A couple of the latest developments augur well for the
clothing manufacturing industry in India and the contract manufacturing business in general.
China plus one strategy is again gaining momentum, and textile giants like Arvind Ltd. are trying to cash in on the cotton textile manufacturing front.
Though not related to the specific industry, Zetwerk’s acquisition of 3 Indian contract manufacturers in the aerospace domain significantly boosts the contract manufacturing industry in India.
Latest trends in the Indian clothing industry
India has always been a strong player in the global fashion industry. Despite some nagging challenges, the industry is set to maintain its growth trajectory fueled by digital disruption and scalability. The Indian apparel industry is estimated to close at around $59.3 billion by 2022. Certain emerging trends in the sector are:
Environmental consciousness: Sustainability awareness among consumers is driving clothing manufacturers to adopt organic fabrics and natural dyes while implementing eco-friendly recycling methods to minimise harmful industrial waste.
Comfort over style: Lifestyles and preferences have undergone a paradigm shift in the aftermath of the Covid 19 pandemic. The emerging trend in the fashion industry witnesses a shift toward comfort clothing instead of style statements. Athleisure outfits are finding a prominent space in the wardrobes, and the industry is adjusting its choice of fabric and colours accordingly.
Inclusive fashion: Many designers and brands are imbibing double-digit size clothing into mainstream fashion. The plus-size segment is carving out a dedicated space for itself.
The Indian clothing industry is riding on an ever-growing Indian middle class with substantial disposable income, a robust manufacturing infrastructure, and increasing adoption of modern technology.
Market Scenario
The Indian textile and apparel industry contributes around 5% to the national GDP and is the second largest employment generator after agriculture. India is also the sixth largest exporter of textile and apparel in the world, with the industry recording about $44.4 billion in exports in 2021-22.
In 2021-22, cotton clothing and artificial textile exports witnessed yearly growths of 54% and 51%, respectively.
The target for readymade garments export for 2022-23 stands at $17.6 billion.
India continues to be a major global sourcing hub for
clothing contract manufacturing. Contact
Industry Experts for end-to-end guidance for all your sourcing needs.