A set of data from the first review session of the 2026 'Keqiao Preferred' fabric program deserves the attention of the entire textile supply chain: of the 1,038 fabrics submitted, 66.7% were in the fashion category, while tech and green fabrics together accounted for 33.3%. Behind this ratio lies a deep structural shift in Keqiao, a traditional fabric production hub—it is no longer relying solely on scale but is simultaneously advancing in fashion creativity, technical content, and environmental certification.
Review Mechanism Upgrade Drives Product Compliance
The review was conducted by an expert panel scoring on five dimensions: fashion creativity, technological innovation, ecological sustainability, product quality, and market applicability. Notably, participating companies this year submitted more complete documentation—most tech fabrics came with third-party test reports displaying functional indicators and measured data, while green fabrics aligned with international certifications such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, FSC, and GRS. This signals that Keqiao companies now treat compliance as a core competitive factor rather than an afterthought. For buyers, this directly reduces the cost of factory audits and secondary verification.
Industrial Cluster Response: From 'Do Everything' to 'Do It Well'
The review covered companies across fabric weaving, dyeing and finishing, home textiles, and curtain production, with categories spanning women's wear, men's wear, children's wear, underwear, sportswear, casual wear, outdoor, and home furnishings. Experts noted that fashion fabrics featured original color patterns and differentiated texture designs, some incorporating intangible cultural heritage techniques and patented appearance designs. Tech fabrics focused on material and process innovation, with increased use of multi-component blends and dope-dyed technologies. This reflects a transition from 'can make anything' to 'makes it well,' as companies actively seek differentiation in niche segments.
Functional Fabrics Penetrate Fashion, Changing Buyer Logic
A frequently highlighted trend at the review was the expansion of functional fabrics from sportswear into fashion. For example, multiple outdoor down-jacket functional fabrics were submitted, with some improving hand feel and cost-effectiveness through blending. What does this mean for brand buyers? Previously, sourcing functional fabrics required specialized sportswear suppliers; now Keqiao's fashion fabric companies also offer 'fashion + function' solutions, shortening supply chains while expanding selection.
Green Certification Moves from Bonus to Entry Barrier
In the green track, submitted fabrics emphasized full lifecycle sustainability, using eco-friendly raw materials and low-carbon processing. Experts noted that eco-friendly fabrics demonstrated high craftsmanship in natural fiber applications, with pure wool and pure cotton fabrics showing excellent hand feel and texture. For exporters, certifications like GRS and FSC are no longer just nice-to-have labels—they are actual requirements for entering European and American markets. The Keqiao Preferred program plans to showcase selected products at international exhibitions such as Première Vision Paris and Performance Days in Munich, meaning that companies passing the review will directly face overseas brand buyers, where certification completeness directly impacts order conversion.
Brand Matching Efficiency Improves, Small Factories Gain Opportunities
The Keqiao Preferred program plans to hold three targeted brand matching events in 2026 and launch an online showroom. For small- and medium-sized fabric factories, this is a low-cost opportunity to connect with top brands. Review experts specifically noted that many submitted fabrics combined functionality with fashion and offered high cost-effectiveness, closely matching brand procurement needs. If companies continue investing in differentiated R&D, even smaller players can enter brand supply chains through the Keqiao Preferred platform.