The Indian textile industry has a long history, still being one of the largest and most developed in the whole world. The Indian textile industry has come a long way from manufacturing exquisite fabrics to exporting luxurious home textiles to many parts of the world. Indian textile has been estimated at a CAGR of around 4-5% from FY 2019 to FY 2024. This blog provides an overview of the best textile companies in India, whereby some of the recognized textile firms include Arvind Ltd., Raymond Ltd., Fabindia, Trident Ltd., and Welspun, among others.
Each of these firms has approached this space and established a distinctive market for itself, providing everything from conventional fabrics to future-oriented, environmentally friendly fabrics. For businesses seeking reliable suppliers or consumers looking for high-quality products, these companies offer valuable opportunities. Additionally, for entrepreneurs exploring business ideas in the textile industry, these firms serve as inspiration for sustainable and innovative ventures in India’s dynamic textile market.
What is the Textile Industry?
The textile industry includes fiber production, yarn weaving, fabric making, and the distribution of the resultant fibers, yarn, fabrics, and finished garments. This industry worldwide produces textiles made of raw materials such as cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fibers. These fibers are used in clothing, household articles, medical supplies, and industrial applications.
The global textile industry is important because it combines traditional craftsmanship with new technology to produce the fabrics required worldwide. Fiber sourcing, spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, finishing, and quality control are key processes
The industry behind textiles is constantly checking the pulse of what is trendy in fashion, sustainability, and functionality. Thus, textiles are an integral part of daily life and modern industry, driven by innovation.
The textile industry not only plays a key role in fashion and industrial applications but also intersects with related sectors, such as paint manufacturing, where materials often need specialized finishes. For example, paint companies contribute to the textile process by providing dyes and coatings essential for fabric finishing and colorfastness, ensuring high-quality standards in final products
Main Processes of the Textile Industry
The textile industry is a dynamic sector that includes different processes to convert raw materials into finished fabric and apparel. They each feature specialized techniques and technologies for quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Here’s an overview of the main processes involved in textile manufacturing:
- Fiber Production and Sourcing: The first stage involves the sourcing of natural (cotton, wool) or synthetic (polyester, nylon) fibers, which are the primary raw materials in textiles.
- Spinning: It is twisted into a yarn that forms a continuous strand to be woven or knitted. It improves strength and flexibility.
- Weaving and Knitting: Materials for fabrics are interlaced (woven) or looped (knitted) with yarn. The difference is that weaving produces non-stretchable fabrics, and knitting produces stretchable textiles.
- Dyeing and Printing: Colors are introduced to fabrics through dyeing or patterns are created by printing. This step gives the textile a more visual feel and branding elements.
- Finishing: Subsequently, softening, waterproofing, or anti-wrinkle treatments are applied to improve the fabric’s properties and functionality.
- Quality Control and Packaging: Defects in the fabrics are inspected before they are packed for distribution. It ensures that only high-quality materials reach the consumer.
Top Textile Companies in India
1. Arvind Ltd
Arvind Textiles is one of the leading textile companies in India, which deals in apparel and fashion classics like denim fabrics, cotton shirting fabrics, knitted fabrics, etc. The organization has its origins in 1931, and it is famous for innovations in the textile industry with a concern for environmental sustainability. It is also established as the chief fabric vendor to world-renowned fashion houses and also has a portfolio in technical textiles like composite and industrial fabrics
Not only does Arvind supply textiles, but garments also in the form of branded apparel and accessories under different brands. Owing to its well-equipped textile manufacturing facilities, Arvind Ltd. is still among the leading textile companies in India.
- Parent organization: Lalbhai Group
- Headquarters: Ahmedabad
- Founder: Kasturbhai Lalbhai
- Founded: 1931
- Number of employees: 25,620
2. Raymond Ltd
Raymond Ltd. is a leading brand name in suiting fabric in India and global market-leading suiting and apparel. Raymond was initially started in the year 1925, and since then it has always been contributing to woolen, woolen, and cotton fabrics and ready-made garments. It runs a wide range of brands; Raymond, Park Avenue, and Color Plus are popular brands relevant to different segments of the customer base
Apart from apparel production, particularly fabrics, Raymond Ltd. offers garments, accessories, and even customized products. Its innovative and highly skilled management, coupled with a strong retail presence, helps Raymond to remain a dependable brand in men’s fashion and textile exports.
- Parent organization: Raymond Group
- Revenue: 80 crores USD
- Founded: 1925
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Key people: Gautam Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director; Amit Aggarwal, Chief Financial Officer
3. Vardhman Textiles Ltd
Vardhman Textiles Ltd. was established in 1965 and is one of the largest textile companies in India that offers a full range of cotton yarn, fabric, and specialty yarn. This spinning, weaving, and fabric processing company serves the domestic and international markets. Vardhman has been acclaimed for its vertically integrated operations and highly standard raw materials for fabricated products.
Its product portfolio consists of textiles for formals, shirtings, denim, and knitted wear. It has a policy of sustainability at its heart and, as a result, is becoming a popular destination for international brands who are looking for sustainable textile production.
- Chairman and Managing Director: Mr. Shri Paul Oswal
- Subsidiaries: Vardhman Acrylics
- Headquarters: India
- Founded: 8 October 1973
4. Welspun Living
Welspun India Ltd. is a home textile major with a large product portfolio that includes towels, sheets, rugs, and more. One of the leading companies of the Welspun Group, it has made its mark in foreign markets with its products supplied to big-chain retail stores.
One of Welspun’s famous products is HygroCotton towels and bedding, which are distinguished by their moisture-controlling properties and ability to regulate temperature. It is also noteworthy that Welspun practices sustainable production.
Moreover, its activity considers the environmental experience. Due to the brand’s commitment to quality and new product development, it has been one of India’s leading exporters of textiles and a major home textiles company.
- Founder: B K Goenka
- Parent organizations: Welspun World, Welspun Group Master Trust
- Headquarters: India
- Revenue: 9,825 crores INR (FY24, US$1.2 billion)
- Founded: 1985
5. Bombay Dyeing
Bombay Dyeing was established in 1879, and it is one of India’s oldest textile companies of today. The brand is famous for its bed and bath linen and comprises bedsheets, comforters, towels, bed pads, and other home textiles. The firm has expanded its field of operations since then, and today it is into the sector of retail as well as real estate
Bombay Dyeing Grund has a wide palette of preferences balancing both comfort and look. It is also for this reason that the brand is for customer satisfaction and therefore Bombay Dyeing has become a household name in the Indian subcontinent.
- Chairman and Managing Director: Jeh Wadia (under the Wadia Group)
- Subsidiaries: Bombay Realty, Go Air, Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Founded: 1879
6. Trident Ltd
Trident Ltd. is one of the most prominent companies in the textile industry in India, having business interests in yarn, terry towels, and paper items. Trident is now one of the largest manufacturers of home textiles situated in India and companies with its operations all across the global market and was founded in the year 1990
Towels, bedsheets, and yarn produced by Trident are of high quality and thus accepted in Nepal and other countries. Being a company that prides itself on innovation and environmental conservation, it offers unique products that are durable, comfortable, and elegant to customers all over the world.
- Chairman: Rajinder Gupta
- Subsidiaries: Trident Global Corp Limited, Trident Europe Limited, Trident USA, Trident International Limited
- Headquarters: Ludhiana, Punjab, India
- Founded: 1990
7. Alok Industries
Alok Industries is one of the largest vertically integrated textile firms that cater to apparel fabric and home textile products, yarn, and fabrics, whether cotton or polyester. Initially established in 1986, Alok currently operates and supplies products in Asia, Europe, and the American region. The company operates a well-articulated high-quality operating efficiency drive founded on modern manufacturing technology to manage its highly developed production facilities
Alok presently has a diverse line of product offerings that comprise woven and knitted materials and apparel for different markets. Being one of the most prominent manufacturers and suppliers, Alok Industries supplies fabrics to both domestic retail brands as well as international ones.
- Chairman and Managing Director: Dilip Jiwrajka
- Subsidiaries: Alok Infrastructure, Alok International (USA), Mileta (Czech Republic)
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Founded: 1986
8. Fabindia
Fabindia is a famous retail brand in India that specializes in ethnic wear and woven products. The company was founded in 1960; it specializes in providing goods involving Indian hand craftsmanship and purchases items from craftsmen all over the country. Fabindia products are ethnic wear, home furnishing products, furnishings, furniture, and food products.
It helps rural artists grow and implements tradition with modern-day designs. Whether established locally or internationally, its many outlets have kept consumers coming in search of genuine products that are environmentally friendly and culturally rich. The ethical business practices that Fabindia adheres to have been rewarded by customer loyalty.
- Chairman: Mr. William Nanda Bissell
- Subsidiaries: Fabindia Overseas Pvt Ltd, Organic India (acquired stake)
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Founded: 1960 by John Bissell
9. Grasim Industries
Grasim Industries is part of the Aditya Birla Group and is involved in textile and chemical businesses. Established in 1947, Grasim was a textile giant that later evolved into a VSF major and a leading chemical company. The firm is the largest producer of VSF in the country, offering sustainable and biodegradable fiber both in the domestic as well as the global market. It also has a vertical to manufacture fabrics under the brand name Grasim Suitings for suiting and shirting fabrics away from competition. This has helped the company to ensure it becomes a leader in the production of sustainable fibers for textile manufacturing.
- Chairman: Kumar Mangalam Birla
- Subsidiaries: UltraTech Cement, Aditya Birla Capital, Birla Cellulose
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Founded: 1947
10. KPR Mill Ltd
KPR Mill Ltd. is a prominent textile company operating in India with diversified capabilities in spinning, weaving, and garmenting divisions. The firm was founded in 1984, dealing with yarn and fabric manufacturing as well as apparel dedicated to the most prominent European brands.
KPR Mill is an established textile manufacturer with products that include cotton yarns and knitted garments such as T-shirts and sportswear. The organization is also socially responsible with objectives like the use of renewable energy sources. An advanced manufacturing KPR Mill is a supplier of choice for clients from around the globe, especially in the informal and outfits category.
- Founder & Chairman: K.P. Ramasamy
- Date founded: 1984
- Headquarters: India
- Number of employees: 20,774
Looking Ahead
The leading textile companies of India represent innovation, sustainability, and tradition in the global textile market for India. These companies remain prominent in serving their markets by supplying quality products that fit the standards of the domestic and international markets. Being leaders in the textile industry, these companies are moving with trends to provide consumers with superior and environmentally friendly textiles.
FAQs
Which are the top textile industries in India?
India’s leading textile companies are Arvind Ltd., Raymond Ltd., Welspun India Ltd., Trident Ltd., and Vardhman Textiles Ltd.
What kind of goods do these companies make?
These firms produce all types of products, such as yarns, fabrics, home textiles comprising towels and bed linen, and garments.
Are there any underlying qualities of sustainability from Indian textile companies?
Yes, it appears that like Grasim Industries and Welspun, there are several textile companies in India that embrace green manufacturing with the use of environmentally sustainable materials and methods.
Are Indian textile companies exporting players?
Yes, many Indian companies, such as Welspun and Trident, are known to export most of their products internationally and even sell to famous retail chains across the USA and Europe.
