A single review event featuring 1,038 fabrics from 192 companies captures the shift of Keqiao's textile industry from capacity-driven to brand-driven growth. On April 24, the first review of the 2026 'Keqiao Preferred' program was held in Shaoxing Keqiao. The number of submitted fabrics rose significantly compared to last year, covering full scenarios including women's wear, men's wear, children's wear, underwear, sportswear, and outdoor. Fashion fabrics accounted for 66.7%, while technology and green fabrics together made up 33.3%.
Review Mechanism and Industry Signals
The review was chaired by Song Fujia and led by Li Bo, director of the Productivity Promotion Department of the China National Textile and Apparel Council. The judging panel included brand sourcing managers, material developers, and creative designers. Scoring criteria covered five dimensions: fashion creativity, technological innovation, ecological sustainability, product quality, and market applicability. Companies were required to provide quantifiable evidence on safety, mass production capability, functional verification, and environmental certifications.
This shift means Keqiao fabric companies are moving from 'experience-based' to 'data-based' operations. Judge Chen Baojian noted that functional fabric companies provided comprehensive test reports, while eco-friendly fabrics showed significant improvement in natural fiber applications. For buyers, this means higher verifiability and more efficient sourcing.
Three Tracks: Convergence of Fashion, Technology, and Green
In the fashion track, submitted fabrics featured original color patterns and differentiated texture designs, some incorporating intangible cultural heritage and patented appearances. Judge Sun Ke observed that while 'guochao' elements remain active, plain-knit fabrics with versatile functions are gaining attention. The technology track focused on material and process innovation, with many fabrics backed by patent certifications. Judge Ye Fei highlighted that cotton-silk blended fabrics offer both excellent performance and cost-effectiveness.
The green track became a highlight. Submitted fabrics complied with international eco-standards such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, FSC, and GRS, using eco-friendly raw materials and low-carbon processing. Judge Yu Kefeng noted the widespread application of dope-dyed technology, balancing environmental and fashion demands. This 'full lifecycle sustainability' approach is pushing Keqiao fabrics from price competition to standard competition.
Industry Impact: From Production Zone to Brand Supply Hub
The second signal from the review is the integration of Keqiao's textile chain. Submitting companies covered fabric weaving, dyeing, home textiles, wall covering, and curtains, indicating that 'Keqiao Preferred' is not just a product selection but a showcase of the entire industrial chain.
Li Bo concluded that functional fabrics are expanding from sportswear to fashion, a key industry trend. Going forward, 'Keqiao Preferred' will align with brand demands and guide companies toward innovation. For buyers, this means Keqiao is no longer just a wholesale market for large volumes at low prices, but a sourcing base for differentiated, high-end, and compliant products.
Follow-up Actions and Market Access
This month, the first batch of selected products will enter a public review period, after which they can apply for the 'Keqiao Preferred' hangtag and be displayed in the online showroom. The program also plans three precise brand matching events and participation in international exhibitions including Intertextile Shanghai, Première Vision Paris, Performance Days Munich, and APTEXPO 2026.
For foreign trade companies, these exhibitions are critical windows to reach overseas brand buyers. For domestic factories, connecting with brand sourcing teams means upgrading from 'order-based manufacturing' to 'co-development.'