The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, has unveiled a new denim innovation at Intertextile Shanghai, one of the world’s largest textile trade fairs. The showcase, running from 2 to 4 September, marks the global debut of the company’s latest technologies while highlighting its renewed focus on collaboration and sustainability.
For the first time, LYCRA introduced an open-concept booth designed as a co-creation space to encourage greater partnership with industry peers. Located in Hall 4.1 (Booth E56), the booth forms part of a larger 788-square-metre pavilion that also houses 18 co-exhibitors. Four strategic partners – Lianxingfa, Shining, Trend Textile and Narik – are joining LYCRA in the shared space, which embodies the company’s new “ALL IN LYCRA®” brand positioning.
The ALL IN approach underscores three central pillars: delivering differentiated fibers that enable high-performance products, providing access to LYCRA Labs and its innovation expertise, and supporting customers through tailored joint marketing programmes. According to the company, this strategy is aimed at strengthening competitiveness for brands and manufacturers in a crowded global apparel market.
Jason Wang, vice-president for Asia at The LYCRA Company, said the Shanghai event was the ideal stage to launch the new direction. “Intertextile Shanghai is the perfect platform to demonstrate how we’re going ‘ALL IN’ with our customers. We designed our exhibit space to foster deeper collaboration and stronger partnerships while showcasing our innovative, market-relevant solutions,” he said.
Among the technologies on display are:
- LYCRA® VintageFX denim technology, which delivers authentic vintage looks in low-stretch fabrics while maintaining comfort and fit.
- Bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber, a renewable feedstock-based fiber that promises the same performance as original LYCRA® when it launches later this year.
- LYCRA FitSense® denim technology, which provides targeted shaping and lift zones without additional panels or seams, creating a more personalised fit.
- COOLMAX® EcoMade fiber, produced entirely from textile waste or recycled PET, offering moisture-wicking and quick-drying benefits.
- THERMOLITE® EcoMade fiber, made from 100% recycled materials, designed to add lightweight warmth to performance wear.
Visitors can also experience interactive demonstrations of the COOLMAX® EcoMade fiber’s performance, while guest speakers from denim partners Advance Denim, Texhong and SEAZON Denim are scheduled to join LYCRA representatives for presentations on 3 September.
Each of LYCRA’s four partners brings a different value chain focus: Lianxingfa highlights LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber’s versatility, Shining emphasises performance differentiation, Trend Textile showcases sustainable knits made with LYCRA® FiT400™ fiber, and Narik demonstrates seamless garments powered by LYCRA®.
The new denim innovations are part of LYCRA’s broader push into sustainable solutions at a time when apparel brands face increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact. By combining eco-derived materials with performance-enhancing technologies, the company hopes to position itself as a leading partner for global fashion manufacturers.
As the textile sector continues to evolve, Intertextile Shanghai provides an important platform for companies like LYCRA to showcase future-ready solutions. The company’s ALL IN approach, with its emphasis on sustainability, innovation and collaboration, reflects broader industry trends that are reshaping the fabric of global apparel production.
