India has a dynamic ethnic wear industry valued at approximately USD 20.9 billion (INR 1.69 trillion) in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 8%. This segment constitutes 30% of the total domestic apparel market, worth around INR 6.15 trillion (USD 74 billion). Ethnic wear, including sarees, kurtas, and lehengas, celebrates heritage and craftsmanship.
In recent years, over 30 ethnic wear startups have emerged, driven by a growing middle class with increasing disposable incomes. The unorganised sector dominates the market, accounting for about 80-85% of sales, while the organised segment is growing at around 20% annually, reflecting a shift towards branded ethnic wear.
With the rise of e-commerce and changing fashion trends, demand for ethnic clothing continues to rise, making it an integral part of every Indian’s wardrobe.
Best Ethnic Wear Brands in India
Let’s look at 10 big names in India’s Ethnic wear market, with some interesting facts and figures thrown in.
- Fabindia
- Biba
- Manyavar
- Global Desi
- W for Women
- Ritu Kumar
- FabAlley Indo-Western
- Sabhyata
- House of Anita Dongre
- Kalki Fashion
1. Fabindia
A name synonymous with Indian heritage, Fabindia is a go-to brand for handcrafted, sustainable, and elegant ethnic wear. Known for its vibrant kurtas, sarees, and stoles, Fabindia celebrates Indian artisans and traditional techniques.
| Founded By – | John Bissell |
| Year – | 1960 |
| Headquarters – | New Delhi |
| Revenue – | 1670+ Crores |
Did You Know: John Bissell, an American working for the Ford Foundation in India, started Fabindia to promote Indian handloom crafts globally.
2. Biba
One of India’s most iconic ethnic wear brands, Biba is known for its colorful and comfortable salwar suits, kurtas, and mix-and-match options. It caters to women of all ages and has even introduced a kids’ line.
| Founded By – | Meena Bindra |
| Year – | 1988 |
| Headquarters – | New Delhi |
| Revenue – | 970+ Crores |
Did You Know: Meena Bindra started Biba from her home with just ₹8,000, and today it’s a ₹600+ crore brand!
3. Manyavar
When it comes to wedding and festive wear, Manyavar is a name that resonates across India. Known for its grand sherwanis, bandhgalas, and kurtas, it offers premium ethnic wear for men. Their Mohey line caters to women’s ethnic fashion.
| Founded By – | Ravi Modi |
| Year – | 1999 |
| Headquarters – | Kolkata |
| Revenue – | 1345+ Crores |
Did You Know: Ravi Modi started Manyavar with a loan of ₹10,000 and turned it into one of India’s top ethnic brands, which is now publicly listed!
4. Global Desi
A unique blend of Indian prints and contemporary cuts, Global Desi is a favorite among young women. The brand offers chic and stylish kurtas, palazzos, and dresses with a boho-ethnic vibe.
| Founded By – | Anita Dongre |
| Year – | 2007 |
| Headquarters – | Mumbai |
| Revenue – | 300+ Crores |
Did You Know: Anita Dongre’s designs have been worn by celebrities like Kate Middleton, adding global recognition to her brand.
5. W for Women
W for Women is all about contemporary ethnic wear that’s both comfortable and stylish. With innovative silhouettes and modern patterns, it’s ideal for office wear and semi-formal occasions.
| Founded By – | TCNS Clothing Co. |
| Year – | 2001 |
| Headquarters – | New Delhi |
| Revenue – | 1200+ Crores |
Did You Know: W for Women was one of the first Indian brands to introduce a size chart tailored specifically to Indian body types.
6. Ritu Kumar
As one of India’s pioneering designers, Ritu Kumar’s label is synonymous with timeless elegance. Known for her intricate embroidery and traditional craftsmanship, her collections are a blend of heritage and modernity.
| Founded By – | Ritu Kumar |
| Year – | 1969 |
| Headquarters – | Gurgaon |
| Revenue – | 170+ Crores |
Did You Know: Ritu Kumar is credited with reviving zardozi embroidery in India and was the first woman to bring boutique culture to the country.
7. FabAlley Indo-Western
FabAlley’s ethnic division is perfect for those who love fusing traditional Indian prints with modern cuts. Their contemporary ethnic wear includes chic maxi dresses, dhoti-style pants, and printed tops, redefining Indian fashion.
| Founded By – | Tanvi Malik & Shivani Poddar |
| Year – | 2012 |
| Headquarters – | Noida |
| Revenue – | 75+ Crores |
Did You Know: Tanvi and Shivani launched the brand when they noticed a gap in the market for affordable, Indo-Western fusion wear targeting millennial women.
8. Sabhyata
Sabhyata offers affordable yet stylish ethnic wear for women, with a focus on kurtas, palazzos, and dupattas. The brand is popular among working women for its functional yet fashionable designs.
| Founded By – | Anil Arora & Pankaj Anand |
| Year – | 2003 |
| Headquarters – | New Delhi |
| Revenue – | 200+ Crores |
Did You Know: The brand name “Sabhyata” means “culture,” reflecting its dedication to preserving and promoting traditional Indian textiles.
9. House of Anita Dongre
A leader in sustainable and luxurious ethnic fashion, House of Anita Dongre encompasses several brands, including AND and Grassroot, apart from her signature ethnic collections. Known for using eco-friendly fabrics, her designs resonate with modern Indian women.
| Founded By – | Anita Dongre |
| Year – | 1995 |
| Headquarters – | Mumbai |
| Revenue – | 600+ Crores |
Did You Know: House of Anita Dongre was among the first Indian fashion houses to adopt sustainability, with an entire line dedicated to eco-conscious fashion called “Grassroot.”
10. Kalki Fashion
Kalki Fashion is a premium ethnic wear brand renowned for its exquisite bridal and festive collections. The brand combines traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary designs, making it a favorite among modern brides and fashion enthusiasts.
| Founded By – | Nishit Gupta |
| Year – | 2007 |
| Headquarters – | Mumbai |
| Revenue – | 250+ Crores |
Did You Know: Kalki is celebrated for its made-to-measure couture services and innovative campaigns, like the Kalki Bride, which became a social media sensation, showcasing dreamy bridal looks for the modern Indian woman.
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Conclusion
The Indian ethnic wear market is in a significant transformation, blending tradition with modernity. With over 30 startups emerging recently, this sector is expanding and diversifying, offering consumers numerous choices that honor cultural heritage while appealing to contemporary tastes.
As the market adapts to trends like sustainability and online shopping, brands are prioritizing ethical practices and innovative designs. This shift empowers consumers to make informed choices reflecting their values. The future of ethnic wear looks bright, with continued growth anticipated as more individuals embrace traditional styles for various occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which ethnic wear brands have the largest market share in India?
Brands like Manyavar, BIBA, and FabIndia dominate the ethnic wear market in India, thanks to their widespread retail presence, strong branding, and appeal to a broad consumer base.
Q2: Are Indian ethnic wear brands expanding globally?
Yes, many Indian brands like Sabyasachi, Anita Dongre, and Kalki Fashion have gained global recognition and cater to international markets, especially targeting the Indian diaspora. Manyavar and FabIndia have also established stores overseas.
Q3: How do ethnic wear brands drive innovation in their collections?
Ethnic wear brands innovate by blending traditional designs with modern silhouettes, incorporating sustainable fabrics, and leveraging technology like virtual try-ons or AI-driven personalization to enhance the shopping experience.
Q4: Where can I buy these ethnic wear collections?
Most brands have their own dedicated stores across India and an online presence. You can shop from their websites, leading e-commerce platforms like Myntra and Amazon, or visit flagship stores for an in-store experience.
Q5: How do ethnic wear brands stay relevant in a competitive market?
Brands stay relevant by tapping into social media marketing, collaborating with influencers, offering seasonal discounts, and introducing capsule collections for festive or wedding seasons. Additionally, customer loyalty programs and sustainability initiatives are gaining traction.
