Circular and warp knitter Unitex has launched its Spring/Summer 2026 Trendbook with international trend consultant Louisa Smith. The season’s trends explore the consumer’s demands for performance without neglecting the vital creativity needed in today's market.

Responsible textile manufacturing and high-level functionality in the form of premium brand ingredients, have been used to the best practice via the technical prowess of the Unitex R&D team.

New developments for the season include UV+ protection, cooling fabrics, ocean-bound recycled synthetics, bio-based synthetics, anti-bacterial performance, power stretch, and new comfort compression in power knits.

Four trends define the Spring/Summer 2026 season:

E-motion looks at the increased interest in racket and ball sports, from tennis to pickleball, golf, and paddle. Motion is at the heart of this trend as consumers pick up the pace. There is a return to the emotional aspect of human-2-human connectivity, as digital natives hook up for in IRL meetups - from running clubs to net-walking, feeling connected on a human level is vital.

Quiet Pace focuses on disconnecting from the frenzy of 24/7 connectivity as consumers focus on physical and mental well-being for essential balance. This mindset isn’t limited to yoga and soft sports but crosses over to intimate apparel. This trend also encourages designers and brand developers to embrace a new efficiency in creating multi-functional apparel.

Mono Moves closes the loop in a circular direction, creating textile-to-textile (T2T) fabrics that perform their job but can also be returned at the end of life. Innovation is critical in this area, as the soft stretch is created through fabric construction. Less is more in the mantra, as responsibly sourced ingredients and textile innovation create ‘anytime, anywhere’ fabrics for active lifestyles.

Boundless embraces the great outdoors, from the mountains to the ocean, as consumers take to the great outdoors. From mountain biking to stand-up paddling. Personal performance is prominent here, as consumers will look for apparel that can seamlessly transition from outdoor adventures to urban life without sacrificing style or functionality.

The Unitex trend book is available for digital download at www.sinounitex.com or visit the Unitex team at Interfiliere, Paris and Performance Days, Munich to view the award-winning developments.

Fujian Unitex, established in May 2012, is a national-level enterprise of synthetic fabric manufacturer from yarn spinning, knitting, dyeing and finishing to printing in one location. The company has introduced advanced production equipment from Germany, Italy, Japan, and other countries, adhering to low carbon, energy saving, and environmental protection. It is a modern enterprise in China with a high degree of automation and precision control. It strives to build a world-leading, high-quality production base of chemical fibre fabrics.

International trend consultant Louisa Smith forecasts up to three years in advance in all sectors of the textile chain, from fibre through to final product development. Her passion for sharing the knowledge she collects globally from cross-industries, music, art, consumer attitudes, and well-being targets a new efficiency emerging in the textile sector, with sustainability, innovation, performance, and creativity as her goals.

www.louisasmith.com

www.sinounitex.com