New market estimates issued this week have shown a gradual increase in the demand of functional and performance based fabrics in the knitting industry. Sportswear and athleisure product manufacturers have recorded more requests of moisture control and quick-dry as well as stretch adding knitted textiles. According to the officials of the industry, the brands have turned their attention to value addition features in order to appeal to consumers who prefer comfort and longevity. Some mills have started to modernise machinery to facilitate high speed production of technical knits. Analysts observe that the move towards functionality would persist into 2026.