The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) returned to Milano Unica from 20–22 January 2026, accompanying a group of 27 British textile companies to the Spring/Summer 2027 edition of one of the world’s most important trade fairs for luxury fabrics and accessories. 

Milano Unica continues to be a cornerstone event in UKFT’s international tradeshow programme, offering UK textile manufacturers direct access to quality international buyers and reinforcing the global reputation of British textiles for quality, heritage and innovation. 

From the point of view of Italian and UK textile mills, part of Milano Unica’s strength is based on its primary focus on Made in Europe textiles with competing textiles from cheaper manufacturing  bases mainly excluded from the show.   

The UKFT stand was located in the Idea Biella area (Hall 20), close to a cluster of British mills, with additional UK companies exhibiting elsewhere in Idea Biella and within ModaIn. This distribution enabled UKFT to demonstrate both the depth and breadth of the UK textile sector, from heritage worsted suiting and tweeds to silks, waxed cottons and innovative performance fabrics. 

The stand featured: 

• Textile lengths and swatch books from UK exhibitors 

• A promotional film telling the story of UK textiles (ukft.org/film) and a video from His Majesty King Charles III,  Patron of The Campaign for Wool 

• A printed UK exhibitors’ list to help buyers navigate the halls 

• Individual company information cards for each participating business with product details and their stand numbers 

The company cards once again proved highly effective this season, with exhibitors reporting that buyers arrived at their stands holding UKFT cards and, in some cases, placing orders as a direct result. 

UKFT’s presence at Milano Unica was supported by the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). 

Focus on wool, tailoring and provenance 

This season, UKFT placed particular emphasis on Merino wool and tailoring fabrics, working in collaboration with The Campaign for Wool, The Woolmark Company and British Wool. The theme reflected strong market interest in tailored city wear, modern menswear, power dressing and made-to-measure (MTM) garments, with wool positioned as a key fibre for both performance and aesthetic value. 

In parallel, British Wool sourcing guides for yarn, apparel and upholstery were available at the stand, highlighting certified British wool textiles from UK manufacturers and supporting buyer demand for traceable, origin-verified raw materials. 

Milano Unica in numbers – January 2026 

The show closed with higher international buyer attendance. France (+8.5%) and the USA (+13.5%) were the two most represented non-Italian countries overall and led growth among Milano Unica’s most important export markets. Buyer attendance also increased from: 

• Korea (+10%) 

• Germany (+8%) 

• Canada (+6.6%) 

• Japan (+2.4%)

At opening, Milano Unica recorded a 25% increase in European exhibitors, marking a record rise. The show hosted the 42nd edition of Milano Unica, presenting Spring/Summer 2027 collections. These results confirm Milano Unica’s position as a leading international platform for premium and luxury fabrics, with strong engagement from key global markets. 

UKFT feedback on the January Edition 

• 27 UK companies exhibited, maintaining the strong British presence seen in recent editions. 

• The January edition provided a valuable early-season opportunity to meet buyers immediately following Pitti Uomo and Milan Men’s Fashion Week. 

• The UKFT stand received steady footfall across the three days, with high-level buyers seeking information on UK sourcing. 

• UKFT welcomed visits from representatives of the Department for Business and Trade and the British Embassy, demonstrating continued government support for the sector. 

• UKFT further strengthened its relationship with Milano Unica organisers, with senior members of the organising team visiting the stand to check in with UK exhibitors. 
• Interest was particularly strong for menswear and tailored fabrics, while womenswear focused companies also reported a positive show. 

80 companies visited the UKFT stand, including internationally recognised brands such as United Arrows, El Corte Inglés, Damson Madder and Private White VC. Well-known tailors from markets including South Korea, USA and Canada engaged with UKFT and exhibitors. There was a strong presence of agents, brands and retailers from Japan, China and South Korea and across Europe. There was also a high number of Italian agents seeking to meet new UK suppliers. On the stand, UKFT distributed more than 500 individual company cards during the show. Exhibitors provided very positive feedback on the stand’s design, concept and central positioning, with several reporting new contacts referred by UKFT. UKFT ran paid social media advertising targeted within a tight geographic radius of Fiera Milano Rho.

What the exhibitors said

“This has been a fantastic show for us where we have seen both regular customers and new customers from around the world. It has probably been our best show since Covid,” said Pam Birchenall, Head of Apparel Sales at Abraham Moon.

“This edition of Milano Unica was the best show in terms of both numbers and quality of visitors since before Covid. It’s great to see the ever-increasing interest in British Millerain’s collection,” added Adam Getty, Director of Apparel Textiles at British Millerain.

UKFT’s DISCOVER BRITISH BRANDS