Intimate Apparel & Swim
Circular and warp knitter Unitex has launched its Spring/Summer 2026 Trendbook with international trend consultant Louisa Smith. The season’s trends explore the consumer’s demands for performance without neglecting the vital creativity needed in today’s market. Responsible textile manufacturing and high level functionality in the form of premium brand ingredients, have been used to the best practice via the technical prowess of the Unitex R&D team.
New developments for the season include UV+ protection, cooling fabrics, ocean-bound recycled synthetics, bio-based synthetics, anti-bacterial performance, power stretch, and new comfort compression in power knits.
Four trends define the Spring/Summer 2026 season:
E-motion looks at the increased interest in racket and ball sports, from tennis to pickleball, golf, and paddle. Motion is at the heart of this trend as consumers pick up the pace. There is a return to the emotional aspect of human-2-human connectivity, as digital natives hook up for in IRL meetups – from running clubs to net-walking, feeling connected on a human level is vital.
Quiet Pace focuses on disconnecting from the frenzy of 24/7 connectivity as consumers focus on physical and mental well-being for essential balance. This mindset isn’t limited to yoga and soft sports but crosses over to intimate apparel. This trend also encourages designers and brand developers to embrace a new efficiency in creating multi-functional apparel.
Mono Moves closes the loop in a circular direction, creating textile-to-textile (T2T) fabrics that perform their job but can also be returned at the end of life. Innovation is critical in this area, as the soft stretch is created through fabric construction. Less is more in the mantra, as responsibly sourced ingredients and textile innovation create ‘anytime, anywhere’ fabrics for active lifestyles.
Boundless embraces the great outdoors, from the mountains to the ocean, as consumers take to the great outdoors. From
mountain biking to stand-up paddling. Personal performance is prominent here, as consumers will look for apparel that can seamlessly transition from outdoor adventures to urban life without sacrificing style or functionality.
The Unitex trend book is available for digital download at www.sinounitex.com or visit the Unitex team at Interfiliere, Paris (8-10 September) and Performance Days, Munich (23-24 October) to view the award-winning developments.
Sports & Outdoors
