Women drive 55% of demand as India’s fashion market nears Rs 15 lakh crore

India's fashion market is growing at a CAGR of 8.3 per cent since 2010, estimated to be worth Rs 14.95 lakh crore in 2024, according to official data. And the share of households has more than doubled from Rs 4.18 lakh crore in 2010 to Rs 8.77 lakh crore in 2024 -- a driving force behind the demand for textiles in the country.

A survey by the Ministry of Textiles -- titled 'Domestic Demand of Textiles' -- has found that the per capita demand for textiles risen dramatically from Rs 2,119 in 2010 to Rs 6,066 in 2024 -- a CAGR of 7.8 per cent. It has also revealed interesting trends in consumer behaviour.

The most preferred dress in the country is made of man-made fibre (MMF) and blended fibre-based products like polyester, nylon and rayon.

In contrast to natural, plant-based fibres, like cotton and jute, man-made fibers are synthetic materials created artificially through chemical processes. These are relatively cheaper than natural fibres.

The two fibre types -- MMF and blended fibre (like tetoron-cotton and linen-cotton) -- contribute 52.2 per cent of the total consumption by individuals, according to the survey.

Is cotton out of fashion?

Never! Right at the second spot is cotton, with 41.2 per cent, followed by silk and woollen fibre-based products (5.2 per cent and 1.3 per cent, respectively).

Women consumers contribute 55.5% to total textile purchases

Among consumers, women account for 55.5 per cent of the total textile purchases, the survey found.

The survey also recorded strong demand for daily wear clothing, with an uptick in demand for new trends such as sustainable fashion.

Which apparel products are most in demand?

• Shirts
• Sarees
• Trousers
• Salwar-kameez
• Men’s jeans
• T-shirts
• Ladies dress material
• Shirting
• Dhoti
• Underwear

Men's jeans and women's leggings in vogue!

Among these product categories, one item that emerged as the fastest growth is men's jeans. Similarly, leggings have emerged as important preferred products among women consumers.

Sustainable textiles

The total demand for sustainable textiles -- including reused and retailed products -- was estimated at Rs 37,000 crore in 2024. Out of that, reused and retailed textiles account for around 58 per cent to the consumption basket.

The survey also found a notable increase in the adoption of technical textiles in the household category.

These are engineered textile products manufactured mainly for their performance, functionality and technical properties. These materials are used in applications like road gear, bandages, masks, firefighter suits, seat belts and airbags.

The following technical textiles saw the highest demand:

• Masks
• Sanitary napkins
• Bandages and surgical disposables
• Tents
• Seat cover fabrics
• Wipes
• Diapers
• Napkins
• Car seat covers

Rural households contribute nearly 58 per cent to the technical textile consumption, highlighted the report.

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