Apparel brands in India have existed in India from as early as 1925 with Raymond being one of the earliest brands to have existed.

Historically, local brands primarily served regional markets, focusing on specific customer bases without the extensive distribution networks seen today. However, Raymond transformed this landscape by expanding its reach significantly. By the late 20th century, it had established a robust retail presence with over 637 exclusive shops and a distribution network that included more than 30,000 retailers across 400 towns in India 

Rise of Apparel Brands in India

Today the apparel landscape looks different. There are estimates suggesting that there are over 1,000 brands operating in the market. This includes a mix of international brands, like H&M and Zara, and local brands, such as Biba and Fabindia.

India's apparel market is projected to grow from USD 172.3 billion in 2022 to USD 387.3 billion by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.59%

Urbanisation and Changing Lifestyles

Urbanisation has played a crucial role in the growth of apparel brands. As more people migrate to urban areas for better job opportunities and education, there is a shift in lifestyle preferences towards branded and quality apparel. The growing acceptance of western fashion trends among Indian consumers has further fueled this demand

The fashion retail sector has emerged as the third-largest expenditure category in India, currently valued at USD 88 billion

10 Apparel Brands in India 

Raymond: Established in 1925, Raymond is one of India's oldest and most respected brands, known for its premium fabrics and sophisticated men's wear, offering a variety of clothing options, including formal wear, casual wear, and custom tailoring.

FabIndia: Celebrated for its ethnic wear and handcrafted products, FabIndia emphasizes traditional Indian textiles and sustainable practices, offering a range of clothing, home furnishings, and organic foods.

Manyavar: Specializing in men's ethnic wear, Manyavar provides a wide selection of sherwanis, kurtas, and Indo-Western outfits, making it a popular choice for weddings and festive occasions.

Allen Solly: Known for introducing the concept of "Friday Dressing" in India, Allen Solly offers a mix of formal and casual wear, blending sophistication with contemporary fashion for both men and women.

Van Heusen: A leader in premium formal wear, Van Heusen provides a range of business attire, including shirts, suits, and accessories, catering to professionals seeking elegance and style.

W for Woman: This brand combines traditional Indian aesthetics with modern designs, offering a variety of women's apparel such as kurtas, dresses, and ethnic wear, appealing to the contemporary Indian woman.

Flying Machine: As India's first homegrown denim brand, Flying Machine focuses on youth-centric fashion, providing trendy jeans, casual wear, and accessories that resonate with the younger demographic.

Spykar: Specialising in denim and casual wear, Spykar is known for its innovative designs and quality fabrics, making it a preferred choice among fashion-forward individuals.

Monte Carlo: Renowned for its winter wear and woolen garments, Monte Carlo offers a wide range of clothing, including sweaters, jackets, and thermals, combining comfort with style.

Siyaram's: A well-known textile and garment brand, Siyaram's specializes in manufacturing high-quality fabrics for men's formal and semi-formal wear, offering custom tailoring services to ensure a precise fit.

Next 20 Apparel Brands in India 

Sabyasachi: A luxury brand synonymous with bridal couture, Sabyasachi offers intricate designs and opulent fabrics, creating timeless pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.

Manish Malhotra: A leading fashion designer, Manish Malhotra is known for his glamorous and sophisticated designs, offering a fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, with a strong influence from Bollywood.

Gini & Jony: As a prominent children's clothing brand, Gini & Jony offers a variety of trendy and comfortable options for different age groups, ensuring style meets functionality for young fashion enthusiasts.

Mothercare: Specializing in maternity and baby products, Mothercare provides a range of clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers, focusing on quality and safety to meet the needs of both mothers and their little ones.

Roadster: A youth-centric brand, Roadster embraces the dynamic and casual spirit of the younger generation, offering stylish and comfortable clothing, especially in the denim category.

Pantaloons: A popular retail brand, Pantaloons offers a diverse range of apparel for men, women, and children, known for its trendy and affordable fashion, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Peter England: Recognized for its affordable and high-quality men's wear, Peter England offers a wide range of formal and casual clothing, making it a popular choice for young professionals and students.

Levi's: A globally renowned brand for its high-quality denim and casual wear, Levi's has a strong presence in India, offering a wide range of jeans, jackets, and accessories, appealing to denim enthusiasts.

Louis Philippe: A premium brand for men's wear, Louis Philippe offers a range of formal and casual clothing, known for its sophisticated and elegant designs, catering to the discerning gentleman.

United Colors of Benetton: Known for its vibrant and colorful casual wear, United Colors of Benetton offers a variety of clothing options for men, women, and children, blending international trends with local sensibilities.

Global Desi: A contemporary ethnic wear brand, Global Desi offers a fusion of traditional Indian prints and modern silhouettes, catering to women seeking bohemian-inspired fashion.

AND: Specializing in Western wear for women, AND provides chic and sophisticated clothing, including dresses, tops, and trousers, suitable for both work and casual outings.

Ritu Kumar: A pioneer in Indian fashion, Ritu Kumar offers a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary designs, providing a range of ethnic and bridal wear.

Neeta Lulla: Renowned for her bridal and couture collections, Neeta Lulla combines traditional Indian aesthetics with modern designs, creating opulent and intricate ensembles.

Tarun Tahiliani: Known for his luxurious and detailed designs, Tarun Tahiliani offers a range of bridal and occasion wear, blending Indian textiles with Western silhouettes.

Biba: A leading ethnic wear brand for women, Biba offers a wide range of salwar kameez, kurtis, and accessories, known for its vibrant colors and traditional designs.

Zara: A global fast-fashion brand, Zara has a significant presence in India, offering the latest trends in clothing and accessories for men, women, and children.

H&M: H&M provides a wide range of fashionable and affordable clothing options, catering to diverse styles and preferences for all age groups.

Puma: Known for its athletic and casual wear, Puma offers a variety of sportswear, footwear, and accessories, blending performance with style.

Nike: A global leader in sportswear, Nike offers a range of athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories, known for its innovative designs and quality.