From 5-7 June 2024, the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (Futian) was the sourcing hotspot of South China’s apparel textile industry. Nearly 1000 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions showcased various garment-related products, with major categories covering ladieswear, functional wear, and accessories.

Together, Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2024 welcomed nearly 20,000 visits from 45 countries and regions, including two buyer delegations from Malaysia and one from the European American Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Witnessing an influx of brands, manufacturers, and regional designers, the apparel fair’s Trend Forum, fringe event venues, sustainability-centric display areas, and key Asian zones and pavilions all proved high-traffic platforms.

Speaking at the show’s close, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “The fair has been very effective for international and domestic suppliers to showcase their innovations to the South China market – likewise, we have had a very strong response from ASEAN-based buyers and brands seeking on-trend products in between two traditional sourcing seasons. As organisers we couldn’t be more pleased, having delivered a business-friendly trading platform for players from across the value chain, and given a stage to experts sharing insights across a range of innovative industry topics.”

At Talking Point and Textile Dialogue, Intertextile Shenzhen’s two seminar venues, topics ranged from the transformative impact of AI in the textile landscape to upcoming fashion trends for both S/S 2025-26 and A/W 2025-26, equipping buyers with key product and industry information. Across three days of insight sharing and trading, key international sourcing brands included the likes of Club Monaco, Diesel, lululemon, Ralph Lauren, Quiksilver, ZARA, and many more.

Three international buyer delegations crossed paths with exhibitors, including delegates from EA Chamber representing six countries, the Malaysia Knitting Manufacturers Association, and the Malaysian Garment Marketers Association. Meanwhile, with some travelling less than 50 kilometres and some from further afield, 12 domestic delegations visited the fair, such as China Top 10 Designers, Shenzhen Jinhui Nanyou Fashion Creative Center Visiting Group, and Guangdong Garment & Apparel Industry Association Buyer Group.

Including both individual brands and various delegates, over 250 business matching meetings with exhibitors took place across the three-day show. The buyers included 20 Shenzhen-based designers and managers, from brands such as DAQINGLIU, CHICCOMAO, DiLiUnbound, and Yishangshi. Representing the likes of Annil, Dayang, and Marisfrolg, many other domestic brand buyers visited the early summer showcase.

On the show floor, the Spring / Summer 2025-26 Trend Forum by Fabrics China gave buyers a visual anchor for future vogues. Meanwhile, the Sustainability Zone provided insights into different brands’ applications of sustainability policies, as did the debut of featured display zones Eco Trends by Intertextile x Sateri and Functional Sustainability by Intertextile x Idole.

The early summer textile platform also included the Japan Zone, with exhibitors displaying accessories, cotton and man-made fabrics for menswear, ladieswear and sportswear; the Korea Pavilion, featuring jacquard, mixed woven, and more; and the Taiwan Pavilion, with a focus on high-quality lace, embroidery and yarn. Whether sourcing or showcasing, a range of exhibitors, visitors, and speakers offered positive assessments.

Exhibitor feedback

“This edition of Intertextile Shenzhen is better, as the location is different, and the number and quality of visitors have increased. At this fair, most of the visitors are manufacturers based in Shenzhen. Our main fabric here is voile, used for party dresses for example, and so many buyers have requested this item. Being part of the Korea Pavilion is better than in an individual booth. Buyers can see the Korea Pavilion, identify where we’re from and it helps generate more interest,” said Mr Jay Hwang, General Manager, SK Tex Co Ltd (Korea Pavilion).

Mr Tomokazu Matsuda, KITATI Co Ltd (Japan Pavilion) added: "Most of our products are fabrics produced in Japan, and we have also brought our spring and summer collections to this fair. Since we have an office in Shenzhen and many of our apparel industry clients are from South China as well, we decided to exhibit at Intertextile Shenzhen to look for new customers in the Greater Bay Area and increase our brand exposure. Today we have connected with many Chinese buyers, and visitors from Europe and the US have also come to our booth to learn about our products.”

Visitor comment

“At this fair, our association members want to communicate with yarn, fabric, accessories and other exhibitors, keep up to date with the latest industry developments, and discover new products and advanced technologies. We made good progress and found many interested potential partners, and we will follow up with them after we return. This year's visa-free entry policy is very conducive to business exchange between Malaysia and China, making it easier to come here, and greatly enhancing sourcing efficiency,” explained Mr Kuan Chee Tan, President, Malaysia Knitting Manufacturers Association.

Speaker insight

“My key point was the use of AI technology for high-speed recognition of materials, colour, garment type, and construction, which are important elements for textile recycling. I also promoted technology to draw fibres from existing garments, and ensure they are as long as possible, in order to recycle garments to yarns. The industry audience here was informed, drawing links between what I said and their situations. This was a good platform to share that recycling technology already exists and it’s time to step up in this area,” concluded Mr Raymond Chiu, Senior Research Manager, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (Speaker at Threads of Innovation: Textile x AI Exploration and Prospect seminar).

Held concurrently with Yarn Expo Shenzhen and PH Value, Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; Messe Frankfurt (Shenzhen) Co Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Center.

Other upcoming shows

- Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn, 27-29 August 2024, Shanghai

- Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies, 26-28 February 2025, Ho Chi Minh City

Intertextile Shenzhen website