India Women Apparel Market Overview, 2029

India Women Apparel Market Overview, 2029

India has a rich tradition of handcrafted textiles and embroidery techniques that have been passed down through generations. Skilled artisans across the country are involved in creating intricate designs, embellishments, and fabrics for women's apparel. India boasts a vibrant community of fashion designers who play a pivotal role in shaping trends, creating unique collections, and promoting Indian fashion globally. These designers blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Indian women's apparel. The history of Indian women's apparel market also includes the influence of colonialism, globalization, and changing fashion trends. During the colonial period, British influences led to the adoption of certain Western clothing styles among urban Indian women, alongside the traditional attire. In the post-independence era, Indian fashion witnessed a revival of traditional crafts and techniques, coupled with the emergence of modern fashion designers who blended traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics. The Indian textile industry is a major player in the global market, producing a wide range of fabrics used in women's clothing. From silk and cotton to chiffon, georgette, and velvet, Indian textiles are known for their quality, diversity, and vibrant colours. Textile manufacturers and suppliers cater to both domestic and international demand, supporting the growth of the apparel market. The Indian women's apparel market has also seen technological advancements, such as the introduction of power looms, digital printing techniques, and online retail platforms, which have further propelled its growth and accessibility. Government bodies such as the Ministry of Textiles, Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), and Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation of India (HHEC) work towards the development, promotion, and export of handloom and handicraft products, including women's apparel. The government enforces regulations and standards to ensure the quality, safety, and fair pricing of women's apparel. This includes labelling requirements, quality certifications, consumer awareness campaigns, and grievance redressal mechanisms. With a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, the government supports initiatives that promote organic textiles, natural dyes, recycling/up-cycling, and reducing environmental impact in the apparel industry. This includes promoting sustainable fashion weeks, campaigns, and policies.

According to the research report ""India Women Apparel Market Overview, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the India Women Apparel market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.64% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The Indian fashion industry has also witnessed a surge in designer wear, with renowned fashion houses and designers creating exquisite collections that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From elaborate bridal wear featuring intricate embroidery and embellishments to casual chic outfits perfect for everyday wear, Indian designers offer a wide range of options for women across all occasions. Several factors contribute to the dynamics of women's apparel in India, shaping trends, preferences, and market dynamics. Cultural heritage plays a significant role, influencing the demand for traditional attire like sarees, salwar kameez, and lehengas, which are deeply rooted in Indian customs and occasions. Fashion trends and global influences also impact consumer choices, leading to a growing demand for fusion wear and Indo-Western styles that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Seasonal variations influence fabric choices and designs, with lightweight and breathable fabrics preferred during summers and richer textures favoured in winters. Moreover, affordability and value for money are key considerations for consumers, driving demand for both luxury designer wear and affordable yet stylish everyday outfits. The rise of e-commerce has further transformed the market, offering convenience, accessibility, and a wide range of options to consumers across diverse demographics and geographies. Durability is emphasized through the use of high-quality fabrics, meticulous stitching, and robust construction techniques, ensuring that garments withstand frequent wear and washing without compromising on their appearance or structural integrity. Fabrics like cotton, silk, linen, and blends are popular for their durability, breathability, and ease of maintenance, making them suitable for both every day wear and special occasions. Many garments are designed with features such as adjustable waistbands, stretchable fabrics, convertible styles, and mix-and-match components, allowing women to customize their outfits according to their preferences and body types. This flexibility extends to the fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, enabling seamless transitions between ethnic wear and western-inspired ensembles for various occasions.

Based on the report the product types are segmented into Tops and dresses, Bottom wear, Innerwear & Sleepwear, Coats, Jackets, Suits, Ethnic wear, Sports & active wear and others. In terms of, Tops are versatile garments worn on the upper body and can be paired with various bottom wear like jeans, trousers, skirts, or leggings. They are suitable for casual outings, work wear, parties, and can range from simple t-shirts to more formal blouses or tunics. Dresses, on the other hand, are one-piece outfits suitable for a wide range of occasions depending on their style, length, and design. They can be casual, formal, party wear, or even ethnic dresses like anarkalis or maxi dresses. Bottom wear includes garments like jeans, trousers, leggings, palazzos, skirts, shorts, and culottes. These are paired with tops, kurtis, tunics, or shirts to create complete outfits. Bottom wear is versatile and can be worn for casual outings, work, parties, or ethnic events depending on the style and fabric. Innerwear includes bras, panties, camisoles, and shape wear worn under clothing for support, comfort, and modesty. Sleepwear includes nighties, pajamas, night suits, and loungewear designed for comfort during sleep or relaxation at home. Coats and jackets are outerwear garments worn for warmth, protection from weather elements, or as fashion statements. They come in various styles such as blazers, trench coats, pea coats, denim jackets, leather jackets, and winter coats, suitable for different seasons and occasions. Suits typically refer to formal or semi-formal sets consisting of a tailored jacket or blazer paired with trousers or skirts. They are worn for professional settings, business meetings, formal events, or as stylish ensembles for women. Sports and active wear are designed for physical activities, sports, workouts, yoga, and fitness routines. They include leggings, sports bras, tank tops, tracksuits, shorts, and athletic jackets made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics for comfort and performance. Ethnic wear includes traditional Indian attire like sarees, salwar kameez, lehengas, and etc. These garments are worn for festivals, weddings, cultural events, religious ceremonies, and special occasions, showcasing rich fabrics, intricate embroidery, and traditional craftsmanship. Other women's apparel products may include jumpsuits, rompers, beachwear, swimwear, maternity wear, plus-size clothing, and formal gowns. These cater to specific needs such as vacation wear, maternity comfort, special occasions, or extended size ranges for diverse body types.

Based on the report, the types of seasonal wears are segmented into summer wear, winter wear and all other seasonal wears. During the hot and humid summer months, lightweight, breathable fabrics are preferred to keep cool and comfortable. Cotton, linen, chiffon, georgette, and rayon are popular choices for summer wear. Women opt for airy kurtis, tunics, tops, dresses, skirts, palazzos, and shorts in light colours and pastel shades. Sleeveless, short-sleeved, and cap-sleeved garments are common, along with flowy silhouettes and loose-fitting styles for maximum ventilation. Floral prints, stripes, and light embroideries are trendy patterns for summer attire. Monsoon brings rainfall and increased humidity, so clothing that dries quickly and repels moisture is favoured. Fabrics like synthetic blends, polyester, and waterproof materials are suitable for monsoon wear. Women opt for knee-length or ankle-length skirts, capris, cropped pants, and shorts paired with water-resistant jackets, raincoats, or ponchos. Bright colours, bold prints, and cheerful patterns add vibrancy to monsoon wardrobes while ensuring practicality in wet weather conditions. In colder regions and during winter months, women's apparel shift towards warm, cozy fabrics and layering options. Wool, fleece, cashmere, and thick cotton blends are commonly used for winter wear. Women wear sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, hoodies, shawls, and scarves for insulation. Long coats, trench coats, puffer jackets, and woollen blazers provide additional warmth. Bottom wear includes jeans, trousers, leggings, thermal wear, and woollen skirts. Darker colours, earth tones, and jewel tones are popular for winter clothing, along with plaids, checks, and knitted textures.

Based on the report, the types of distribution channel are segmented into supermarkets, hypermarkets, multi brand retail stores, online market, specialty stores and others. In terms of, Multi-brand retail stores are a prominent distribution channel for women's apparel in India. These stores carry a wide range of brands and offer a diverse selection of clothing options, catering to different styles, price points, and occasions. Examples include Lifestyle, Pantaloons, Shoppers Stop, and Westside. Specialty boutiques focus on specific styles, themes, or designer collections, offering curated selections of women's apparel. These boutiques often feature unique and exclusive designs, providing a personalized shopping experience for fashion-conscious consumers looking for distinctive clothing options. While supermarkets and hypermarkets primarily focus on groceries and household goods, many also have clothing sections offering basic apparel items such as t-shirts, jeans, casual wear, and nightwear. This channel provides convenience for shoppers looking to purchase clothing alongside their regular shopping trips. The online market has witnessed significant growth as a distribution channel for women's apparel in India. E-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, and Tata Cliq offer a vast selection of clothing options, convenience of home delivery, and access to both domestic and international brands. Online marketplaces have become increasingly popular, especially among tech-savvy consumers and those seeking a wide range of styles and sizes. Many women's apparel brands have their exclusive outlets and standalone stores across major cities in India. These brand outlets offer a complete range of products from the respective brands, providing a brand-specific shopping experience and showcasing the latest collections and trends. In addition to organized retail channels, traditional markets, local bazaars, and street vendors also play a role in the distribution of women's apparel in India. These markets offer a unique shopping experience, affordable pricing, and a wide variety of clothing options, especially for ethnic wear and traditional attire.

The extraction method of women's apparel in India involves a complex process that begins with the sourcing of raw materials and culminates in the production of finished garments. The country has a rich heritage in textile production, with various regions specializing in different types of fabrics, weaving techniques, and traditional crafts. Raw materials for women's apparel in India are primarily sourced from both domestic and international suppliers. These raw materials include natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, and linen, as well as synthetic materials like polyester and rayon. Additionally, accessories such as buttons, zippers, threads, and embellishments are also sourced during this phase. Once the raw materials are obtained, they undergo several processing stages. For natural fibers like cotton and silk, the extraction method involves ginning, spinning, and weaving to create fabrics of different textures and patterns. For synthetic fibers, the process includes extrusion, spinning, and weaving to produce synthetic textiles. After the textiles are manufactured, they are sent to garment factories where skilled workers cut, sew, and assemble the fabrics into finished clothing items. This process involves pattern making, cutting fabric pieces, stitching them together using sewing machines or hand stitching, adding trims, buttons, zippers, and embellishments, and performing quality control checks to ensure the garments meet industry standards. India's extraction method of women apparels also include traditional crafts such as embroidery, block printing, tie-dyeing, handloom weaving, and handcrafted embellishments. These artisanal techniques add value and uniqueness to Indian women's apparel, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the women's apparel market in India, leading to significant changes in consumer behaviour, supply chains, and retail operations. With lockdowns, social distancing measures, and economic uncertainties, there was a noticeable shift in consumer preferences towards comfortable and functional clothing. Lounge wear, and casual apparel became more popular as women adapted to work-from-home arrangements and limited outdoor activities. E-commerce emerged as a crucial distribution channel during the pandemic, with online sales witnessing a substantial increase. This shift towards online shopping prompted retailers to enhance their digital platforms, improve customer experiences, and invest in logistics to meet the growing demand for online apparel purchases. Financial constraints and uncertainties about the future affected consumer spending on apparel. Many consumers became more budget-conscious and focused on essential purchases, leading to a slowdown in overall retail sales, including women's apparel, particularly during the initial phases of the pandemic. Additionally, the pandemic influenced fashion trends and product preferences in India. There was an increased demand for sustainable and locally made clothing, as well as a preference for versatile and multi-functional garments that could be worn for various occasions.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Women Apparel market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Tops and Dresses
• Bottom Wear
• Innerwear and Sleepwear
• Coats, Jackets and Suits
• Ethnic Wear
• Sports & Active Wear
• Others

By Season Type
• Summer Wear
• Winter Wear
• All Season Wear

By Distribution Channel
• Speciality Stores
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Multi-Brand Retail Outlets
• Online Stores
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Women Apparel industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.