NORWALK, CT (7/22/24) – 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,” states 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." 

Exhibitor Alejandra Diaz of Hemp Fortex added, “Functional Fabric Fair is beneficial because it’s where we can meet with our existing customers and new customers. If I had to describe Functional Fabric Fair in three words it would be intense, exciting and innovative!” 

In addition to the show floor sourcing, Functional Fabric Fair’s summer edition featured the following notable activations: 

DESIGN LAB LIVE

New to the show, the Design Lab (LIVE) was a real-life design and construction demonstration featuring Kelly Dempsey, a sustainable fashion designer celebrated for her innovative approach to upcycling secondhand materials and a past contestant on “Project Runway”. 

During day one of the show, the Design Lab (LIVE) was an area where Kelly constructed a stylish performance kimono style jacket in real time using materials from exhibitors with attendees watching and engaging with her as the creative process unfolded. The functional fabrics and accessory products were donated by Cocona 37.5, FLYTEC, Lenzing Fibers and Prym Fashion. The final garment was on display for a silent auction that took place during the drirelease sponsored Happy Hour on Tuesday, July 16 between 5-6 pm. Proceeds from the auction were donated to the charity FABSCRAP. 

TREND FORUM

An attendee favorite attraction, the 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 a panel of experts from esteemed universities, leading apparel brands, procurement teams, and fabric technologists representing diverse facets of the industry. Once attendees scanned the QR codes on the swatches they could arrange to have a free sample sent to their business. 

“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. 

EXPERT TALKS 

The informative Expert Talks Program featured 10+ sessions led by industry experts and thought leaders, addressing seasonal trends in colors 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 November 19 kicking off with the NEW Day 0 

Sustainability Workshop as well as Exhibit Hall and Expert Talks taking place November 20-21, in Portland, OR at the Oregon Convention Center. For more info and details on all the shows, visit https://www.functionalfabricfair.com/. 

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

Media Contact: 

Amanda Marini Marketing Director amanda.marini@rxglobal.com Jen Cullen Williams Public Relations 

jen@jencullenwilliams.com 

Functional Fabric Fair Images can be found HERE 

About Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®: 
 

Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS® is a trade-exclusive event and platform showcasing the latest trends in textile development for the apparel industry. In addition to a curated marketplace dedicated to the responsible sourcing of high-performance functional fabrics and accessories, Functional Fabric Fair provides expert-led education, supplier recommendations, and a university program that exposes students to textile and apparel developers. FunctionalFabricFair.com 

About RX
 

RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. We elevate the power of face to face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at approximately 400 events in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.rxglobal.com