Fashion
Techtextil 2026 to spotlight smart protective textile innovations
For product developers and OEM manufacturers, the performance of personal protective equipment is determined deep within the textile value chain. Materials are required that deliver ballistic protection, flame resistance and exceptional durability – without compromising on comfort and ergonomics. At the same time, regulations such as PFAS restrictions are increasing demand for alternatives to water-, oil- and dirt-repellent finishes.
Driven by rising EU defence spending, Techtextil 2026 will spotlight scalable textile solutions for defence and protective applications.
More than 150 exhibitors will present material innovations for protective textiles, advanced fibres, smart fabrics and compliant finishes, enabling OEMs and system providers to source reliable components for ballistic, flame-resistant and CBRN protection.
For procurement managers, buyers and technical leads at system providers, industrial feasibility is coming into sharper focus. They need market-ready materials and textile components that can be processed in compliance with standards, reproducibly and at reliable volumes – for example in ballistic protection systems or CBRN protective clothing.
Techtextil offers decision-makers from the defence sector the market overview they need to position themselves strategically in the growing market for protective textiles. More than 150 specialised exhibitors form the technological backbone: from fibre innovations for developers and manufacturers to finished materials for procurement. The Lenzing Group, for example, presents inherently flame-retardant cellulose fibres that embed heat and flame protection directly into the fibre. Another example is HS Hyosung Advanced Materials, showcasing high-performance yarns made from synthetic polymers.
At the same time, Texprocess, with around 200 exhibitors in Hall 8.0, bridges the gap to finishing and industrial processing. Together, the two events bring together more than 1,700 exhibitors at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds.
“Requirements for protective fabrics are becoming increasingly similar across many fields of application: low weight, high durability, thermal comfort, and reproducible processing,” explains Lotje Oosterlinck, Product Manager Workwear at Concordia Textiles. “What is becoming decisive, therefore, is the ability to develop material solutions across different protection domains and to transfer them into industrial processes tailored to specific applications.”
Industrial scalability: from fibre to protective systems
In the “Performance Apparel Textiles” area (Hall 9.0), around 150 exhibitors bring together concrete applications for protective clothing – showcased in the live format “Performance Apparels on Stage”. The foundation is provided by the new “Textile Chemicals & Dyes” segment: more than 30 exhibitors connect chemical processes directly with textile applications.
Key mechanical components for these protective solutions are also supplied by specialists such as Güth & Wolf GmbH, JUMBO-Textil GmbH & Co. KG, and Otto Stockmayer & Sohn GmbH, offering high-performance narrow textiles, webbings and knitted fabrics.
“In protective textiles, market relevance is not determined by a new fibre or finish alone. Particularly in demanding applications, testability, reproducibility and the reliable transfer into industrial processes are becoming the true benchmarks of innovation,” says Dr. Heike Illing-Günther, Managing Director of the Saxon Textile Research Institute.
The Techtextil Forum provides the technological framework for this industrial scaling. Featuring practical insights from NASA experts and focusing on topics such as “Textile Intelligence” and “Resilient Textiles”, the platform addresses the industry’s operational needs: smart functionalities, material resilience and the rapid transition from concept to scalable application.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
Fashion
US’ Under Armour eyes gross margin improvement in FY27
Meanwhile, for fiscal 2027 (FY27), the company is now expecting revenue to decline slightly year-on-year (YoY), with a low single-digit decrease in North America partly offset by low single-digit growth in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific. Gross margin is expected to improve by 220 to 270 basis points.
For FY27, Under Armour expects slight revenue decline and margin improvement.
The company’s FY26 revenue fell 4 per cent to $5 billion, led by weaker North America sales, lower wholesale revenue, and a sharp footwear decline.
Gross margin narrowed due to tariffs and cost pressures.
In Q4, revenue slipped 1 per cent as North America weakened, though international and DTC sales grew.
“As our topline stabilises in fiscal 2027, we are applying the same rigour that is strengthening our product engine to our storytelling capabilities,” said Kevin Plank, president and CEO of Under Armour.
The company expects operating income of $96 million to $116 million. Adjusted operating income is projected at $140 million to $160 million, including an estimated $70 million benefit from assumed refunds related to prior-year International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff expenses, around $35 million in headwinds from the Middle East conflict, and about $30 million in incremental marketing investment, Under Armour said in a press release.
Diluted loss per share is expected to range from breakeven to $0.04, while adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) are forecast between $0.08 and $0.12.
Revenue declines as North America weighs on FY26
In FY26 ended March 31, the company has reported a 4 per cent decline in revenue to $5 billion.
“Our fiscal 2026 performance reflects the ongoing intentional steps we’re taking to reset the business and restore the discipline required to operate as a best-in-class brand,” added Plank.
He said as the company’s topline stabilises in FY27, Under Armour is applying the same rigour that is strengthening its product engine to its storytelling capabilities.
“Building world-class, modern marketing excellence is now our highest priority that we believe will accelerate consumer demand and help reshape Under Armour’s profit profile,” he said.
Regionally, North America revenue decreased 8 per cent to $2.9 billion, while international revenue grew 4 per cent to $2.1 billion. Within the international business, EMEA revenue increased 9 per cent, Asia-Pacific revenue declined 5 per cent, and Latin America revenue rose 9 per cent.
Wholesale revenue fell 5 per cent to $2.8 billion, while direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenue declined 2 per cent to $2.1 billion. Revenue from owned-and-operated stores increased 1 per cent, while e-commerce revenue decreased 7 per cent and accounted for 33 per cent of total DTC revenue for the year.
By category, apparel revenue decreased 2 per cent to $3.4 billion, footwear revenue declined 11 per cent to $1.1 billion, and accessories revenue increased 1 per cent to $414 million.
Gross margin decreased 240 basis points to 45.5 per cent, primarily due to higher tariffs, along with pricing pressure, higher product costs, and unfavourable channel and regional mix. These headwinds were partly offset by positive foreign currency impacts and favourable product mix. Adjusted gross margin declined 220 basis points to 45.7 per cent.
Q4 revenue slips as North America weakens
In the fourth quarter (Q4), Under Armour’s revenue decreased 1 per cent to $1.2 billion, or 4 per cent on a constant currency basis. North America revenue declined 7 per cent to $641 million, while international revenue increased 10 per cent to $539 million. Within international markets, Europe, Middle East and Asia’s (EMEA) revenue rose 7 per cent, Asia-Pacific grew 13 per cent, and Latin America increased 22 per cent.
Wholesale revenue fell 3 per cent to $748 million, while DTC revenue rose 5 per cent to $406 million. Owned-and-operated store revenue increased 8 per cent, while e-commerce revenue remained flat and represented 35 per cent of total DTC revenue during the quarter.
Under its FY25 restructuring plan, the company recorded $36 million in restructuring and transformation-related costs during the fourth quarter. To date, it has incurred $261 million in total restructuring and transformation costs. Under Armour is extending the plan, bringing total expected programme costs to around $305 million, with substantial completion expected by December 31, 2026, added the release.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fashion
Drewry WCI jumps 11% in second week on higher freight rates
On the Transpacific trade route, rates surged this week due to the implementation of Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) by carriers. Freight rates from Shanghai to New York increased 14 per cent to $4,252 per 40-foot container, and those from Shanghai to Los Angeles rose 10 per cent to $3,357 per 40-foot container.
Drewry’s World Container Index rose 11.67 per cent to $2,553 per FEU in the week ending May 14, driven by higher freight rates on Transpacific and Asia–Europe routes.
Emergency fuel and peak-season surcharges, capacity cuts, blank sailings, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East supported the rally, with rates expected to rise further in the coming weeks.
According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, seven blank sailings have been announced on the Transpacific trade route for the next week, as carriers continue to manage capacity. In addition, Yang Ming Line announced a GRI of $2,000 per 40-foot container effective 15 May. Drewry expects rates to increase further in the coming week.
On the Asia–Europe trade route, spot rates also increased this week due to FAK, along with capacity cuts announced by carriers in May. Rates from Shanghai to Genoa increased 20 per cent to $3,701 per 40-foot container, and those from Shanghai to Rotterdam jumped 11 per cent to $2,413 per 40-foot container. The Asia-Europe peak season is expected to start earlier than usual as higher cargo bookings, tight vessel space, and disruptions linked to the US/Israel-Iran conflict are prompting shippers to move cargo earlier. As demand is rebounding, Drewry expects rates to increase further in the coming week
Freight rates from New York to Rotterdam increased 1 per cent to $1,030 per FEU, while Rotterdam to New York decreased 3 per cent to $2,388 per FEU. Rotterdam-Shanghai rose 2 per cent to $644 per FEU, and Los Angeles–Shanghai steadied at $791 per 40-foot container.
Middle East tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea remain under close watch, with carriers staying cautious on routing and operations amid ongoing US/Israel-Iran conflict concerns. Meanwhile, higher bunker prices and tight vessel space continue to support freight rates. Carriers are also actively adjusting pricing through EFS, PSS, GRI and firmer FAK levels, alongside blank sailings, and flexible capacity management strategies, keeping the market firm despite relatively stable vessel movement.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Fashion
Israel’s Delta Galil posts record Q1 sales on broad-based growth
Sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, rose 15 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Q1 record of $573 million. In constant currency terms, sales increased 10 per cent.
Delta Galil Industries has reported record Q1 2026 sales of $573 million, up 15 per cent YoY, with gross profit rising 18 per cent to $238.8 million.
The gross margin improved to 41.7 per cent, supported by factory efficiency and favourable exchange rates.
EBIT also reached a Q1 record, while the company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance.
“2026 is off to a strong start, reflecting the strength of Delta Galil’s global platform, the value of our brands, and our team’s ability to execute at a high level in a dynamic environment. We grew our sales across all segments, delivered record first quarter sales, gross profit, EBIT, EBITDA and operating cash flow,” said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil.
Gross margin improves on factory efficiency
The gross profit expanded 18 per cent YoY to a first quarter (Q1) record of $238.8 million, compared with $202.6 million in Q1 2025. Gross margin improved by 110 basis points to 41.7 per cent from 40.6 per cent a year earlier, mainly due to improved factory efficiency and favourable exchange rates.
EBIT, excluding non-core items, reached a first-quarter record of $36.6 million, compared with $32.7 million in the prior-year quarter. Reported EBIT also rose to a first-quarter record of $35.1 million from $32.7 million. The increase was supported by higher sales and continued factory efficiency gains, partly offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) expenses, logistics costs, exchange-rate effects, and investments in business expansion, Delta Galil said in a press release.
The net income excluding non-core items, net of tax, remained unchanged at $17.6 million. Reported net income declined to $16.4 million from $17.6 million in Q1 2025. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) excluding non-core items stood at $0.63, compared with $0.62 a year earlier, while reported diluted EPS was $0.59, down from $0.62.
The company also reported record first-quarter cash flow from operating activities, excluding IFRS 16, of $27.9 million, compared with $4 million in the same period last year.
“These results were driven by higher US sales to our established and growing customer base, expansion of our owned brands due to continued product innovation, and the benefits of our strategic investments in global sourcing, production, and distribution capabilities,” added Dabah.
He said the company was encouraged by the positive momentum across the business, particularly as investments in innovation, manufacturing flexibility and customer partnerships continued to deliver measurable results. He further said that the company remained focused on disciplined execution, supporting evolving customer and consumer needs, and leveraging its global platform to capture profitable growth opportunities in 2026 and beyond.
FY26 outlook remains strong
Delta Galil reaffirmed its full 2026 guidance, excluding non-core items. The company expects sales of $2.294 billion to $2.328 billion, compared with $2.1189 billion in 2025. EBIT is projected at $204 million to $212 million, while EBITDA is expected to range between $324 million and $332 million. Net income is forecast at $116 million to $123 million, with diluted EPS expected between $4 and $4.23.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
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