Bio-based fibres and AI take centre stage at Legwear Innovation Day 2026

Nearly 150 representatives from leading hosiery companies gathered at the Fulgar Event Space in Castel Goffredo, Italy, last week for Legwear Innovation Day 2026. The Lycra Company organised the annual event with fibre producer Fulgar to preview technologies and fashion directions aimed at the 2027/2028 season. The programme covered bio-based materials, functional fibre innovations, workwear opportunities and artificial intelligence, and it reinforced collaboration within Italy's historic hosiery manufacturing district.

What new materials were presented?

Daniela Antunes, Marketing Manager at Fulgar, presented developments from both companies designed to cut reliance on fossil-derived raw materials without compromising performance. The confirmed commercial items are:

• EVO by Fulgar — a 100% bio-based yarn made from renewable raw materials, comprising equal proportions of castor oil and industrial corn not intended for human consumption. The castor oil comes from crops grown in arid regions that do not compete with food production.
• Lycra Renewable fibre — manufactured with 70% industrial corn-derived content, with a potential carbon footprint reduction of up to 45% compared with conventional fossil-based Lycra fibre.

Both developments show how renewable feedstocks can support responsible material selection while maintaining elasticity, comfort and functional properties required in hosiery and performance apparel. Sourcing teams should note these figures remain company-reported claims rather than third-party certified results.

Which functional technologies reached the programme?

Alberto Ceria, Technical Product Manager at The Lycra Company, introduced Coolmax CloakFX, a technology that integrates sweat-mark masking directly into the fibre. It reduces the visibility of perspiration on garments while also providing moisture management and wearer comfort. The programme also examined how established textile technologies can serve emerging requirements in seamless apparel and adjacent markets.

Daniele Maggi, Italy & South Europe Sales Manager, addressed the evolving workwear market. He identified durability, stretch, thermal management, comfort and size inclusivity as increasingly important requirements, and outlined how technologies from the Lycra portfolio could help textile manufacturers differentiate products and meet changing performance specifications.

How does AI fit into the hosiery supply chain?

Stefano Spiniello, Partner at PwC Italy, presented "The Future of Legwear & Seamless Lies in AI". He examined how digital technologies could improve efficiency and decision-making across the hosiery supply chain, with applications in product development, demand forecasting, manufacturing, quality control, logistics and customer experience. Spiniello stressed that successful AI adoption depends not only on technology but also on effective data management, integrated processes, workforce capabilities and governance. The message for mills is that data infrastructure, not software alone, determines returns on AI investment.

What fashion directions were launched?

Amsterdam-based trend agency Stijlinstituut, working with The Lycra Company, introduced four fashion directions for the 2027/2028 season: Spark Glam, Give Strength, Touch Origins and Find Clarity. Five dancers showcased concept garments developed by The Lycra Company's laboratories against animated LED backdrops. Davide Rossi, Technical Sales Support at The Lycra Company, provided technical commentary, explaining the textile solutions used and their contribution to garment aesthetics, comfort and performance.

What did the partners say?

"The Legwear Innovation Day is an important opportunity to meet hosiery professionals, share insights into market developments and discuss the opportunities emerging for the sector," said Ettore Manfrotto, Account Manager Brand & Retail at The Lycra Company. "Through technological innovation, research and dialogue with our partners, we aim to continue supporting companies in developing solutions that meet the evolving needs of contemporary legwear and new generations of consumers."

Antunes underlined the importance of cooperation between fibre producers, textile manufacturers and brands in commercialising new technologies. "Our collaboration with The Lycra Company confirms the value of combining expertise and know-how to develop textile solutions that bring together performance, quality and careful raw material selection," she said. "Dialogue with the supply chain is essential to understanding the sector's needs and translating them into new opportunities for innovation in hosiery."

The event signals that renewable fibres, advanced functionality and AI will increasingly shape product development in Italy's hosiery sector. Legwear suppliers and their brand customers now face concrete decisions on whether to qualify bio-based yarns and build the data foundations AI adoption requires.