#Denim

2021-12-02

Marking its continued global expansion, Kontoor opens first Wrangler® retail store in China

Earlier this month, Kontoor Brands unveiled its first, freestanding Wrangler® retail location in China. Located in the Nanjing Deji Plaza, a top retail destination, the store brings to life the adventurous optimism of Wrangler’s cowboy spirit, leveraging the brand’s rich heritage. The launch will deliver engaging and innovative experiences to Wrangler’s growing Chinese consumer base.

“We have spent the last year building awareness and demand for the Wrangler brand in China through curated product offerings and innovative digital experiences,” said John Gearing, Vice President, Kontoor Brands, Asia. “The Nanjing store unveils a new retail store concept that we have designed to excite and engage China’s youth and young at heart. In the coming months, you can expect to see additional Wrangler stores in top retail destinations as we continue to unleash Wrangler’s heritage to a new audience.”

Kontoor first introduced the Wrangler brand to Chinese consumers in December 2020, taking a digital-first approach, the initial product offerings were made available to consumers through Tmall, a leading online retailer in China. The new retail location in Nanjing marks an important step forward in the Wrangler brand’s expansion into the Chinese market.

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI reshape textile processing

Investment decisions in textile processing have become increasingly complex. Rising energy prices, labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties are forcing companies to prioritise technologies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and process stability. This applies not only to apparel production, but also to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. Modernisation projects are therefore being evaluated more selectively – but the pressure to upgrade production systems continues to grow. Texprocess 2026 reflects this tension between cautious investment behaviour and increasing technological demand.

Textile Chemicals & Dyes: Innovation in Textile Chemistry moves into focus at Techtextil 2026

From PFAS-free finishes and water-saving dyeing technologies to advanced coatings and recycling-compatible formulations, innovation in textile chemistry is accelerating across the industry. Reflecting this development, Techtextil 2026 introduces Textile Chemicals & Dyes as a dedicated product segment, highlighting the growing role of chemical solutions in shaping the next generation of technical textiles.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Jeanologia launches Billy

The new AI extracts precise laser designs from a garment image in minutes, transforming how vintage denim is recreated for production. If Jeanologia’s laser changed the way jeans were made at the end of the last century, its AI now takes the next step: moving from reproducing wear to designing it. / archive photo © 2026 Jeanologia

Jeanologia urges industry to accelerate PP Spray phase-out following ZDHC Watchlist update

Potassium permanganate has officially entered the Chemical Watchlist of the ZDHC Foundation, signaling increased scrutiny and potential phase-out of one of the most hazardous chemicals still used in denim finishing. The inclusion confirms an industry shift that Jeanologia anticipated more than a decade ago.

ISKO’s denim language at Bluezone

ISKO returns to Bluezone to showcase its latest advancements in denim innovation, presenting a comprehensive overview of its SS27 collection alongside key creative and technological collaborations. At booth C02, ISKO offers visitors an immersive look into how performance, design, and circular thinking are shaping the future of denim.

From Nature Performance to Circular Economy: Techtextil 2026 focuses on the future market for technical textiles

Alternative materials and recycling technologies are one of the most important future segments and drivers of innovation in technical textiles. Sustainability goals and regulatory requirements increase their relevance, while advances in performance and economic viability enhance their market competitiveness. Taking place from 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil reflects this key industry trend with a growing number of specialised exhibitors. With the new “Nature Performance” label, the leading global trade fair bundles relevant market offerings and facilitates access to new solutions – from natural fibres and yarns to bio-based materials and circular approaches.

VANDEWIELE Group at Techtextil 2026 – Textile innovations together

The VANDEWIELEGroup will showcase its latest technologies for technical textiles at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt from April 21–24 (Hall 12.0, Stand C21). As a global leader in textile machinery, the group brings together specialised brands to support the evolving demands of high-performance textile applications. Visitors will discover solutions in laboratory testing, yarn joining, yarn feeding and thread tension monitoring, designed to create measurable value across the textile value chain.