CHIC Spring 2026 Concludes with 160,000 Visitors in Shanghai

CHIC Spring 2026 concluded at the National Exhibition & Convention Center, bringing together 1,291 exhibitors and 1,335 brands from eight countries and regions. The event covered 117,200 square meters and attracted over 160,000 trade visitors from across the fashion industry. The fair focused on industry transformation, sourcing, and international engagement.

The exhibition was organised into 12 segments, covering categories such as womenswear, menswear, accessories, denim, outdoor, kidswear, and digital fashion. The segmented layout supported structured navigation, sourcing activities, and market analysis.

The guiding theme “In Search of Spring” reflected ongoing changes within the fashion industry, including economic adjustments, structural transformation, and evolving market opportunities at both domestic and international levels.

China’s apparel sector continues to undergo structural changes, with shifting domestic demand and increasing relevance of international markets. Exports to Europe, the UK, and Japan are showing positive development, while Latin America and Africa present additional growth potential. Market trends indicate a focus on higher product quality, cost control across supply chains, and differentiation between premium and volume segments. Growth areas include sportswear, outdoor categories, lifestyle-driven fashion, and Chinese style design.

Technological developments such as automation, digital manufacturing, and AI applications are influencing industrial processes. China remains a key market for international brands, particularly in sportswear and premium lifestyle segments. In 2024, China’s premium sportswear market reached approximately USD 9.2 billion and is projected to grow to nearly USD 16 billion by 2030. Brand performance data shows Nike recorded revenue growth of up to 47% in China, adidas reported a 13% increase in Greater China revenue in 2025, and Lululemon achieved over 40% growth, reaching close to USD 1 billion in sales in China.

CHIC Spring 2026 included structured business formats such as CHIC Matching, which hosted more than 130 invited buyer groups including JD.com, Douyin, and Little Red Book (xiaohongshu). These formats facilitated targeted sourcing, business discussions, and networking. Additional sourcing meetings and open networking platforms supported broader engagement between exhibitors and buyers.

International participation included 45 brands from eight countries and regions, including China Hong Kong, Korea, Australia, Italy, Germany, Japan, and India. Participation trends indicate a focus on smaller, specialized brands seeking entry into the Chinese market through targeted and long-term strategies. Feedback from exhibitors highlighted visitor engagement, business inquiries, and partnership opportunities.

Italy participated with 12 brands, including companies such as Pango, Blanca Luz, and Vizio. Germany-based JJHats participated to explore distribution partnerships in China and Southeast Asia. Other brands, including Blukey, reported initial business outcomes such as orders and regional contacts.

The CHIC Young Blood segment, located in the North Entrance Hall, presented emerging designers and brands with a focus on concept-driven fashion and global visibility. Several participants have also appeared at international platforms such as Pitti Uomo in Florence. The segment highlighted themes such as cultural identity, storytelling, and evolving design concepts, including gender-fluid design and hybrid aesthetics.

Generation Z, estimated at around 260 million consumers in China, continues to influence fashion consumption patterns. According to the Future of Fashion Report (2025) by Boston Consulting Group, this group prioritizes authenticity, design, and digital engagement, contributing to demand for identity-driven and lifestyle-oriented brands.

Core product segments at the exhibition reflected current market trends. Womenswear focused on brand identity and cultural influences, while menswear showed a shift toward hybrid business-casual formats. Kidswear continued to expand as a lifestyle segment, and accessories remained a key growth category. Denim developments included material innovation and sustainability.

The event attracted buyers from e-commerce platforms such as JD.com, Douyin, and Little Red Book (xiaohongshu), as well as retail destinations including Beijing SKP. Industry participants from companies such as Aimer, Urban Revivo, Fabrique, CHUU, and UOOYAA attended for sourcing and business discussions.

The industry program featured more than 100 events, including CHIC Talks, runway presentations, and matchmaking sessions. Topics covered included international expansion, retail transformation, digitalisation, sustainability, and evolving business models.

“CHIC is far more than a trade fair – it is a reflection of our industry’s transformation. Despite economic challenges, we see a clear shift toward quality, innovation and internationalization. The fair brings together the key players and creates the foundation for new partnerships and sustainable growth.”
Chen Dapeng, Vice President China National Textile Council; President China National Garment Association and CHIC

The next edition, CHIC Autumn, is scheduled to take place from August 25–27, 2026, at the National Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai.