Indian Apparel Industry Discovers A New Growth Trajectory

Branded apparel companies and e-retailers are seeing a boost in sales for branded clothing. This boost is has a significant share of women’s clothing, which in fact has become the fastest growing category in the apparel segment.  This new trend is fueled by the increase in disposable income of the Indian households and with more women opting to pursue their career choices instead of taking care of the house. Western outfits for ladies are the trend that has gained acceptance and getting traction.

The entry of all the key international brands in India, the segment for western outfits for ladies is growing much faster than the menswear. In spite of the popularity of the ethnic wear, the influence of the west on the Indian mindset is quite evident as far as the dresses are concerned.  The entry of organized retailers and the popularity of e-retailers have brought this latent demand into the highlight.  A segment that once considered under-serviced is now drawing all the attention. The Internet has been a great enabler, providing wider choices, convenience in buying, and above all the presence of reliable players.

 

The potential that this segment entails is huge, with different corporate investing a vast amount of capital specifically for this sector that accounts for approximately 32% of the whole women’s wear market.  The desire of the working class Indian women to look contemporary and stylish is one significant driver of the sales. For all the big players, this segment is the next big thing to focus in the future. The growth rate western outfits for ladies part are also attracting foreign brands to India.

Western outfits for ladies have a relatively lower penetration even now, for which availability, as well as marketing, has a bigger role to play. Denim, innerwear, tops/ shirts / T-shirts and formal suits are the high-growth categories here. The coming up of various standalone stores in even Class B cities of India is a testimony to the fact that western wear is one big growth area to target.

A younger demographic is adopting this trend even faster and as an outcome driving the demand far ahead than menswear. Media, advertising, movies, and the Internet have a prominent role to play here. Smaller cities of India also are witnessing the grip of this new trend. You have younger girls from smaller cities experimenting with the western outfits, creating a mix and match style of dressing up which seems like a new fusion style. They seem to be fast catching up with their counterparts from the bigger cities and metros.