Functional Fabrics Become Innovative Outdoor Sports Products

Outdoor+function has always been a development hotspot in the field of textile fabrics in recent years. Whether it is sunscreen clothing in summer or rush suit in autumn and winter, functional and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor sports is occupying more and more consumers' wardrobes. This trend was particularly evident at the 2024 26th China Shaoxing Keqiao International Textile Expo (autumn) and 2024 Keqiao Fashion Week (autumn).

The exhibition has always been the "barometer" of the industry. At the site of this textile expo, the exhibitor from Jiangsu Feihe Textile Group booth, a number of high elastic performance of the shock jacket was dazzling. "Now our product elasticity no longer relies on conventional spandex, but instead uses functional yarn without spandex, which is easier to dye, lower cost, and good comfort." Sun Zhiming, general manager of Feihe Textile Group, told reporters that with the rise of outdoor sports, the company's sales this year increased by about 30% compared with last year.

In fact, the trend of outdoor fashion in the industry has already reached Keqiao. The warm-up show of this fashion week, the landmark show of Wuji · Special Step Rock Climbing Center, was jointly created by Sui Zhenchong, the chief designer of the special step brand, and Keqiao local enterprises. Through all-weather protection, multiple sports scene needs, and the demonstration of the innovative concept of "trinity" of sports fashion aesthetics, the show brought a new trend of sports fashion.

"In the post epidemic era, people are very eager for outdoor sports. They have raised high requirements for the waterproof and UV resistance of fabrics, as well as moisture absorption, perspiration and warmth retention. Consumer demand has increased, and the demand for fabric functionality has also increased." Wen Bo, senior manager of the Industrial Cooperation Department of China Textile Information Center, introduced, Nowadays, not only outdoor clothing brands in China are focusing on functionality, but also some fast fashion brands, including some formal and leisure brands, are moving towards functionality. At this 2024 Keqiao Fashion Design Exhibition (Autumn), a number of innovative products for outdoor sports in China are gathered.

At present, many upstream and downstream enterprises of Keqiao Textile, such as "Eastward New Materials" and "Wanfeng Chemical", have their eyes on this track. The reporter learned from the Construction Management Committee of China Light Textile City that next, Keqiao is considering building a sports fashion research and development center, opening a second track in addition to women's clothing fabrics, forming a sports fashion ecosystem from fabrics to ready to wear, constantly improving the innovation ability of Keqiao sports fabrics, and exploring new economic growth points of Keqiao textiles.

(Source: Keqiao Daily)