“We are Europe’s reliable partner”

The current edition of the Turkish clothing trade fair Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO) at the beginning of February 2026 once again underlined the international importance of the Turkish fashion industry – despite geopolitical tensions and increasing disruptions in global supply chains. With almost 30,000 visitors from 134 countries, around 450 exhibitors and a clear positioning as a “reliable partner” in Europe, the industry presented itself self-confident and strategically aligned.

The fair was held from February 4th to 7th at the İstanbul Fuar Merkezi Exhibition Center and was organized by the Istanbul Garment Exporters Association, IHKIB. A total of 29,746 visitors were counted, 38.2 percent of whom came from abroad. Buyers from the Middle East were particularly well represented (39.4 percent), followed by Europe (27.4 percent) and Asia (18.9 percent).

Around 450 exhibitors covered all key segments in six halls – from women’s, men’s and children’s fashion to denim, accessories and shoes through to couture, evening fashion and home textiles. The trade fair organization emphasizes: “With its strong international participation, the depth of its segments and measurable commercial results, IFCO has once again confirmed its leading position as one of the international fashion and ordering trade fairs.” It combines “design excellence, industrial capacity and access to global markets” and plays a “key role in consolidating Istanbul as a strategic center for the future of international fashion retail”.

Integration of Linexpo strengthens the lingerie segment

A central innovation was the integration of the Linexpo trade fair and thus a significantly expanded area for lingerie and swimwear. The aim was to make Turkey’s “strong position” in this strategic segment visible.

Ümit Taş, sales manager at the Turkish homewear specialist Artış Collection, assesses the step positively: “Moving Linexpo to the main area of ​​the trade fair was a great operational decision. When all segments come together at a fashion trade fair, added value is created for visitors and exhibitors.” For his company, the trade fair primarily brought contacts with buyers from Middle Eastern countries. His conclusion: IFCO is an important platform for “maintaining contact with existing buyers” and “attracting new customers”.

Technology as a future factor

In “The Core Istanbul” area, 22 designers presented avant-garde collections and technological innovations. The use of 3D printing and artificial intelligence was particularly noticeable. The label Sudi Etuz showed a 3D printed dress made of semi-solid material – a step towards flexible, additively manufactured fashion.

In addition, numerous brands used generative AI to visualize their collections. AI-generated models presented the designs on screens; In some cases, entire campaigns were developed from simple product photos. The technological openness underlined the aim of combining innovative strength and design expertise.

Europe’s ‘reliable partner’

The geopolitical situation was clearly discussed in exchanges with the IFCO management and the Istanbul Association of Clothing Exporters (IHKIB). 2025 was marked by trade conflicts and uncertainty. Although total Turkish exports rose by 4.5 percent to 273.4 billion US dollars, textile exports fell by 4.4 percent and clothing exports even fell by 6.3 percent.

Nevertheless, the clothing sector remains the country’s fourth largest export sector and employs over 850,000 people. The most important sales market is the EU: 60.6 percent of clothing exports went to the internal market in 2025. This makes Turkey the EU’s third largest supplier – behind China and Bangladesh.

Against this background, the Turkish industry representatives are positioning themselves as “truly reliable partners of Europe”. This is justified by geographical proximity, industrial strength and alignment with European sustainability and innovation standards. At the same time, they express concern about new EU free trade agreements, for example with India, which could increase competitive pressure.

Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of the IHKIB, draws a positive conclusion: “The IFCO has shown that the Turkish textile industry is prepared for the future.” The industry presented itself as “resilient, design-oriented and strategically positioned” to create sustainable value for global markets even in difficult times.

IFCO President Mustafa Paşahan also emphasizes: “The global textile industry is going through a transformation phase.” However, the Turkish industry is characterized by “strong design expertise and a solid production infrastructure” and is continuing to develop “with confidence and adaptability”. The IFCO reflects this strength by “bringing together creativity, production know-how and international business” – and thus not only reacts to market conditions, but actively shapes the future.