The atmosphere at the European yarn fairs for spring/summer 2023 was positive, reflecting the fact that trade had begun to improve again after the apparel and textile industries had been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and 2021. Having said that, there remain economic uncertainties which continue to make it difficult to plan for upcoming seasons. These uncertainties are reflected in the colour trends for the spring/summer 2023 season. In particular, colours are restrained and mellow compared with previous seasons. That said, there is an abundance of novel knitwear yarns in the collections for the season, reflecting a playful spirit which was embraced at all of the European yarn fairs. There is also a strong focus in the collections on antiviral and antibacterial yarns, driven by an increase in consumer demand for these materials during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exhibitors at the fairs agreed that awareness of antiviral and antibacterial yarns had been brought to the forefront as a result of the pandemic and this had driven manufacturers to pursue innovation. Environmental sustainability continued to be a widely discussed and promoted topic at the fairs, and it was clear that manufacturers are pursuing opportunities for adding value through biodegradability. In particular, it is especially important for manufacturers to demonstrate the biodegradability of their yarns in marine environments. This trend is being driven by greater consumer awareness of the damage which is being caused to the environment by microfibres and the persistence of apparel and textile waste in the oceans. Yarns made from natural fibres, notably linen, merino wool and hemp, are prevalent in the collections for the spring/summer 2023 season and there is a particular focus on promoting the inherent properties of these fibres—including breathability, moisture management and thermoregulation. Also, traceability is high on the agenda for many manufacturers, and innovations in trace technology were plentiful at the fairs. © Textiles Intelligence Limited 2022.
