There is no shortage of creativity in the footwear world these days, especially when it comes to new materials and digitalization methods.

What stands out in our current survey is that sustainability is not yet a slam dunk with consumers. “Maybe” and “Somewhat” responses are sprinkled throughout, indicating that while aware of eco-responsibility, survey participants are not all in when it comes to living a sustainable lifestyle.

How we communicate #sustainability is evolving as key phrases from the past give way to a new shorthand of buzzwords and industry lingo reflecting current environmental, economic and cultural trends.

OrthoLite: Biopolymers Shape the Future of Footwear Acteev: Can the Earth Benefit from Nylon? Cottonworks: Digging Deeper into the Circularity of Cotton. Seawool: sustainable Materials that offer Refresing Wearer Experience. Saya: Why Bisphenol A (BPA) May Be In Your Recycled Textile.

Functional Fabric Fair Fall, the global textile hub for innovation and sustainable manufacturing. With an expansive show floor and a carefully curated list of exhibitors, we present more than 265 suppliers, showcasing innovative textiles and color trends for Fall and Winter 2024/2025.

The value of functional fabrics is resonating loud and clear with consumers in 2023.

When we think of the early days of the outdoor business, authentic textile performance was central to the growth of the industry.

Typically the first question asked at a trade show is, “What’s new?” So, it was surprising that at the recent Functional Fabric Fair NY, where plenty of new and exciting textiles were on display, curiosity around PFAS, and impending government legislation was top of mind.

Kingpins NYC was abuzz with breaking news that Messe Frankfurt was buying a stake in the denim trade fair. The alliance looks to extend Kingpins’ global reach, providing additional resources to grow the denim community presence.

PREFACE may be small in size but makes a big statement on the importance of small batch, locally manufactured, responsibly-sourced and sustainably-driven textile development.

When we think of the early days of the outdoor business, authentic textile performance was central to the growth of the industry. Newfangled functional fabrics engineered to improve protection from the elements allowed hardcore hikers...

Another day, another AI news-making headline. “AI is the future!” “AI is an awesome tool!” “AI technology is worthy of grave concern!”

This season footwear takes a walk on the wild side as brands explore new materials for active outdoorists. A spirited attitude about performance footwear is emerging that is ushering in technical advances, eco-innovation, color selection and overall shoe aesthetic.

The value of functional fabrics is resonating loud and clear with consumers in 2023. Individuals not only have a better understanding of the technical benefits of today’s performance textiles...

In this season’s swirl of sustainability developments, companies are taking impactful action to accelerate change.

David Parkes and Amber Brookman, Industry pioneers and outdoor trailblazers, put performance textiles on the map with creative product development and clever marketing.

Maybe it’s the cross-category appeal, or that the concept is easily relatable on a personal as well as product level, but “longevity” is this year’s “it” word.

With 2030 eco goals on the horizon and the industry facing a flurry of state and government legislation regarding recycling and chemical usage, the textile community is primed for action on all fronts.

Habits old and new come into play when consumers shop for sustainable goods. Attitudes are shifting, according to our most recent survey, with respondents placing more importance on eco-friendly footwear and clothing and becoming less turned off by the cost of responsibly-made products.

A little bit of everything is generating reason for optimism in 2023 within the textile business. Supply chain headaches are subsiding while excitement about product innovation in the pipeline is on the rise.

Tsveti Enlow is a trend strategist and cultural researcher who explores the intersection of consumer behavior, technology, lifestyle, and design shifts to identify and translate emerging trends into new product opportunities to help clients anticipate and plan for the future.

A little bit of everything is generating reason for optimism in 2023 within the textile business. Supply chain headaches are subsiding while excitement about product innovation in the pipeline is on the rise.

Tsveti Enlow is a trend strategist and cultural researcher who explores the intersection of consumer behavior, technology, lifestyle, and design shifts to identify and translate emerging trends into new product opportunities to help clients anticipate and plan for the future.

Economic and environmental issues are increasingly impacting consumer shopping behavior as winter 2023 unfolds.

The upcoming Fall/Winter 2024/25 season is packed with possibilities. Innovation is rampant in today’s textile offerings achieving new levels of eco-performance as suppliers continue to create trendsetting solutions that feature functionality and maximum sustainability.