Türkiye’s rising power in Sportech textiles

Türkiyestands out as one of Europe’s most important supply bases with its strong production capacity in performance textiles and sportech textile manufacturing. In the first quarter of 2025, technical textile exports reached the level of 582 million dollars, recording an increase of approximately 6% compared to the previous year. This strong rise clearly reveals the expansion potential in the sportech segment.

Türkiye’s technological production capacity is rapidly increasing in product groups such as sports performance knitted fabrics, waterproof functional fabrics, nonwoven sports materials and smart textile components. Demand continues to rise both in the domestic and international markets in the athleisure and high-performance clothing segments.

The rapidly growing Sportech economy in the global market

The sportech textiles sector worldwide is displaying a strong upward trend. While the global sportech market reached approximately 30 billion dollars in 2023, it is expected to reach a size of 50 billion dollars by 2032 and to continue growing with an annual compound growth rate of about 5.5%. Among the main factors driving this growth are: the widespread adoption of a sports-oriented lifestyle, the rapidly growing demand for performance fabrics, and the acceleration of innovations in textile technologies. Smart wearable technologies and sensor-integrated fabrics also bring a new dimension to the sector.

Features such as high performance, durability, breathability, moisture management and elasticity are among the main criteria directing demand in the sportech segment. From professional athletes to the wide user base embracing an active lifestyle, many consumers prefer textiles that enhance functionality and provide comfort. Thus, the segment of smart sportswear, performance monitoring systems and technical functional fabrics is growing rapidly.

Next-generation machinery and production solutions for Sportech textiles at HIGHTEX 2026

The companies participating in HIGHTEX 2026 are taking production capacity in the sector to a new level by presenting to visitors a wide and advanced technology machinery portfolio that supports the development of sportech textiles. Among the solutions to be exhibited at the fair; advanced weaving machines for functional fabrics providing high strength, lightness, UV protection and moisture management, as well as knitting technologies that stand out with superior elasticity, body conformity and friction-reducing features, hold an important place.In addition, nonwoven systems used in the production of protective sports equipment, impact-absorbing components and sports accessories, as well as coating, lamination and waterproofing solutions that make it possible to produce breathable and waterproof membranes critical for outdoor sportswear, are among the prominent technologies.

3D knitting and 3D textile systems that produce integrated structures used in many areas from sports shoes to protective pads, and nanotechnology and microencapsulation units that impart advanced functions such as antibacterial properties, UV protection and thermoregulation, constitute other important production technologies shaping the sector’s future. Thanks to this comprehensive machinery infrastructure, manufacturers can develop a wide product portfolio with high quality and efficiency, such as compression garments, performance knitted fabrics, technical outdoor fabrics, sports shoe upper materials, smart textile components and impact-absorbing structures.

Istanbul: An ideal location for global trade and collaboration

HIGHTEX 2026 creates a unique trade ecosystem for the sector as one of the strongest platforms where the technologies, production solutions and innovative materials shaping the future of the sportech textiles sector come together. Istanbul’s strategic location, Türkiye’s increasing production capacity and the rapidly growing global demand in the sportech market make the fair an indispensable business hub for international investors, manufacturers and buyers.

Located at the intersection of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Istanbul is an ideal center for international collaborations with its wide transportation network, logistical advantages and fast connection opportunities to three continents. This advantageous location not only offers HIGHTEX 2026 participants the opportunity to reach new customers; it also provides the possibility to expand collaborations, strengthen the supply chain network and discover technologies that will provide competitive advantage in sportech textiles.