Unitex outlines upcoming fabric trends
China-based circular and warp knitter Unitex has launched its spring-summer 2026 trend book for sportswear and swimwear, in collaboration with textiles consultant Louisa Smith.
New developments for the season include UV+ protection, cooling fabrics, ocean-bound recycled synthetics, bio-based synthetics, anti-bacterial performance, power stretch and comfort compression in power knits.
Four trends define the spring/summer 2026 season, according to the company:
• ‘E-motion’ looks at the increased interest in racket and ball sports, from tennis to pickleball, golf and paddle.
• ‘Quiet Pace’ focuses on disconnecting from the frenzy of 24/7 connectivity as consumers focus on physical and mental well-being for essential balance. This mindset isn’t limited to yoga and soft sports but crosses over to intimate apparel. This trend also encourages designers and brand developers to embrace a new efficiency in creating multi-functional apparel.
• ‘Mono Moves’ (pictured) closes the loop, creating textile-to-textile fabrics that can be returned at the end of life. Innovation is critical in this area, as the soft stretch is created through fabric construction.
• ‘Boundless’ embraces the great outdoors, from the mountains to the ocean, as consumers take to the great outdoors.
The Unitex trend book is available for download online.
