Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath questioned why India lags behind Bangladesh in readymade garment exports despite its vast population.

Speaking at a textile park investor meet, he stressed the need to develop a global textile brand and provide direction to India's workforce, highlighting Uttar Pradesh as a key consumer market for the industry.

Expanding its offerings, global denim brand Lee has launched an exclusive collection targeting young Indian consumers.

Titled, ‘Stormtrooper’ the collection has been designed by the in-house team of Lee’s exclusive licensee in the Indian market, Ace Turtle.

The Lee X Stormtrooper collection features graphic t-shirts, oversized tees, and coordinated jogger sets. It is currently available at Lee retail stores and leading department store chains including Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Pantaloons, Kapsons and Lulu Fashion across India.

The collection blends the legacy of Lee heritage with the ever-increasing appeal of science fiction, says Nitin Chhabra, CEO, Ace Turtle. It imagines the iconic Stormtrooper through bold, modern designs, creating a unique fusion of fashion and fandom, he adds

With the launch of this collection, Lee continues to push the boundaries of style, offering a collection that resonates with the dynamic spirit of new-age and fashion-forward Indian consumers, he states further.

Leading men’s innerwear, athleisure and activewear brand, Dollar Industries has released a television campaign for its premium line Force Nxt titled ‘For What’s Nxt.’

Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Uzer Khan, the campaign showcases the Force Nxt range as a stylish extension of one’s personality.

Created by Lowe Lintas, the campaign features a confident, style-conscious man who interacts effortlessly with women in various settings, each providing him with an opportunity to flaunt his Force Nxt products.

Vinod Kumar Gupta, Managing Director, Dollar Industries, says, besides being just functional, innerwear, athleisure and activewear have become a part of self-expression, confidence, and style. The brand’s latest campaign highlights how Force Nxt redefines innerwear, making it something men take pride in showcasing, just like any other part of their outfit.

Released across digital, social media and television platform, this campaign helps the brand reach a wider audience across India.

India’s fashion landscape is shifting its epicenter beyond the metros. A growing middle class, increasing digital spread and an for style is boosting retail revolution in Tier II and III cities. This rise is creating a vibrant market for fashion and apparel, presenting unprecedented opportunities for brands across all segments.

The Indian apparel market is projected to reach $170 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of approximately 10 per cent. While metros still hold a significant share, Tier II and III cities are emerging as the fastest-growing segments.

As per reports by Technopak Advisors and Wazir Advisors the current market size in Tier II & III cities is estimated at around $40-50 billion. Statista and RedSeer Consulting reports suggest that by 2030 the market size of Tier II & III is expected to surpass $80-100 billion. The growth rate of Tier II, III cities as per CRISIL and ICRA reports will be 12-15 per cent, which is significantly higher than metro growth.

Table: Apparel market growth (estimates)

Growth triggers for smaller cities

The main reason for higher growth rates in smaller cities is changing consumer mindset. Consumers are becoming increasingly fashion-conscious, due to higher digital exposure. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, coupled with the proliferation of smartphones, expose consumers to global trends. E-commerce platforms have also become a major source of shopping. It maybe noted that Internet penetration in rural India has increased from 12 per cent in 2015 to over 45 per cent in 2023 as per Telecom Regulatory Authority of India reports.

Another driver for smaller cities is rising disposable incomes and a desire for upward mobility are driving aspirational purchases. Consumers are willing to spend on quality and style. Regional influences too are at work as local festivals, cultural events, and regional celebrities play a significant role in shaping fashion preferences. However, although aspirational, consumers in Tier II and III cities are still price-sensitive. They seek a balance between quality and affordability.

Another growth catalyst is e-commerce expansion. Online platforms are bridging the gap between urban and rural markets, providing access to a wider range of brands. Influencers and social media campaigns too are shaping consumer perceptions and driving trends. Meanwhile, domestic and international brands are expanding their presence in smaller cities through physical stores and online channels.

Local brands have strong market hold

The apparel market is witnessing strong growth in both premium and value/affordable segments, though each is driven by different factors. The value and affordable apparel segment dominates the market, catering primarily to price-sensitive consumers. Local brands and unorganized retailers hold a significant share, with affordability, durability, and basic functionality being key drivers of demand. A notable example is V-Mart, a value retail chain that has successfully expanded into Tier II and III markets by offering budget-friendly apparel and household goods. Their strategic store placements and focus on local consumer preferences have been instrumental in their success.

On the other hand, the premium apparel segment is experiencing rising demand, due to increasing disposable incomes and aspirational spending. Both national and international brands are expanding their presence in India, offering a broader range of premium options. Factors such as brand awareness, quality, and exclusivity drive this segment’s growth. Reports from consulting firms like McKinsey & Company and Bain & Company indicate that the premium apparel segment in Tier II and III cities has grown at a CAGR of 18-20 per cent over the past three years, highlighting the growing appetite for high-end fashion beyond metropolitan areas.

Menswear growing as womenswear lead

Within the apparel sector, menswear is witnessing strong growth, particularly in casual wear and athleisure, as more men embrace branded and trendy styles. This shift is largely driven by an increasing male working population and greater exposure to global fashion trends. Womenswear remains the largest segment, spanning diverse categories such as ethnic wear, western wear, and lingerie. The rising number of working women and greater exposure to fashion trends have significantly boosted demand for stylish and trendy clothing. Kids' wear, too, is emerging as a rapidly growing segment, with increasing parental spending on comfortable, durable, and fashionable clothing. Social media and heightened parental awareness of children’s fashion further accelerate growth in this category.

Denims continue to be a popular choice across demographics due to their versatility and durability. The rising demand for branded denim and trendy styles is driven by the growing youth population and the influence of western fashion. Similarly, ethnic wear remains a significant part of the Indian apparel market, thriving on cultural events, festivals, and a deep-rooted traditional identity. The increasing preference for designer ethnic wear has further pushed up growth in this segment.

Retail growth is being driven by both offline and online channels. Despite the rise in e-commerce, offline retail remains crucial, particularly in Tier II and III cities, where physical stores offer a tangible shopping experience and build consumer trust. The expansion of organized retail chains, the opening of malls, and the increasing penetration of franchise stores have all contributed to the steady growth of offline retail, which is estimated to be expanding at an annual rate of 8-10 per cent in smaller cities.

At the same time, online retail is experiencing exponential growth, with e-commerce platforms gaining traction in non-metro areas due to rising internet penetration and smartphone adoption. Online platforms provide a vast selection of products at competitive prices, along with convenient delivery options. Online retail in Tier II and III cities is estimated to be growing at 25-30 per cent annually, significantly outpacing the national average. This surge is driven by factors such as affordable data plans, improved logistics, and the availability of regional language interfaces on e-commerce platforms, making online shopping more accessible to a wider consumer base.

Overall, both premium and value apparel segments are flourishing, driven by unique consumer behaviors and evolving market dynamics across various categories and retail formats.

Rupa & Co is expanding its operations in India by launching new trendy collections, sustainability efforts, and digital engagement. The company is not only incorporating bright colors, unique designs, and modern styles into its product lines but also maintaining affordability and a commitment to sustainability.

To attract environmentally conscious consumers, Rupa & Co is prioritizing eco-friendly products. They're also leveraging technology, using digital platforms and social media partnerships to effectively connect with younger audiences.

Rupa & Co’s recent product launches aimed at Gen Z include; Colors by Rupa- a line featuring vibrant colors and contemporary prints; Bumchums Collection- a range emphasizing comfort and modern style; Macroworld Collections that focus on aesthetics and versatility; Softline-a collection that blends comfort with stylish appeal and Femmora, a range offering fashionable, budget-friendly options.

The company is also increasing brand visibility by partnering with brand ambassadors, targeting different demographics to improve customer engagement. Rupa & Co continues to rely on brick-and-mortar retail while expanding its online presence. The company operates 29 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) across India, along with shop-in-shop formats and supermarket partnerships. Its distribution network covers the country, with a focus on strengthening omnichannel engagement through e-commerce marketplaces, quick-commerce platforms, and direct-to-consumer channels.

To enhance its omnichannel strategy, Rupa & Co. is implementing integrated systems to help synchronize inventory and sales data between online and offline channels. The company also offers a Unified Customer Experience by maintaining consistent branding and service across all platforms. Its Click-and-Collect service facilitate online purchases with in-store pickup options while cross-promotion helps drive traffic between online and offline stores through promotional campaigns.

The company believes, these initiatives align with evolving consumer preferences, particularly among Gen Z and millennials, and aims to expand its market share by strengthening both its digital and physical retail operations in India.

A specialist manufacturer of sweaters, jackets and apparel for global fashion brands, Active Clothing plans to raise funds worth Rs 7.5 crore to meet operational expenses and fund expansion of manufacturing facility to boost production.

Active Clothing will raise these funds through a preferential allotment of 500,000 warrants. Each warrant is convertible or exchangeable into one fully paid-up equity share of the company at a conversion price of Rs 150 per share.

Rajesh Mehra Managing Director, Active Clothing Co, says, this initiative is a clear testament to the customers’ growing confidence in the company’s 'design-to-shelf' business model.”

The funds will be allocated prudently supporting the firm’s day-to-day operational expenses and driving critical capital expenditure for expanding its manufacturing capacity. This investment will further enhance the company’s ability to serve clients better while delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders, he adds.

One of the leading sweaters and knitting garments manufacturers in India, Punjab-based Active Clothing Co designs, manufactures, and distributes apparel for men, women, and kids.

Known for his ‘India Modern’ aesthetic and exceptional craftsmanship, designer Tarun Tahiliani  showcased his latest collection, ‘Dreamscape,’ at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour. For this showcase, Tahiliani reimagined traditional Indian styles with a contemporary, global perspective.

The collection focuses on a glamorous Spring-Summer aesthetic, explains Tahiliani. Offerign evening wear pieces designed for movement, travel and celebration, the collection reinterprets Indian silhouettes with modern fabrics, fits, and a lifestyle-driven approach, he adds.

The Blenders Pride Fashion Tour aimed to elevate Indian fashion onto the international stage, presenting outfits suitable for events like Cannes or high-profile red carpets. Moving away from traditional ‘Swadeshi’ elements, Tahiliani’s new collection presented a sophisticated fusion of heritage and innovation.

Tarun Tahiliani's luxury prêt label, OTT has launched its debut store in Gurugram, with an aim to capture the burgeoning market of modern Indian consumers. Reflecting a minimalist aesthetic, the store showcases a collection featuring signature Tahiliani elements like jewel printing and chikankari, presented in contemporary silhouettes such as gilets, capes, and kaftans.

According to Tahiliani, OTT democratizes traditional craftsmanship by utilizing modern production techniques and economies of scale, making high-quality design available to a broader audience. Ensuring convenient access for customers, the brand plans to expand its retail presence across India,

Drawing on extensive experience designing for Indian women, OTT adapts classic styles for ready-to-wear, focusing on effortless designs and size versatility. The label blends India’s rich tailoring and draping traditions with modern aesthetics, presenting a fresh interpretation of ‘India Modern.’

Emphasizing on the evolving nature of culture, Tahiliani highlights how OTT reinterprets  heritage through technology and contemporary design. The brand allows for creative experimentation, such as transforming Pichwai paintings into monochromatic lace bibs, a concept that wouldn't fit within the couture line.

Embodying a global Indian identity, the OTT consumer embraces international perspectives while remaining rooted in Indian culture. They share a modern, global mindset, proudly expressing their Indian heritage. The brand aims to cater to this diverse, modern Indian who seeks accessible luxury that reflects their evolving lifestyle.

Derby Jeans Community (DJC) has launched its flagship denim store with a tailor studio in Chennai’s Anna Nagar, offering both ready-to-wear and handcrafted tailored jeans. Actor Gautham Karthik inaugurated the store on 16th March 2025.

Vijay Kapoor, CEO of DJC, highlighted the brand’s commitment to personalized fashion, stating that the Derby Tailor Studio provides custom-fit jeans for all body types with expert craftsmanship. He emphasized that Derby is more than a clothing brand it's a community built on confidence, style, and cultural pride.

Founded in 1994, DJC has grown into a leading denim brand with over 55 stores in Tamil Nadu. The company plans to expand aggressively, opening 50 more stores in the next two years across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana. Kapoor described Derby’s journey as a movement that redefines fashion, quality, and community, driven by passion and excellence.

Expanding its offerings for the season, leading womenswear fashion brand, Madame has launched its spring-summer 2025 collection.

Featuring a diverse product mix including dresses, skirt, co-ord sets, jumpsuits and denims, the collection is priced in the range of Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,999. It is currently available at all Madame retail outlets across India, and online marketplaces.

Sumedha Jain, Head-Marketing Communications, Madame, says, embracing lightness, vibrancy and the joy of self-expression, the brand’s spring-summer collection not only reflects the season’s beauty but also resonates with the confidence and individuality of today’s woman.

Embracing fashion as a celebration of individuality, the collection offers looks for every season and styles for every reason, adds Jain.