At a time when prices are increasing across every sector—from food to fuel, from metals to medicine—there remains a surprising outlier in India’s economic landscape, the garment and hosiery industry, opines Rikhab Chand Jain, Chairman, T.T. Group and Former President of Federation of Indian Hosiery Industry (FOHMA) in a signed article “Why are the prices of Garments and Hosiery not increasing?” 

He says that while consumers are paying more for everyday essentials like tomatoes, chocolates, and school fees, the price tags on clothes remain stubbornly the same. It’s a quiet but significant anomaly with deeper implications than most realize.

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“Over the last 2-3 years, the cost of production has increased, but garment and hosiery business owners, producers, and manufacturers have not raised prices and are not raising them either,” Jain points out. Some have even reduced them out of sheer necessity. This is not a gesture of generosity—it’s a symptom of a fiercely competitive market that’s forcing businesses to prioritize survival over profit.

The industry that refuses to pass the buck

While the public hears daily about inflation from politicians, media, and traders, the apparel sector appears immune, at least on the surface. The contrast is striking. Jain quotes data and says, fuel and power prices rose by 15.15 per cent, grains by 15.45 percent, and even petrol and diesel by 23.79 per cent in 2022-23. Yet, textile production saw a 2.14% decrease in prices over the same period.

Table: Inflation index in 2022-23 

This makes garments one of the few products in India to become cheaper, not costlier, over time—despite the fact that costs for electricity, rent, labor, packaging, and transport have all increased significantly. Jain critically questions “Have the prices of machinery, spare parts, local municipal taxes, and transportation costs not increased?” The answer is clear—they have.

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Value hidden in plain sight

Jain argues even the most basic clothing items—like vests, underwear, handkerchiefs, and towels—cost less than their Khadi counterparts, despite Khadi being subsidized by 25 per cent to 33 per cent. Ironically, in premium hotels like the Taj Mahal, laundering these inexpensive garments often costs more than buying them new.

This odd economic situation underlines how deeply undervalued this industry has become. The cause: intense competition and chronic undervaluation. He asks, “Despite overstocking and inventory, have the costs not risen? Have labor wages not increased? Have the prices of electricity, rent, transportation, packaging materials used in hosiery and garment industries not increased?

Have the prices of machinery, spare parts, local municipal taxes, and transportation costs not increased? If every industry and business owner is facing these rising costs, why haven’t the prices gone up? What is holding them  back?” The garment sector is one of the few where price increases have been avoided for fear of losing customers, especially as demand continues to rise, not just in urban areas, but also among lower-income groups in villages across India.

A race to the bottom and its hidden cost

While consumers may feel grateful for this price stability, the consequences for the industry are dire, argues Jain. Profit margins have plummeted to just 1–2 per cent, and with inflation averaging around 8 per cent annually, many businesses are already operating at a loss in real terms. In contrast, other industries hope for 5 per cent profit increases, which still fall short of inflation-adjusted growth.

Such minimal profits mean that employee wages remain stagnant, and suppliers, stakeholders, and workers all suffer. When their real income declines, so does their ability to contribute to the economy, be it through spending on food, housing, education, or healthcare. The broader impact is a drag on India’s economic growth and development.

If this situation persists, younger generations may be discouraged from entering the industry, which is already viewed as low-margin and high-risk, Jain says. More profitable and emerging sectors may appear far more attractive, accelerating a potential decline in India's textile backbone.

A dangerous policy shift on the horizon

Adding to the industry's woes is a proposal to increase GST on garments priced above Rs 1000 or Rs 1500. For a sector already struggling with razor-thin margins, this move could be disastrous. Industry leaders have urged the government to reconsider, arguing that higher taxes under current circumstances would lead to widespread closures and job losses.

As the article emphasizes, cutthroat competition has destroyed other sectors before—notably the sari business in Surat, where aggressive marketing and oversaturation led to consumer confusion and the eventual collapse of many brands. A similar fate may await the hosiery and apparel sector unless corrective steps are taken.

Jain writes, “In textiles, instead of an increase, the prices decreased by 2.14 per cent in the last 22-23 years.” So, are workers and owners in the textile, hosiery, and garment industries unaffected by the rising inflation in food, housing, school fees, hospital bills, transport, and travel? Have the rates of sewing, knitting, dyeing, and processing not increased?  

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The bigger picture

The ripple effects of an underperforming textile industry are immense. From laborers and machine operators to factory owners and local communities, millions depend on this sector. If profit continues to erode, the country risks not only a decline in textile production but also a loss in domestic demand, employment, and export strength.

The path forward demands unity and action. Industry associations, business owners, and policymakers must come together to address the structural weaknesses. Rational pricing, fair taxation, and a focus on sustainable growth are essential for the survival and revival of this vital sector.

As the article puts it, “Victory lies beyond fear.” The textile, garment, and hosiery industries must adapt, innovate, and advocate to reclaim their rightful place in India's economic future. What’s at stake is not just an industry—but the livelihoods of millions, and the fabric of the nation itself.

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Industry leaders unite at inauguration

The 5th edition of the Fabrics, Accessories & Beyond (FAB) Show 2025, hosted by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), opened its doors at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Goregaon East, Mumbai.

The show was inaugurated by prominent industry figures, showcasing the collective strength of India’s fashion and apparel sector. Supported by the Government of Maharashtra and The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI), the event highlights India’s growing role in global textile sourcing.

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Guests of Honour included Jitendra Chauhan of Jade Blue, Saurabh Sharma of Juniper Fashions, and sourcing heads from Raymond, Pantaloons, and Kewal Kiran Clothing Ltd.

The Curtain Raiser featured Sanjay Savkare, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Maharashtra, who emphasized the state’s vision of establishing a mega textile park in collaboration with CMAI to bring the entire value chain under one roof.

Chhattisgarh was named the 'Partner State', and an MoU will be signed during the event between the state government and CMAI to establish a facilitation centre. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, will attend the show on April 23 for the signing.

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Sustainability and innovation in focus

Spanning 200,000 square feet, FAB Show 2025 features over 250 exhibitors and anticipates over 12,000 trade visitors. The event provides a dynamic platform for manufacturers, designers, sourcing heads, and retailers to explore innovative materials, strike collaborations, and gear up for future fashion cycles.

A key attraction is the Sustainability & Circularity Pavilion, supported by CEE and GATS, which includes over 20 vendors offering eco-friendly solutions.

The event theme, deeply rooted in sustainability and circularity, aligns with Earth Day and aims to spark responsible manufacturing and sourcing practices.

Naveen Sainani, Hon Gen Secretary & Chairman of the FAB Show, stressed that sustainability is no longer optional. The exhibition includes dedicated knowledge sessions on sustainable trims, packaging, decarbonization, and textile waste management.

FAB Show also reflects CMAI’s ongoing commitment through SU.RE (Sustainable Resolution), India’s largest voluntary sustainability initiative in the apparel sector. Led by CMAI in partnership with Reliance Brands, the UN in India, and the Ministry of Textiles, SU.RE aims to guide the fashion industry toward a cleaner, circular future.

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Powerful industry collaborations and knowledge sharing

The event has attracted representatives from over 15 leading apparel associations across India, including Tiruppur Exporters Association, Noida Apparel Exporter Cluster, and South India Hosiery Manufacturers Association. An exclusive Surat Pavilion curated by SGCCI and participation from Ichalkaranji-based manufacturers introduced by ISFMA further elevate the regional representation.

FAB Show 2025 also features business networking sessions and fashion shows on April 22 by key exhibitors. A series of thought-provoking panels and keynotes are being held on topics such as AI-powered apparel business transformation, value chain sourcing strategies, and the evolving fashion ecosystem.

CMAI dignitaries at the inauguration included President Santosh Katariya, Chief Mentor Rahul Mehta, and other senior office bearers. With its wide participation, innovation-driven exhibits, and sustainability-first mindset, FAB Show 2025 positions India as a reliable and future-ready sourcing hub in the global apparel industry.

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Premium Japanese lingerie brand Wacoal India has launched its latest Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Titled the Cool Comfort Collection, the range combines elegant style with advanced functionality, delivering unmatched breathability and cooling technology for hot summer days.

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This collection's heart is the Cool Touch fabric, a cutting-edge material engineered to reflect body heat and enhance airflow. This revolutionary fabric provides a cooling effect on the skin, lowering the temperature by 2-3 degrees.

The collection features soft pastel hues that add a touch of serenity and sophistication to your summer wardrobe. Each bra and panty set is crafted with thoughtful design details like perforated cups and rice-knit fabric to offer superior ventilation and ensure lasting freshness and comfort.

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Wacoal’s Cool Comfort Collection introduces three distinct bra styles, each with matching panties, to suit a variety of preferences and lifestyles. These include the Cool Comfort Padded Wired Bra that offers full-coverage cups and broad double-layered wings. This style is perfect for those seeking enhanced structure without compromising on comfort.

The Cool Comfort Lacy Padded Non-Wired Bra range offers seamless lace and a non-wired padded design for a smooth, everyday wearing experience.

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It’s an ideal option for daily use with double-layered wings for added support. Coordinated panties in matching colors complete the look.

The Cool Comfort Padded Non-Wired Bra style features 3/4th cup coverage and broad wings for lift and is available in the elegant Montana Grape shade. This range is perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, wire-free fit without sacrificing style.

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India's dynamic women's fashion market presents a complex picture of evolution, marked by subtle shifts in overall consumer search interest alongside significant growth in specific categories and platforms.

A recent Search Trends Report FY25 by digital marketing agency Techmagnate highlights these trends, revealing a market where mobile shopping gains prominence and ethnic wear captures significant consumer attention.  It shows, while overall online search volume for women's wear has seen a slight dip, the data reveals compelling trends that are reshaping the industry.

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Overall market pulse and marketplace dominance

The report indicates a slight cooling in broad online searches for women's wear. Total search volume experienced a 6.68 per cent decline, falling from 770.55 lakh in FY 2023-24 to 719.10 lakh in FY 2024-25. This suggests a potential minor decrease in general consumer query volume or a shift in how consumers are discovering fashion items.

Despite this overall dip, the major online marketplaces continue to be the primary destinations for branded fashion searches. The top five players – Meesho, Myntra, Flipkart, Amazon, and Ajio – collectively dominate, accounting for over 97 per cent of the total branded search volume, underscoring their crucial role in the digital fashion ecosystem.

"The women’s fashion market in India is going through a dynamic transformation," confirms Sarvesh Bagla, Founder and CEO of Techmagnate. “The trends and the industry are evolving rapidly, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the growing influence of social media and global trends.”

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The rise of mobile-centric shopping

A compelling trend highlighted by the data is the definitive shift towards mobile commerce. Even as search volumes fluctuate for individual platforms (one major marketplace saw a 32.14 per cent drop in search queries), the appetite for app-based shopping is growing significantly. The same marketplace witnessed a robust 16.44 per cent increase in app downloads, surpassing competitors like Flipkart, Shopsy, Amazon, and Myntra in app growth.

This divergence points strongly towards consumers increasingly favouring the convenience, personalization, and user-friendly interfaces offered by dedicated mobile fashion apps over traditional web searches. Bagla emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt, stating, “Contemporary consumers conduct queries on women’s wear, evaluate their options, and make their decisions; because of which, a holistic understanding of search behavior is essential for a better digital marketing roadmap.”

Brand landscape and ethnic wear's moment

When it comes to brand-specific search, global fast-fashion giant Zara maintains the lead with an average monthly search volume of 2.79 lakh.

However, the report notes a declining trend in its search volume, indicating potential challenges in sustaining its search engine results page (SERP) dominance amidst evolving competition and consumer preferences. Other strong contenders capturing significant search interest include H&M, Biba, Libas, and Puma.

Perhaps the most striking trend is the explosive growth within the ethnic wear segment. Searches for ‘chikankari kurti for women’ saw a phenomenal increase of 809.39 per cent, reaching an average monthly search volume of 8.23 lakh. This specific item's popularity reflects the broader strength and consumer preference for ethnic wear, which as a category commands a massive average monthly search volume of 165.99 lakh.

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Metro dominance and Chennai's growth

Consistent with previous trends, major metro hubs dominate online search. Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai together account for approximately 68 per cent of the total online search volume for women's wear. However, Chennai emerges as an interesting outlier, being the only major city tracked to exhibit positive growth in search volume, registering a +0.92 per cent increase. This growth has boosted Chennai's share of the market to 11.30 per cent, highlighting it as a potential area of focused opportunity.

Table: Market metrics

Implications and areas for exploration

The Techmagnate report's findings open up several avenues for strategic planning and deeper analysis for brands operating in the Indian women's fashion space.

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Adapting to shifting brand search dynamics: How can brands, especially mid-tier or emerging labels, navigate a space where even leaders like Zara see fluctuating search visibility?

Case study potential includes analyzing how a challenger brand successfully used targeted SEO for long-tail keywords, niche influencer collaborations, and perhaps platform-specific advertising on dominant marketplaces to gain traction against established names.

Capitalizing on regional opportunities: Indeed, Chennai's positive growth warrants attention which means looking at what drives this growth, and how can brands tailor their approach?

Case study potential includes exploring if a brand successfully leveraged localized marketing campaigns (using regional language or influencers), curated assortments reflecting specific Chennai tastes, or offered region-specific promotions to tap into this growth market effectively.

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Mastering ethnic wear digital shelf: The massive increase in demand for chikankari kurtis highlights the need for a strong digital presence in this category.

One could look in detail into how a traditional or D2C ethnic wear brand optimized its product listings (high-res images, detailed descriptions, material sourcing info), employed content marketing around ethnic fashion trends (blogs, styling guides), and managed customer reviews to build credibility and capture the demand surge for specific items like chikankari.

Optimizing for mobile-first commerce: The clear growth in app downloads necessitates a mobile-first strategy. It needs closer examination of how a brand improved its app's user experience, implemented effective push notification strategies, offered app-exclusive deals, or integrated seamless social commerce features to drive engagement and sales directly through their mobile platform.

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