India’s fashion industry is undergoing a transformative shift, blending heritage with sustainability to create a future-conscious ecosystem. With a centuries-old textile legacy and a modern push toward eco-friendly practices, Indian brands and designers are leading the global charge toward responsible fashion.
A Textile Powerhouse Embraces Sustainability
India’s rich history in textiles, including khadi, handloom weaving, and natural dye techniques, has found new relevance as sustainability becomes a global imperative. Sweezal Furtado, Model and Fashionista, highlights this fusion:
Sweezal Furtado: “India, a textile powerhouse, is witnessing a compelling fusion of heritage and sustainability. Our vibrant traditional crafts, employing age-old techniques and natural materials, are increasingly recognized globally for their eco-conscious nature and for reducing carbon footprints. With the global sustainable fashion market projected to reach $980 billion by 2027 as per Allied Market Research, Indian brands championing organic cotton, handloom textiles, and upcycled materials are uniquely positioned. According to McKinsey, 67% of consumers now consider sustainable materials when purchasing apparel—proof that awareness is reshaping the industry. Brands like Okhai, Bunaai, and No Nasties are not only redefining eco-conscious fashion but also empowering rural artisans and reviving age-old crafts. By embracing our rich artisanal legacy through khadi, organic cotton, and naturally dyed fabrics, we are not just creating beautiful garments but also leading a movement towards a more environmentally responsible and culturally rich fashion future on the world stage.”
Several Indian brands have carved a niche in sustainable fashion with their eco-conscious products:
- Okhai: Offers handcrafted apparel and accessories made by rural artisans, focusing on empowering women and promoting ethical craftsmanship.
- Bunaai: Specializes in hand-stitched and block-printed outfits that revive traditional techniques while embracing contemporary designs.
- No Nasties: India’s first 100% organic, fair-trade fashion brand, known for its minimalist yet stylish apparel made from certified organic cotton.
- Rangsutra: A social enterprise promoting handwoven and naturally dyed garments, connecting artisans with urban markets.
- Upasana: Pioneers the use of indigenous cotton varieties like ‘Kala cotton’ and focuses on fair trade and zero-waste production.
Slow Fashion and Ethical Innovation
Indian brands are increasingly investing in ethical production and slow fashion principles—prioritizing quality, longevity, and minimal environmental impact. The Sock Street is one such brand redefining everyday staples with sustainability at its core.
Saurabh Srivastava, Chief Business Officer at The Sock Street, underscores this shift:
“The global fashion industry is witnessing a significant shift toward greater sustainability, and Indian brands are paving the way for this paradigm jump by blending sustainability with artisanal traditions. The Sock Street is a good example of why. The Sock Street is a local home brand that is redefining everyday staples with an environmental plan. Following their ethos of ‘wear better, tread lighter,’ The Sock Street designs high-quality everyday socks made from organic cotton, bamboo, and natural dyes. Beyond materials, the brand embraces ethical production processes, supporting local artisans and small manufacturers, thus promoting slow fashion principles. Their designs are typically inspired by & rooted in Indian culture, but with a contemporary approach to designs, colors, and patterns that appeal to global markets. As sustainability begins to take hold as an imperative factor in our fashion choices around the world, The Sock Street has gained international attention for its mindful approach to comfort, style, and sensibility. By moving forward with a commitment to sustainable innovation and heritage with the least environmental impact, The Sock Street shows how Indian brands can champion a more conscious and creative future in fashion.”
Other Indian brands championing sustainability include:
- Doodlage: Specializes in upcycling fabric waste to create unique, stylish pieces.
- Hempy: Offers a variety of hemp-based apparel that is biodegradable and durable.
- Suta: Revitalizes handwoven textiles, blending contemporary aesthetics with traditional Indian weaving.
- Maati: Works on small-batch production using natural dyes and ethically sourced fabrics.
- Brown Living: A marketplace exclusively for sustainable products, including fashion items with minimal environmental impact.
A Rising Global Force
With increasing consumer awareness and industry commitments to sustainability, India is positioned as a leader in the global eco-fashion movement. Government initiatives promoting handloom and khadi production, along with consumer-led demand for sustainable options, are ensuring that ethical fashion is not just a trend but a lasting transformation.
As the movement gains momentum, Indian fashion brands are proving that responsible choices need not compromise style or cultural identity. Instead, sustainability is becoming an intrinsic part of India’s fashion DNA, creating a future where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand.