The apparel industry depends on regular contact between designers, manufacturers, retailers, and sourcing specialists. Trade shows remain one of the clearest ways to study upcoming styles, understand shifting buyer preferences, and place products in front of qualified decision makers. The United States hosts several long-running events that serve different corners of the fashion world, from contemporary womenswear to activewear, accessories, and private-label production.
The listings below outline fifteen notable shows planned for the 2026 cycle, presented in a practical format to help exhibitors plan their year with clarity.
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When: January 11 – 12, 2026
Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN
About the Trade Show:
This long-standing regional event is known for its close community of womenswear buyers and exhibitors. The show focuses on contemporary and young contemporary apparel, accessories, footwear, and gift merchandise. Its smaller scale gives brands room to introduce collections in a calmer setting where conversations tend to be more detailed and measured. Careful booth planning often proves valuable here, as buyers expect well-presented assortments rather than large displays.
When: January 20 – 22, 2026
Where: Javits Center, New York, NY
About the Trade Show:
Texworld brings together global textile mills, sourcing agents, and design teams. Attendees usually arrive with firm sourcing goals, whether for seasonal fabrics, trims, or production partnerships. The show helps retailers and private-label teams compare material quality and cost structures in one place. Sessions led by textile specialists also support those exploring new fibers or sustainable materials.
When: January 20 – 22, 2026
Where: Javits Center, New York, NY
About the Trade Show: Held alongside Texworld, this event serves companies looking for full-package, cut-and-sew, or private-label partners. Exhibitors often represent factories with established production lines. Buyers use the show to verify capabilities, evaluate turnaround times, and review samples before committing to further discussions.
When: February 17 – 19, 2026
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
About the Trade Show: MAGIC is one of the most widely recognized fashion markets in the country. It covers womenswear, menswear, accessories, footwear, and select lifestyle categories. The scale of the show brings brands into contact with department stores, online retailers, boutique owners, and international buyers. Exhibitors usually benefit from organized presentations and clear line sheets to help buyers move swiftly through large sections of the floor.
When: February 17 – 19, 2026
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
About the Trade Show: PROJECT focuses on high-end and stylish menswear of the modern era. It is frequently the denim labels, footwear makers, and contemporary designers who use this show to carry out their new catalogs. The space is set for less loud talks about the craft, the fit, and the way the goods are made, which is attractive to retailers who produce niches.
When: February 17 – 19, 2026
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
About the Trade Show: Sourcing at MAGIC gives you a worldwide view of the regions of the earth where things are made and the different kinds of productions. Manufacturers of textiles, factories, technology suppliers, and companies offering transport and storage services are among those showcasing their products. A lot of brands that are either private label or are in their early stages of development come there to figure out the ability, size, and price levels of the suppliers before they decide to make supply relationships of a long-term nature.
When: March 5 – 8, 2026
Where: AmericasMart Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
About the Trade Show:
Atlanta Apparel hosts several editions each year, and its March market is among the strongest. Retailers from the Southeast visit to preview womenswear, accessories, shoes, and young contemporary styles. Showrooms and temporary booths allow exhibitors to arrange collections by category or lifestyle groupings, which helps buyers move efficiently through the market.
When: March 16 – 18, 2026
Where: The Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL
About the Trade Show: This menswear-centric marketplace attracts store owners and specialty retailers looking for tailored clothing, luxury sportswear, and footwear. Exhibitors are usually heritage brands or skilled designers. A well-planned booth design can help create a tranquil mood, which is perfect for detailed fitting notes and assortment planning.
When: June 17 – 19, 2026
Where: Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
About the Trade Show: Outdoor Retailer is still the main hub for the active and outdoor industry. Brands have come up with apparel for hiking, climbing, running, and general outdoor use. Usually, the exhibitors show off the fabric performance, the construction durability, and the functional detailing of their products. The event is a magnet for buyers of outdoor chains, sporting goods stores, and online retailers.
When: July 10 – 13, 2026
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, FL
About the Trade Show: SwimShow is a long-running market for swimwear, resort wear, and beach accessories. Retailers from coastal regions, resort destinations, and online boutique sectors attend to view new silhouettes and seasonal prints. Exhibitors often succeed when they maintain clear merchandising that reflects the relaxed yet polished spirit of the category.
When: July 22 – 23, 2026
Where: Portland, OR
About the Trade Show: The fair highlights technical textiles used in performance apparel. Designers, developers, and sourcing teams attend to compare moisture-management fabrics, stretch materials, sustainable fibers, and protective textiles. Exhibitors focused on technical clarity often gain the most attention.
When: August 10 – 13, 2026
Where: Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, NV
About the Trade Show: OFFPRICE is the place where buyers that are focused on getting the best value come for products that are ready to be shipped in the categories of apparel, accessories, and footwear. The sellers’ main goal is to show a large volume of their products and attractive prices. The store owners and buyers from the retail chains come to fill up their shelves with essential products, seasonal articles, and promotional goods.
When: August 17 – 19, 2026
Where: Javits Center, New York, NY
About the Trade Show: This show centers on children’s apparel from infant sizes to early teens. Buyers include boutiques, regional chains, and department stores. Exhibitors value quality, comfort, and responsible production, which are strong priorities in this category.
When: September 16 – 18, 2026
Where: Javits Center, New York, NY
About the Trade Show: COTERIE has a reputation for delivering sophisticated womenswear along with quality accessories of the higher-end market. The consumer base consists of both local and foreign retailers who are in search of design-led product ranges. Besides, the exhibitors frequently unveil their collections, which have been meticulously styled and accompanied by detailed craftsmanship notes.
When: October 6 – 7, 2026
Where: Las Vegas, NV
About the Trade Show: FABRIC is a community that focuses on small-batch and medium-scale production to serve the private label and sourcing sector. The company provides an easy-to-use platform for designers to connect with factories, pattern makers, and material suppliers, in particular those who are willing to lower their minimums.
Trade shows in the apparel sector rely heavily on presentation. A well-structured booth helps buyers study fabrics, silhouettes, and trims without distraction. You can arrange rental displays from TrueBlue Exhibits around apparel racks, accessory towers, or sample stations. Many exhibitors choose neutral palettes so that colors and textures remain the focal point.
With clear lighting, durable flooring, and practical storage, teams can maintain order even during peak show hours.
Which apparel trade show is best for emerging designers
Emerging designers often begin with regional events such as Northstar or FABRIC because these shows offer a manageable scale and more time for buyer conversations.
Do these shows require advance appointments
Many buyers prefer appointments, especially at larger shows. Exhibitors typically reach out weeks before the event to arrange meetings.
How early should exhibitors begin planning their booth
A three-month lead time is considered reasonable. This allows time for design, approvals, shipping arrangements, and pre-show outreach.
The calendar of apparel trade shows is filled with potential for brands, retailers, and sourcing specialists. Each event highlights its distinct features, such as focusing on contemporary womenswear, menswear, performance textiles, swimwear, or children’s apparel.
Exhibitors can maximize these occasions with thorough preparation and an appealing display. If one considers each step carefully and his/her booth is well equipped, the 2026 season is an ideal platform to foster relationships that last in the industry.
