Functional Fabric Fair Exceeds Expectations: 2,100 Attendees Showcase Sustainable Fabrics and Technologies

The Functional Fabric Fair, a successful event powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS, recently took place in Portland, Oregon. The show was held on April 17-18 at the Oregon Convention Center and attracted over 2,100 attendees. Over 260 textile suppliers from around the world showcased sustainable functional fabrics for the apparel industry’s Spring 2025/2026 collections.

Event director Steve McCullough praised this year’s event as exceeding all expectations, with a strong turnout on the first day setting the stage for an inspiring and groundbreaking event. Attendees had access to various key areas on the show floor that allowed them to learn, discover, and be inspired.

One of the highlights of the show was the Trend Forum, which featured a collection of 100 percent sustainable trend fabrics and accessories curated by a panel of experts. QR codes were available for attendees to learn more about the products, request samples, and visit the exhibitors. The Innovation Zone showcased never-before-seen products and technologies while the new Sustainability Lounge provided a collaborative space to discuss the future of sustainability.

The Outdoor Recreation Archive from Utah State University was also on display at the fair, highlighting trends and innovations from outdoor clothing in different genres such as urban outdoor grunge heritage climb-inspired designs from that decade. A new exhibition on NASA Technology Transfer Program was also introduced at this year’s Functional Fabric Fair which showcased innovations developed for exploration and discovery that are available to the public.

Student projects from USU’s Outdoor Product Design & Development program were also displayed featuring revolutionary designs that use NASA technology patents. The fair served as a hub of creativity, inspiration and collaboration for textile and apparel industries