Textile Manufacturing in India: Trends, Top Players, and How It Works

When we talk about textile manufacturing, the process of turning fibers like cotton, polyester, and silk into fabrics and finished goods. Also known as fabric production, it’s the backbone of one of India’s oldest and largest industries. From handwoven silk saris in Varanasi to high-speed automated mills in Tamil Nadu, textile manufacturing isn’t just about cloth—it’s about jobs, exports, and national economy. India produces over 20% of the world’s cotton fiber and is the second-largest exporter of textiles after China, shipping fabrics to over 150 countries every year.

This industry doesn’t run on tradition alone. Modern textile industry India, a multi-billion-dollar sector combining traditional crafts with high-tech production. Also known as Indian garment manufacturing, it’s now powered by government schemes like PM MITRA, automation, and sustainability goals. Companies like Arvind Ltd. lead the pack with massive production capacity and global brands under contract. Meanwhile, smaller players are thriving by focusing on niche markets like organic cotton or technical textiles used in medical masks and automotive filters. The shift isn’t just about making more—it’s about making better, faster, and greener.

What you’re holding in your hands right now—your shirt, your jeans, even the curtains in your home—likely passed through an Indian textile mill. The fabrics you see in markets, from cotton fabric India, the most widely used natural fiber in the country, prized for breathability and comfort. Also known as Indian cotton textiles, it’s the base for 70% of domestic apparel. to polyester fabric India, a synthetic staple driving affordability and durability in mass-market clothing. Also known as synthetic textiles, it’s now blended with cotton to create wrinkle-resistant, low-cost fabrics. These aren’t just materials—they’re economic drivers. Export destinations like the USA, UAE, Germany, and Bangladesh rely heavily on Indian mills for bulk supply. And with rising global demand for sustainable and ethical fashion, India’s ability to scale eco-friendly production is becoming its biggest competitive edge.

But it’s not all growth. The sector faces real pressure—from outdated machinery in small units, to rising energy costs, to competition from Bangladesh and Vietnam. Yet, the ones surviving are adapting fast: investing in digital design tools, recycling water in dyeing, and training workers in new tech. This collection of articles dives into exactly how India’s textile world is changing—whether you’re a business owner looking to start a mill, a buyer sourcing fabrics, or just curious about where your clothes come from. You’ll find real data on exports, clear breakdowns of top companies, step-by-step guides for starting out, and the fabrics that actually sell the most right now.