Chaitra Udayakumar
Bengaluru: The Indian apparel industry just had its most fashionable moment yet—wrapped in colour, commerce, and crowd. The 81st National Garment Fair (NGF), hosted by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), concluded on an unprecedented high, with business deals worth an estimated ₹2500 crores and a staggering 50,000 buyers walking the aisles across the Kidswear (held last month) and Women’s & Men’s Wear segments.
Held from July 14 to 16 in Mumbai, the Women’s and Men’s Wear edition emerged not just as a trade fair but as a bold showcase of how Indian fashion is evolving—and how the business of fashion is booming.
In numbers and narrative, the 81st National Garment Fair was a spectacle. Over 800 menswear and womenswear brands, 40+ accessories labels, and 590 kidswear brands across both segments participated. From young indie labels to legacy designers, the fair brought together the ecosystem of Indian apparel under one roof, fueling festival-season bookings and opening up new markets—especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
More than just footfall, the fair witnessed intent—buyers were serious, ready, and in the mood to place orders. From retailers and wholesalers to e-commerce firms and distributors, the floor buzzed with business.
“The Indian apparel landscape is undergoing a transformation,” said Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI. “Consumers are no longer sticking to traditional styles—they’re embracing global trends fused with Indian identities. This makes apparel an evolving lifestyle category rather than a basic necessity.”
It’s a sentiment echoed across brands at the fair, which featured everything from modernised sarees and contemporary lehengas to gender-fluid men’s fashion, pastel athleisure, and experimental fabrics. Whether you were looking for East-West fusion or minimalist linen wear, the National Garment Fair had it all—and then some.
Radhika Jalan, whose Kolkata-based brand Tandhan Fashion made its NGF debut, said, “The visibility we’ve got here has been tremendous. We’re definitely coming back.”
Purvi Agarwal from Mumbai’s Linen and Linens Wear echoed that excitement: “We’re overwhelmed with the response. It’s been a great inflow of buyers and incredible feedback.”
Meanwhile, Jaipur-based REME Lifestyle’s founder Raghushree Poddar recalled her journey from 15 linen pieces to 500+ designs. “NGF gave me that space to dream bigger,” she shared. “This is how I became the REME Lady.”
From the men’s segment, VANAM by SBS founder Naman Singhal praised the seamless organization: “It’s been a brilliant experience—well-planned infrastructure, great team support, and fantastic walk-ins.”
Long-time participants also felt the growth. Shriniwas Choudhary from Aditya Shirts summed it up best: “We’ve been part of this for 21 years, and this time, the energy was different—buzzing, vibrant, and future-forward.”
Notable retail visitors included Asopalav (Ahmedabad), Sohum Shoppe (Guwahati), GV Mall (Khammam), Pakiza Retails and Shree Shivam Attire (Indore), B S Channabasappa & Sons (Karnataka), and Rajwadi Emporium (Valsad), all highlighting the fair’s national footprint and influence.
Anand Chokshi, Joint Chairman of the Fair Sub-Committee, noted that real growth is now coming from India’s regional cities, driven by aspiration, digital exposure, and evolving style preferences. From bold prints to softer tailoring and regional reinterpretations of classic designs, the National Garment Fair truly captured the pulse of India.
The 81st National Garment Fair also made clear that fashion choices are becoming more conscious, rooted in identity, and driven by both function and emotion. Buyers no longer just want trends—they want stories, utility, and connection. Brands that anticipate these shifts, reflect regional nuances, and offer value will continue to thrive.
As the curtains fall on this landmark edition of the National Garment Fair, the message is loud and clear: India is not just wearing fashion. It’s living it.
Meghana Harikumar
Editor
