India’s textile industry is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of ancient tradition and modern innovation. For centuries, the nation has been a global leader in producing exquisite fabrics. Today, this sector stands as a cornerstone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to industrial output, exports, and employment. It’s a dynamic field where heritage craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology, creating a powerful engine for economic growth.
This article will explore the giants of this industry. We will look into the top 10 textile industries in India, uncovering their stories, specializations, and global impact. We will also journey through India’s major textile hubs, discover popular fabric brands, and examine the emerging trends in textiles that are shaping its future.
The Fabric of India’s Economy
The textile industry is more than just manufacturing; it’s the second-largest employer in the country after agriculture, providing livelihoods to millions of people. Its value chain is extensive, covering everything from raw material production—like cotton and silk farming—to spinning, weaving, processing, and finally, garment manufacturing. This intricate network supports a vast ecosystem of skilled artisans, factory workers, designers, and entrepreneurs across the nation.
Indian textiles are celebrated worldwide for their quality, diversity, and craftsmanship. This global reputation fuels a robust export market, making the industry a key foreign exchange earner. Companies within this sector are constantly innovating to meet international standards and trends, solidifying India’s position as a major player in the global textile trade.
Top 10 Textile Industries in India
The Indian textile landscape is dominated by several key players who have set high standards for quality, innovation, and scale. Here are ten of the most influential companies driving the industry forward.
1. Arvind Ltd.
Established in 1931, Arvind Ltd. has evolved from a producer of traditional Indian textiles to a global powerhouse in fabric and apparel. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, the company is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of denim. Arvind has also diversified its portfolio to include advanced materials, technical textiles, and major international fabric brands, solidifying its status as an industry innovator.
2. Welspun India Ltd.
A name synonymous with home textiles, Welspun India Ltd. is a global leader in this segment. The company is a major supplier to top retailers across the world, particularly in the United States and Europe. Known for its towels, bed linens, and rugs, Welspun focuses on sustainability and innovation, using patented technologies to create products that offer superior comfort and performance.
3. Vardhman Textiles Ltd.
With roots going back to 1965, Vardhman Textiles Ltd. is a leading integrated textile manufacturer. The company has a strong presence across the entire textile value chain, from yarn and fabric to sewing thread. Based in Ludhiana, Vardhman is renowned for its quality products and has a significant footprint in both domestic and international markets, exporting to over 75 countries.
4. Raymond Ltd.
Raymond has been an iconic brand in India since 1925, celebrated for its high-quality worsted suiting fabrics. The company has built a legacy of trust and excellence, becoming a go-to name for men’s formal wear. Beyond its famous suitings, Raymond has expanded into branded apparel, denim, and even real estate, but its core textile business remains a benchmark for quality in the industry.
5. Trident Group
Operating from Punjab, Trident Group is a diversified conglomerate with a strong focus on textiles. It is one of the world’s largest terry towel manufacturers and a leading producer of wheat straw-based paper. In textiles, Trident is known for its yarn, bed linens, and towels, all produced in state-of-the-art, eco-friendly manufacturing facilities.
6. KPR Mill Ltd.
Based in Coimbatore, KPR Mill Ltd. is one of the largest vertically integrated textile companies in India. Its operations span from spinning yarn to manufacturing garments. The company is a major producer of knitted apparel and has a strong export business, supplying to leading global brands. KPR Mill is also noted for its commitment to wind energy and social responsibility.
7. Alok Industries Ltd.
Alok Industries has a massive, integrated manufacturing facility in Silvassa, making it a giant in the textile world. The company is involved in both cotton and polyester value chains, producing everything from yarn to finished garments. With a focus on scale and technology, Alok Industries serves a wide range of markets both at home and abroad.
8. Page Industries Ltd.
While primarily known as a garment manufacturer, Page Industries holds the exclusive license for Jockey and Speedo in India and several other countries. Its success highlights the strength of India’s apparel manufacturing sector, which is a crucial part of the broader textile industry. The company’s focus on quality and brand-building has made it a market leader in the innerwear and swimwear categories.
9. Sutlej Textiles and Industries Ltd.
Part of the K.K. Birla Group, Sutlej Textiles is a leading producer of spun-dyed yarn. The company specializes in creating a wide variety of yarns, including cotton, synthetic, and blended types, catering to both domestic and international markets. It also has a significant presence in home textiles, producing fabrics for upholstery and curtains.
10. Grasim Industries Ltd.
A flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, Grasim is a major global player in viscose staple fibre (VSF), a man-made, biodegradable fibre used in apparel and home textiles. It is also India’s largest cement producer and a diversified financial services player. Its dominance in the VSF market makes it a critical supplier for the textile industry and a driver of sustainable fashion trends.
Exploring India’s Textile Hubs
The strength of India’s textile industry is concentrated in several key geographical clusters, or textile hubs in India. These cities and regions have developed specialized ecosystems for textile production.
- Tirupur: Known as the “Knitwear Capital of India,” this city in Tamil Nadu is a powerhouse for cotton knitwear. It has a dense network of spinning mills, dyeing units, and garment factories, exporting massive quantities of T-shirts and other knitted apparel globally.
- Surat: Located in Gujarat, Surat is famous for its synthetic fabric production and processing. It is a major hub for polyester sarees, dress materials, and technical textiles, often called the “Silk City of India” for its historical association with silk weaving.
- Ludhiana: This Punjabi city is a major center for woolen textiles and hosiery. It is home to many large integrated mills, like Vardhman, and is a key supplier of sweaters, shawls, and other winter wear.
- Bhiwandi: Situated near Mumbai, Bhiwandi is one of the largest power loom centers in the country. It plays a crucial role in weaving plain fabrics that are then processed and finished in other textile centers across India.
Emerging Trends Shaping the Future
The Indian textile industry is constantly evolving. Several emerging trends in textiles are currently defining its future trajectory.
- Sustainability: There is a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable textiles. Companies are investing in organic cotton, recycled polyester, and biodegradable fibers like VSF. Water conservation and green manufacturing processes are becoming standard practice.
- Technical Textiles: This is a high-growth segment that includes textiles for automotive, medical, construction, and protective applications. The Indian government is actively promoting this sector through policies and incentives, encouraging companies to innovate and capture new markets.
- Digitalization and Automation: From AI-powered design to automated weaving and cutting, technology is transforming textile manufacturing. Digital printing is allowing for faster turnarounds and more complex designs, while supply chain automation is improving efficiency.
- Fast Fashion and E-commerce: The rise of online retail has changed how consumers buy clothes. This has created a need for textile manufacturers to be more agile, producing smaller batches of diverse styles quickly to meet rapidly changing fashion trends.
The Future Outlook
The future of the Indian textile industry looks bright. With strong government support, a rich raw material base, and a skilled workforce, the sector is well-positioned for continued growth. The focus on sustainability, technical textiles, and digitalization will help Indian companies become more competitive on the global stage.
As these top 10 textile industries in India and countless smaller enterprises continue to innovate and expand, they will not only strengthen the national economy but also carry forward a legacy of textile excellence. The story of Indian textiles is one of resilience and reinvention, a narrative that continues to unfold with each thread spun and every fabric woven.
FAQ section:
What is the top 10 clothing brands in India?
The top 10 clothing brands in India are Raymond, Allen Solly, Peter England, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, FabIndia, W, Biba, Levi’s, and Mufti. These brands dominate the Indian apparel market with their quality, style, and wide reach, catering to diverse fashion preferences from formal wear to ethnic and casual styles.
Which textile stock is best buy?
I’m not a financial advisor, but one textile-stock that's often highlighted is Vardhman Textiles Ltd — a broadly integrated Indian textile company with solid export exposure and operational strength. (Paytm Money)
Important note: Stock market investments carry risk; always perform your own research or consult a qualified advisor before buying.
Which is the largest textile showroom in India?
The RMKV Silks showroom in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is considered the largest textile showroom in India. Spanning multiple floors, it offers an extensive collection of silk sarees, ethnic wear, and fabrics. Known for innovation and traditional craftsmanship, RMKV attracts customers nationwide, blending heritage with a modern shopping experience.
Meena Ansari is the co-founder and business partner at M/s Tex Aux Chemicals. A passionate writer at heart, she brings a deep curiosity and love for learning to every aspect of the textile industry. With a keen interest in exploring innovations and sharing insights, Meena combines her entrepreneurial experience with a flair for storytelling to educate and inspire readers across the textile community.
