From the Sector

ALLIED Feather + Down, global leaders in high performance, responsibly sourced, and sustainably processed down, is preparing for a more transparent textiles future by expanding their supply chain transparency initiatives and sharing initial insights with the market at Permière Vision Paris this September.  

As the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) prepares to set sustainability and transparency requirements on most products sold in the European Union, ALLIED is working with the supply chain specialists at Green Threads DPP on a comprehensive audit of their down processing facilities. This initiative, when combined with ALLIED’s previous transparency successes with the Responsible Down Standard and their Track My Down education tool, will create the gold standard for transparency in the down industry.

“As a renewable and biodegradable byproduct of the food industry, down is one of the most sustainable insulation options currently on the market,” said Daniel Uretsky, President with ALLIED Feather + Down. “Now, with the work we are doing with Green Threads, we will have additional data to support these claims, allowing us to help futureproof our partner brands and their customers as new transparency regulations and requirements are implemented.”

By the end of 2025, the EU will release final standards for Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and Digital Product Passport compliance. ALLIED will be well positioned to provide partner brands with all the information needed to meet pending regulations and showcase sustainability achievements.  

“ALLIED are leaders in supply chain transparency and therefore understand how important this transparency has become in the modern materials marketplace,” said Ross Alexander, CEO with Green Threads DPP. “The audits we are conducting will help ALLIED and their brand partners more easily navigate future compliance requirements and create a point of differentiation at retail, where customers are increasingly interested in making informed buying decisions.”

The full programme for the 93rd Textile Institute World Conference (TIWC 2025) has been announced, with over 100 presentations to be delivered in parellel sessions at the event, which takes place from October 7-10 at the Porto Palácio Hotel and Spa in Porto, Portugal.

In a comprehensive and international programme, the close collaboration between researchers on separate continents will be highlighted, with a major focus on the further development of technologies and practices assisting in the need for advanced fibre-to-fibre recycling as a means of accelerating a circular textiles economy.

Research teams working continents apart are arriving at strikingly similar solutions – circularity, digital integration, cleaner chemistry and human-centred reform are all critical. These interlocking themes will define this year’s conference.

Circularity will be one of the most prominent concepts underpinning the programme and researchers from Manchester in the UK, for example, will share their evaluation of end-of-life garments and show how almost half of those currently sent to waste could be channelled into advanced recycling. 

From Chemnitz in Germany, new knitting technology will be presented that allows higher proportions of recycled content in cotton fabrics while retaining softness and durability. 

Case studies from Bangladesh and Pakistan will meanwhile explore how local enterprises are already adopting closed-loop systems and circular business innovations, with recycled yarns reaching the supply chains of major global brands. 

Taken together, the many presentations addressing circularity will demonstrate how waste is beginning to shift from a burden to a new raw material, while also pointing to the infrastructure and policies that will be needed to make such systems commercially viable.

Alongside this, the conference will also highlight the revolution now taking place in digitalisation. 

Far from being a niche domain of design software, digital tools are becoming the backbone of sustainability itself. Work will be presented on blockchain, digital product passports and RFID systems that trace garments throughout their lifecycle, strengthening consumer trust and helping businesses meet new regulatory requirements. 

New methods of digital textile printing and open-source knitting software will also be discussed, offering designers the ability to localise production and work with greater creative agency.  

The message of these projects is clear – digitalisation is not an add-on to sustainability but one of its primary enablers.

Perhaps most significant at TWIC 2025 will be the attention given to the human dimension of sustainability. 

In Sri Lanka, small and medium-sized apparel manufacturers will be shown to face critical health and safety risks as climate change brings rising temperatures, air pollution and extreme weather. A new assessment tool will be introduced which is helping firms build resilience and protect workers. 

The Sustainable Fibre Alliance will also demonstrate how cashmere herders, traders and processors in Mongolia are being engaged in a collective effort to reduce rangeland degradation and safeguard livelihoods. 

UK fashion educators will further share approaches to preparing the next generation to embrace circular models and ethical consumerism, equipping future designers to balance profit with responsibility. At the consumer end, new research will reveal misalignments between brand recommendations for garment care and the behaviour actually adopted by wearers, showing that communication must evolve. 

“These examples will remind delegates that technology and recycling alone cannot deliver sustainability without parallel shifts in culture, education and policy,” says Textile Institute CEO Stephanie Dick. “The global nature of the challenges facing textiles is already widely acknowledged and climate change, waste, toxic chemicals, unsafe labour practices and consumer overconsumption have combined to make fashion and textiles one of the world’s most scrutinised industries. What will emerge from this conference, however, is an unmistakable sense of convergence and solid progress.”

Digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong and Chinese market subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will exhibit at the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition 2025 show in Shanghai, China in September. It will exhibit once again as part of the Digital Solutions Zone which allows visitors various opportunities to partake in the digital revolution that is currently making waves in the apparel industry. 
 
SHIMA SEIKI will be showing its APEXFiz® subscription-based design software which digitally supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that eventually go to waste. The remarkable realism of textile simulation is achieved by using scanned data of actual yarn to virtually create fabrics that are comparable to physical samples. Simulations are available for wovens, circular knits, flat knits, prints, pile weave and even embroidery. These fabrics can be utilized in various 3D simulation software including APEXFiz® to create realistic product images. Should the design be approved for production, machine data can be generated to allow smooth communication for digitally bridging the gap between the studio and factory. APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability through reduced waste, to enhance quality, and to digitally transform the fashion supply chain. 
 
The product planning capability of APEXFiz® is enhanced by several web services featured as part of the SHIMA SEIKI Online Services (SHIMA online) web platform. These include the yarnbank® digital yarn sourcing web service that offers digitized yarn data by yarn companies from around the world for download and use in virtual sampling, as well as SHIMA Datamall™ digital content web service that allows users to search, browse and purchase a variety of useful data for streamlining the planning and production of fashion items. Registration to both services is free. 
 
SHIMA SEIKI will also be hosting a seminar session titled “New Era of Digital Fabric: End-to-End DPC Solution” on Wednesday, 3rd September from 10:20 am to 10:50 am at Hall 4.1-C131. 

• Over 250 exhibitors from across all fashion segments will present their latest collections to more than 30,000 visitors from over 100 countries – spanning womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim, accessories, and homewear. 
• The Core Istanbul with 24 leading Turkish designers, including internationally acclaimed names such as Arzu Kaprol, Mehtap Elaidi, Hatice Gökçe, and Sudi Etuz, bringing Turkish design to the global stage. 
• Strong womenswear, menswear, and kidswear segments proving the creativity, high-quality craftsmanship, fast turnaround, and sustainable approaches of Turkish fashion  
• A diverse seminar program featuring trend talks and expert panels: Industry leaders such as Tatiana Aldrich (WGSN) will explore Autumn/Winter 26/27 trends, while discussions address topics including Gen Z, conscious luxury, digital transformation, and future design strategies. 

From 20–22 August 2025, IFCO – Istanbul Fashion Connection will once again bring the global apparel industry together in the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul. Following a record-breaking February edition with over 34,000 professional visitors from more than 150 countries, the 8th edition is set to offer an expanded exhibitor portfolio, curated trend showcases, high-calibre runway presentations, and deep market insight. Over 250 exhibitors from across all sectors of the fashion industry will showcase their latest collections to more than 30,000 visitors from over 100 countries.  This August visitors can explore a 360° fashion showcase across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim brands, shoes, accessories, activewear and homewear, alongside other specialist participants. Leading names will unveil their latest collections, offering buyers a complete spectrum from premium to commercial lines.  

IFCO Segments  
TheCore Istanbul: Design Excellence Meets Global Reach 
The spotlight will shine brightly on The    Core Istanbul, where 24 of Türkiye’s most influential designers will present their latest collections. These include internationally acclaimed names such as Arzu Kaprol, whose architectural silhouettes are stocked in concept stores from Paris to Hong Kong; Mehtap Elaidi, a champion of contemporary womenswear seen at trade shows across Europe and the Middle East; and Hatice Gökçe, known for redefining menswear codes and collaborating with global cultural projects. Meltem Özbek and Özlem Süer continue to attract international buyers with their sophisticated, feminine aesthetics, while avant-garde label Sudi Etuz by Şansım Adalı has made waves at Paris Fashion Week. This mix of established names and rising talents positions Turkish design firmly on the global fashion map. Among the other rising and established talents unveiling their creative vision are Aylin Çetinkaya, Bahar Korçan, Belma Özdemir, Ceren Ocak, Elif Cığızoğlu, Emre Erdemoğlu, Erkan Demiroglu, Gokay Gundogdu, Gökhan Yavaş, Gönül Altunışık, Mehmet Emiroğlu, Mert Erkan, Murat Aytulum, Özlem Erkan, Özlem Kaya, Tanju Babacan, and Yakup Biçer, each brining a distinctive signature to the international stage.  

Turkish Womenswear 
Türkiye’s womenswear sector is experiencing strong growth, driven by its blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and rapid production capabilities. Offering everything from sleek minimalist tailoring to statement-making eveningwear, Turkish brands are increasingly present in global retail spaces, e-commerce platforms, and multi-brand boutiques. Backed by combining creative direction, premium craftmanship, high-quality fabrics, advanced manufacturing infrastructure, and competitive lead times, they can respond swiftly to shifting market demands – a capability highly valued by international buyers. For many retailers, sourcing in Türkiye also means reduced supply chain risks compared to distant manufacturing hubs, while benefitting from the country’s proximity to Europe and its customs union with the EU.  

With 125 exhibitors in this category alone, IFCO provides a concentrated view of the sector’s capabilities – from high-end designer pieces to large-scale production for global retail. Türkiye’s proximity to Europe, its customs union with the EU, and advanced logistics infrastructure allow for delivery times as short as 2–4 weeks to major European markets – a significant advantage over longer supply chains from Asia. Export destinations such as Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Gulf markets continue to show strong growth, with analysts forecasting double-digit annual increases supported by sustainable production investments, digitalisation, and global marketing initiatives. As one of the top brands İpekyol, one of Türkiye’s most influential womenswear brands and part of the Ayaydın-Miroglio Group, which also owns Twist and Machka, proudly marks its presence at IFCO. İpekyol operates over 240 stores domestically and internationally, with a retail presence spanning the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and select European fashion capitals. Known for its modern, feminine aesthetic and high-quality fabrics, İpekyol is a benchmark for Turkish womenswear’s – proving that Turkish brands can thrive in both domestic and international fashion markets. 

Menswear: Tradition Meets Modern Market Demands 
Türkiye is a powerhouse in menswear manufacturing, blending heritage tailoring skills with modern production efficiency. In 2024, Turkish menswear exports exceeded USD 3 billion, reflecting robust demand from Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The country’s menswear segment benefits from high quality-to-price ratio, attracting both luxury and mid-market buyers; agility in production, enabling rapid adaptation to emerging trends; expanding focus on sustainability, from organic fabrics to eco-friendly finishing techniques 

At IFCO, leading menswear brands such as DS Damat, Kiğılı, JAKAMEN and Sabri Özel, UCLA, NCS will present collections that merge refined tailoring with contemporary silhouettes. From premium business attire to casualwear with global appeal, Turkish menswear offers a breadth of choice that meets the needs of diverse retail formats. 

Kidswear: A Market on the Rise 
Türkiye’s kidswear industry is emerging as a high-potential segment, supported by strong domestic consumption and growing export demand. With 21 exhibitors at IFCO buyers will find collections that combine playful, fashionforward design with the stringent quality and safety standards required for children’s apparel. Key competitive advantages include fast fashion capability for kidswear, enabling seasonal refreshes multiple times a year; competitive small-batch production for niche and premium children’s brands; increasing eco-conscious offerings, including organic cotton and non-toxic dyes.  
Export growth is particularly strong in European markets, the Gulf region, and Russia, where Turkish kids wear is valued for its design appeal, comfort, and durability. 
 
IFCO Frame Program 
IFCO Trends 
The Trend Area in hall 8, curated by the Istanbul Moda Academy (IMA), will present forward-looking insights into colour palettes, silhouettes, and fabric innovations for upcoming seasons – framed within cultural and social narratives that help brands connect with consumers worldwide. Istanbul Fashion Connection Apparel and Fashion Fair – is curated by the expertise of Istanbul Moda Academy (IMA), offering visitors an inspiring perspective on the fashion codes of the upcoming season. This special space blends academic knowledge with industry vision, reflecting not only seasonal trends but also the evolving cultural and social dimensions of fashion. From next season’s color palettes and silhouettes to fabric innovations and design details, each theme is presented through a curated lens aligned with global trends. Powerful visual storytelling supports each concept, allowing visitors to experience the latest in fashion both aesthetically and conceptually. 

IFCO Shows 
IFCO Shows is set to capture the pulse of the fashion industry. With the participation of womenswear, menswear, and kidswear brands, this special event will present a dynamic and inspiring fashion showcase featuring the latest collections from leading labels. Drawing strong attention from fashion professionals, buyers, and influencers, the runway will highlight the standout trends of the season. Each collection, reflecting its own unique style language, will bring to life the diverse spirit of fashion through colors, silhouettes, fabrics, and creative details. Positioned as a key showcase of the fashion industry, IFCO Shows not only sets the direction for sector professionals with the latest trends but also contributes to Istanbul’s vision of becoming a global fashion capital. 

IFCO Seminar Program 
The three-day IFCO seminar program promises a compelling blend of trend insights, expert discussions, and cutting-edge industry perspectives. Opening with a keynote by Tatiana Aldrich, WGSN Client & Trend Consultant, attendees will explore the Autumn/Winter 26/27 macro trends, key colors, and standout pieces shaping both women’s and men’s fashion. Thought-provoking panels moderated by industry leaders such as Belma Özdemir and Sinan İz will dive deep into pivotal themes including Gen Z’s reshaping of fashion culture, the evolution of menswear with inclusive identities, and the urgent call for conscious luxury grounded in sustainability and circularity. Further sessions spotlight the transformative impact of digital technologies on fashion retail, with insights from experts Almila Bayraktaroğlu and Esra Bağdat on e-commerce trends and AI applications. A dedicated panel on the “Digital Transformation 

Roadmap for Ready-to-Wear” brings together influential voices from İTKİB, KOSGEB, and sustainability leaders, outlining the future of fashion commerce and innovation. Concluding the program, industry and academic experts collaborate to discuss design and creativity strategies for the future, emphasizing competitions and partnerships that will nurture emerging talent and drive the sector forward. 
This seminar series is designed to empower attendees with actionable knowledge, foster meaningful dialogue, and highlight the fashion industry’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. 

On the 1st and 2nd of July, 19 textile, clothing, leather, and footwear representatives from 8 European countries gathered at Amsterdam Fashion Institute in the Netherlands to drive forward the Erasmus+ Blueprint AEQUALIS4TCLF project. This bold initiative is set to transform the TCLF industries through a strategic, educational, and social lens, paving the way for more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready sectors.

One of the project’s key deliverables is the upcoming European TCLF Skills Strategy, designed to respond to the impact on companies’ workforce of the rapidly technological, circular and social transformations. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative insights from stakeholders, ranging from businesses and policymakers to education providers, the updated strategy will inform the development of consecutive tailored national skills strategies. These strategies will then be rolled out by national project partners, with strong support from industry, education and institutional actors.

AEQUALIS4TCLF is also pioneering change in the classroom. Eight brand-new curricula focused on sustainable and digital fashion have already been developed, and then respective training content are under development. To ensure accessibility and engagement, partners are creating an array of innovative learning resources, from interactive e-books and videos to hands-on activities and assessments. All materials will be available online and free of charge, equipping learners and educators alike for the green and digital transitions.

At its heart, AEQUALIS4TCLF is also a social project. A rich programme of workshops, both online and in person, is being rolled out across all partner countries, addressing critical topics such as diversity, innovation, and wellbeing in the workplace. Meanwhile, a TCLF network-building effort is underway to boost collaboration at both local and European levels. This includes the creation of regional TCLF Pacts for Skills, tailored to the unique needs of local economies, and two European-level networks: one uniting education providers to share best practices and foster excellence, and another engaging regional public authorities in supporting TCLF education for the new era.

The AEQUALIS4TCLF project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.

Sustainability requires more than good intentions – as the 56th INNATEX in Hofheim-Wallau, near Frankfurt am Main, illustrated. Between 19 and 21 July 2025, over 200 Green Fashion brands gathered at the international trade fair for sustainable textiles to present collections for Spring/Summer 2026. On the Sunday in particular the atmosphere surrounding ordering was satisfyingly positive, especially in view of the general challenges in the market. 

“While fast fashion is growing, public interest in sustainable fashion has fallen. This is affecting not only retailers like us but the entire supply chain,” says Laura Ott, Buyer at Marlowe green fashion and marketing committee member of the International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN). “We are all entrepreneurs facing similar challenges but our areas of focus and experience vary. Not least, this is a resource that is commercially valuable.” 

Reframing long-familiar concepts 
Many fashion brands rely on alternative materials that combine a number of benefits. Sloppy Tunas, for example, has collaborated in the development of its own high-tech textile, made in part from collected ocean plastic. The label from Barcelona uses it to make lightweight, quick-drying swim shorts and closes the cycle itself: Worn shorts are taken back and recycled together with offcuts from production to make new yarn and fabric. 

The call for innovation and functionality is so loud that well-established textiles which are by their very nature sustainable could slip into the background. Businesses are responding by reintroducing the classic fabrics. Clothing from Berlin-based label Moefe consists of 100% organic cotton. A special knitting technique helps the material keep its shape and makes it stable in shape and stretchy – even without elastic. Mor Khadi, on the other hand, is turning traditional Indian handcraft into modern streetwear. The special qualities of the Khadi fabric give the clothing breathable and thermo-regulating properties. 
 
Legal changes call for adaptability 
“The sector is in the midst of a fundamental transformation, caught between Sheinification, the shift to the political right, generation change, digitalisation and increasing pricesensitivity,” says Nina Lorenzen, co-founder of Fashion Changers and a member of the Expert Council Sustainability of the trade journal ‘Textilwirtschaft’. “Companies will remain relevant by being prepared to rethink their business – by turning shopping into an experience, for instance, or reshaping fashion into a statement and a form of protest.” 

Dealing with both the latest and pre-existing statutory requirements represents another challenge. By September 2026, the EU member states must transpose the EmpCo Directive (Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition), which came into force in 2024, into national law. Among other things, it regulates how companies may communicate sustainability. Another example affects the processing of leather. The EU is now imposing restrictions on a substance also used for ecological tanning. This will compel manufacturers to change their processes. 

“We see a huge need for discussion,” concludes Alexander Hitzel, Project Manager of INNATEX. “Demands on Green Fashion are getting more complex and more dynamic. There is no one simple solution for everyone involved and for all sets of problems. What matters now is that businesses can find precise answers to their specific questions. Platforms that generate ideas and promote cooperation are more important than ever.” 

On August 17 and 18, the INNATEX showroom in Bern (Switzerland) will be hosting some 40 brands at the end of the order season. 

• Manchester Fashion Week returns in September 2025 after decade-long absence 
• Rooted in the textile heritage of the city but rebooted by technological advancements and innovation to make fashion future-proof
• Industry-led platform to champion sustainable practices to make fashion conscious and circular

After a decade-long hiatus, Manchester Fashion Week returns this Autumn with a bold blueprint for the future of fashion. 

The revival comes at a pivotal moment when the city’s £12bn fashion industry faces unprecedented challenges around sustainability, technology and cultural relevance. 

The announcement is another endorsement of Manchester fast becoming the culture capital of Britain, with the BRIT Awards to be hosted there next year – the first time outside of London in its 48-year history.

Manchester Fashion Week, running from September 9th to 11th, will unite emerging designers and established brands on a platform that bridges Manchester's industrial heritage with cutting-edge innovation. 

The event traces a path from historic Mancunian mills to contemporary catwalks, honouring textile traditions while accelerating toward fashion's future.

The event will be spearheaded by some of the industry’s renowned thought-leaders, including Carry Somers, Founder of global movement Fashion Revolution and Safia Minney, MBE, award-winning social entrepreneur and founder of People Tree, a pioneer of sustainable and fairtrade fashion.

The main event for Manchester Fashion Week will be centred around the vibrant St. John’s area, with its official hub set in the newly refurbished Campfield - one of the city’s most exciting cultural venues.

Manchester Fashion Week will serve as a platform for honest dialogue, visionary thinking, and radical collaboration, activating spaces across the city and inviting brands, creators, and communities to participate. 

The inaugural pilot will be industry-led, with public experiences and cultural events lighting up Manchester throughout September.

In light of the recent court cases involving two of LVMH’s subsidiaries, where workers in the supply chain had allegedly been exploited, LVMH is reassessing its supply chains across all subsidiaries. 
 
Luxury conglomerate LVMH is piloting traceability technology across its brands as Loro Piano became the second of its subsidiaries to be placed under court administration this week. 
 
The luxury market has been hit by a series of scandals, from labour exploitation to fake viral stories about luxury goods being made in China alongside fake goods. 
 
The Court of Milan found that Loro Piana, which makes expensive cashmere clothing, subcontracted its production through two front firms that had no actual manufacturing capacity to Chinese-owned workshops in Italy, which the court said exploited workers. 
 
Loro Piana Spa will undergo court monitoring for a year, according to the 26-page ruling released this week, which stems from investigations into the world of subcontracting for luxury goods in Italy that started in 2023. 
 
Units of fashion brands Valentino, LVMH's second largest brand Dior, Italy's Armani, and Italian handbag company Alviero Martini have also been placed under administration recently. 
 
LVMH, the world's biggest luxury group, acquired 80% of Loro Piana in July 2013, with the Italian family that founded the company retaining 20%, according to the court ruling. 
 
Loro Piana declined to comment to Reuters. LVMH was not immediately available for comment. 
In June, Loro Piana appointed Frederic Arnault, a son of LVMH chairman and Chief Executive Bernard Arnault, as its CEO. 
 
In their statement, Italian police concluded they had closed two Chinese-owned factories, the third being a ‘paper’ company with no production capacity, and imposed a joint fine of over 240,000 euros. 
 
One of the workers at the factories allegedly told police he had been hospitalised for over a month after being beaten for asking for his Chinese bosses for unpaid wages. 
 
The Milan court in its ruling on Loro Piana also appointed an external administrator to verify that the company meets all the judges' demands on control of its supply chain, according to documents seen by Reuters. 
 
The administration will be lifted earlier if the unit brings its practices into line with legal requirements, as was the case with Dior, Armani and Alviero Martini. 
 
LVMH reassured its shareholders in its latest AGM in April that it had used traceability platform TextileGenesis to look into tracking a sample 31,000 products across key brands including Louis Vuitton, Loro Piana, Dior and Bulgari.  
 
The system documents anything from the origin of cashmere used in Loro Piana scarves to the material sourcing for Louis Vuitton handbags. 
 
"Traceability and transparency are the fundamental principles that guarantee the excellence of our products," Antoine Arnault, chairman of Loro Piana and head of communications and image at LVMH, told shareholders at the company's annual general meeting in April. 
 
TextileGenesis founder Amit Gautam confirmed that demand for traceability solutions has surged since another subsidiary of LMVH owned Dior was placed under court administration last year for unethical supply chain practices. 
 
"Brands are realising that consumers now expect verification, not just storytelling," he said. "The luxury sector can no longer assume trust based on brand heritage alone."

The Global Electronics Association, based in Illinois, announces the release of IPC-8911, Requirements for Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Applications. This first-of-its-kind global standard establishes a clear framework for classifying, designating, and qualifying conductive yarns—helping to address longstanding challenges in supply chain communication, product testing, and material selection within the growing e-textiles industry. The Global Electronics Association retains the IPC brand for the industry’s standards and certification programs, which are vital to ensure product reliability and consistency. 
 
Developed by the IPC Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Test Methods Task Group, IPC-8911 defines key yarn categories, introduces a standardized designation system, and includes qualification and conformance requirements tailored to conductive yarns. The standard is supported by eight new IPC-TM-650 Test Methods, designed to evaluate performance characteristics such as conductivity, mechanical durability, and resistance to environmental and chemical exposures.

By clearly defining the performance characteristics and communication protocols for conductive yarns, IPC-8911 supports faster product development, more consistent sourcing, and improved reliability for all e-textiles product applications, from consumer to medical to aerospace and defense.
 
The release of IPC-8911 marks a critical step in advancing e-textile integration—establishing conductive yarns as true electronic building blocks while supporting better collaboration between yarn suppliers, product developers, and OEMs and brands.

The task group included global experts from both textile and electronics sectors, with leadership from Joe Geiger of Bally Ribbon Mills and Sahar Rostami of Meta.
 
“This standard gives manufacturers tools to know what to ask for when ordering yarns and helps yarn suppliers understand the electrical needs their products must meet,” said Geiger. “It brings clarity to the entire process—acting almost like a recipe for building reliable e-textile systems.”
 
Rostami added, “IPC-8911 eliminates the guesswork. It gives developers, researchers, and engineers a common framework and accelerates R&D by reducing the need to reinvent the wheel when selecting and testing conductive yarns.”

To ensure swimwear not only looks good in summer but also performs reliably, textile precision is essential. Behind every bikini and swimsuit lies a sophisticated production process, where even the smallest errors can have major consequences.

Elastic, Shape-Retaining, and Chlorine-Resistant
Swimwear must meet a wide range of requirements: high elasticity, recovery, UV resistance, and durability against chlorine are basic standards. These properties are made possible by technical knits based on polyamide or polyester combined with elastane. Typically produced in tricot knit, these fabrics are stretchable in both directions – ideal for a close fit and full freedom of movement in water.

But to achieve a perfect final product, the material composition alone is not enough. Processing in the earlier production stages – especially fabric forming and finishing – plays a crucial role. Elastic materials are particularly prone to distortion. If this isn’t corrected before further processing, the result can be skewed patterns, uneven seams, or misshaped silhouettes.

Distortion-Free Fabric as a Quality Feature
This is where Mahlo’s Orthopac RXVMC comes into play. The latest addition to the weft straightener family is designed specifically for elastic materials with high distortion dynamics – a common feature in swimwear. Equipped with two independently driven straightening modules – one at the fabric’s entry and one at the exit – the system enables particularly fine and rapid corrections. It reliably compensates for skew and bow distortions before the fabric continues to the next production steps. The result is not only improved fit but also stable printing and finishing outcomes.

Technology for Perfect Finishing
Only when the fabric is precisely aligned can finishes like chlorine resistance, UV protection, or the popular lotus effect be applied evenly. Accurate dosage is critical: too little finish limits functionality; too much wastes raw materials and drives up costs.

To ensure precise control of these processes, Mahlo has developed the Qualiscan QMS – a modular online measurement system equipped with application-specific sensors for thickness, basis weight, or moisture. It continuously monitors the finishing process, ensuring consistently high product quality.

Swimwear may look light and playful at first glance – but in reality, it’s backed by highly sensitive textile technology. Only when all stages – from fabric alignment to straightening and finishing – are perfectly coordinated, can a product emerge that passes the ultimate summer test. With technologies like Orthopac RXVMC and Qualiscan QMS, Mahlo provides the tools to manufacture summer textiles that are not only stylish but also functional and cost-efficient.