15 July, Mumbai 2025
Focusing on women's and men's wear, the 81st National Garment Fair (NGF) commenced with a strong sense of business optimism ahead of the upcoming festive season. Organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), the event was inaugurated by prominent retail leaders from across India, collectively representing 70 retail stores.
A business hub
Being held from July 14-16, 2025 in Mumbai, the NGF stands as one of the most prominent platforms for the Indian apparel industry. It serves as a crucial meeting point for manufacturers, retailers, designers, and fashion professionals, facilitating the exploration of emerging trends and the unlocking of new business opportunities.
Spanning over 37,000 sq m, this edition of the fair includes more than 15,300 sq m dedicated to men's wear, over 21,200 sq m for women's wear, and 680 sq m specifically for accessories. Featuring more than 800 menswear and womenswear brands and over 40 accessory labels, the fair is expected to draw upwards of 20,000 buyers from across the country, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic marketplace.
Some of the esteemed guests of honor present at the show include Siddharth Jalan, Sohum Shoppe (Guwahati); Sathish Gurram, GV Mall (Khammam); Kiran Vora, Asopalav (Ahmedabad); Manzoor Husain Gori, Pakiza Retails (Indore); Mrunal Bankapur, BS Channabasappa & Sons (Karnataka); Satish Mantri,Shree Shivam Attire (Indore); Sanjay Agarwal, Sanjay Textile Store (Jaipur), and Dharamshi Champshi Chheda, Rajwadi Emporium India (Valsad).
A significant milestone for the industry
Expressing his enthusiasm for the event, Mrunal Bankapur. BS Channabasappa & Sons, said, with 20,000 potential buyers, this marks a significant step forward for the growth of the garment industry.
Sanjay Agarwal, Sanjay Textile Store, noted, CMAI has constantly supported the industry, be it addressing government-related issues, VAT, GST, or contributing to the overall growth of the garment industry.
Kiran Vora, Asopalav, pointed out, the fair helps save me ample amount of time and effort to source as the latest variety is all available under one roof at the NGF. CMAI does this wonderful job of bringing the entire industry together.
Industry growth and evolving consumer behavior
Reflecting on the current state and future trajectory of the industry, Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, said, India’s apparel market is witnessing strong, sustained growth projected to reach $146 billion by 2029. This transformation is driven not just by rising incomes and urbanization, but also by a fundamental shift in consumer behavior. As demand for branded and occasion-specific clothing rises, the industry must respond with innovation, agility, and a deeper understanding of evolving aspirations, he added.
Rohit Munjal, Chairman, Fair Committee, CMAI emphasized, the Women’s and Men’s Wear Edition of the National Garment Fair has firmly established itself as a powerhouse platform within the industry. With an outstanding lineup of exhibitors, this edition is shaping up to be one of the most impactful yet. The overwhelming response with stalls selling out quickly and a growing waitlist reflects the rising prominence of these segments and the Fair’s continued relevance.
Anand Chokshi, Joint Chairman, Fair Sub-Committee, CMAI, explained, while menswear leans toward functionality and womenswear remains occasion-led, growth is being shaped by digital adoption, Tier-II market expansion, and rising demand for sustainability and personalization. The future will favor brands that blend cultural relevance with innovation across both consumer and institutional segments."
One of the most representative associations of the Indian apparel industry, the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) boasts over 5,000 members and serves more than 35,000 retailers. Its diverse membership includes manufacturers, exporters, brands, and ancillary industry players. CMAI actively advocates on policy matters and guides its members on ESG-related initiatives.
