Who Is the Biggest Garment Exporter in India?

India doesn’t just make clothes-it ships them all over the world. Every year, over $40 billion worth of garments leave Indian ports, bound for the U.S., the EU, the UK, and beyond. But who’s behind that massive flow? If you’re asking who the biggest garment exporter in India is, the answer isn’t a single name you’ll find on a billboard. It’s a company with deep roots, massive scale, and a supply chain that moves like clockwork: Arvind Limited.

Arvind Limited: The Quiet Giant of Indian Textiles

Arvind Limited isn’t just a big name-it’s the engine behind some of the most recognizable denim and casual wear brands sold globally. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Arvind has been around since 1931. What started as a small textile mill is now a vertically integrated powerhouse that spins yarn, weaves fabric, dyes it, cuts it, sews it, and ships it-all under one roof.

They don’t just make fabric for their own brands. Arvind supplies denim to global giants like Levi’s, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. In fact, about 70% of their production goes to international brands. That’s not just export-it’s embedded in the global fashion system.

They produce over 300 million meters of fabric annually. Their garment division ships more than 100 million pieces each year. That’s enough to dress every person in a country like Portugal. And they do it all while maintaining ISO-certified factories, water recycling systems, and compliance with international labor standards.

Why Arvind Leads the Pack

Size alone doesn’t make you the biggest exporter. You need consistency, reliability, and the ability to scale fast. Arvind checks all those boxes.

• Vertical integration: They control every step-from cotton sourcing to finished garments. That means fewer delays and tighter quality control.
• Global client base: Their customers are household names. If a brand wants to source denim from India, Arvind is often the first call.
• Export volume: In FY 2024, Arvind’s export revenue hit $1.8 billion, more than any other Indian textile firm. That’s nearly 5% of India’s total apparel exports.
• Infrastructure: They operate 11 manufacturing units across Gujarat and Maharashtra, with dedicated export zones and logistics hubs.

Compare that to other major players. For example, Welspun India focuses mostly on home textiles-bedsheets and towels. Raymond is strong in suiting and formal wear but doesn’t match Arvind’s volume in casual and denim exports. KPR Mill is growing fast, especially in knitwear, but still trails in total export value.

Other Major Exporters You Should Know

While Arvind leads, India’s garment export scene is made up of several strong competitors, each with their own niche.

• KPR Mill: Known for knitwear and T-shirts. They’ve grown rapidly in the last five years, especially in the U.S. market. Exported over $800 million in FY 2024.
• Welspun India: The world’s largest producer of cotton towels. Their garment exports are smaller, but their textile exports (bedding, bath linens) are massive-over $1.2 billion in 2024.
• Reliance Industries: Not just oil and retail. Their textile division, Reliance Retail, handles massive volumes of branded apparel for domestic and international markets. They export through their own retail chains and wholesale partners.
• Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail: Owns brands like Louis Philippe and Van Heusen. They export under their own labels, not just as a supplier. Their international sales hit $650 million in 2024.
• Sun Group: A top exporter of woven garments, especially to Europe. They focus on sustainable production and have strong certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX.

None of these companies match Arvind’s total garment export volume, but together, they form the backbone of India’s global textile presence.

What Makes India a Top Garment Exporter?

It’s not just about one company. India’s position as the world’s second-largest garment exporter (after China) comes from a mix of factors:

• Labor cost: Skilled tailors and workers are still more affordable than in Bangladesh or Vietnam, without sacrificing quality.
• Raw material access: India is the world’s largest producer of cotton. That means lower input costs for fabric.
• Trade agreements: Preferential tariffs under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in the U.S. and EU help reduce duties.
• Government support: Schemes like the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have boosted modernization in textile mills.

Even with rising wages and automation, India’s advantage lies in its ability to handle both small and large orders. A U.S. brand can order 500 T-shirts or 500,000-and Indian factories can deliver both.

Challenges Ahead

Being the biggest doesn’t mean it’s easy. Arvind and other exporters face real pressure:

• Competition from Bangladesh: Bangladesh produces more garments by volume and has lower labor costs. Their exports hit $46 billion in 2024, compared to India’s $42 billion.
• Supply chain delays: Port congestion, customs checks, and rising freight costs eat into margins.
• Environmental regulations: The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will soon require exporters to report carbon footprints-something many smaller Indian factories aren’t ready for.
• Automation gap: While Arvind invests in robotics and AI-driven quality control, many smaller units still rely on manual labor. That makes scaling harder.

India’s exporters are responding. Arvind has installed solar panels across its plants and uses AI to predict fabric defects. Others are forming cooperatives to share compliance costs. The race isn’t over-but India is still in it.

Where the Industry Is Headed

The future of Indian garment exports isn’t just about volume. It’s about value.

Brands are shifting from “cheap and fast” to “sustainable and traceable.” That’s good news for India. We have the cotton, the skills, and the growing number of certified factories. Companies like Arvind are betting on this shift. They’re investing in organic cotton, waterless dyeing, and blockchain-based supply chain tracking.

By 2030, India aims to double its textile exports to $100 billion. That’s not a fantasy-it’s a plan backed by government policy and private investment. The biggest exporter today might not be the biggest in ten years. But Arvind is already laying the groundwork to stay on top.

What This Means for Buyers and Investors

If you’re a brand sourcing clothing, India offers more than just low prices. You get flexibility, quality control, and access to a growing network of certified factories. Arvind’s scale means you can start small and scale up without switching suppliers.

If you’re an investor, look beyond the biggest names. The real growth is in mid-sized exporters that specialize in sustainable fabrics or technical textiles. These companies are getting funding, improving tech, and winning contracts with eco-conscious brands.

India’s garment industry isn’t just about who exports the most today. It’s about who’s building the factories, systems, and skills that will dominate tomorrow. And right now, Arvind is leading the charge.