machine trade show, CISMA is held biennially and features a comprehensive range of sewing machines, smart sewing technologies, robotics, and more. It's an excellent opportunity to see how garment manufacturing is evolving towards greater automation.
Other Notable Events In addition to these trade shows, Shanghai Fashion Week (October 10-17, 2024) offers a glimpse into the latest trends from independent designers, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of the fashion industry.
These trade fairs are just a snapshot of the numerous opportunities available in China throughout the year. Whether you're looking to source new materials, explore the latest technologies, or expand your network, these events are invaluable for scaling your brand.
If you’re planning to attend any of these shows, feel free to reach out—I’d love to connect over coffee and discuss how we can collaborate.
Let's meet for a coffee... or a pumpkin latte