India’s clothing fiber market in a transformative decade

India’s clothing fiber sector is entering a decisive growth phase. Projections show the market growing at a CAGR of 6 per cent between 2025 and 2035, underpinned by the country’s strong cotton base, a fast-growing domestic apparel market, and accelerating technological innovation.

Global demographic shifts, population growth, rising urbanization, and higher disposable incomes will add to the momentum. But the real disruption will come from circular economy practices, sustainability pressures, and digital-first consumption models, reshaping both supply and demand.

Cotton, a strong yet pressured foundation

India has long prided itself on being the world’s cotton powerhouse. With a share of 23 per cent of global cotton production in 2024, the country continues to anchor its clothing fiber ecosystem in the natural fiber’s rich legacy. Cotton remains central not only for traditional apparel but also for export markets, where Indian cotton yarn and fabrics are global staples.

Yet, even this strength faces mounting pressures. Cotton farming’s water intensity and vulnerability to climate change pose structural risks. To counter these, India is investing heavily in better agronomy practices, organic cultivation, and genetically enhanced seeds that increase yield while reducing inputs. The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)  has also rolled out farmer support schemes to improve traceability and sustainability a growing demand from international buyers.

Menswear driving fiber demand

Globally, the menswear segment will account for 39.5 per cent of clothing fiber demand by 2025, according to industry estimates. For decades considered conservative, men’s fashion has entered an era of experimentation, variety, and comfort-led design.

In India, this trend is strengthened by two powerful drivers: The rise of urban, young professionals seeking fashionable yet functional apparel; The explosive growth of men’s athleisure and performance wear, which depends heavily on engineered fibers such as polyester, elastane, and nylon.

Table: Global clothing fiber demand by segment in 2025

Recycling as the new growth engine

Perhaps the most transformative force in the coming decade is the apparel industry’s shift toward circularity. Fiber recycling technologies, once a niche are now attracting billions in investment. Chemical recycling methods that break down used textiles into base polymers are gaining traction, while mechanical recycling of cotton and polyester is being scaled up in India’s textile hubs.

Brands are proactively designing clothes with recyclability in mind, implementing take-back schemes, and committing to using only certified, traceable, sustainable fibers. The Indian government’s National Textile Mission 2030 aligns with these goals, aiming to integrate recycling clusters in Surat, Tirupur, and Panipat.

For consumers, this means more apparel made from recycled polyester (rPET), organic cotton, and blended fibers engineered for reuse, signaling a definitive break from the throwaway culture of fast fashion.

Fashion in the age of algorithms

The way Indians buy clothing fibers or rather, the apparel made from them is undergoing a revolution. The meteoric rise of e-commerce and digital platforms has made fashion cycles faster and shorter, leading to demand for fibers that allow mass customization and on-demand production.

Global fast-fashion players and homegrown startups are adopting AI-driven design systems that predict trends and streamline supply chains. For fibers, this means an emphasis on adaptability, dye uptake, and flexibility for quick manufacturing.

India’s online fashion market, projected to surpass $30 billion by 2030, is a critical growth driver for synthetic fibers, especially those used in fast-moving categories like athleisure, sportswear, and casual wear.

Synthetics, versatility meets sustainability

While cotton remains strong, the real growth story lies in synthetics. The synthetic fibers market in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5 per cent from 2025-33, outpacing overall fiber growth. Polyester, in particular, dominates due to its cost-effectiveness, performance features, and adaptability across fashion categories.

However, the narrative is no longer just about volume. Innovation in bio-based synthetics and recycled polyester from PET bottles and textile waste is transforming this segment into a sustainability leader. Investments in advanced spinning, fiber modification, and performance-enhancing finishes are also adding value. India’s textile  parks are becoming testbeds for moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and UV-protective fibers, features that resonate with today’s performance-driven consumers.

Table: India’s clothing fiber market outlook (2025–2035)

Balancing act, cost vs. consciousness

The decade ahead will be defined by a delicate balance. On one side is the cost-effectiveness and scale of traditional synthetics, which remain critical for India’s price-sensitive consumers and global fast-fashion markets. On the other is the rising demand both regulatory and consumer-led for sustainable, circular, and high-tech fibers.

Success will depend on how Indian textile players balance these forces. Companies that can simultaneously deliver affordable, functional apparel and meet sustainability commitments are likely to dominate.

The 2025-35 period is not just another growth phase for India’s clothing fiber industry, it is a reinvention of the fabric of fashion itself. With cotton’s legacy, synthetics’ innovation, digital acceleration, and the promise of circularity, India is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. In a global market where the threads of sustainability, technology, and consumer aspiration are tightly interwoven, India’s clothing fiber sector is ready to spin its next success story.