India has emerged as a global hub for high-quality activewear manufacturing, combining technical expertise with cost-effective production. The country's skilled workforce and advanced textile infrastructure make it ideal for performance apparel production.
Shahi Exports currently ranks as India's best activewear manufacturer, supplying premium sportswear to global brands like Nike and Adidas while maintaining OEKO-TEX® certified facilities with vertical integration from fabric to finished garments.
India's activewear sector offers diverse capabilities from compression wear to yoga apparel. Here's what makes Indian manufacturers stand out in the competitive sportswear market.
Who Is the Famous Cloth Manufacturer in India?
India's textile industry boasts several world-renowned manufacturers across different apparel categories.
Arvind Limited stands out as India's most famous apparel manufacturer, known for:
- Producing 100+ million garments annually
- Housing Asia's largest denim facility
- Supplying global brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger
- Pioneering sustainable manufacturing practices
Top 5 Indian Apparel Manufacturers
| Company | Specialty | Key Clients | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shahi Exports | Activewear | Nike, Adidas | OEKO-TEX®, BSCI |
| Arvind Limited | Denim | Levi's, Wrangler | GOTS, Bluesign |
| Raymond Apparel | Formalwear | Hugo Boss | ISO 9001 |
| Texport Industries | Sportswear | Puma, Under Armour | WRAP |
| Pratibha Syntex | Sustainable wear | Patagonia | Fair Trade |
Why These Manufacturers Excel
Key competitive advantages:
- Vertical integration1 controlling entire supply chain
- Technical textile expertise2 for performance fabrics
- Ethical compliance3 meeting global standards
- Design capabilities supporting private labels
Which Brand Is Best for Activewear?
India produces activewear for both domestic and international brands across different price segments and specialties.
For yoga and training wear, Alcis Sports leads India's activewear brands with:
- NASA-inspired fabric technology
- 42% year-on-year growth
- 500+ retail touchpoints
- National team sponsorships
Best Indian Activewear Brands Comparison
| Brand | Specialty | Price Range | Unique Selling Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcis | Training wear | $$ | Space-tech fabrics4 |
| HRX | Gym wear | $ | Hrithik Roshan brand |
| Decathlon | Sports gear | $ | Affordable performance5 |
| Puma India | Running | $$$ | German engineering |
| Nike India | Basketball | $$$$ | Global innovation |
Manufacturing Behind Top Brands
Production insights:
- 85% of Decathlon India products made locally
- HRX manufactured by Texport Industries
- Alcis uses Japanese fabric tech6 with Indian manufacturing
- Puma/Nike blend Indian and imported production
How to Start an Activewear Brand in India?
Launching an activewear label in India requires understanding both the creative and operational aspects of performance apparel.
5 key steps to launch your activewear brand:
- Market Research - Identify your niche (yoga, running, gym)
- Technical Design - Develop performance-oriented patterns
- Fabric Sourcing - Choose moisture-wicking materials
- Manufacturer Selection - Sample with 3-5 factories
- Certification - Obtain OEKO-TEX® or similar standards
Cost Breakdown for Starting Up
| Expense | Average Cost (₹) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Order7 | 2,00,000-5,00,000 | 300-500 pieces |
| Sampling | 25,000-50,000 | 3-5 prototypes |
| Fabric | 150-600/meter | Technical textiles8 |
| Branding | 1,00,000+ | Labels, tags, packaging |
| Certifications | 50,000-1,00,000 | OEKO-TEX®9, BSCI |
Recommended Starter Manufacturers
For new brands:
- Triton Activewear - Bangalore (low MOQs)
- Stellar Clothing - Delhi (yoga wear specialists)
- Aquarevo - Mumbai (sustainable options)
- Stitchking - Ludhiana (budget-friendly)
Which Is the Best Cloth Company in India?
Determining India's "best" clothing company depends on whether evaluating scale, quality, sustainability, or brand value.
Raymond Limited stands as India's most respected apparel company, with:
- 94+ years of heritage
- ₹6,000 crore annual revenue
- 1,500+ retail stores
- Vertical integration from wool to retail
Top Indian Apparel Companies Compared
| Company | Revenue | Specialty | Market Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raymond | ₹6,000cr | Suiting fabric | Premium formalwear |
| Arvind | ₹5,200cr | Denim | Global supplier |
| Page Industries | ₹3,800cr | Jockey licensee | Innerwear leader |
| Aditya Birla Fashion | ₹8,700cr | Pantaloons | Retail giant |
| Kitex | ₹1,200cr | Kids wear | Export champion |
What Makes These Companies Successful
Winning strategies:
- Vertical control over supply chain
- Brand portfolio approach
- Technical textile10 investments
- Omnichannel11 distribution
- Sustainable12 innovations
Conclusion
India offers world-class activewear manufacturing through companies like Shahi Exports, combining technical expertise with ethical production. Whether sourcing premium performance wear or starting your own brand, India's mature textile ecosystem provides quality options across price points.
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Learning about vertical integration can reveal how manufacturers optimize their supply chains for efficiency and quality. ↩
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Understanding technical textile expertise can enhance your knowledge of performance fabrics and their applications in the industry. ↩
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Exploring ethical compliance standards will inform you about the industry's commitment to sustainability and fair practices. ↩
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Discover how space-tech fabrics enhance performance and comfort in activewear, making them a game-changer for athletes. ↩
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Learn about Decathlon's unique approach to providing affordable sports gear without compromising on quality. ↩
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Explore the innovations in Japanese fabric technology that elevate the quality and functionality of activewear. ↩
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Understanding minimum order quantities can help you plan your budget effectively and avoid overcommitting to inventory. ↩
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Exploring technical textiles can enhance your product quality and innovation in your clothing line. ↩
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Learning about OEKO-TEX® certification can help you ensure your products are safe and environmentally friendly, boosting brand credibility. ↩
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Explore how technical textiles are revolutionizing the apparel industry with innovative materials and applications. ↩
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Learn how omnichannel strategies enhance customer experience and boost sales in the retail sector. ↩
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Discover the latest trends in sustainable fashion and how companies are adopting eco-friendly practices. ↩
