“It is always a pleasure to collaborate with UNITEX, with their earnest and efficient approach to delivering performance and innovation with strong sustainable credentials. The R&D team incorporated yet more brand ingredients that benefit not just the end-wearer, but also the environment.
Choosing the innovations for this book has been a challenge, given the wealth of options available. The selection, while a mere fraction of the new developments from UNITEX, is a testament to the creativity and value that these material innovations can bring to the Fall/Winter 26/27 season in multiple apparel sectors.”
International textile trend consultant Louisa Smith presenting the UNITEX trends and innovations at Performance Days Munich
Louisa Smith
Global Textile Trend Consultant
AWAY GAME FALL/WINTER
Stepping out of our comfort zone of home to explore and exercise in the urban landscape and new arenas leads to a tough and protective direction in terms of longevity and performance. This trend isn’t just about the now, it’s about the future, supporting your journey for the long haul. It’s a tough world out there, and the textile innovation offered here delivers.
CONSUMER ATTITUDE
COMPETITIVE SPIRIT GENDER EQUALITY
Having become accustomed to WFH (working from home), young professionals now have to balance the WFH and an IRL (in real life) presence at the office. This results in a new level of functionality in an active lifestyle, where the exciting innovation in fabrics from UNITEX leads to cross-over design appeal with plenty of scope for adjusting to different occasions.
City gyms, in industrial areas or in modern shopping malls, maintain a gritty and tough characteristic. This is where weights and cross-training are the norm—tough and ready to roll with a very strong accent on gender equality. There is a very strong unisex look emerging, but at the same time, brands must consider a woman-centric approach when it comes to to designing for the women’s market.
Urban Outdoor activities also grow as we look to community meet-ups in social aspects. This trend leads us away from the isolation and comfort of home and encourages the consumer to get out, but this isn’t without the protective sound barriers and escapism of headphones.
URBAN SPORT
CAFE SOCIETY
COMMUNITY
FEMALE
CENTRIC DESIGNS
SPECTATOR SPORTS TRAVEL
“UNITEX DELIVERS A NEW LEVEL OF REASSURANCE TO CONSUMERS THROUGH FIT, THERMAL REGULATION, AND PROTECTIVE PERFORMANCE AS THEY NAVIGATE THE URBAN OUTDOORS.”
UNITEX x Louisa Smith
SOUND SYSTEM
MALLWORLDS
MATERIAL INNOVATION
• Lofty soft shell fabrics without the weight
• Bio-based thermal regulation - adapting to environmental changes
• Heat generating base layers
• Brushed technical side for a volumised soft touch
• Micro rib face for a woven-like look
• Moisture management and antiodor for personal comfort
• 360° stretch in soft and power compositions
• Durable water repellency (DWR) takes soft shells to a new protective level
• Recycled synthetics
• Bio-based synthetics
• Clean cut fabrics
• Bio-degradeable synthetics for micro-fiber pollution
• Dope dyed synthetics
• Malleable, rounded surfaces
• Understated matte surfaces
• Natural-touch class melange
• Soft, scuba-style shellslightweight protection
EXPANSIVE ENERGY
ESCAPISM
Tone-on-toneprintsand texturalrelief
“TACTILITY LEADS THROUGH SPONGE-LIKE STRUCTURES AND MICROBRUSHED SURFACES. THE REACTIVE PERFORMANCE THAT ADAPTS TO THE INDIVIDUAL WEARER’S NEED CONFIRMS THESE DEVELOPMENTS FROM UNITEX AS WINNERS FOR THE SEASON”
URBAN OUTDOOR
Efficiency reigns in this design group, consider incorporating pieces that are incredibly flexible in adjusting to the concrete confines of urban living to seamlessly switching to the rigors of rural outdoors for leisurely pursuits. The style influence pulls from the growing demands of urban sports, which, when teamed with the right fabrics, create a seamless transition to alternative outdoor activities.
CONSIDER
• New soft shells replace traditional woven shells
• DWR for protection - creating next level soft knit apparel
• A unisex look is taken - this is very much denim-inspired but recreated in knits
• Classic hoodies feature lightweight performance fabrics with thermal regulation
• Comfort of movement is key - a reduction of layers also defines a new efficiency
• These are pieces destined to be classics season after season.
• Understated styling packed full of performance UNITEX x Louisa Smith
Gyms are shedding their sterilised, shiny images and taking on a much more gritty and hardcore appearance. Our gym-wear, designed for group cross-training and individual workouts, is tough but worth the results, giving the consumer confidence and empowerment they need to push their limits.
CONSIDER
• Keep it to the darker tones - work dope dyed black with dark colors for a gritty look
• Body-embracing circular knits
• Moisture management and anti-odor are vital in keeping the wearer fresher for longer
• Leggings and shorts are designed with ‘squat-proof styling ‘, ensuring 360° stretch knits with blanket coverage opacity, providing comfort and confidence during workouts.
• Brushed technical side for a smooth touch against the skin for leggings, sports bras, and vests
• Body-mapped bottoms and training tights for men and women feature ‘core compression’ at the waist, providing additional support and comfort during workouts.
• Anatomical styling through taping in tops and bottoms
• Build up additional protection in DWR soft shells - urban gym-wear is seen on the street as much as it is seen in the gym - there has to be multi-functionality to apparel in this sector
With urban mobility shifting towards a cleaner option, UNITEX’ textile developments for active living wear provides the comfort and protection you need. From pedestrianonly city centers to cycling to work, protection in the form of DWR, thermal regulation and moisture management will get the consumer safely from the front door to their urban destination.
• Unisex bright outer soft shells with DWR protection - keep them dark in tone, but the technical knits with a brushed interior and thermal regulation to take comfort to a new level
• Classic vests and gilets are featured in hybrid construction, with knits from Unitex replacing the traditional wovens in full—this leads to a sophisticated layering active lifestyle wardrobe.
• Modular designs work with 2-in-1 or 3-in1 options for shells and hoodies, allowing the weather to adapt the garment for different occasions. From a retail perspective, this also appeals to great value.
Welcome to a world of mystery and magic, functionality, responsibility, and sustainability all combined with Unitex’ fabric technology and know-how. Incognito, is designed to stay under the radar and evade obvious detection, all the while making a significant contribution to a more sustainable fashion industry. This is how the industry should progress—not in a back-slapping, green washing way, but steadily and stealthily delivering the best possible options that get better and better each season.
CONSUMER ATTITUDE
Incognito also hints at the chameleon-like characteristics fabrics can embody, from optical aspects to performance levels. These fabrics can create lofty structures that are incredibly light, provide warmth without weight, and offer deceptive surface effects that seem to provide definition but are, in fact, incredibly smooth. This trend is not just about fabric; it’s a journey of discovery, full of surprises and intrigue, waiting to be explored.
Conscientious consumers are not just focused on sustainability but also on well-being in physical and mental fitness. They are the driving force behind a community spirit, recycling, circularity, and digital connection, all features that ensure we get the ultimate performance and quality through wear and the knowledge to dispose of apparel responsibly at the end of life. Caring is the key. About the environment, personal wellbeing and each other, but it has to include digitalization. The therapy boards in public places and the kindness of strangers warm up this direction, which may seem initially puzzling but, in fact, is very simple. What you see is different from what you get; it is actually even better.
”DEVILISHLY DECEPTIVE, THIS TREND TAKES CIRCULAR, AND WARP KNITS TO A NEW SPIRITED LEVEL, MIMICKING THE APPEARANCE OF TRADITIONAL WOVENS BUT WITH THE ENHANCED BENEFITS OF KNITTING INNOVATION”
CIRCULARITY
DIGITAL CONNECT
PUZZLING
MATERIAL INNOVATION
• Knits that mimic the appearance of classic 3/1 twill but with sensational hand and 360°
• Double side knits — brushed technical side, but face with a hard shell appearance
• Optical texture in high power warp knits matte/gloss yarns for contrasting relief
• Mono fabrics with mechanical stretch perfect for the circular economy
• Cross-dye effects - use dope dyed yarns black with contrasting color to achieve a grungy look
• Moleskin touch to precise 360° stretch with builtin performance
• Melange circular knits with a natural touch and high level of permanent multi-functionality
• Rigid-touch soft-shells with bushed technical side that mold to the body
• Bio, pre and post consumer recycled and ocean waste synthetics
• Upscaling knitted fabrics to replace classic wovens
• Biodegradable polyester and nylon for longer circulation and reduction microfiber pollution
• Anti-bacterial anti-odor performance
• Cotton touch bio-based mono fabrics with heat generating performance and mono stretch
• Prints please!!!! Camouflage to tone-on-tone for subtle relief, prints continue to pull in the consumer
3D surfaces with heat generation
Gradiated tones
Deceptiveperformance
Print-Camouflage
Defocusedprints
UNITEX x Louisa Smith
“ENHANCE SENSATIONAL BASE FABRICS WITH MICRO BRUSHING AND PRINTS. FROM CAMOUFLAGE TO OPTICALLY ILLUSIVE TEXTURES, CREATING A NICHE IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET, UNITEX’ PRINT FACILITY CAN GIVE YOU THE UPPER HAND.”
3D optical effects
WINTER OUTDOORS
Versatility and flexibility are crucial in creating the perfect outdoors soft-shell, soft on the inside through micro-brushing to a protective coating feel on the face. With the ingredients responsibility sourced for the start and end of life of the product, this leads the way for consumer to enjoy the benefits from the high level of performance
CONSIDER
• Soft-shells get more technical — don’t forget to incorporate DWR
• Printed surface effects
• 3D embossed and optical-style quilting on double sided warp knits
• Thermal regulating base-layers that cross over from the ski slopes to the streets
• Adaptable thermal regulation — working to the demands of the environment
• Classic hoodies with a robust hand — feel but incredibly lightweight
• Malleable ‘scuba’ style touch that embraces and molds to the body
All-embracing second-skin, barely-there qualities deliver squat-proof results for studio workouts. From reformer pilates to yoga and barre classes, this trend morphs into creating a precise exoskeleton. Handfeel is rich and plush yet incredibly light, a veiled muscularity moving in to support the pose.
CONSIDER
• High power warp and circular knits for squat proof leggings - incredibly light fabric with 360° power stretch
• Power stretch compression — one size fits all for a responsible manufacturing process
• Bio-based mono fabrics with fluidity for studio coordinates
• Loose fit bottoms, straight legged or cuffed offer a great alternative to leggings for getting to the studio and working out
• Predominantly female but can easily cross over to the men’s market
• Sensationally soft sports bras, microbrushed technical side, exquisite touch against the skin
• Body-mapped performance and clean cut finishes for smooth wearability and anti-chaffing
With warp and circular knits raising their game to take on wovens, this apparel direction embraces the inherently soft touch and high level of creativity and performance in creating apparel for anywhere and everywhere. This is a consumer’s dream, as a ‘less is more‘ attitude is applied to create a high level of diversity and adaptability, offering a wardrobe that is both versatile and efficient.
CONSIDER
• Sensational Nylon 66 moves from intimate apparel to outerwearoffering outstanding sensual touch and drape-ability
• Fit and flare silhouettes complement the more box-styled basics for men and women
• Key functions include moisture management, thermal regulation
21% CD Polyester, 63% Nylon6, 16% Spandex Melange, Wicking
Ref: DN90058CL
100% Polyester Thermal, Wicking
STIMULUS FALL/WINTER
The kinetic energy we can create from movement triggers a chain of functionality through inherent performance through next-level innovation. This can be deceptive from the outside appearance of a fabric packed full of functionality, nourishment, and well-being that can zone on the wearer. In contrast, a liveliness to surfaces emerges from the luminosity and high shine yarns in varying levels of luster.
CONSUMER ATTITUDE
CORE POWER
AIRLESS EMBRACE
Consumer demands push the pace in this direction. It is accepted that brands will provide responsible sourcing and corporate stewardship, which leads to an outburst of energetic textures, heightened tactility, intense colors, and varying levels of luster. The consumer wants more from their performance apparel. The need for well-being and mental and physical fitness drives studio—and gym-based sports, as well as winter outdoor pursuits.
Micro-encapsulated FIR yarns create a heightened sense of recovery and healthy being, with heatgenerating yarns and finishes adding a personally controlled warmth factor. Nostalgia comes into play here, especially with the varying levels of shine, as a need for physicality emerges. Outdoor sports and indoor fitness continue to be the social echelons of today’s society. It’s about connection with like-minded consumers and fabrics that connect, respond to movement, and embrace the wearer.
MODERN RECOURSE
WEARABLE TECH
IMMERSIVE PERFORMANCE
“WITH GLOBAL SELF-ESTEEM AT AN ALL-TIME
LOW AMONGST CONSUMERS, STIMULUS SETS OUT TO ENCOURAGE A NEW WAVE OF SELF-CONFIDENCE THROUGH SPORT AND ACTIVE LIVING. UNITEX DELIVERS A FEELGOOD FACTOR THROUGH
TEXTILE INNOVATION- IT’S TIME TO BE LOUD AND PROUD”.
• Sensational-touch power mesh — don’t just confined to intimates bring through to active lifestyle and fashion
• Iridescent featherweight — liquid metal-looks
• Roving cross yarn effects — contrasting matte/bright in
• High power fabrics with permanent dazzling surface effect
• Work delustre prints on bright surfaces
• FIR yarns for wellbeing
• Biodegradable microfibers to combat micro fiber pollution
CIRCULARITY
INTEGRATED BODYMAPPING
DISCREET BOOSTER
Dopedyedblackyarns
Metallicprints
Irridescentyarns-softtouch
“SCALE IT UP OR DOWN, LET’S BRING SENSATIONAL STRUCTURES AND SURFACE EFFECTS INTO THE SEASON, CROSSING BOUNDARIES AND DISRUPTING THE NORM. IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE!
Pixelated prints
SHAPING
The developments in high-power circular and warp knits lend themselves to exciting new options for the shapewear sector. But it doesn’t stop there. This new level of comfortable compression is crossing over into fashion and lifestyle, morphing from engineered pieces that were never seen, to now being in the spotlight.
CONSIDER
• Traditional shapewear pieces are super comfortable with easy-on compression
• Traditional powdery hues for the shaping market continue — but do also consider some of the jewel tones coming through
• The men’s market is niche, but accepting of new shaping development that sit smooth and soothing against the skin.
• Bodysuits are back and dare to be bared, with shaping targeted in long sleeves
• Traditional featherweight liquid-like fabric destined for the lingerie market crosses over into fashion lifestyle, with clean cut silhouettes enhanced with draping and ruched detail
UNITEX x Louisa Smith
FABRICS
Ref: 2S0857AN-W
80%Nylon6, 20%Spandex Satin, Moisture Management
Ref: 2L011365EN
81% Nylon6, 19% Lycra Adaptiv Compression
Ref: 1L0100MN-D1
63%Nylon6, 37%Lycra Powernet
Ref: KS10549MN
73% CiCLO bio-degradable Nylon6, 27%Spandex
Bio-Degradable, 360°Stretch, Moisture Management
RUNNING/ROAD CYCLING
Unitex’ pioneering developments in lightweight, high compression, body wrapping fabric is designed to enhance your experience in fast-paced sports. The running and cycling tights, featuring body mapping zones and incorporating FIR, moisture management, thermal regulation, and wicking, are essential for your performance. The cycling shorts, with a soothing feel thanks to microblogging on the technical side, clean-cut hems, and silicone none-slip printed grippers, provide a secure and comfortable fit, ensuring you can focus on your workout without any distractions.
CONSIDER
• High power warp knits for fully body compression
• Incorporate body mapping, zoning in specific functions
• Clean cut fabrics and bonded seams for contrasting fabrics
• Consider using PFC-free DWR for water splash back from the road and tracks to run off
• Incorporate soft shells into more sophisticated outer shell apparel
• Team reflective heat transfer trims for additional safety on the back of running garments
Glam it up for the gym as we look to the surge in high-level shimmer and shine in bold tones. Black, as always, is a bestseller, but let’s get it glossy and gorgeous. There is no need to be glum, gym-wear is getting a well-deserved injection of sassy styling. Full-length body suits with cutout details team with classic gym wear pieces, from sports bras and leggings, are updated through prints and glaring brilliance of tones. Bring some fluidity and crossing this apparel application into active living with a sexy twist, all with bold designs that will make for daring and confident new look.
CONSIDER
• Full length body suits
• Wrap tops
• Cut away details and contrasting fabrics in tops and leggings
• High lustre ‘discoesque’ workout wear
• Lightweight flared tops for layering
• Sports bras — printed or plain making the most of the luscious surface effects
• Sexy straps on bras and wraparound tops
• Fit and flare — high waist workout trousers in fluid qualities with dazzling sheen
UNITEX x Louisa Smith
PHOTO BY ASTRID GREIF
FABRICS
Ref: 2S0255HN
86% Nylon6, 14% Spandex
Permanent Sheen
Ref: 2S091397CN
77% Nylon6, 23% Spandex
Texture, 4-Way Stretch, Wicking
Ref: 2S91060CN-E1
66% Nylon6, 34% creora PowerFit Spandex
Compression
Ref: WF031EN
94% Nylon6, 6%Spandex
Permanent Sheen
NATURAL FALL/WINTER
TREND #4
AMBITION
Bio, recycled, and conventional synthetics aspire to deliver a natural touch for the season. By embracing nature’s rich diversity in terms of bio-mimicry, organic textures, colors, and touch, teaming with the performance that synthetics can bring, these materials are a game-changer for consumers. Not just lightweight, easy to care for, easy to wear, quick to dry, and thermally regulating, these textile innovations continue to inspire, with clean credentials enhanced by the clean-tech manufacturing, renewable energy, and clean chemistry developed in today’s ecoconscious market.
CONSUMER ATTITUDE
In 24/7 digital immersion, there isn’t much a consumer can do without the ubiquitous smartphone. The world is changing, not just through our hyper-connected state but also towards a cashless society where the simple human-to-human monetary transaction is being eradicated.
For some consumers, this is the time to balance reality and virtual reality as they take a break from doom-scrolling and return to dexterous activities and tactility. There is a surge in knitting groups and book/coffee shops, as the tactility of turning a physical page appeals. Photographic cameras are back; the knowledge and skill needed to capture a subject appealing to the consumer than a quick click on the smartphone.
A new era of learning is emerging, that isn’t reliant on our digital backup. It’s about experiences and an enhanced physical aspect. Traditional customs and practices, from brewing the perfect tea to passing down family recipes to the next generation, are being preserved. But perhaps most important of all - inclusivity! Everyone is invited to this direction.
Photo: Leandro
“THE ‘SLOW MOVEMENT’ IS APPEALING AS CONSUMERS DIGITALLY DISCONNECT AND EMBRACE TACTILITY AND DEXTEROUS PASTIMES WITH OTHER HUMAN BEINGS. THE PACE MAY HAVE SLOWED, BUT THE TEXTILE INNOVATION HASN’T.”
WELLBEING WHOLEFOODS
CONNECT WITH NATURE
MATERIAL INNOVATION
• Textile Innovation
• Mono fabrics for circularity
• Mechanical stretch for circularity - easier to return mono fabrics to the circular economy for new feedstock
• Air-textured yarns for that cotton touch in nylon 66 for added sensual touch
• Dope dyed yarns for water saving benefits
• Melange yarns
• Bio-based dyes
• Clean chemistry in performance finishes and DWRs
• Bio-based performance synthetics
• Recycled synthetics
• Double sided, malleable and cocooning double knits
ALTERNATIVE
Comfortcompression
x Louisa Smith
Micropleats&Ruching
3D Structures
YOGA LIFE
Understated and so relaxed, this group delivers a truly classic delivery that you want keep as annual basics. Perfect for the yoga studio or in your meditation area at home, the flexibility of these pieces won’t go amiss. Whilst function in the garment design and fabrics is precise, with 360 ° stretch in squat proof qualities, heat generating, anti-odor and moisture management - the understated style will make these firm favorites, not just for your standard ranges but through cross generational and inclusive sizing for all.
CONSIDER
• Thermal favorites in lightweight circular knits
• Thumbholes in long sleeve tops
• Extended leggings over the arch of the foot with silicone gripper on the soles
• Streamlined tops for effortless yoga poses
• Core stability compression especially in high waist shorts and leggings
• Micro brushed fabrics for enhanced soft touch on face and technical side
• Coordinating sports bras and layered pieces to create a relaxed system
Consumers want comfort and contentment from their second skin intimate layers, but also that all-embracing shaping that comes in the form of high-power compression. Surfaces are beautifully compact with subtle detail, exquisite to feel and comfortable to wear.
CONSIDER
• Clean cut intimate apparel — all-day lingerie
• 360 ° stretch circular knit featherweights that extend the traditional sizing range — allowing for a more responsible manufacturing option
• Supersonic bonded seams for a smooth finish
• Clean cut fabrics
• Body shaping basics for men and women, soothing and smoothing the torso
• Long sleeved body suit — high compression natural-touch fabrics for body shaping and for the arms too
A strong fashion flare has been steadily infiltrating the traditional warp and circular knit sector, recognizing the benefits these fabrics bring and launching them into a new and needy market. Active Style is where performance infiltrates a traditionally aesthetic arena that now realizes more is required.
CONSIDER
• Double knits with malleable spongelike touch - leading the way for reversible options
• Responsible CMT — less components required
• Fit and flare silhouettes incorporating power stretch warp and weft knits
• Simple silhouettes with a sense of tradition
• Vest top
• Wrap skirts
• Bringing through fabric innovation associated with the intimate sector and launching on the fashion scene — lots of draping and ruching
• Featherweight circular knits with clean cut finishing for natural veil-like draping in disruptive silhouettes
UNITEX is a green-level factory that specializes in circular and warp knits. The company firmly believes in sustainability, which is why it is deeply ingrained in the foundation of the company. UNITEX uses regenerative energy, invests in the most efficient textile manufacturing and finishing equipment, eco-dyeing machines and works in partnership with the best premium ingredients available to ensure they remain environmentally friendly. It is this commitment to sustainability that has earned UNITEX numerous awards for their performance fabrics and accreditations including Bluesign System Partner and Textile Exchange.
In addition to the growing textile business, January 2024 saw the opening of the new UNITEX automated garment manufacturing factory. This latest investment ensures a uninterrupted sustainable sourcing solution, from fabric to final garment with complete transparency for UNITEX customers.
With complete transparency and traceability, UNITEX is uniquely positioned to provide all the information brands must start sharing. With Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and new legislation coming into force, having data on the sustainability of the product and its supply chain across the entire value chain is a must. This information is what UNITEX has throughout each textile development, making them a pertinent partner in sustainability for your brand.
