CMAI integrates AI and sustainability with India’s premier apparel sourcing hub: FAB Show 2026
30 March 2026, Mumbai
The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) is set to host the sixth edition of the Fabrics, Accessories & Beyond Show (FAB Show 2026) from April 2-4, 2026, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. As the nation’s largest B2B sourcing platform, the event serves as a critical nexus for the entire textile value chain, connecting fabric manufacturers and accessory suppliers with the rapidly expanding domestic and international garment sectors.
Spanning nearly 200,000 sq ft, the 2026 edition features over 250 exhibitors. The show floor offers a 360-degree sourcing experience, encompassing high-performance fabrics, intricate trims, specialized machinery, and logistics services. This scale allows garment exporters, private labels, and e-commerce giants to identify innovative materials and forge long-term partnerships essential for maintaining a competitive edge in a fragmented retail landscape.
Global reach and regional excellence
FAB Show 2026 anticipates an attendance of 14,000 trade visitors from over 320 Indian cities. Reflecting India's growing influence in the global apparel trade, the event will host international buyers from 27 countries, including the United States, UAE, Bangladesh, China, and Egypt. A significant addition this year is the debut of the International Pavilion, featuring elite suppliers from global textile hubs.
Simultaneously, the show highlights the strength of India’s domestic manufacturing clusters. Major textile centers such as Surat, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ludhiana, and Tiruppur will have a significant presence, showcasing regional specialties from high-velocity synthetics to traditional hand-crafted textiles. To maximize business outcomes, CMAI has curated dedicated networking sessions to facilitate one-on-one interactions between corporate decision-makers and global sourcing heads.
The sustainability mandate: Eco-stitch and green factories
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are no longer optional but a commercial necessity. On April 3, the show will host the CMAI & SU.RE ECO-STITCH Sustainability Conclave, an invitation-only event focused on circularity and responsible production. Complementing this is the Sustainability Pavilion, a dedicated zone for eco-conscious innovations and certified green materials.
The ‘Grand Sustainable Fashion Show’ will further emphasize this commitment, featuring 12 curated sequences that blend Indian craftsmanship with sustainable fabrics. A unique segment on ‘Future Factory/Green Factories’ by Asmeeta Mega Fashion City will also provide a blueprint for next-generation manufacturing infrastructure, addressing the operational requirement for energy-efficient and low-impact facilities.
Technological transformation: AI in the value chain
As Artificial Intelligence reshapes design and inventory management, FAB Show 2026 will feature a specialized segment for AI solution providers. These technologies offer advanced capabilities in predictive analytics, automated design, and smart manufacturing, helping retailers reduce terminal markdowns and improve full-price sell-through rates. By integrating AI and technology-driven initiatives, the show supports the industry’s transition toward high-velocity, data-backed retail models.
With a legacy spanning over 63 years, the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) represents more than 7,000 members and serves a network of 50,000 retailers. As the only Indian association represented on the International Apparel Federation (IAF), CMAI remains at the forefront of policy advocacy and industry development. Through initiatives like SU.RE (Sustainable Resolution), the association continues to guide the Indian apparel sector toward a more innovative, ethical, and globalized future.
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