Sport has always been a driver of progress, both in society and in industry. With the new ISPO Textrends Whitepaper for Fall/Winter 2027/28, ISPO, together with trend expert Louisa Smith, once again opens a window into the future of textiles. Covering global influences, colors, megatrends, and textile innovations, the Whitepaper delivers clear impulses to the industry, many of which will be visible at ISPO 2025.
As the international flagship event of the global sports business, ISPO 2025 offers clear orientation with its Sustainability Solutions Area. In the Upstream & Supply Arena, manufacturers, suppliers, and material innovators will present their latest solutions. The award-winning developments of the ISPO Textrends Award provide guidance on upcoming market dynamics. Be part of it, from 30 NOV. - 02 DEZ. in Munich.
Louisa Smith describes the coming years as a game of pinball, uncertain times that nonetheless spark creativity and innovation. Under the guiding theme “Pinball Wizard,” she emphasizes a core strength of the sports and outdoor industry: its ability to combine functionality, performance, and sustainability more successfully than other textile segments.
Her message is clear: this is not about short-term trends, but about responsibility. Brands must increase their investment in innovation, while consumers should recognize the value of sustainable, high-performing products. Research, lab-based innovations, and new materials should not remain at the concept stage, they must reach the market.
The Whitepaper identifies three megatrends that will be crucial in the coming years:
These megatrends are not abstract visions, they directly impact material development, design, production methods, and market strategies.
Colors always reflect social moods. For Fall/Winter 2027/28, ISPO Textrends highlights five overarching palettes:
These palettes show how culture, consumer behavior, and technology are intertwined with textile aesthetics.
In addition to megatrends and color palettes, the Whitepaper defines five textile directions that will be decisive for designers, manufacturers, and brands. While details remain under wraps, the insights point toward a fusion of high-tech, sustainability, and multisensory textile experiences.
An example: bio-based additives in finishing or tri-lobal yarns with variable reflectivity. Developments like these make it clear that textiles are becoming smarter, more sustainable, and more emotional at the same time.
The Whitepaper is more than a resource for designers or sourcing managers, it is a tool for all decision-makers along the value chain.
Anyone who wants to understand what the market will look like in 2027/28 will find a decisive head start in the Whitepaper.
The content of the Whitepaper is not theoretical, it will be brought to life at ISPO 2025.
Networking & Matchmaking: Textrends is the meeting point where retailers, designers, and manufacturers connect, build synergies, and set standards.
The Whitepaper marks the starting point, but ISPO 2025 in Munich from November 30 to December 2 will be the defining moment when the vision becomes tangible, across exhibition spaces, in award showcases, and in conversations.
The future of sports textiles will not be decided by isolated developments, but by the interplay of innovation, market, and consumer demand. ISPO Textrends is the central hub for this.
Viscose feels like silk, but costs significantly less - making it a popular fabric for sports and outdoor clothing. It is comfortable against the skin, has a temperature-regulating effect and is biodegradable. Many brands rely on this "green" effect in their communication. But beware: conventional viscose is only sustainable at first glance. The manufacturing process is often resource-intensive - and therefore needs to be viewed critically.
Viscose is a chemically produced fiber based on cellulose - a natural raw material. In fashion, it is also known as "rayon" and is often used as an artificial alternative to silk. The fabric is versatile and is ideal for dresses, blouses and skirts.
Viscose is soft to the touch, breathable and drapes beautifully. It can be easily dyed and is often used as a substitute for silk or cotton. Viscose clothing is comfortable to wear and often has a slightly shiny appearance. Important to know: If cared for incorrectly, the fabric can shrink or lose its shape. It is also somewhat more sensitive than other materials in terms of durability.
Although viscose fiber is not as sustainable as it seems, it has advantages over other chemical fibers such as polyester in terms of environmental friendliness. The advantages of viscose are therefore
In view of these advantages, the question of whether viscose is good can definitely be answered with a "yes".
Finally, we have summarized the most frequently asked questions about viscose for you.
If you want to communicate responsibly today, you have to question what is in the material. If you want to be successful tomorrow, you need solutions that not only sound good, but are measurably better. From 30. NOV. - 02. DEC. ISPO in Munich will show how sustainability and innovation come together. In the Arena Upstream & Supply, developers, designers and material suppliers will come together to set new standards. Talks, showcases and the ISPO Textrends Awards stage will reveal how the next generation of materials is being created - smarter, more transparent, more sustainable.
Polyester is a synthetic textile fiber from the chemistry lab that has been an integral part of the textile world since its invention in the early 1940s. Super light and silky soft, breathable, heat-resistant and quick-drying, it is made for the sports and outdoor sector. However, ever since the industry began to rethink its approach in an environmentally conscious way, polyester has increasingly fallen into disrepute: the textile fiber is based on various plastics and therefore poses all kinds of problems for the environment. Find out what solutions there are and what else you need to know about polyester here.
The good combination and processing options make polyester a versatile material that also offers good alternatives in terms of sustainability. Nevertheless, polyester has a poor eco-balance, as microplastics dissolve in the waxing machine and end up in the waste water. Polyester is also found in PET bottles and other plastic packaging.
At the end of the article we answer frequently asked questions about polyester.
Stretch, stretch, hold and return to the starting position - no, we're not talking about the best stretching exercises for your workout. But it is about a fiber that is almost always involved and will almost certainly outperform you: spandex. The synthetic fiber, also known as "Lycra" or "Spandex", is added to almost all sportswear and ensures the best performance, fit and comfort. Find out why this is the case and the reasons for or against spandex as an ingredient in sportswear here.
Unified commerce: how to take your company to the next levelSpandex has a number of advantages, including good breathability and high durability. However, if you want to use sustainable fabrics, spandex is only a good choice to a limited extent.
Below we answer frequently asked questions about spandex.
"Cross-industry inspiration is the key to groundbreaking innovation," says Florian Auger, designer at Autocraft. This synergy is also evident in the automotive and sports worlds, even though these industries might seem worlds apart at first glance. But a closer look reveals that they share the same core principle: the relentless drive for speed, precision, and sustainability.
Design and innovation will also play a major role at ISPO 2025, from 30. NOV. - 02. DEC. – showcase your products at the ISPO Award and gain maximum exposure to an international audience. The Brands & Products Arena also offers the perfect platform to present your brand, ideas, and innovations exactly where they need to be seen.
The automotive and sports industries share a dynamic connection, fueled by innovation, performance, and shared audiences. From high-speed racing events like Formula 1 to automotive-sponsored athletic programs, this intersection drives advancements in technology and global brand visibility.
Automotive brands leverage sports partnerships to showcase cutting-edge designs, while sports benefit from automotive design expertise in engineering and mobility. Together, they create powerful collaborations that enhance fan experiences and redefine excellence in their respective fields.
The automotive industry, driven by long product cycles and high investments in R&D, offers fertile ground for sports innovators to borrow and adapt ideas. According to François Farion, Design Director of Innovation, Sustainability, and CMF Processes at Renault Group, techniques like Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)—which minimize waste in car manufacturing—are now being applied to craft lightweight, sustainable sports equipment.
From Formula 1’s aerodynamic mastery to Polestar’s climate-neutral design ambitions, automotive brands have set benchmarks in innovation. Sports brands, with their focus on peak performance and durability, have eagerly embraced these advancements. As Hervé Barrière, Product Leader Spring at Renault Group, noted, “Essentialist designs, which eliminate unnecessary features, resonate deeply with both automotive and outdoor sports consumers.”
At their core, Automotive Design in Sports prioritizes performance—whether it’s shaving milliseconds off a race car’s lap time or optimizing a runner’s footwear for maximum efficiency. Aerodynamic testing, once exclusive to automotive labs, now shapes everything from cycling helmets to Olympic swimwear. This cross-industry collaboration fosters a culture of excellence that drives both sectors forward.
Although we often see them as completely different disciplines, automotive design makes perfect sense when applied to sports. The automotive industry’s expertise in materials, aerodynamics, and engineering has had a profound impact on sports performance. Lightweight materials like carbon fiber—a staple in high-performance cars—have revolutionized sports equipment.
Meanwhile, engineering techniques such as wind tunnel testing help athletes achieve optimal performance under various conditions. Komal Singh, Color and Material Design Expert at Polestar, explained, “Monomaterials and circular solutions will define the next decade of design. This is as true for sports gear as it is for electric vehicles.” Such innovations not only enhance performance but also redefine sustainability in design.
Several significant innovations from automotive design in sports are transforming the world of athletics. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Among advanced materials and lightweight designs, these innovations are making a major impact.
When it comes to aerodynamics and speed optimization, the following innovations are paving the way.
Data-driven performance improvements are reshaping sports, driven by the following breakthroughs.
The automotive industry’s focus on innovation and performance has also significantly influenced sports equipment design. Advanced materials, aerodynamics, and engineering techniques from automotive technology have been integrated into sports gear, enhancing performance, durability, and safety for athletes across various disciplines.
The following are testament to the ongoing influence that has given a new dimension to sports equipment design.
High-performance gear inspired by cars incorporates advanced materials and design principles for optimal efficiency. For instance:
Meanwhile, electric and sustainable innovations are shaping the future, offering eco-friendly, cutting-edge solutions for both sports and automotive industries. These are some of the examples:
Sustainability in Manufacturing: Polestar’s commitment to climate neutrality and Renault’s use of recycled materials underscore the automotive industry’s leadership in sustainability. Sports brands are increasingly adopting these practices to create eco-friendly equipment and reduce their carbon footprint.
Collaboration between automotive and sports brands blends cutting-edge technology with performance-driven design. Automotive expertise in engineering, materials, and innovation enhances sports equipment and gear, while sports brands offer automotive companies access to global audiences, elevating both industries.
For example, Mercedes-Benz’s engineering expertise has contributed to the development of high-performance bicycles, setting new standards in the cycling world. Likewise, Porsche has partnered with sports brands to apply its design philosophy to running shoes, seamlessly blending style and functionality for enhanced athletic performance. Joint marketing campaigns, like Polestar’s partnerships with startups such as Paper Shell, highlight the synergy between these industries and their shared dedication to performance and sustainability. By working together, brands can amplify their messages and promote innovations that resonate globally.
The Key Benefits of Collaboration Between Automotive and Sports Industries in a Nutshell:
In the end, the key takeaway for the sports industry is clear: cross-sector collaborations foster breakthroughs that go beyond product development. They redefine performance, sustainability, and global impact, showing that the future of sports lies in looking beyond traditional boundaries.
The following lessons will impact the sporting industry for good if they are imbibed effectively from the auto industry.
A perspective of accepting and embracing innovation and leveraging it for continuous improvement.
Since the automotive industry is moving towards sustainability, sports can also take a lot from them.
Renewable Energy Integration:
The shift toward renewable energy in automotive manufacturing has inspired similar initiatives in sports facilities and events, paving the way for greener operations.
Stadiums and training centers are increasingly adopting solar power and energy-efficient designs, reducing their environmental footprints and aligning with consumer demand for sustainability.
As this collaboration evolves, it’s clear that the automotive industry plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports. From materials science to AI-powered performance enhancements, the innovations born from this partnership have transformed sports equipment, facilities, and even the way athletes train and compete. The influence of automotive design in sports is evident in streamlined gear, aerodynamic designs, and optimized structures that push athletic performance to new heights.
However, the most exciting aspect lies in what’s to come. With sustainability as a shared priority and an unwavering commitment to pushing technological boundaries, these industries have only scratched the surface of their potential.
It’s time for both sectors to embrace deeper collaboration, to not only inspire athletes but also pave the way for a greener, smarter, and more inclusive future for sports fans around the globe.
As Florian Auger puts it, “Cross-industry inspiration is the key to driving meaningful innovation.” Let’s keep driving—and redefining—the boundaries of possibility.
