The session on how innovations in women's intimate wear can drive and shape the sector's future was held in Intimasia 2025, held earlier this week in New Delhi (India).
One of the key product innovations gaining momentum is in the bonding and second-skin space. Whether through bonding or seamless technology, the second-skin concept is evolving rapidly. Many of our recent product innovations are centered around this trend.
For instance, at Enama, we have introduced three major innovation ranges. Our wellness range features an extensive bamboo-based collection. The second-skin range, branded as InvisiLine, focuses on bonded garments for a seamless experience. Lastly, FlexiFree incorporates seamless knitting for enhanced comfort.
All of these innovations contribute to "Comfort 2.0," offering consumers superior ease across price points and segments. Comfort remains a core priority, as consumer satisfaction ultimately determines product success.
Similarly, Van Heusen has also made significant strides in seamless technology and sustainable fabrics like bamboo and organic cotton. We have explored seamless technology as a major innovation area, with 3D knitting being a key addition. The Indian intimate apparel industry has undergone a massive transformation, primarily driven by growing consumer awareness. Innerwear is no longer just a basic necessity—it influences confidence, comfort, and even health.
For example, Van Heusen Innerwear was the first in India to introduce antibacterial innerwear for men and women, a feature that has now become an industry standard.
Turning to material innovation, Mobil Biochemicals, an American textile ingredient company, specializes in integrating silver into textiles. Silver offers excellent conductivity, making it valuable for military, industrial shielding, and smart textiles. Additionally, it serves as an effective antimicrobial agent, widely used in healthcare and consumer applications to reduce infections and control odor. The company collaborates with global athleisure and outdoor brands to enhance product functionality and differentiation.
In the fiber sector, Relan has been at the forefront of sustainable textile innovation. With India’s textile industry poised for significant growth—from $165 billion to $350 billion by 2030—the demand for fiber will rise sharply. India currently relies on 61% man-made fiber, compared to 78% globally and 87% in China.
To meet the increasing demand, India must innovate in man-made fibers by modifying their chemistry, cross-sections, and functional properties.
Innovations such as CoolTex for permanent moisture management and embedded silver-ion antimicrobial fibers are setting new industry benchmarks.
Sustainability plays a crucial role in textile innovation. Companies like Yosung, a leader in spandex production with a 60% market share in India, have introduced sustainable spandex products like Rigin (pre-consumer recycled spandex) and Rigin Bio (bio-based spandex derived from renewable sources).
Sustainability-driven innovation is happening across the supply chain, from fiber and fabric production to apparel design and warehouse management.
The industry is balancing both push and pull strategies for innovation. While consumer demand for sustainable and functional products is growing, manufacturers and brands also drive innovation by creating awareness and setting new standards. The continuous cycle of innovation ensures that today's advancements become tomorrow’s industry benchmarks. As a result, the textile sector is evolving rapidly, aligning with global sustainability goals and consumer expectations.