#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2019-01-24

Highlights, innovations, and sports stars at ISPO

From yoga and fitness trends to esports and new developments in the world of climbing: more than 2,800 international exhibitors will be presenting their highlights and innovations at ISPO Munich, the world’s largest sports trade fair, which is set to be held from February 3 to 6. In addition to live demonstrations and workshops, industry professionals can expect to see a large number of prominent athletes. Among them biathlon legend Ole Einar Bjørndalen, who will receive the ISPO Cup this year.

The largest industry gathering for the international sports business – ISPO Munich—will take place in just a few days. In addition to international trade visitors, many prominent athletes are expected to attend. These include Miriam Neureuther (German biathlete and cross-country skier), Britta Steffen (German swimmer), Robin Backhaus and Poul Zellmann (German swimmers), Julius Brink (German beach volleyball player), Peter Sagan (Slovak racing cyclist), Gina Lückenkemper (German track and field athlete), Nils Schumann (German track and field athlete) and Andrzej Bargiel (Polish ski mountaineer, mountaineer, and alpine runner). One of the highlights is the visit of skateboard legend Tony Hawk, who will hold a keynote address on Monday, February 4, as part of the “ISPO Digitize Pioneers Night”. An overview of all VIP visits is available online.

Award: Ole Einar Bjørndalen receives ISPO Cup 2019

Ole Einar Bjørndalen, one of the greatest athletes of our time, will be awarded the ISPO Cup on Tuesday, February 5. With eight Olympic gold medals as well as four silver and one bronze medal, he is the most successful biathlete ever at the Winter Olympics. A total of 95 World Cup victories in biathlon and cross-country skiing means that he is currently the greatest Winter athlete of all time. The ISPO Cup will honor his unique accomplishments and exceptional career.

New: Indoor Climbing Hub

Climbing has developed rapidly in recent years. Artificial climbing facilities in a variety of forms are widespread, especially in urban metropolises. The German Alpine Club has count 500 climbing halls in Germany alone—and the number is rising. In 2020, the sport will become an Olympic discipline for the first time. This is expected to draw greater attention and lead to growing interest. Under the motto “Climbing Gyms Insights,” the new Indoor Climbing Hub in hall A3 brings together various players to discuss these developments. Among other things, the program of speeches highlights the growth market in an international comparison and looks at the opportunities and challenges of the new Olympic format. More information and the program are available online.

Trend: sustainable products still in demand

A trend that has accompanied the sports and outdoor industry for many years and is becoming increasingly important in light of current developments is the manufacture of sustainable products. Many brands are already aware of their responsibilities and have incorporated a sustainable manufacturing process into their business. Experts will be talking about current developments and the urgency of this topic at the “CSR Hub & Sustainability Kiosk” in hall A4. These include representatives of non-governmental organizations such as Jon Cocino from One Percent for the Planet, Oliver Spies and Alexander Nolte from STOP! Micro Waste, Jeremy Jones from Protect our Winters, and Rainer Uhl from the Surfrider Foundation.

ISPO Munich presents the sports highlights of tomorrow (c) 2019 ISPO

Fitness and yoga are booming

There is no end in sight to the fitness boom. From CrossFit and urban running to functional training: interested visitors from the health & fitness sector will get their money’s worth in halls A5 and A6. In addition, the annual RUNNER’S WORLD running symposium will take place on February 4 for professionals in the running scene. Yoga also continues to enjoy great popularity. According to a study, the global market for yoga clothing is expected to grow by more than six percent a year. The large demand comes mainly from the U.S. The garments are used in variants of yoga such as acroyoga. Yogis at ISPO Munich can expect “flying asanas”—a combination of acrobatic playfulness, the healing energy of therapeutic flying, and the balance and connection of yoga. In addition, yoga professionals will be providing information about yoga for climbers or Liquid Flow Yoga on the Body & Mind stage. An overview of all workshops and live demonstrations can be found on the ISPO Munich website and in the event calendar.

New: get involved in esports up close and personal

For the first time, visitors to the fair can experience esports in person as part of ISPO Digitize in hall C6. Among other things, a friendly match will be taking place at the eSport Arena between Bayern Ballers Gaming, the esports team of FC Bayern Basketball, and the ISPO community. Experts, including those from Sport1, Nielsen, the German Football League (DFL), and 7Sports, will also be providing insights into the potential and growth market of this trend sport. As part of ISPO Munich Sports Week, the Munich-based sports retailer Globetrotter will be organizing an esports tournament on Wednesday, February 6, which will be streamed live in the exhibition halls.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Hong Kong strengthens position as Asia's leading sustainable fashion hub

Hong Kong's position as one of Asia's most prominent sustainable fashion hubs has been further strengthened, with the HKTDC ESG Index 2026 released by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) for the fashion industry rising to 65.5 in 2026, up 2.3 percentage points from 2025. The increase reflects growing industry confidence in Hong Kong as a premier platform for sustainable fashion development and ESG-related business opportunities.

Première Vision Paris expands innovation focus across fashion and beauty

From September 1–3, 2026, Première Vision Paris will bring together more than 900 exhibitors from across the global fashion value chain. This year's edition places a strong emphasis on Innovation-Tech, highlighting technologies and materials that are reshaping product development, manufacturing and sustainability.

Intertextile Apparel opens next week with strengthened focus on performance, sustainability, and innovation

Opening 25 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2026 prepares to welcome thousands of global industry players for three days of sourcing, networking, and trend forecasting. Spanning 240,000 sqm, this edition will feature over 3,500 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, providing a comprehensive platform for fairgoers to explore new products, market directions, and business opportunities across the entire apparel textile value chain – with high-potential segments noticeably magnified.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.