Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday released a comprehensive report on domestic textile demand, revealing strong growth in India’s textiles and clothing market over the past decade and a half.
Titled “Market for Textiles & Clothing: National Household Survey 2024”, the study conducted by the Textiles Committee provides detailed insights into consumption patterns, market size, and emerging trends in the sector.
Market triples in 15 years
According to the report, India’s textile market has expanded significantly, growing from ₹4.89 lakh crore in 2010 to ₹14.95 lakh crore in 2024, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%.
The domestic market alone accounts for ₹12.02 lakh crore, with household consumption playing a major role. Household demand rose from ₹4.18 lakh crore in 2010 to ₹8.77 lakh crore in 2024, underlining its central role in driving sectoral growth.
Per capita expenditure on textiles also saw a sharp increase – from ₹2,119 in 2010 to ₹6,066 in 2024 – reflecting rising incomes and evolving consumption patterns.
Shift towards man-made fibres
The survey highlights a noticeable shift in consumer preference towards man-made fibre (MMF) and blended products, which now account for 52.2% of the market. Cotton-based products contribute 41.2%, while silk and wool make up smaller shares.
In absolute terms, demand for MMF and blended textiles grew from ₹1.47 lakh crore to ₹4.47 lakh crore. Cotton demand also rose significantly to ₹3.53 lakh crore, maintaining its position as a key segment.
Women drive consumption
The report identifies women as the primary drivers of textile consumption, accounting for 55.5% of purchases compared to 44.5% by men.
Popular products in the domestic market include shirts, sarees, trousers, salwar kameez, jeans, T-shirts, and traditional wear such as dhotis. Among these, men’s jeans emerged as the fastest-growing category, while leggings gained prominence among women consumers.
Rise of sustainable and technical textiles
A key finding of the study is the increasing demand for sustainable textiles. The market for recycled, reused, and reprocessed garments reached an estimated ₹37,000 crore in 2024, with reused and retailored products forming a significant portion of consumption.
The survey also notes growing adoption of technical textiles – such as masks, sanitary products, wipes, and medical disposables -across both rural and urban households. Rural areas accounted for nearly 58% of technical textile consumption, indicating wider penetration beyond cities.
Policy and industry implications
The Textiles Ministry said the report will serve as a critical reference for policymakers and industry stakeholders in shaping strategies for the sector’s future growth.
With rising demand, changing preferences, and increasing emphasis on sustainability, the findings point to a dynamic and evolving domestic textiles market poised for continued expansion.
