Introduction
The vibrant tapestry of India’s fashion industry has witnessed a remarkable resurgence of custom clothing, driven by world-class quality and exquisite craftsmanship. The market is witnessing significant growth in sustainable apparel artisans in tandem with private-label clothing manufacturers; the hunt for India’s best custom clothing manufacturer is not a mean task.
So, how do you navigate this vast landscape? Let’s embark on a journey of sartorial elegance.
Why choose custom clothing?
The diversity of this fascinating country reflects the unique style-consciousness of different regions.
Custom clothing manufacturers in India tailor their outfits with these varying nuances in mind. Here, quality marries with aesthetics to deliver a flawless fit commensurate with individual tastes and preferences. Unlike the mass-produced clothing lines that bombard the market,
garment manufacturers in India treat each piece with dedication, knitting a beautiful story with fabrics and threads.
Global research giant McKinsey & Co. revealed in a 2020 study that the Indian market for personalised merchandise consisted of 110 million consumers, with 40% coming from the throbbing middle to senior corporate fraternity. The rising Indian middle class and fashion-conscious youth made up the rest.
This puts into perspective the potential of the custom clothing segment.
Pre-requisites for choosing a custom clothing manufacturer
As we dive deeper into the world of custom clothing, the following factors emerge as pivotal in selecting the right partner:
- Experience: An established apparel manufacturer in India brings to the table not just knowledge and expertise but also a proven track record validated by client testimonials.
- Material sourcing: The rich textile legacy of India presents many sourcing opportunities, but only responsible custom manufacturers procure from sources that provide durable materials. While cost is an important factor, it should not come at the expense of quality.
- Transparency: Business process transparency is critical for a long-term partnership. Your chosen manufacturer should be candid about their production methodologies, costs, and timelines.
- Flexibility: Volatility in a business environment is a bitter but unavoidable reality. Your custom clothing manufacturer should be flexible to accommodate last-minute modifications in order quantity, timeline, or even finer design elements.
- Compliances: The manufacturer should be well-versed in government rules and regulations, particularly taxation and export-related ones. Further, market scenarios are often subject to several unwritten practices. Your partner should be aware of such realities and keep you abreast of probable hindrances and suggested solutions.
Trends and technology
- Digital twins: Sci-fi movies in the late nineties popularized clones. Remember the “Jurassic Park” series or the 2002 blockbuster “Star Wars: Episode II-Attack of the Clones?
Well, digital twins are more real than fictitious cloning. They allow you to digitally replicate machines, products, and the entire factory setting. Smart factory tools further assist in the real-time monitoring of conditions and performances by leveraging the power of IoT (internet of things) and RFID. Sensory data and advanced analytics help you stay on top of your game.
- AR/VR: Imagine trying on your chosen outfit without actually putting on a new attire.
Augmented and virtual realities are opening unimaginable vistas of visualisation and customisation that aid in the decision-making process. It further reduces investment in prototypes and facilitates a faster turnaround time.
Sustainable practices- A breath of fresh air: Green practices are gaining momentum to meet the global demand for eco-friendly products. Energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and biodegradable packaging are the key features of sustainable manufacturing.
Other environmentally conscious initiatives include scientific waste-management processes to reduce and/or dispose of unavoidable waste to preserve the environment. Furthermore, reuse, repurpose, and end-of-life approaches pave the path for a circular economy designed for healthier living.
3D printing: The usage of 3D modelling software is increasing the productivity and innovation capabilities of custom clothing manufacturers. Customers are spoilt for choice with a greater variety of clothes on offer.
AI in product design: Artificial intelligence is taking many industries by storm. The debate about whether it will eat into the human-driven job market will continue to rack our brains. However, its impact is undeniable.
From product design to production planning and computer vision, AI is utilising the growing prowess of machine learning and big data to transform the garment industry.
Transparent supply chain: The advent of block chain technology and traceability systems like RFID tags, QR codes, etc. are redefining the apparel supply chain ecosystem. It also leads to ethical sourcing that promotes localised production while ensuring quality material.
Smart textiles and wearables: In spite of the fast food industry, which is scheduled to cross the $146 billion mark by 2028, consumers are becoming more and more health conscious.
With technology finding answers to most human needs, the textile industry can’t be left behind. Smart clothes with built-in sensors, ideal for the fitness industry, are gaining popularity along with lightweight, flexible, and stain-free garments.
Private Labels: The New Fashion Statement
Amidst heightened competition, your main artillery is differentiation. Private label manufacturers in India offer unique products that resonate with the brand-conscious new India. Moreover, with the rise of india brands, they are your greatest allies, facilitating smaller brands to compete with established giants by offering diversified, customised, and quality products at affordable rates.
Market Overview:
Valued at $3479 million in 2017, the custom clothing market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.22% till 2027 to cross the $5200 million mark.
This appreciable growth trajectory is driven by the following factors:
The boom in internet technology and the penetration of smartphones, even in rural areas.
The rise in the female workforce has enhanced women’s spending power.
Increased fashion awareness is pushing manufacturers to adopt global designs and trends.
A robust APAC and South American market with disposable income is providing massive opportunities for custom apparel producers.
Conclusion
The Indian textile landscape is a perfect blend of tradition and emerging new trends. Brimming with manufacturers of varying quality and capacity, it’s imperative to have an expert hand when it comes to selecting an ideal custom clothing manufacturer for your brand.