Indian Textile Business: Key Players, Hubs, and How It Powers Global Fashion

When you think of the Indian textile business, a massive, low-cost, high-volume industry that supplies clothing and fabric to markets worldwide. Also known as India’s apparel manufacturing sector, it’s not just about cotton and handlooms—it’s a modern engine of exports, innovation, and supply chain dominance. This isn’t a fading tradition. It’s a living, breathing industry that turns raw fiber into finished garments faster and cheaper than almost anywhere else on Earth.

The real heartbeat? Surat, the undisputed fabric capital of India, producing over 70% of the country’s synthetic textiles. Also known as India’s textile powerhouse, it’s where polyester, nylon, and blended fabrics are made in staggering volumes, shipped out to retailers from Dubai to New York. Surat doesn’t compete on tradition—it wins on speed, scale, and price. Then there’s Arvind Limited, India’s biggest garment exporter, shipping over $1.8 billion in apparel annually. Also known as the export leader in Indian clothing, they don’t just make clothes—they build global brands behind the scenes.

The Indian textile business thrives because it blends old skills with new systems. You’ll find small workshops in Bhavani making handwoven cotton, while giant mills in Surat churn out 10,000 meters of fabric a day. It’s this mix—micro-manufacturers and export giants—that makes the industry so resilient. Unlike countries that rely on automation alone, India uses skilled labor, flexible production, and deep local networks to adapt quickly to trends. That’s why global brands keep coming back.

What you won’t see in headlines? The hidden supply chains—dye factories in Punjab, spinning mills in Tamil Nadu, packaging units in Gujarat—that keep the whole system moving. The Indian textile business isn’t one big factory. It’s thousands of small players working together, connected by logistics, trade shows, and decades of experience. And it’s not slowing down. With government incentives, rising global demand for affordable fashion, and a young workforce ready to learn, India’s textile sector is only getting stronger.

Below, you’ll find real breakdowns of who leads, where it’s made, how much it’s worth, and why small players still matter in a world of giants. No fluff. Just facts, figures, and the stories behind the fabric.