September 24, 2026
Now that summer has wound down and fall is upon is, it’s time to see what the global fashion weeks will indicate about the textiles brands and retailers will want next.
One thing we already know is that those textiles are getting more expensive thanks to a slew of economic factors and tariffs that still haven’t let up.
According to a recent article shared in HGI, “War in the Middle East is Making Clothes More Expensive,” rising cotton and polyester prices are putting pressure on manufacturers and pushing brands to consider whether they’ll have to raise retail prices or find alternative ways to make their products. And that’s owed in part to the war in Iran increased both fuel prices and transit times.
Cotton prices are also rising over supply concerns and fertilizer shortages, and rising fuel prices are, of course, a key contributor to climbing polyester prices. Energy and freight costs have also soared, and the overall price hikes have left some factory floors idle while brands pause orders in hopes of costs coming down.
“What’s unusual in the current environment is that both major fibers are facing cost pressure at the same time,” said Julian Hügl, a partner at McKinsey & Co. “That removes the usual ability for brands to substitute between fibers.” In some cases, fiber costs have risen as much as 8 percent and, as is often the case, much of the responsibility to bear the increase has fallen to manufacturers.
For many factories that don’t grow cotton or manufacture polyester chips, there’s little leverage when demand is weak and brands aren’t willing to pay more for anything. But with orders paused or suspended and garment trade slowing — particularly in places like Bangladesh — manufacturers won’t be able to stomach the blows much longer without passing some of the burden onto brands and retailers.
The coming months could see brands either simplifying designs, reducing fabric weights or changing material blends to offset some of the costs, or they may have to pass the increases onto consumers to keep the integrity of their offering. Either way, it continues to be a challenging time for the textile business with pressures coming from all sides.
Save the Dates! Texworld and Apparel Sourcing in 2027
It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to start making plans for 2027. Next year, Texworld New York City will be back at the Javits Center for the winter edition of the show January 19-21. The summer edition will take place June 15-17. As always, we’ll be set to equip attendees with the textiles, knowledge and networking necessary for navigating the business next year and beyond.
Printsource is Back
Printsource, the hub for the world’s top creative talents in print, will be back and co-located with the winter edition of Texworld NYC in January. The show brings hundreds of collections from surface and textile design studios and agents across England, France, Italy, Australia, the U.S. and more, into one convenient and curated location. Find what you’re seeking for men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, plus bed, bath, kitchen, walls and window design applications. For more about the show, visit here.
Interested in Exhibiting?
Are you interested in bringing your textile and apparel offerings to a captive audience of top brands and buyers? If so, contact our sales team at twsales@usa.messefrankfurt.com, or complete our Exhibitor Inquiry form.
What We’re Reading
In New York, Sad Clowns, Bright Colors, Furry Dresses and More
What came down the runway at New York Fashion Week offers an early read on the materials, textures and finishes that could shape demand in the seasons ahead. In a new piece from Business of Fashion, Lynn Yaeger surveys the collections from Ralph Lauren, Khaite, Tory Burch and others, highlighting the colors, fabrics and standout treatments that emerged across the New York shows.
India, China Slam U.S. Bill Threatening 100% Tariffs Over Russian Oil
A proposed U.S. tariff measure targeting countries that increase purchases of Russian oil could add another layer of uncertainty for apparel sourcing. According to a recent article from Just-Style, India and China push back against legislation that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries buying more Russian crude or natural gas, while apparel trade experts assess what the measure could mean for sourcing strategies, costs and supply-chain planning.
Are AI and Automation the Key to Onshoring?
AI and automation could offer a new path toward domestic apparel and textile production—one that doesn’t simply try to recreate the low-cost manufacturing model overseas. In a recent article from Sourcing Journal, industry experts discuss how AI-powered demand forecasting, digital product development and automated processes such as 3D knitting and bonding could enable shorter production cycles, smaller runs and more localized manufacturing. The story also looks at the infrastructure challenges that remain, from the limited availability of U.S. fabric and raw-material suppliers to the high cost of domestic labor.