VIATT 2026 Expands with New Zones and 20% Larger Venue

The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to make a strong comeback at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) from 26 to 28 February 2026. Following an impressive nearly 13% growth in exhibitor participation in its previous edition, the 2026 show will expand its exhibition area by 20%, growing from 15,000 to 18,000 sqm and fully occupying Halls A and B. The expansion will include newly designated areas for apparel, fashion accessories, and textile chemicals and dyes—highlighting Vietnam’s growing status as a fully integrated textile hub, both vertically and horizontally.

Despite facing recent economic challenges, Vietnam remains a vital, long-term market for the global textile industry. The nation’s commitment to international trade, demonstrated by its 17 new generation FTAs, has encouraged broader market reach and export diversification. As a result, VIATT continues to serve as a key platform enabling global industry stakeholders to explore Vietnam’s dynamic market and foster cross-border partnerships.

Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, reaffirmed VIATT’s importance, stating: “The second edition of VIATT saw a 30% increase in international buyers and a 10% overall rise in buyer attendance, proving its essential role in advancing Vietnam’s textile sector. The upcoming edition, with a greater focus on trends, will connect suppliers from across the fashion, home, and technical textile categories with leading international brands, supporting the country’s transition from volume-driven exports to innovation- and sustainability-led manufacturing.”

Strengthening its role as Southeast Asia’s prime sourcing fair, VIATT 2026 will introduce trend-centric forums, sustainable textile displays, and designer fashion shows. A returning highlight is the Econogy Hub, showcasing eco-friendly materials, green production methods, and verified certifications. The Hub aligns with Vietnam’s target to achieve a circular textile economy by 2050, with innovations such as organic fibres, recycled synthetics, and sustainable dyeing solutions in focus.

Additionally, the Innovation & Digital Solution Zone will be further developed to highlight cutting-edge tools for optimizing design, manufacturing, and supply chains. This includes AI-based prototyping and advanced automation, supporting Vietnam’s aim to modernize its textile production and seize new business opportunities.

Apparel Fabrics & Fashion: A Catalyst for Growth
Vietnam’s textile and garment sector is thriving, with revenues exceeding USD 44 billion in 2024 and targeting USD 48 billion in 2025. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on sustainable fibres, innovative fabrics, and high-end fashion designs. In response, VIATT 2026 will enhance its offering of finished garments, supporting fashion designers and garment producers. Notably, the show will debut the Fashion Label Zone, showcasing boutique fashion brands, and a new Fashion Accessories Zone dedicated to items like bags, footwear, and jewellery—products that drew interest from brands like Tory Burch and Zara at VIATT 2025.

Other international brand buyers present at VIATT 2025 included American Eagle, Callaway, Club Monaco, Decathlon, J.Crew, Lululemon, M&S, Nike, Puma, Target, and Wacoal. Commenting on the regional importance of the show, Mr Bao Jia Cheng of Shaoxing Sunsmile Textile Co Ltd shared: “We presented fashion embroidery fabrics and polyester embroidery yarns, mostly for women’s wear. Southeast Asia is a major market for the Asia-Pacific’s economic future, and this exhibition is crucial for reaching that market. We encountered strong visitor traffic and quality buyers from countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, India, and others.”

Home & Contract Textiles: Benefiting from Urban Growth
Vietnam’s home textile market is booming, supported by higher disposable incomes, urban expansion, and shifting consumer habits. The market is expected to grow from around USD 3 billion in 2025 to nearly USD 4 billion by 2030. Exhibitors at VIATT aim to capitalise on this, offering products like bedding, bath linen, table linen, curtains, upholstery fabrics, and decorative textiles. Prominent buyers at the last edition included IKEA, Muji, and Novotel.

Looking ahead, VIATT 2026 will feature an expanded display of finished textiles for both residential and contract markets, including high-end bedding and hotel-grade fabrics. Mr Dennis Macharia, Sourcing – Home Textiles China, from Maaron International Procurements, noted: “We manage home textile sourcing for American clients in China. At VIATT 2025, we saw strong potential from Chinese suppliers operating in Vietnam, India, Myanmar, and Indonesia. I also identified suppliers with OEKO-TEX and BSCI certifications, which are crucial for our clients.”

The fair’s Econogy Check will continue to verify eco-credentials of exhibitors, with verified companies listed in the Econogy Finder directory—helping buyers locate certified sustainable suppliers quickly and efficiently.

Technical Textiles & Technologies: Innovation at the Forefront
With rising demand, supportive policies, and Industry 4.0 tech adoption, the technical textiles market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2032, reaching over USD 390 billion. VIATT 2026 will broaden its technical focus by launching a dedicated Textile Chemicals & Dyes Zone. This zone will showcase additives for chemical recycling, fibre and fabric finishing, pre-treatment, dyeing, and more—catering to sectors like Clothtech, Indutech, Mobiltech, Medtech, Protech, and smart textiles.

Organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), VIATT 2026 will take place from 26–28 February 2026. For more information, visit www.viatt.com.vn or contact viatt@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

Upcoming Shows Include:

• Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition (20–22 August 2025)
• Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn (2–4 September 2025)
• Cinte Techtextil China (3–5 September 2025)
• Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition / Yarn Expo Spring / Home Textiles – Spring Edition (11–13 March 2026)