Table of Contents
Introduction
The Canton Fair is the largest trade event in China and an essential sourcing destination for the global fashion industry. The 138th (Autumn) session will host its Phase 3 exhibition from 31 October to 4 November 2025, focusing on consumer goods and lifestyle products. The official Phase 3 product catalogue lists Fashion alongside Toys & Children/Baby & Maternity, Home Textiles, Stationery, Health & Recreation and Traditional Chinese Specialties. Within the fashion sector the fair spans everything from men’s and women’s garments and underwear to sportswear, furs, leather, down products, accessories, textile raw materials, fabrics, shoes and cases & bags.
This Canton Fair 2025 Autumn: Fashion Guide offers a comprehensive roadmap for buyers and designers navigating the fashion halls. It provides dates, hall locations, category breakdowns, trend insights and sourcing strategies based on both English and Chinese sources. It also incorporates Yana Sourcing’s SMART + HEART framework to help visitors vet suppliers holistically.
Dates and Hall Layout
Phase 3 of the 2025 Autumn Canton Fair runs five days, from Friday 31 October 2025 through Tuesday 4 November 2025. Doors are open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The fashion sector spreads across several halls in Area A and Area B at the Canton Fair Complex. A simplified guide to the hall assignments is below:
- Men’s & Women’s Clothing – Halls 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 in Area A.
- Sports & Casual Wear – Halls 6.1 and 7.1 in Area A and 1.1Y (south square temporary hall).
- Clothing Accessories & Fittings – Halls 4.0 and 8.0 in Area A and 5.1Y temporary hall.
- Shoes – Halls 1.2, 2.2, 3.2, 4.2 and 5.2 in Area A and the 3.1Y temporary hall.
- Cases & Bags – Halls 17.2 through 20.2 in Area C.
Navigating the halls
Area A houses most garment and shoe halls. Plan your route by prioritising categories: visit clothing halls first (1.1–5.1) before moving to sportswear (6.1–7.1). Temporary halls (marked with Y) are tented structures outside; these often host newer exhibitors or category overflow. Area C (17.2–20.2) is separated by shuttle bus and hosts cases & bags; allocate additional time to travel there. Download the Canton Fair app to access maps and real‑time exhibitor lists and consider wearing comfortable footwear—these halls span hundreds of thousands of square metres.
Categories and Sub‑categories
The Canton Fair classifies Fashion into several distinct product groups. Below is a summary of key categories and examples based on official and independent sources.
| Category | Example Products |
|---|---|
| Men’s & Women’s Clothing | Shirts, T‑shirts, blouses, jeans, jackets, dresses, business suits, coats and ensembles |
| Children’s & Kids’ Wear | Tops, skirts, trousers, coats, school uniforms and casual outfits |
| Underwear, Sleepwear & Home Wear | Underwear, nightgowns, pyjamas, bathrobes, home wear |
| Sports & Casual Wear | Tracksuits, athletic jerseys, yoga wear, active leggings, outdoor sports apparel |
| Furs, Leather, Downs & Related Products | Fur coats, leather jackets, down jackets, suede garments, sheepskin items |
| Fashion Accessories & Fittings | Scarves, ties, hats, belts, gloves, stockings, buttons, zippers, ribbons and other garment fittings |
| Textile Raw Materials & Fabrics | Cotton, linen, silk, synthetic and blended fabrics; yarns, fibres and sewing threads; home textile fabrics (bed linen, towels) and carpets |
| Shoes | Men’s, women’s and children’s shoes; sports shoes, fashion shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, leather shoes, canvas shoes and work shoes |
| Cases & Bags | Luggage, suitcases, backpacks, handbags, wallets, travel bags, school bags and fashion purses |
Market Trends and Innovations
Sustainable & functional fashion
The fashion sector at the Canton Fair is increasingly aligned with global demand for sustainability and functionality. A report on the 136th Canton Fair highlighted how exhibitors integrated sustainable materials and multifunctional designs, including a 3‑in‑1 inflatable jacket with amphibious rescue function and knit outer jackets using patented rain‑proof and breathable fabrics. Other exhibitors showcased eco‑friendly textiles such as bamboo silk derived from plant fibres and mushroom fibre fabric with natural antibacterial properties. These innovations demonstrate the fair’s focus on greener, performance‑driven fashion.
Functional fabrics & smart apparel
Buyers should expect to see functional fabrics such as moisture‑wicking, antibacterial, UV‑resistant and temperature‑regulating textiles. Reports from sourcing advisors note that exhibitors emphasise anti‑bacterial coatings, moisture‑wicking knits, UV‑resistant threads and biodegradable tags to meet consumer health and sustainability demands. Smart garments with built‑in sensors for fitness monitoring and clothing that transitions between casual and professional contexts are gaining momentum.
Minimalism & multi‑functionality
Global consumer trends point towards minimalist aesthetics and multi‑functional garments. The Market Union blog indicates that international retailers favour simple, versatile designs that can be worn across occasions, reflecting a shift from fast fashion to timeless, quality pieces. In footwear and accessories, convertible bags and shoes with interchangeable components are popular. Expect exhibitors to present modular apparel, convertible jackets and reversible fabrics.
Chinese design & cross‑border digital channels
Beyond materials, the Canton Fair spotlights Chinese design innovation. Many brands emphasise traditional Chinese motifs, modern silhouettes and culturally relevant patterns. With cross‑border e‑commerce booming, exhibitors will demonstrate digital marketing tools and services, such as livestreaming, interactive VR showrooms and integrated supply chain management, to attract overseas buyers. Exploring these platforms during the fair can help buyers evaluate suppliers’ digital maturity.
Sourcing & Negotiation Strategies
Effective sourcing at the Canton Fair requires planning and due diligence. Here are strategies for the fashion sector:
- Pre‑event research – Identify your product requirements and compile a shortlist of potential exhibitors by reviewing the official exhibitor list and using the Canton Fair app. Narrow your focus to relevant halls based on categories and hall numbers.
- Assess supplier capabilities – Determine whether a supplier is a manufacturer or trading company. Ask about minimum order quantities (MOQs), production capacity, lead times and quality control systems. Request to see sample garments for workmanship and fabric quality.
- Benchmark quality standards – Bring samples of your desired material and design for comparison. Verify whether suppliers comply with international standards (ISO 9001, OEKO‑TEX, BSCI). For shoes and cases, check certifications like REACH and FDA for materials.
- Negotiate beyond price – Discuss payment terms, delivery timelines, packaging solutions and after‑sales service. Inquire about value‑added services such as design assistance, private labelling or drop‑shipping. Consider long‑term relationships rather than one‑off purchases; many suppliers may offer better terms with repeat orders.
- Secure written agreements – Document key terms in a purchase order or memorandum of understanding (MOU). If possible, visit the factory after the fair to assess production conditions. In complex transactions, engage a third‑party inspection company.
Yana Sourcing’s SMART + HEART Framework for Fashion
Yana Sourcing combines quantitative data with qualitative insights to evaluate potential suppliers. Our SMART + HEART framework ensures that candidates meet both objective criteria and subjective partnership qualities.
SMART Process
- Supplier Basics – For fashion sourcing, verify that the supplier’s product lines align with your brand’s style and market positioning. Assess their ownership structure, design and sample development capabilities, and whether they offer customisation.
- Market & Financials – Examine the company’s financial health, export experience and investment in technology. Evaluate if they are investing in automated cutting, digital printing and sustainable materials to remain competitive.
- Assurance & Certifications – ISO and OEKO‑TEX certifications are baseline requirements. Ask about audits (e.g., SEDEX, BSCI) and fabric testing reports. Investigate whether their leather products meet environmental standards (e.g., Leather Working Group) and whether down is traceable.
- References & Case Studies – Request references from international clients and examine case studies that demonstrate consistent quality, on‑time delivery and successful collaborations. Check online reviews and industry networks for reputational signals.
- Transparency & ESG – Evaluate supply chain transparency: can the supplier trace their raw materials? Do they disclose social and environmental policies? Investigate their use of recyclable packaging, renewable energy or waste‑reduction initiatives. Transparency ensures that compliance is verifiable, not just promised.
HEART Process
- History – Review the supplier’s heritage in apparel manufacturing: decades of experience often translate into stable processes and an understanding of global standards.
- Execution – Observe sample quality and production consistency. Are stitches even and durable? Do patterns match across seams? Execution reveals whether designs translate from concept to finished garment.
- Agility – In fashion cycles, trends change quickly. Assess whether the supplier can adapt to new designs, fabrics or colourways with short lead times. Ask about their flexibility to scale up or down as orders fluctuate.
- Reliability – Investigate delivery punctuality and the supplier’s capacity to honour commitments during busy seasons. A consistent track record signals reliability.
- Trust – Building trust goes beyond contracts. Consider cultural alignment, communication style and responsiveness. Strong relationships foster long‑term partnerships and innovation collaboration.
By applying the SMART + HEART framework, Yana Sourcing helps buyers filter hundreds of exhibitors down to a curated list of partners who meet both quantitative and qualitative benchmarks. The framework transforms a fair visit from a transactional shopping trip into a strategic investment in supply chain resilience and innovation.
Conclusion
The Fashion halls at the Canton Fair 2025 Autumn showcase a vast array of garments, textiles, footwear and accessories. With the fair emphasising sustainability, functional fabrics and design innovation, buyers have opportunities to discover partners that align with emerging consumer expectations. By understanding hall layouts, mastering category nuances, tracking industry trends and applying Yana Sourcing’s SMART + HEART evaluation, you can maximise your time at the fair and secure reliable, innovative suppliers for long‑term success.
Related Links
To explore overall information and information about other categories, please visit our general sourcing guide: Canton Fair 2025 Autumn Master Guide: Dates, Phases, Registration, Travel & Sourcing Strategies.
Or visit the offical Canton Fair 2025 website at: https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US
Leave a Reply