Keqiao Preferred Evaluation Phase II Concludes: Fabric Innovation Shifts from Single-Point Breakthrough to Three-Dimensional Integration

On July 24, the second phase of the 2026 Keqiao Preferred evaluation concluded in Shaoxing Keqiao. A total of 195 Keqiao enterprises submitted 1,072 fabric samples covering fashion, technology, and green categories. The evaluation results indicate that Keqiao's fabric industry is shifting from single-point breakthroughs in design or technology to systematic integration across three dimensions—a necessary path for industrial upgrading that also reflects end brands' new demands on the supply chain.

Data from Three Tracks: Fashion Still Dominates, Tech and Green Accelerate

Among the submitted fabrics, fashion-oriented products accounted for 75%, while technology and green categories together made up 25%. Although fashion fabrics still hold an absolute majority, the evaluation committee noted that the overall quality of tech fabrics has significantly improved compared to previous years, narrowing the gap with fashion fabrics. This suggests that Keqiao enterprises are no longer confining functional fabrics to sportswear or outdoor use but are incorporating them into daily wear and business attire. On the green side, the application scope of fibers such as recycled polyester-nylon, Lyocell, cupro, hemp, Naia™, and Yansel® has expanded considerably, paired with salt-free or low-water dyeing processes. Environmental concepts have evolved from mere labels to mass-producible product attributes. For buyers, this reduces the search cost for compliant green suppliers.

Evaluation Criteria Upgrade: Quantitative Metrics Intensified, Forcing Companies to Fill Testing Gaps

This year's evaluation system, while retaining core dimensions like fashion creativity, technological innovation, ecological protection, product quality, and market applicability, increased the weighting of quantifiable indicators such as product safety, mass production capability, functional verification, and environmental certification. Several judges pointed out that although some fabrics looked appealing and demonstrated thoughtful design, their accompanying test documentation was incomplete—precisely the hard threshold most valued by brand procurement teams. From an industry analysis perspective, this shift means Keqiao Preferred is evolving from a simple product selection into a supply chain capability assessment. To be included in the preferred list, companies must not only produce good fabrics but also provide complete performance data and certification reports. This poses a challenge for small and medium-sized textile firms but also offers an opportunity to drive management upgrades.

Expert Perspectives: Bridging the Gap from Good Fabrics to Strong Brands

Judges from brands such as Baoxiniao, Erke, and Zhuoshang Fashion offered practical suggestions based on real procurement experience. For example, one judge recommended making sustainability a mandatory baseline requirement for evaluation, pushing for deeper integration across the three dimensions. Another suggested focusing on sub-sectors like light sportswear, outdoor, and yoga to facilitate precise matching with brand procurement needs. These voices reflect that brands' expectations of suppliers have evolved from "what can you make" to "can we define products together." Keqiao enterprises aiming to enter high-end supply chains need to shift from passive order-taking to active participation in product definition, and Keqiao Preferred provides exactly such a platform.

Post-Selection Benefits: A Closed Loop from Exhibitions to Brand Matching

The second batch of selected products will be announced on the official website in early August, with winning products displayed year-round in the online showroom. More importantly, selected enterprises can participate in three targeted brand matching events and will be featured at major domestic and international exhibitions, including the China International Trade Fair for Textiles and Apparel (Autumn/Winter), Performance Days in Munich, and the Asia Pacific Textile and Apparel Supply Chain Expo & Summit (APTEXPO 2026). For export-oriented enterprises, these international fairs offer direct access to overseas buyers. Moreover, as a regional public brand, Keqiao Preferred's endorsement effect also carries recognition in overseas markets, helping to reduce the trust-building cost with new clients.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Focus on tech fabric companies in the selected list, especially those with verifiable functional parameters such as moisture-wicking, thermal insulation, UV protection, and anti-transparency. These products have passed professional evaluation, reducing trial-and-error costs. - When sourcing green fabrics, prioritize suppliers that provide environmental certifications and documentation of salt-free or low-water dyeing processes. Such companies typically have more robust compliance systems.

For Export Enterprises - Leverage Keqiao Preferred's international exhibition resources (e.g., Performance Days, APTEXPO). Prepare English-language product catalogs and test reports in advance, and proactively approach overseas brand procurement representatives. - Given the rigid demand for sustainability certifications in overseas markets, complete international certifications such as GOTS and OEKO-TEX as early as possible to avoid losing orders due to incomplete documentation.