The Turkish textile and apparel sector reaffirmed its central role in the country’s economy during the recent edition of IFCO – Istanbul Fashion Connection, Europe’s largest ready-to-wear and fashion fair. Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, the event proved to be a strategic platform for exports, branding, and global partnerships.
Over 30,000 professional visitors from more than 100 countries attended the three-day exhibition, marking a 22% increase in international participation compared to the previous edition. The fair hosted 250 Turkish exhibitors, showcasing the diversity and competitiveness of the country’s apparel industry.
Industry leaders emphasized that the textile and ready-to-wear sectors remain the backbone of Türkiye’s exports, regional development, and employment generation. By offering both high value-added design and large-scale manufacturing capacity, Turkish companies continue to position themselves as reliable partners for global buyers.
International Partnerships Highlight Sector’s Potential
The fair saw major sourcing groups from Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom finalize new contracts with Turkish suppliers. Buyers from renowned global fashion and retail brands, including leading U.S. and European groups, strengthened their partnerships with Turkish manufacturers. These agreements underline Türkiye’s rising profile as a hub for quality, speed-to-market, and sustainable production.
Voices from the Industry
Exhibitors expressed optimism despite global market uncertainties. Leading fashion brands highlighted strong interest in their collections from international buyers. While some noted seasonal timing challenges due to Europe’s summer holidays, most agreed that IFCO offered invaluable opportunities for networking, branding, and long-term business growth.
According to sector representatives, IFCO has now become a recognized international brand itself, attracting foreign visitors eager to engage directly with Turkish producers. The fair serves not only as a marketplace but also as a symbol of Türkiye’s ambition to strengthen its position in global fashion value chains.
Looking Ahead: From IFCO to Texhibition
Attention now turns to Texhibition Istanbul (September 10–12, 2025), which will spotlight Türkiye’s strength in textiles and raw materials. Organized by İTHİB, Texhibition is expected to attract qualified buyers from across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Americas, reinforcing the integrated structure of Türkiye’s textile and apparel ecosystem.
Editorial Note
As Kohan Textile Journal, we view IFCO not only as a successful trade fair but also as a reflection of the resilience and adaptability of Türkiye’s textile and apparel industry. In an era of rising costs and global competition, such events provide the critical visibility and trust-building that exporters need to expand their reach. Supporting and growing these platforms is vital to ensuring Türkiye’s continued success as one of the world’s leading textile and fashion producers.
