Dates

    27–29 Jan 2027

    City / country

    Orlando, United States

    Venue

    Orange County Convention Center

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The Functional Fabric Fair Winter is the premier sourcing event in the US dedicated to high-performance functional fabrics. Taking place from January 27-29, 2027, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, this event connects apparel CEOs, designers, and product development executives with verified suppliers.

    The fair emphasizes sustainable practices and innovative solutions in fabric sourcing. Functional Fabric Fair Winter takes place in Orlando, United States.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates and Venue: Functional Fabric Fair Winter takes place from January 27-29, 2027 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
    2. 2Scale and Focus: This event is dedicated to high-performance functional fabrics, featuring verified suppliers and innovative solutions.
    3. 3Organiser: The fair is powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS, a recognized leader in the fabric sourcing industry.
    4. 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include apparel CEOs, designers, and product development executives looking for the latest fabric innovations.
    5. 5Entry: Pre-registration is available online for attendees.

    Why visit

    Attendees will discover the latest innovations in high-performance fabrics, connect with verified suppliers, and gain insights into sustainable sourcing practices. Attendees include apparel CEOs, designers, and product development executives looking for the latest fabric innovations.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their latest fabric innovations to a targeted audience of industry leaders, enhance their visibility in the market, and connect with potential buyers committed to sustainable practices. The fair is powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS, a recognized leader in the fabric sourcing industry. Attendees include apparel CEOs, designers, and product development executives looking for the latest fabric innovations.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Apparel brand product developers and material engineers scouting next-season performance fabrics for roadmaps 12-18 months out
    Outerwear and hardshell designers specifying membranes, laminates and PFAS-free DWR finishes
    Sportswear and activewear design teams sourcing stretch knits, wovens, mesh and seamless constructions
    Swimwear and bodywear developers looking for chlorine-resistant and four-way stretch fabrics
    Footwear and accessory material leads sourcing uppers, linings, trims and reinforcements
    Sustainability and CSR managers auditing recycled content and bluesign or OEKO-TEX certified supply chains
    Sourcing directors and textile buyers comparing mills on MOQ, lead time and price per metre
    Workwear, uniform and protective clothing specifiers sourcing durable, high-visibility or flame-retardant textiles
    Fiber, yarn and finishing technologists tracking bio-based and circular material development
    Independent designers and small-label founders looking for low-MOQ mill partnerships
    Product line managers from outdoor, running, cycling and ski brands building fabric libraries for coming seasons
    Sourcing agents and textile trading houses matching brand briefs to mill capacity

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Fabric mills and knitters presenting performance knits, wovens, stretch and seamless constructions
    Fiber and yarn producers offering recycled polyester, bio-based nylon and elastane alternatives
    Membrane and laminate specialists presenting waterproof, windproof and breathable systems
    Finishing and coating houses offering PFAS-free DWR, anti-odor and moisture-management treatments
    Trim and accessory suppliers for zips, elastics, tapes, cords and bonded seam solutions
    Certification bodies and testing laboratories covering bluesign, OEKO-TEX, GRS and traceability
    Textile technology providers for seamless knitting, bonding, lamination and digital printing
    Sustainable material innovators working with bio-fabricated, recycled and mono-material solutions
    Sourcing agents and textile trading houses connecting global brands with mill capacity
    Insulation, lining and pocketing specialists supplying the outdoor and workwear tiers

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Waterproof and breathable membranes, laminates and 3-layer fabric systems
    PFAS-free and C0 durable water repellent (DWR) finishes
    Performance knits for activewear, running, yoga and training
    Stretch wovens for outdoor, climbing, ski and golf apparel
    Recycled and bio-based polyester, nylon and cellulosic fibers
    Softshell, hardshell and insulated fabric systems
    Chlorine-resistant and four-way stretch swimwear fabrics
    Seamless and circular-knit constructions
    Trims, zips, elastics, tapes and bonded seam materials
    Workwear, uniform and protective textiles
    Moisture-management, anti-odor and cooling finishing technologies
    Testing, certification, traceability and material-innovation services

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Orange County Convention Center

    9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

    Facilities

    Parking

    Orange County Convention Center in Orlando typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

    Food options

    On-site catering

    On-site dining

    Parking: Orange County Convention Center in Orlando typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

    Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Orange County Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Free registration
    Register

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Orlando, United States

    Why it matters

    On 2027-01-27 to 2027-01-29, Functional Fabric Fair Winter in Orlando covering High-performance functional fabrics for sportswear, Sustainable materials for outdoor apparel, Innovative textiles for s gives fashion buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    MCO

    Orlando International

    MCO is the closest major gateway to the International Drive convention campus and has the widest choice of rideshare, taxi, shuttle and rental car options. Budget extra time on weekday mornings

    Approximately 24 km (15 mi)

    to venue

    25-40 min by road to the Orange County Convention Center depending on traffic

    by car

    SFB

    Orlando Sanford International

    SFB sits north of Orlando and is served mainly by leisure and low-cost carriers. Transfers are longer and more expensive than from MCO, so compare the total trip cost, not just the airfare

    Approximately 60 km (37 mi)

    to venue

    45-70 min by road to the Orange County Convention Center

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Convention Center

    3-star
    International Drive / Convention Center district

    USD 150–210 / night

    Closest cluster to the Orange County Convention Center halls; 3-star with pool and free parking. Rates are approximate and rise during large convention weeks.

    TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando Near Universal

    3-star
    Universal / International Drive area

    USD 145–200 / night

    Extended-stay format with kitchenettes, useful for a week-long sourcing trip; drive or rideshare south along International Drive to the halls.

    Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village

    3-star
    Lake Buena Vista / Marriott Village

    USD 105–150 / night

    Value 3-star with pool and hot tub in the Marriott Village cluster; lower nightly rate in exchange for a longer commute to the convention center.

    Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village

    3-star
    Lake Buena Vista / Marriott Village

    USD 110–155 / night

    3-star with pool and hot tub near Disney Springs; one of the lower captured nightly rates in the Lake Buena Vista cluster.

    Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista

    3-star
    Lake Buena Vista

    USD 130–180 / night

    3-star with pool and parking; price and distance sit between the Marriott Village properties and the convention-center cluster.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    rideshare

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forOrlando International (MCO) to Orange County Convention Center

    The standard door-to-door option from MCO to International Drive; surge pricing is common on peak arrival evenings and during large convention weeks. Confirm the fare in the app before requesting.

    taxi

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forOrlando International (MCO) to Orange County Convention Center

    Taxis and black cars queue at the MCO ground transportation kerb outside baggage claim; a pre-booked car avoids the queue at a slightly higher fixed price.

    rideshare

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forOrlando Sanford International (SFB) to Orange County Convention Center

    SFB is roughly 60 km north of the venue, so the transfer costs materially more than from MCO; add the difference to the fare when comparing flights.

    bus

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forMCO to International Drive / Convention Center area (LYNX public bus)

    LYNX routes link the airport area and International Drive, but journeys involve at least one transfer and take well over an hour with luggage. Confirm the current route and fare with LYNX before relying on it.

    trolley

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forI-Ride Trolley along International Drive between hotels and the convention district

    The I-Ride Trolley runs the length of International Drive and stops near many of the hotels used by fair visitors; it is the cheapest way to move between hotel clusters and the convention area without a car.

    rideshare

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forInternational Drive and Lake Buena Vista hotels to Orange County Convention Center

    Short rideshare hops between the hotel clusters and the halls are cheap and frequent; allow extra time in the morning peak when thousands of delegates arrive at the same hour.

    parking

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forOrange County Convention Center on-site parking

    The campus has large surface and garage lots with direct access to the halls. Daily rates are set per event and can change, so confirm the current charge and nearest lot to your hall with the venue.

    rail

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forSunRail commuter rail (regional network, not a direct airport-to-venue link)

    SunRail serves the wider Orlando region but does not connect MCO to International Drive directly; it is only practical if your hotel is deliberately chosen near a SunRail station plus a short rideshare.

    Weather

    Late January falls in Orlando's cool, dry season. Daytime highs typically reach about 20-23 C (68-73 F), with overnight lows around 10-13 C (50-55 F), and rainfall is much lower than in the June-September wet season. A passing cold front can still drop temperatures sharply for a day or two and bring a brief shower. Convention halls are heavily air-conditioned, so a light layer works better than a heavy coat, and a compact umbrella is worth packing. Check a short-range forecast in the week before travel.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Mobile coverage on International Drive and around the Orange County Convention Center is strong on the major US networks, so a US eSIM or roaming plan will work well for maps, rideshare and badge apps. Wi-Fi is typically offered in the convention center's public areas and halls, but bandwidth is shared with thousands of delegates; exhibitors and buyers who depend on live product demos should order a dedicated connection through the venue's technology contractor and download exhibitor directories offline as a backup. US power is 120 V at 60 Hz with type A/B plugs, so European and Asian visitors need a plug adapter and a voltage converter for high-draw devices such as irons and hair dryers.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Business dress

    Business casual is the norm at Orlando convention venues: chinos or tailored trousers with a collared shirt, and a light jacket for heavily air-conditioned halls in January. Suits are rare on the show floor outside opening events.

    Tipping

    Tipping is expected in US restaurants, bars and for rideshare or taxi drivers, typically 15-20 percent of the bill before tax. Hotel housekeeping and bell staff are usually tipped per service.

    Greetings and meetings

    Introductions are direct and first names are used quickly. Mill meetings at a sourcing fair usually open with a short product presentation, so have your buyer brief and pricing questions ready rather than relying on small talk.

    Getting around

    Orlando is car-oriented and pavements are inconsistent outside the main International Drive corridor. Rideshare apps are the most practical way to move between hotels, the convention center and restaurants, and most venues have generous parking.

    Prices, tax and payments

    Displayed prices in Florida exclude sales tax, which is added at the till. Cards are accepted almost everywhere and contactless payment is standard; carry a small amount of cash for tips and trolley fares.

    Weather etiquette

    Locals dress for the cold snap rather than the average: when a January front drops temperatures to around 10 C, Orlando residents reach for coats and boots. A packable layer keeps you comfortable between air-conditioned halls and the outdoor walkways.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: MCO

    Book into Orlando International (MCO) where possible: it is roughly 24 km from the convention center and has the widest choice of airlines, rental desks and ground transport. Compare Orlando Sanford International (SFB) only if the fare saving clearly outweighs the extra 35-40 km and USD 75-100 transfer cost. Late January is a busy period in Orlando with theme-park and convention demand, so book flights and hotel together six to ten weeks out and avoid arriving on the morning of the show if you are exhibiting. Allow a buffer day on each side for mill follow-ups and for consolidating swatches before the return flight.

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Orlando International (MCO): 25-40 min by road to the Orange County Convention Center depending on traffic; Orlando Sanford International (SFB): 45-70 min by road to the Orange County Convention Center. Allow road or rail time to Orange County Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Orange County Convention Center: International Drive / Convention Center district: Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Convention Center; Universal / International Drive area: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando Near Universal; Lake Buena Vista / Marriott Village: Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village.

    Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Orlando, including dedicated pick-up zones at Orlando International (MCO), along International Drive and at the Orange County Convention Center. Fares from MCO to the convention campus typically land around USD 35-60 one way, with surge pricing during peak arrival evenings and major convention weeks. Confirm the pick-up point in the app before leaving baggage claim, and pre-book the return leg if your flight leaves during the morning show rush.

    Public transit: LYNX is the regional bus operator and its routes cover International Drive, but journeys from the airport require at least one transfer and take well over an hour with luggage. For the hotel-to-venue leg, the I-Ride Trolley runs the length of International Drive and stops near many of the hotels used by fair visitors, charging a couple of dollars per ride with discounted multi-day passes. SunRail commuter trains serve the wider region but do not provide a direct airport-to-convention-center link, so plan a rideshare for the final leg if you use rail.

    Parking: The Orange County Convention Center operates large surface and garage lots with direct access to the exhibition halls, and daily rates are set per event, typically in the region of USD 15-25. Arrive early on the first morning, note which lot serves your hall, and keep your ticket with you if you plan to leave and re-enter during the day. Hotel parking on International Drive is usually free or modestly priced, so driving in is realistic if you stay outside the walking radius.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: January 2027 (late January edition, Orlando, Florida)

    Temperature: Daytime highs around 20-23 C (68-73 F) and overnight lows around 10-13 C (50-55 F); mild afternoons, cool mornings and evenings, with the occasional sharper cold snap behind a front.

    Seasonality: Late January sits in Orlando's drier season, with markedly less rainfall than the June-September wet months. Occasional cold fronts can still push through a brief shower and a sharp temperature drop for a day or two, so check the forecast in the final week.

    Packing: Pack layers rather than a heavy coat: a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings and aggressively air-conditioned halls, short-sleeve shirts for mild afternoons, comfortable walking shoes for the convention campus and International Drive, a compact umbrella for cold-front showers, and a plug adapter plus voltage converter for devices brought from Europe or Asia.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)

    Mid-show days at Functional Fabric Fair Winter usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.

    Day 1

    confirm your hotel and check the walking, shuttle or rideshare distance to the hall you will actually use at the Orange County Convention Center.; build a target exhibitor list from the online exhibitor directory, grouped by fabric type (membranes, knits, wovens, trims, finishing).

    Day 2

    write the buyer brief for each product team - target FOB or price per metre, MOQ tolerance, certifications required, colour standards and delivery window.; request meetings with priority mills by email and note the booth numbers in your diary.

    Day 3

    check ESTA or visa status if you are travelling from outside the United States, and print or download the confirmation.

    Day 4

    book the airport transfer or rental car and decide between MCO and SFB based on total cost and arrival time.; check the short-range Orlando forecast and pack layers, a light jacket and comfortable shoes for the convention campus.

    Day 5

    download the floor plan and mark a walking route so you cover priority mills first and leave the outer aisles for the second pass.

    Day 6

    prepare a swatch and note system - labels, a marker and a phone folder for hangtag photos - so mill, article number and contact stay attached to each sample.; confirm every meeting by email and keep a backup list of mills to visit if a slot falls through.

    Day 7

    charge devices, load the exhibitor app or directory offline, and note the convention center parking or drop-off point for your arrival.

    Day 8

    register online for your trade badge and upload any trade-status proof the organiser asks for (company site, business licence, VAT number).; block the show days in your calendar and decide which day is for mill meetings, which is for trend sessions and which is for follow-up.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    Day 1 · morning

    Registration and hall orientation at Orange County Convention Center

    Day 2 · core sessions

    Supplier meetings and product demos

    Day 3 · wrap-up

    Final negotiations and follow-up

    Networking spots

    2

    Functional Fabric Fair Winter registration concourse

    Orange County Convention Center

    Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.

    Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)

    Orange County Convention Center

    Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
    • Per diem × 2$150.00
    Estimated total$380.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Use this quick check to decide whether Functional Fabric Fair Winter fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    For Functional Fabric Fair Winter, what is your primary role on the show floor?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.

    Best for

    Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing High-performance functional fabrics for sportswear solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Functional Fabric Fair Winter in Orlando.

    Min. budget

    $570.00

    Timeline

    4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.

    Risks

    Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.

    exhibit

    You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.

    Best for

    Brands and manufacturers launching High-performance functional fabrics for sportswear products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.

    Min. budget

    $2,565.00

    Timeline

    3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.

    Risks

    Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.

    skip

    Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.

    Best for

    Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Orlando show week.

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    What is Functional Fabric Fair and who should attend?
    Functional Fabric Fair is a sourcing-focused trade fair for functional and performance textiles. It is built for apparel, footwear and accessory professionals who choose fabrics: designers, product developers, material engineers, sourcing managers and sustainability leads from outdoor, sportswear, activewear, swimwear, workwear and lifestyle brands.
    Where does the show take place?
    The Orlando edition is held at the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive, the main convention campus in Orlando, Florida. Check the organiser site for the current hall and floor before you travel, because halls are assigned close to the show dates.
    Is Functional Fabric Fair trade-only?
    Expect a trade audience: exhibitors are mills, fiber producers, finishers and trim suppliers selling to brands, not to the public. Registration is normally required in advance and the organiser may ask for evidence of a trade role such as a company website, business licence or VAT number. Confirm the current admission policy on the organiser site.
    How do I register and what does a badge cost?
    Registration runs through the organiser website. Badge prices, group codes and any early-bird deadlines are set by the organiser each edition, so confirm the current fee and cut-off date on the official registration page before booking travel - do not rely on figures quoted in previous years.
    Which airport should I fly into for the Orange County Convention Center?
    Orlando International (MCO) is the closest major gateway, roughly 24 km from the convention campus with a typical 25-40 minute road transfer depending on traffic. Orlando Sanford International (SFB) sits further north and is a longer, more expensive transfer, so compare total trip cost before choosing it.
    How do I get from Orlando International to the convention center?
    Rideshare and taxi are the simplest options from MCO, roughly USD 35-75 one way depending on service and surge. Public LYNX buses cost a few dollars but need transfers and take considerably longer. Rental cars work well if you plan to stay outside the International Drive area.
    Where should I stay for the fair?
    Hotels on and around International Drive and in the Lake Buena Vista / Marriott Village cluster give the shortest commute. Convention-center-adjacent properties typically run USD 150-210 per night, while Lake Buena Vista hotels often sit at USD 105-155 per night for a similar 3-star standard. Book early, because late January is a busy period in Orlando.
    Is parking available at the Orange County Convention Center?
    The convention center operates large on-site surface and garage parking with direct access to the halls; daily rates are set per event, so confirm the current charge and the closest lot to your hall on the venue or organiser site before driving in.
    What should I bring to a fabric sourcing show?
    Bring a buyer brief rather than a browsing list: target price per metre, MOQ tolerance, required certifications (bluesign, OEKO-TEX, GRS), colour standards and a lab-dip or bulk order timeline. Collect physical swatches and record the mill, article number and contact on each one, then photograph the hangtag so you can rebuild the fabric library back at the office.
    Are fabric samples available at the show?
    Mills typically bring sample cards, swatch books and small yardage for the counters. Expect to collect physical swatches rather than take bulk fabric away, and ask exhibitors about lab-dip lead times, minimum order quantities and production slots for your target delivery window.
    Is there a trend or seminar programme?
    Functional Fabric Fair editions usually pair the exhibition floor with trend forums, material-focused presentations and guided sourcing topics. Check the official schedule page for the current agenda, session times and whether sessions need separate sign-up, as the programme changes by edition.
    What is the weather like in Orlando in late January?
    Late January is Orlando's cool, dry season. Daytime highs usually sit around 20-23 C with overnight lows of 10-13 C, and rainfall is much lower than in the summer wet months. A cold front can still bring a sharp drop and a brief shower, so pack a light jacket and a compact umbrella.
    Can I combine the fair with a mill visit or a second sourcing stop?
    Many buyers use the Orlando trip to finish a full season's material selection in one pass, then follow up with mill visits or sample-room meetings. Build one free day either side of the show for follow-up appointments along International Drive and for consolidating swatches and quotes before you fly home.
    What payment and connectivity issues should international visitors expect?
    Prices in Florida are quoted before sales tax, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere, with tipping expected in restaurants and for rideshare drivers. Buy an eSIM or a US data plan before landing; the International Drive corridor and the convention campus have good mobile coverage.

    Glossary

    1
    Functional fabric
    A textile engineered for a performance job beyond basic coverage, for example moving moisture away from skin, blocking wind, keeping rain out while letting vapour escape, or holding stretch and recovery through repeated wear.
    2
    Moisture management (wicking)
    A finish or fiber/yarn structure that pulls sweat from the skin side of a fabric to the outer surface where it can evaporate, tested with standards such as AATCC 195 or ISO 13029 depending on the buyer's protocol.
    3
    Membrane
    An ultra-thin film laminated or coated onto a face fabric to stop liquid water while allowing water vapour through; microporous membranes use tiny pores and hydrophilic membranes transport vapour through the polymer itself.
    4
    DWR (durable water repellent)
    A surface treatment that makes water bead and roll off a face fabric. Buyers now specify PFAS-free and C0 chemistry because of tightening regulation in the EU and US.
    5
    MVP / breathability
    Moisture vapour permeability, usually quoted in g/m2/24h or as a RET value. Higher g/m2/24h or lower RET means more vapour escapes, which matters most in high-output activities.
    6
    2-layer, 2.5-layer and 3-layer laminate
    Construction formats for waterproof systems: a face fabric bonded to a membrane (2-layer), a membrane with a printed or thin protective backer (2.5-layer), or a face fabric, membrane and tricot backer bonded together (3-layer).
    7
    Softshell and hardshell
    Softshell fabrics are stretchy, air-permeable and abrasion resistant for high-movement use; hardshell fabrics use a membrane or coating to deliver full weather protection with taped seams.
    8
    Bonded and welded seams
    Seam construction that replaces stitching with adhesive tape, ultrasonic welding or hot-air bonding, removing needle holes so a waterproof garment stays waterproof at the join.
    9
    Recycled polyester (rPET) and GRS
    Polyester made from post-consumer or post-industrial waste; the Global Recycled Standard verifies recycled content and sets social, environmental and chemical requirements across the supply chain.
    10
    Bio-based and bio-fabricated materials
    Fibers, membranes and coatings derived from plant or fermentation feedstocks rather than fossil carbon, including castor-based polyamides and mycelium or bacterial-cellulose leather alternatives.
    11
    bluesign APPROVED and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
    Third-party systems buyers use at sourcing meetings: bluesign assesses chemicals and processes at the mill, while OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 confirms a finished article is tested for harmful substances.
    12
    Stretch and recovery
    The ability of a fabric to extend under movement and return to shape, delivered by elastane, elastomultiester or mechanical stretch in the yarn and construction, then measured on a cyclic test rig.
    13
    Circularity and mono-material design
    Designing a garment or fabric system so it can be mechanically or chemically recycled, for example avoiding inseparable blends, metal trims and PU coatings that block a single-material recycling route.
    14
    UPF rating
    Ultraviolet Protection Factor, the measured share of UV radiation a fabric blocks. UPF 50+ is the usual headline claim for summer, golf, fishing and childrenswear collections.
    15
    Seamless and circular knit
    Garments or panels knitted in one piece on circular machines, cutting seams and waste while enabling zonal ventilation, compression and body-mapped structures.
    16
    Finishing house
    A specialist mill partner that applies dyeing, coating, calendering, brushing, anti-odor or water-repellent treatments to greige fabric supplied by another weaver or knitter.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • Functional Fabric Fair Winter 2027
    • Functional Fabric Fair Winter Orlando 2027
    • Orlando United States
    • High-performance functional fabrics for sportswear
    • Sustainable materials for outdoor apparel
    • Innovative textiles for swimwear and bodywear
    • Weather-resistant fabrics for active lifestyles
    • Trade show B2B Trade Expo Orlando

    Trust footer

    Sources

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    References

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    Publishers

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