Speaking with Salil Chawla, Director of DFU Publications, and Nimesh Jariwala, Vice President Sales & Marketing, looking after sales and marketing, particularly for athleisure and sports on the sidelines of the Intimasia 2025 show.
India’s textile industry is evolving rapidly. Until recently, most Indian brands relied on fabric imports from China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. However, post-COVID, this landscape is shifting, with significant investments flowing into Gujarat and Maharashtra. These regions are emerging as key hubs for athleisure and sports fabric production.
Despite this progress, further investment is required, particularly in processing, dyeing, and printing facilities for synthetic fibers. The industry is actively working towards self-reliance, and within the next 4-5 years, we can expect India to produce high-quality sports fabrics and garments domestically.
Leading corporate players such as Vardhman, Donier, and Arvind are making substantial investments in advanced machinery for synthetic knitting and processing. This indicates a promising future for the sector.
From the perspective of a spandex fiber supplier, our focus extends beyond spandex—we provide comprehensive synthetic fiber solutions, including polyester, nylon, and spandex.
Currently, we are India’s largest spandex producer, with a production capacity of 3,500 tons per month and an annual growth rate of 12–13%. Over the past two years, the biggest surge in demand has been in circular knit applications, particularly for sports garments.
The demand for polyester and nylon has also evolved. Earlier, discussions revolved around basic products, but now there is a growing focus on functional yarns that offer enhanced performance.
While progress is steady, there is a clear movement toward innovation.
Regarding market orientation, most manufacturers are currently focused on exports, supplying international brands with highly functional products.
However, the domestic market is also witnessing an upgrade. Major players like Reliance, Westside, and Aditya Birla Group are expanding their premium offerings, signaling strong growth for India’s high-end textile segment.