Texhibition 2025 reveals how AI is shaping Türkiye’s textile sector

The Texhibition Istanbul Fabric, Yarn and Textile Accessories Fair 2025, staged by the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association (İTHİB – İstanbul Tekstil ve Hammaddeleri İhracatçıları Birliği) from 5-7 March at the Istanbul Expo Centre (IFM – İstanbul Fuar Merkezi) showcased technological innovations and sustainable solutions shaping the future of the country’s textile industry.

With over 500 exhibitors and more than 25,000 visitors from 125 countries, the fair reaf􀀃rmed the global prominence of Türkiye’s textile firms.

In his opening speech, trade minister Ömer Bolat highlighted that at the seventh edition of Texhibition “Turkish textiles, fabrics, yarns, apparel, carpets, and home textiles have now become globally recognised brands.”

Minister Bolat underscored the international importance of the textile and apparel industry, highlighting its share of global exports: “The global textile trade amounts to $875bn, and Türkiye holds a 4% stake in this market. Worldwide, we rank sixth in textiles, clothing, and apparel manufacturing and stand as the third-largest supplier to the European Union.”

Mustafa Gültepe, chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM – Türkiye İhracatçılar Meclisi), acknowledged a recent slowdown in the textile and apparel industry but expressed optimism: “We have faced capacity declines, but we believe the worst is behind us.” He also underlined Istanbul’s potential to become one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, stating: “Our efforts are laying the groundwork for that vision.”

Innovation and sustainable solutions

The Innovation Hub at the fair, curated by renowned designer Arzu Kaprol, featured cutting-edge projects within the textile sector. Drawing on her 30 years of industry experience, Kaprol explained the Innovation Hub was designed to honour and showcase pioneering projects while fostering collaboration within the Turkish textile industry.

She highlighted innovations such as fabrics derived from pomegranate peels, garments produced with 3D printing technology, and designs incorporating projection-based pattern transformations, all of which she believes will shape the future of fashion. Her contributions include a ‘Skeleton Dress’, which explores the redesign of the human body and bone structure as a living organism. This piece is currently on display at the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum in New York.

Kaprol highlighted the cross-industry impact of these innovations, stating: “These technological textiles have applications beyond fashion, from defence to healthcare. Fire-resistant fabrics that withstand up to seven hours of exposure and antimicrobial garments featuring silver-coated stripes are among the breakthrough solutions attracting significant interest from defence industry representatives.”

Sustainability was a dominant theme at the fair. Besim Özek, sales and business development director at Bossa, a company operating in the sector since 1951, emphasised its dedication to sustainable denim production: “Sustainability is one of our top investment priorities. We have implemented initiatives that reduce water consumption at every stage of cotton production while enhancing social responsibility. We cultivate specialised cotton through strategic collaborations with major brands to support their sustainability objectives.”

Özek also noted that Bossa ranks among the world’s top ten denim manufacturers, selling approximately 40m metres of fabric annually, with 75–80% of production allocated for export. However, he cited currency fructuations as a key challenge, arguing that despite steady falls in its value against the US dollar and Euro, the Turkish lira is still overvalued and this “reduces our competitiveness”.

Label innovations and waste reduction

Another notable sustainability initiative comes from Işık Etiket, which is tackling waste generated by traditional clothing labels. Company representative Erdin Çekliç said that 100bn labels are discarded worldwide each year, a problem designed to be tackled by its ‘skin-friendly label’ project: “If a label doesn’t irritate the skin, why would someone cut it off? Additionally, we have integrated QR codes on our labels, allowing consumers to access washing instructions in over 100 languages and providing direct links to the brand’s Instagram, Twitter (X), and website,” he said.

Çekliç also introduced seed-infused labels, stating: “These labels can be planted after use and will grow into flowers. This initiative has gained significant traction in sustainable fashion and eco-friendly product development.”

AI and digital transformation

One of the most discussed topics at the fair was the integration of arti􀀃cial intelligence (AI) in textile design. Özgecan Üskü, founder of MYTH, presented her company as one of the world’s first AI-powered pattern design platforms, where designers can subscribe to the service, create unique patterns and test them on garments.

Reflecting on how textile design has evolved, she noted: “In the past, designers relied on hand sketches before shifting to Photoshop. Now, AI-assisted design is transforming the industry once again.”

Üskü emphasised that AI is not replacing designers but enhancing their productivity, explaining: “Previously, companies needed 􀀃ve designers; now, with AI, two skilled designers can accomplish the same workload. This is why we are developing the ‘AI Designer’

concept — a new generation of professionals who optimise AI’s potential.”

Her perspective aligns with that of digital artist and interaction designer Zeynep Nal, who has been working on human-computer interaction since 2012. Nal’s ‘smart dress’ project incorporates a built-in colour sensor that detects and adapts to surrounding colours, creating dynamic patterns.

She highlighted the broader applications of wearable technology, stating: “Wearable tech is not just about fashion; it’s a revolutionary tool for self-expression, daily life, and artistic innovation. We are developing a system using mental state sensors to reflect a person’s mood through dynamic colour and pattern changes.”

Economic outlook and industry expectations

Such innovation will strengthen a Turkish clothing and textile sector that minister Bolat said earned $32.1bn in exports last year (2024), $36bn counting carpets, home textiles, leather goods and accessories: “As interest rates continue to decline, we expect even lower

financing costs by summer, making it easier for businesses to fund their operations.”

However, Bossa’s Özek raised concerns about profitability challenges, stating: “Last year, Bossa achieved record production levels, yet profet margins remain low. We must focus on developing innovative products, enhancing sustainability, and increasing sales.”

Bolat added: “Only two countries — Türkiye and China — possess an integrated production and export capacity spanning raw materials, fabric, apparel, accessories, carpets, and home textiles.”