Functional Fabric Fair, powered by Performance Days, successfully closed its summer edition in New York City shattering previous attendance records with an increased attendance of 18%, from attending companies like Calvin Klein, Hoka, L.L. Bean, Nobull, Peter Millar, Under Armour, Vineyard Vines and many others.

Apparel CEOs, designers, sourcing and material managers, product development executives from large brands, retailers and independent companies reported how this has become the pinnacle event for performance and sustainable sourcing based on the highly vetted 140+ sustainable-certified suppliers, showcasing the newest high-performance functional fabrics, finishes, trims and accessories for the 2025/2026 seasons.

As a highly coveted event for the apparel industry, the packed and energetic show floor featured cutting-edge innovations, hands-on demonstrations, interactive exhibits that showcased the latest advancements in sustainable textiles as well as education, networking, and business sourcing opportunities unlike any other textile trade event.

“As a functional, innovation-driven show, we offer an exciting, productive experience with a curated lineup of the top vendors, an easy-to-navigate floor plan, vetted sourcing opportunities through Trend Forum displays, engaging activations, expert-led discussions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and inform,” said Steve McCullough, Event Director of Functional Fabric Fair.

“We were thrilled to welcome so many returning high-caliber sourcing buyers and professionals as well as first-time attendees in the performance industry. The packed booths and bustling aisles and positive reports from our vendors made the event a remarkable success."

In addition to the show floor sourcing, Functional Fabric Fair’s summer edition featured several notable activations. In the Design Lab (LIVE) Kelly Dempsey, a sustainable fashion designer celebrated for her innovative approach to upcycling second-hand materials and a past contestant on ‘Project Runway’, constructed a performance kimono style jacket in real time using materials from exhibitors with attendees watching and engaging with her as the creative process unfolded. The final garment was on display for a silent auction that took place during the drirelease sponsored Happy Hour. Proceeds from the auction were donated to the charity Fabscrap.

The Performance Trend Forum featured displays highlighting 12 key categories including: Baselayer, Midlayer, 2 Layer, 2.5 & 3 Layer, Lightweight & Downproof, Softshell & Outer Midlayer, Shirts, Pants & Tights, Focus Topic, Accessories & Trims, and Function Meets Fashion and New York Exclusive - which specifically focused on a New York fashion-focused audience.

Attendees could source an exclusive selection of 100% sustainable fabrics from carefully curated samples by Experts Jury of Performance Days. “This is the leading trade show for all sustainable functional fabrics, everything you see here is the most advanced technology in the fabric, textile, material and manufacturing world - here is where you see the future,” said attendee Isabelle Levine of Forest and Thread.

The informative Expert Talks Program featured sessions led by industry experts and thought leaders, addressing seasonal trends in colours and materials, technical aspects of performance wear fabrics, sustainability and business development. Sessions also explored ethical sourcing, environmental impact, regulations and future industry forecasts, providing valuable knowledge and actionable insights for professionals aiming to stay ahead in the apparel and functional fabric industries.

Functional Fabric Fair’s next edition will take place on 19 November kicking off with the New Day 0 Sustainability Workshop as well as Exhibit Hall and Expert Talks taking place from 20-21 November, in Portland, OR at the Oregon Convention Center. For more info and details on all the shows, click here.

For year-round sourcing and access to the educational content from the Expert Talks, visit The Loop – Digital Sourcing.