2026 fashion industry outlook

As the industry prepares for 2026, foresight is essential in this rapidly evolving global environment. This exclusive report provides professionals with the critical data required for strategic decisions. It features the definitive 2026 Apparel Industry Economic Outlook, the crucial AW 26/27 Trend Report, deep dives into evolving consumer behavior and technology in fashion, and vital insights on the supply chain and material innovation. Secure your competitive advantage for 2026 with these essential executive summaries.

2026 apparel industry economic outlook

The global fashion industry is navigating a fundamentally new reality in 2026, characterized by persistent macroeconomic volatility, redrawn trade maps, and rapid technological disruption. Executives are seeking clarity amidst systemic shifts that demand heightened agility and disciplined capital deployment. >> Read the report >>

Autumn/Winter 2026/27 trend report

The Autumn/Winter 2026/27 season marks a pivotal moment of "Redirection," a theme identified as the defining sentiment for the industry. As the fashion sector navigates a poly-crisis of environmental instability, geopolitical tension, and technological acceleration (specifically AI), the consumer mindset is bifurcating. We are witnessing a simultaneous retreat into protective, restorative comfort and a surge towards radical, expressive dissent. >> Read the report >>

Consumer behavior in 2026

The global fashion sector is entering a new strategic cycle defined by profound shifts in consumer behavior, demanding a re-evaluation of how apparel companies build desirability and remain visible. Amid persistent economic uncertainties and geopolitical pressures, the industry is grappling with the structural transformation brought on by artificial intelligence (AI), a pervasive shift toward authenticity and value, and the unabashed rise of ultra-fast fashion platforms. >> Read the report >>

2026 technology in fashion

Artificial intelligence (AI) has firmly transcended its designation as a technical novelty, developing into the crucial interface between consumers and brands and reshaping the operational structure of the apparel industry. This technology is no longer merely a tool, but is rapidly becoming the operating system of our platform, as described by Kuo Zhang, president of Alibaba.com. The transition is imperative for executives facing a market defined by turbulence as the new normal amid escalating tariffs, geopolitical complexity, and pressure from ultra-fast fashion platforms. >> Read the report >>

Apparel industry regulatory changes

The European Union (EU) apparel and textile industry is confronting an unparalleled wave of mandatory sustainability legislation, with 2026 serving as the pivotal deadline for key compliance mechanisms. These regulations—spearheaded by the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)—are transforming sustainability from a voluntary consideration into a non-negotiable prerequisite for market access. The shift requires executives to overhaul business models, supply chain visibility, and product design, creating both a significant administrative burden and a new framework for competitive advantage. >> Read the report >>

2026 material innovation in apparel

The fashion industry is poised for a significant shift in its material landscape for 2026, driven primarily by twin imperatives: deepened sustainability and advanced performance integration. Industry forecasts and recent fabric trade show collections, such as the Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) offerings at Milano Unica and Première Vision, indicated a move away from niche sustainability efforts toward a fully integrated system of bio-based, recycled, and smart textiles in future. >> Read the report >>

Supply chain outlook 2026

The fashion supply chain in 2026 is no longer defined solely by speed and cost, but by its resilience, precision, and adherence to escalating regulatory standards. The prevailing operational reality is one of volatility, driven by geopolitical turbulence, trade tariffs, and climate-related shocks. Executives cite responses to trade disruptions and rising tariffs as the single most significant theme shaping the industry in the year ahead. This environment demands a fundamental shift in strategy, turning the supply chain from a reactive cost center into a proactive, technology-driven competitive advantage. >> Read the report >>

Apparel events in 2026

The 2026 fashion calendar is filling up with pivotal trade shows and exclusive events. To maximize your time and budget, it is crucial to prioritize events that offer the most strategic value, from trend forecasting and wholesale purchasing to technology integration. Access a comprehensive list of all relevant apparel events in 2026 for fashion professionals, including dates and locations for major global trade show and conference dates, via the calendar here.