18 Dec ISPO Munich 2025 – Dishang’s On-the-Ground Insights and What They Mean for the Future of Outdoor Apparel
ISPO Munich once again delivered a compelling snapshot of where the global sports and outdoor industry is heading. As Andrew Thomson, UK General Manager reflected, “ISPO Munich didn’t disappoint, with the usual showcase innovations on display as well as the ever-impressive category recipients of the annual ISPO Awards.”
From sustainability breakthroughs to advancements in hybrid construction, this year’s show reinforced how rapidly the category is evolving, and how important it is for brands to partner with suppliers who can translate trend insight into advanced product solutions.
Dishang’s Outdoor, R&D and UK teams were on the ground throughout the event, speaking with brands, innovators and gathering trend insights. Below is our full round-up of the themes shaping the next wave of outdoor apparel design.
A Clear Focus on Sustainability and Recyclable Solutions
One of the strongest messages from the show floor was the industry’s continued push toward recyclable, closed-loop solutions. As James Berwin, Business Development Manager (UK) noted, “there is still a key focus on being more sustainable and coming up with closed-loop solutions (i.e. fully recyclable), such as the Helium down jacket by Peak Performance.”
This shift reflects a more holistic approach to sustainability; less about marketing claims and more about traceability and lifecycle planning that allow garments to be efficiently recycled at end-of-life.
For buyers, this highlights the value of working with partners like Dishang who can support sustainable decision-making early in the development process, from fabric selection to 3D prototyping that reduces sample waste.
Peak Performance
Utility Garments
One of the biggest takeaways for our team was the rise of utility garments, now a defining trend in both performance and fashion categories.
As James explains, “People don’t want to buy as many garments. They want one that can deal with all outcomes, eg. unpredictable weather, varied activity levels, changing environments.”
This was visible across the halls, with buyers looking for:
- Lightweight running/walking waterproofs for mild but wet weather
- Multi-functional layers with increased breathability
- Jackets that transition from sport to lifestyle effortlessly
Our own R&D innovation; the Purple “Jack-Pack”, a jacket integrated with a backpack, resonated strongly with this theme. Designed at Dishang’s Outdoor Centre, it uses a 3-layer shell fabric with external seam taping, offering weather protection and integrated storage.
As James adds, “It reduces the number of pieces you need to purchase, a true utility solution.”
Dishang’s Jack-Pack (jacket with integral backpack)
Hybrid Constructions and Multi-Fabric Storytelling
Hybrid design had a major presence again this year, with brands continuing to explore functional and aesthetic combinations of multiple fabrics.
James observed, “There is still a big trend around multi-fabric jackets. The most common blend is borg mixed with nylon.”
We also saw:
- Heavy-texture contrast panels
- Body-mapped warmth zones using padded inserts
- High-fashion interpretations, including an Armani piece combining corduroy and synthetics
These hybrid concepts reinforce how brand identities are increasingly expressed through technical function as much as through fashion styling.
Armani
Technical Trends
Among the standout technical trends were:
- Body mapping for optimised warmth and breathability
- Hybrid shells combined with padded panels
- Longer silhouettes, especially in insulated designs
- An eye-catching all-in-one waterproof suit from Black Yak
Our team also highlighted the growing experimentation in baffle layouts. One of the most interesting and unique was a downward baffle jacket from RAINS. A fresh take on insulation patterning.
Rains
Colour Stories
Colour trends were varied and commercially strong. Andrew explains, “Colour themes were varied, with bright pops contrasting with candy pastels.”
This diversity was also seen in bold vibrant winter camo interpretations from Manors Golf, 4F and ski brand Tanboer, proving that camouflage remains versatile, from technical outerwear to more lifestyle-oriented pieces.
Tanboer
Reinforcement and Durability Solutions
Several brands showcased raised de-bossing and reinforcement features at critical stress points to reduce rucksack strap abrasion. Our team saw a consistent effort to extend garment longevity without adding unnecessary bulk or weight.
This aligns with Dishang’s ongoing commitment to smarter garment construction and durability testing.
4F
The Absence of Major Outdoor Brands and What Might Change in 2026
A major talking point at ISPO was the noticeably reduced presence of major global outdoor brands in Hall A.
As Andrew summarised: “Many had chosen to observe from the sidelines ahead of the show’s move to Amsterdam in 2026.”
“It remains to be seen whether the improved convenience of better flight connections will persuade them to return and the emergence of several country-specific outdoor shows also continues to re-shape the European tradeshow landscape.”
Meanwhile, supplier attendance, particularly from China, remains strong, fuelled by a strategic shift toward European expansion following US tariff challenges.
How Dishang Supports Buying Teams
The insights gained at ISPO feed directly into Dishang’s approach to supporting brand partners.
We combine:
- Global trend intelligence
- Advanced material sourcing
- AI-assisted concept development
- 3D garment design and simulation
- Digital prototyping that reduces physical sampling and speeds decision-making
This integrated workflow ensures that brands can:
- Bring innovation to market faster
- Make more informed development decisions
- Reduce cost and waste
- Build commercially strong, trend-aware collections
Our work on innovations like the Jack-Pack demonstrates how Dishang turns insight into real product solutions, ready for commercialisation at scale.
Continue the Conversation
If you weren’t at ISPO or if you’d like to explore the themes shaping 2026 and beyond, we invite buyers and brand leaders to visit our Harrogate showrooms.
Here you can explore:
- Our performance outerwear, sportswear and athleisurewear ranges
- AI and 3D design and sampling capabilities
- Vast fabric and trim libraries
To book a showroom visit, simply get in touch with our UK team at i@dishang-group.com or contact Andrew Thomson or James Berwin direct.
We look forward to helping you shape the next generation of your outdoor and performance collections.
Left to right: James Berwin, Business Development Manager UK and Andrew Thomson, General Manager UK.