Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris 2026: expanded activewear and functional fabrics section, and emphasis on near-sourcing

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris returns Feb. 2–4, 2026: the 58th edition will gather more than 1,100 exhibitors across 33 countries at Paris Le Bourget Exhibition Center, offering brands direct access to fabric mills, finished-goods manufacturers, and emerging sustainable materials suppliers.

With activewear and functional fabrics now occupying dedicated space in Hall 4, sporting goods buyers can efficiently navigate suppliers specializing in moisture-wicking knits, weather-resistant synthetics, and recycled performance materials—categories that have historically required attendance at multiple trade events.

Activewear takes center stage in restructured layout

Hall 4 now consolidates the Activewear and Casual & Sport sectors, alongside national pavilions showcasing technical textile capabilities from major production markets including China, Turkey, India, Korea, and Taiwan.

The layout shift responds to buyer feedback requesting clearer product categorization and faster supplier discovery. For sporting goods brands seeking both raw materials and finished products, the co-location of Texworld (fabrics) and Apparel Sourcing (finished goods) eliminates the need to attend separate events.

Hall 3 concentrates the All About Her area and Texworld’s knit offerings, while Hall 2 serves as the show’s hub for trend forums, conferences, and networking. The Print and Jacquard sections have relocated closer to Silky Aspects, reflecting cross-category sourcing patterns identified through exhibitor and visitor data.

Near-sourcing hub quadruples

The most significant development for European sporting goods brands is the expansion of the Near Sourcing Hub, which will quadruple in size and feature nearly 50 companies from Portugal, Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Slovakia, and Morocco.

Developed with digital sourcing platform Foursource, the hybrid hub allows buyers to engage with 15 manufacturers physically present at the show while accessing digital collections from additional exhibitors via QR-coded samples. This model enables brands to initiate quotations and technical discussions on-site while expanding their nearshore supplier pipeline beyond physical booth constraints.

Sustainability showcase targets compliance-driven buyers

The Econogy Hub returns as a central feature of Texworld. Built on Messe Frankfurt’s Econogy sustainability framework, the space showcases practical solutions across the textile value chain—from fibre innovation to end-of-life material recovery.

A highlight of the February edition is the “Zero Waste Couture” exhibition, curated by fashion designer and artist Lea Theres-Lahr Thiele. The exhibition demonstrates zero-waste design methods that apply directly to sporting goods, where fabric waste can account for 15–20 percent of production costs.

The hub will also feature a TÜV Rheinland information point covering textile testing, durability standards, and regulatory compliance. The Fédération de la Mode Circulaire will present material-sourcing innovations through members including BioFluff (100 percent plant-based textiles), 91530 Le Marais (low-impact hemp), and Adirelounge (responsible fibre sourcing platform).

Visitors can join the Econogy Tour on Monday, 2 February from 12:30–13:30 pm. Starting from the Econogy Hub, the tour provides guided access to exhibitors with verified environmental credentials.

Conferences address market shifts and creative futures

A streamlined conference program will run Monday, Feb. 2 and Tuesday, Feb. 3 on the Agora stage, covering major industry topics in accessible formats. Key sessions relevant for sporting goods professionals include:

• Fashion trends: Presentation of “Très Moyen Âge,” the Spring-Summer 2027 Trendbook, by Louis Gérin
• Market developments: The future of mid-market fashion in Europe (relevant as sporting goods brands expand lifestyle offerings)
• Econogy Talks: Sustainability-focused sessions (identified in green on the program)
• Innovation and creation: Collective design, AI-assisted creativity, and digital prototyping

All conferences are open to registered visitors without additional fees.