A Guide to Key Fairs for Vegan & Sustainable Materials

If fashion shows and retail stores represent the front end of the fashion industry — where image, storytelling, and commerce take place — then textile and fabric fairs are undoubtedly the back end of that very industry. It is at these fairs and expos that much of the networking and material sourcing takes place, and where business relationships are formed that shape how fashion will look for seasons — if not years — to come.

These are the spaces where material producers from all over the world gather to showcase their offerings. It is also here that innovations premiere, capturing the attention of fashion brands and designers eager to be among the first to take a leap of business faith. Fairs are where brands, designers, and fashion professionals come to gain first-hand insight into the newest and emerging trends — both in materials and design.

The global landscape of textile and materials fairs and expos is confusingly diverse. Some are long-established, large-scale events attracting thousands of exhibitors — such as Intertextile Shanghai (with over 3,100 exhibitors), Techtextil in Frankfurt (over 1,700), or Première Vision Paris (around 1,100). Alongside these are an increasing number of smaller, newer, and more locally focused fairs that spotlight regional supply chains or specialise in particular types of materials — such as Preface in Los Angeles (innovative textiles) or Lineapelle in Milan (leather and leather alternatives).

Increasingly, fairs and expo organisers are expanding beyond sourcing and business matchmaking to include panel talks, runway shows, workshops, and interactive showcases. These programmes aim to foster discussion, offer immersive experiences, and bridge the gap between producers, researchers, technology developers, and their professional users.

For vegan and sustainable fashion brands — especially those focused on innovative and low-impact materials — fairs and expos are essential destinations for sourcing materials, acquiring know-how, and exploring partnership opportunities. If you have a clear agenda regarding the specific types of materials you wish to pursue, it may be sensible to begin with smaller, more focused fairs and build from there. However, if you’re looking to take in the broader landscape, attending the largest fairs can offer valuable perspective on where to go next. In either case, it is advisable to consult the fair’s exhibitor directory in advance and book appointments with the suppliers you’re most interested in, as fairs can become extremely busy.

With the launch of our own VFR Global Fashion Events Calendar and the sheer number of textile fairs and expositions worldwide, we’ve been asked whether there are particular events that offer the most value for vegan and sustainable players — whether you’re a textile producer, a brand, or a professional seeking new partnerships. We hear you — and here is our curated list of fairs and expos that offer the most when it comes to vegan, sustainable, and innovative materials, moving west to east.

You’re all welcome.

NORTH AMERICA

Texworld NYC

Organiser: Messe Frankfurt Inc.
Location: New York City, USA
Frequency: Annually in July
Next edition: 23–25 July 2025 at Javits Center

Texworld NYC is the largest textile and apparel sourcing trade show on the US East Coast. Hosting hundreds of international exhibitors, it serves as a key hub for innovation and collaboration, with a strong focus on ethical and sustainable fabric sourcing alongside cutting-edge solutions for the textile and garment industries.

The event features the Exhibitor Pitch, Next-Gen Innovation Hub, Textile Talks, and Deadstock—a dedicated area showcasing upcycled materials and circular fashion solutions.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Performance Days (Functional Fabric Fair)

Organisers: Design & Development GmbH Textile Consult (Germany), in collaboration with Reed Exhibitions (USA) and Tengda Exhibition (Shanghai)

Next edition: 21–23 July 2025 in New York at Javits Center
Locations & Dates:

• New York: 21–23 July 2025
• Shanghai: 6–7 July 2025
• Munich: 29–30 October 2025
• Portland: 12–13 November 2025

Performance Days (known as the Functional Fabric Fair in the US) is a leading sustainable sourcing fair dedicated to functional fabrics and accessories. It showcases the latest trends and innovations in the functional textiles industry, strategically scheduled to align with the sourcing cycles of product managers, purchasing departments, material specialists, and designers.

Performance Days also offers an exclusive year-round online sourcing platform for brands to discover materials at any time.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Preface

Organiser: PREFACE
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Frequency: Twice a year (January and July)
Next edition: 30–31 July 2025 at 212 W 12th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

PREFACE is a fabric trend show that unites innovative concepts and sourcing, presenting the apparel industry with textiles offering better alternatives to conventional materials. The boutique-style event features a carefully curated selection of exhibitors, creating an inspirational and personalised experience for attendees. PREFACE places strong emphasis on relationship-building and technology presentations.

Later in 2025, PREFACE will debut in Vancouver, Canada, on 26–27 September, hosted in collaboration with BC Apparel & Gear’s Apparel Camp at Wilson School of Design.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

UNITED KINGDOM

The London Textile Fair

Organiser: Textile Events
Location: London, UK
Frequency: Twice a year (January and September)
Next edition: 2–3 September 2025 at the Business Design Centre

The London Textile Fair is the largest industry show in the UK, attracting major British brands and international manufacturers. The fair includes a dedicated Sustainable Fabrics section and has increasingly introduced initiatives and themed areas to highlight eco-friendly and ethically produced textiles.TLTF also aims to raise awareness of the environmental and social impacts of textile production, hosting seminars and workshops focused on sustainability and responsible sourcing.

Each edition typically welcomes around 500 international exhibitors¹ and over 5,000 professional visitors².

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

The Future Fabrics Expo

Organiser: The Sustainable Angle
Location: London, UK
Frequency: Once a year
Last edition: 24–25 June 2025

The Future Fabrics Expo is the leading London-based trade fair dedicated to sustainability in fashion, textiles, and related industries such as food and agriculture. Exhibitors must meet strict material guidelines across key impact areas including water, energy, waste, biodiversity, chemicals, animal welfare, social justice, and traceability to be eligible for inclusion.The event features innovation presentations, seminars, and a virtual expo platform, creating a dynamic space for learning, sourcing, and industry dialogue on sustainable solutions. The June 2025 edition hosted over 2,000 visitors, more than 150 organisations, and upwards of 80 speakers across two days³.

There is also a New York edition of this fair, with the most recent taking place on 19–20 November 2024. We’re keeping a close eye out for announcements regarding the next one.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

EUROPE

Première Vision Paris

Organiser: Première Vision SA
Location: Paris, France
Frequency: Twice a year (February and September)
Next edition: 16–18 September 2025 (Autumn/Winter 26–27) at Paris Nord Villepinte

Among all the Première Vision fairs, the Paris edition is the most respected in the global fashion industry, thanks to its rigorous exhibitor selection. Held in February (with a focus on savoir-faire, i.e. craftsmanship) and September (centred on Innovation & Tech), the event features dedicated zones for specific material categories – including a deadstock area, reflecting Première Vision’s strong commitment to sustainability and circular fashion.

It places significant emphasis on trend forecasting, supported by a rich programme of conferences, workshops, and webinars. The February 2025 edition hosted 1,100 exhibitors, 75 speakers, and welcomed over 30,000 visitors from 126 countries⁴.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Texworld Paris

Organiser: Messe Frankfurt France S.A.S.
Location: Paris, France
Frequency: Twice a year (February and September)
Next edition: 15–17 September 2025 at the Parc des Expositions de Paris–Le Bourget, Halls 2, 3 and 4

The Paris edition of Texworld features dedicated areas such as Avantex Paris and Expertise Econogy, focusing on innovation and sustainable fashion. The fair also maintains a strong emphasis on denim and leather (note: not vegan). In 2024, Texworld Paris welcomed 2,400 exhibitors from 32 countries and attracted over 13,500 visitors⁵.

Additional editions are scheduled for later this year in:

• New York, USA (23-25 July)
• Los Angeles, USA (29–31 July)
• Tashkent, Uzbekistan (14–16 October)
• Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (30 October – 2 November)

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Techtextil

Organiser: Messe Frankfurt
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Frequency: Every two years
Next edition: 21–24 April 2026

Techtextil is a leading international trade fair covering technical textiles, nonwovens, and apparel textiles, with applications that go far beyond fashion. It is where automotive manufacturers meet fashion designers, and medical engineers connect with industrial specialists — offering insight into the full value chain, including production technology and equipment.

The fair attracts professionals from diverse sectors who are interested in innovation, performance materials, and cross-industry collaboration.

At the 2024 edition, Techtextil hosted 1,469 exhibitors from 50 countries and welcomed 35,181 visitors from 94 countries⁶.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Neonyt Düsseldorf (previously Fashiontech)

Organiser: Messe Frankfurt, in partnership with Igedo Exhibitions (Germany)
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
Frequency: Twice a year (January and July)
Next edition: 19–21 July 2025 at Rheinterrasse Düsseldorf

Neonyt Düsseldorf (formerly known as Fashiontech) is dedicated to sustainable fashion, innovation, and digitalisation, bringing together fashion and lifestyle products, materials, and technologies. The fair offers a tailored Start-up Area to support emerging sustainable brands and innovators.

In addition to the Düsseldorf edition, Neonyt Paris is held in collaboration with WSN Développement (France) at Expo Porte de Versailles, taking place in January and September each year. The next edition is scheduled for 6–8 September 2025.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Munich Fabric Start

Munich Fabric Start
Organiser: MUNICH FABRIC START Exhibitions GmbH
Location: Munich, Germany
Frequency: Twice a year (February and September)
Next edition: 2–3 September 2025 at MOC Munich

For the upcoming September 2025 edition, up to 1,100 exhibitors and around 15,000 visitors are expected⁷. The fair includes a full programme of lectures, panel discussions, trend presentations, and Q&A sessions, with a strong focus on sustainable and bio-innovative materials.

Munich Fabric Start also hosts BLUEZONE, a dedicated denim and innovation hub, which takes place concurrently with the main event. Additionally, the Preview Textile Show is held twice a year in parallel, offering early insights into upcoming trends and materials.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Milano Unica

Organiser: SITEX S.p.A., with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, ITA – Italian Trade Agency, Banca Sella, and Lauretana
Location: Milan, Italy
Frequency: Twice a year (February and July)
Next edition: 8–10 July 2025 at Fiera Milano (Rho)

Milano Unica is dedicated to high-end fabrics and accessories, with a focus on European production. The fair features a Sustainability Project area, an Innovation Area, and a dedicated section for textile start-ups. Since 2014, it has also included the Japan and Korea Observatories, and since 2012, a Shanghai edition has been held to promote the Italian textile industry in Eastern markets.

The February 2025 Milan edition recorded a new milestone, with 723 exhibitors and over 10,000 international buyers in attendance⁸.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Lineapelle

Organiser: Lineapelle S.p.A.
Location: Milan, Italy
Frequency: Twice a year (February and September)
Next edition: 23–25 September 2025 (Autumn/Winter 26–27) at the Milan Exhibition Centre

Lineapelle is arguably the most renowned trade fair dedicated to leather – both genuine and alternative. In addition to the flagship event in Milan, Lineapelle also hosts niche editions in New York and London. The fair operates a dedicated digital platform, The 365 Showroom, which showcases exhibitors from all three cities.

The most recent Milan edition, held in February 2025 , featured 1,106 exhibitors from 40 countries and attracted 23,800 visitors from 112 countries⁹.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

MIDDLE EAST

International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF)

Organiser: Nihalani Events Management
Location: Dubai, UAE
Frequency: Once a year
Next edition: 17–19 November 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre

The International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) is the Gulf region’s largest B2B trade and sourcing event. It features a strong focus on sustainability, showcasing exhibitors selected based on criteria including responsible sourcing, transparency, and innovation.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

ASIA

India ITME 2026

Organiser: India International Textile Machinery Exhibitions Society (India ITME Society)
Location: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Frequency: Irregular (last edition in 2022)
Next edition: 4–9 December 2025

India ITME is a major textile machinery and technology exhibition featuring over 1,800 exhibitors across 20 chapters, covering sectors such as machinery, spinning, weaving, recycling and waste reduction technologies, natural and man-made fibres and yarns, and technical textile products.

The event is expected to attract more than 150,000 visitors over six days¹⁰.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT)

Organisers: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE)
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Frequency: Once a year, typically February
Next edition: 26–28 February 2026

VIATT is the region’s most comprehensive trade fair, covering the full textile value chain. The 2015 edition featured over 460 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions, attracting more than 19,000 visitors from over 70 countries and regions¹¹.

As part of Messe Frankfurt’s Econogy initiative, the fair highlights the latest sustainability offerings, with a special focus on innovations and technologies critical to the future growth of the textile industry.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Intertextile Shanghai

Organisers: Messe Frankfurt in partnership with The Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, and China Textile Information Centre (CTIC)
Location: Shanghai, China
Frequency: Twice a year (March and September)
Next edition: 11–13 March 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center

Intertextile Shanghai is Asia’s leading textile fair, featuring over 3,100 exhibitors from 25 countries and attracting nearly 95,000 visitors from 131 countries. The event highlights sustainability through Messe Frankfurt’s global Texpertise Econogy concept, showcased prominently in the All About Sustainability zone alongside various other initiatives.

In addition, Intertextile Shenzhen & Yarn Expo takes place once a year, typically in June.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS)

Organiser: Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF)
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Frequency: Once a year
Next edition: 14–16 October 2025 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center

The Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show focuses on innovative textiles, distinguishing itself from other textile fairs in Asia. Following the 2024 edition, around 400 companies from across the globe are expected to participate, occupying over 1,000 booths. The 2024 show attracted approximately 35,000 visitors¹².

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Fashion World Tokyo

Organiser: RX Japan Ltd.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Frequency: Twice a year (March and October)
Next edition: 1–3 October 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight

Fashion World Tokyo is Japan’s largest fashion trade fair, showcasing premium Japan-made brands, textiles, and OEM/ODM factories serving global markets. The event features a dedicated area to meet emerging brands and designers. A dedicated section of the fair — the Sustainable Fashion Expo — showcases sustainable products and materials, including eco-friendly innovations, recycled, ethical, organic, and fair trade options. In addition, the Fashion Tech Expo features IT services such as digital transformation (DX) solutions and systems for e-commerce and next-generation retail.

The March 2025 edition attracted 14,599 visitors and 604 exhibitors¹³.

For Visitors | For Exhibitors

Informations Sources:

1. https://thelondontextilefair.co.uk/#:~:text=The%20London%20Textile%20Fair%20is,comprehensive%20gathering%20of%20industry%20influencers. ↩︎
2. https://thelondontextilefair.co.uk/exhibit/ ↩︎
3. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLVr3D2Iwh0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== ↩︎
4. https://www.the-spin-off.com/news/stories/The-Shows-Premiere-Visions-last-edition-registered-30000-visitors-18809#:~:text=Premi%C3%A8re%20Vision%20Paris%20closed%20its,areas%2C%20Fashion%20Forums%2C%20recorded%2048%2C000 ↩︎
5. https://texworld-paris.fr.messefrankfurt.com/content/dam/messefrankfurt-france/texworld-evolution-paris/pdf/TWAPPS_PLAQUETTE_VISITEURS.pdf ↩︎
6. https://techtextil.messefrankfurt.com/content/dam/messefrankfurt-redaktion/techtextil/2026/mafo/tt-mafo-2024-en.pdf ↩︎
7. https://www.munichfabricstart.com/en/ ↩︎
8. https://www.milanounica.it/en/milano-unica-40th-edition-closing-press-release#:~:text=In%20total%2C%20approximately%204%2C800%20international,exceeding%204%2C000%20(+3.5%25). ↩︎
9. https://www.lineapelle-fair.it/en/lineapelle ↩︎
10. https://corporate.india-itme.com/itme2026/about-itme-2026.html ↩︎
11. https://viatt.hk.messefrankfurt.com/hochiminhcity/en.html ↩︎
12. https://www.wtin.com/article/2025/march/03-03-25/titas-the-future-of-textile-innovation/#:~:text=Boosting%20success%20from%202024,textile%20and%20apparel%20supply%20chain. ↩︎
13. https://lp.rxjapan.jp/content/dam/sitebuilder/rxjp/rx-japan/doc/25/4/FaW_TOKYO_Spring_2025_Report_EN.pdf ↩︎