ShanghaiTex 2017, the 18th International exhibition on the textile industry to be held next month will explore the cutting-edge knitting technology and applications to stimulate innovation and inspiration among textile manufacturers. Buyer at the exhibition can explore the latest technologies of different functions.

Knitting technology is always evolving in accordance to ever-changing lifestyle. Knitting technology at ShanghaiTex will cover Knitting & Hosiery, Functional Fibers and Wearable Electronics, targeting manufacturers of sportswear, sport shoes, wearables, fashion and home textiles.

The combination of fashion and function has delivered excellent performance and aesthetics of the apparel. For example, the Coolmax fiber from DuPont; Triactor fiber from Japanese manufacturer Toyobo; and the Coolplus fiber from ZTE, are all developed with a special cross-section shape to foster capillary action for better moisture transfer and sweat removal.

With the development of textile technology, the apparel industry has made some breakthroughs in terms of comfort and warmth retention. The revolutionary integration of electronics and textiles has enabled Smart Textiles to sense and react to a changing environment, which has triggered a revolutionary change in the industry. Wearable technology refers to smart electronic devices (with microcontrollers) that can be worn on the body as implants or accessories. The designs often incorporate practical functions and features.

Wearable equipment is not only about hardware, but also incorporates software support, data and cloud interaction to achieve its function, bringing huge changes to our lives and perceptions. Cute Circuit, a British wearable technology company, has developed the world's first "smart skirt" which was made of graphene. With a built-in sensor, it can respond to the wearer's breathing rate to change colors.

ShanghaiTex 2017 will unveil the wisdom and challenges behind smart textile, bringing topics such as conductive fabrics and soft batteries under the spotlight.

The emphasis on versatility, convenience, fashion and comfort is generating a strong demand for sports and fitness textiles. This segment is expected to generate the fastest growth. Sports textile is a combination of electronic technology and sports apparel with the aim of meeting the needs derived from sport and playing its unique function. The majority of sports textiles are characterized by combining functional performance with electronic high-tech features to achieve more innovative products in line with humanistic demands.

The newly launched "Sports Textiles Technology Zone" at ShanghaiTex 2017 Hall W1 will highlight the technology and equipment used in sports textile. A series of conferences and activities in this field will also explore cutting-edge design and trends for sportswear, footwear, fashion, smart fabric developers and other industry professionals.

ShanghaiTex is sponsored by Shangtex Holding Co Ltd, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai Sub-council and China Chamber of International Commerce Shanghai Chamber of Commerce; and is organized by Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd, Shanghai Textile Technology Service & Exhibition Co Ltd. and Shanghai International Exhibition Co Ltd.

ShanghaiTex will take place from November 27-30, 2017 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Pudong, Shanghai.