The Rise of Comfortwear: Exploring the India Hosiery Market

India, known for its rich textile heritage, has long embraced comfort alongside style—and the India hosiery market is a reflection of that blend. Hosiery products like socks, innerwear, stockings, vests, and leggings have become staples in every Indian household, transcending gender, age, and region. What was once considered merely functional apparel has now evolved into a fashion-forward, comfort-centric category that plays a crucial role in the modern Indian wardrobe.

The transformation of the hosiery segment isn’t just about fabric and design—it's also about a lifestyle shift. As work-from-home culture, fitness trends, and casual dressing have gained momentum, the demand for soft, skin-friendly, breathable garments has soared. The Indian consumer is now seeking both quality and comfort, pushing the industry to innovate continuously.

Expert Market Research Insight—India Hosiery Market

According to Expert Market Research, the India hosiery market is poised for steady growth, driven by evolving fashion sensibilities, increasing disposable incomes, and rising awareness of hygiene and personal care. The research highlights how urbanization, growing nuclear families, and preference for branded innerwear are driving the demand for hosiery across all demographics.

Expert Market Research also points to the increasing trend of sustainable and organic materials in hosiery manufacturing. As consumers become more conscious about skin health and environmental impact, there's a noticeable shift towards eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton, and recycled polyesters. This trend is expected to reshape product innovation strategies among both legacy brands and new entrants in the India hosiery market.

Furthermore, the integration of smart textiles—such as moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, and temperature-regulating features—is expected to gain traction, especially in urban centers. These tech-enhanced garments are attracting health-conscious and fitness-driven consumers who value both function and form.

Regional Roots and Manufacturing Powerhouses

India’s hosiery market is deeply rooted in regional clusters that are both culturally rich and industrially advanced. Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu, often called the "knitwear capital of India," is one of the largest producers of hosiery garments. The city exports to countries around the globe while also catering to vast domestic demand. Its success lies in a strong ecosystem—an extensive supplier network, skilled labor, and a tradition of textile excellence.

Ludhiana in Punjab is another hosiery stronghold, known especially for winter wear and wool-blended products. The city's thriving small and medium-sized hosiery businesses contribute significantly to the local and national economy. Kolkata, Coimbatore, and Bangalore also play vital roles in India's hosiery production and distribution networks.

This regional diversity not only drives economic activity but also fosters unique fashion identities across states. For instance, cotton-based innerwear is more popular in South India due to the hot climate, while woolen socks and thermals are in higher demand in Northern states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Lifestyle Shifts and Hosiery Preferences

In recent years, the line between casualwear and innerwear has blurred. With the rise of athleisure and lounge fashion, products like leggings, camisoles, and sports bras are no longer confined to the home—they’re becoming everyday essentials. Urban youth, influenced by global trends and online fashion platforms, are increasingly favoring branded hosiery that offers both aesthetic appeal and durability.

Another shift is the growing participation of women in the workforce and fitness activities. This has created space for a broader range of women’s hosiery items—from seamless undergarments to performance-based activewear. Even children's hosiery, particularly school socks and cotton briefs, is seeing consistent demand across both metros and smaller towns.

Focused Insight: The Role of E-commerce in Shaping Hosiery Consumption

E-commerce has significantly reshaped how hosiery products are bought and sold in India. In a space where comfort and size matter, online platforms have stepped up with easy returns, size guides, and consumer reviews, making it easier for people to shop confidently. Brands such as Jockey, Dollar, Lux Cozi, Rupa, and Amul Macho have embraced digital transformation by launching their own D2C websites and collaborating with e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra.

What’s notable is the rising popularity of lesser-known regional brands via online marketplaces. This has democratized the hosiery space, allowing local manufacturers to access national audiences. Online discounts, combo packs, and subscription models are further nudging consumers to make repeat purchases, adding to market growth.

Local Demand, Global Quality

While India is a significant exporter of hosiery goods, domestic demand accounts for a large share of the market. Consumers today are not only seeking comfort but are also becoming more brand-aware. Premium hosiery lines offering sleek cuts, better elastic durability, and modern designs are in demand across India’s metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

In contrast, non-metro regions such as Bhubaneswar, Patna, Surat, and Bhopal are witnessing rising demand for affordable and durable options, often led by value-based local brands. This dual-market structure—premium and value—allows the hosiery industry to serve a wide range of Indian consumers effectively.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the growing demand, the industry faces certain challenges. Raw material price fluctuations, especially in cotton and elastane, impact production costs. There’s also a need for better standardization in sizes, especially for women’s and children's segments, to reduce return rates in online purchases.

The unorganized sector still holds a significant share of the market, often resulting in inconsistent product quality. However, GST implementation and digital compliance have gradually begun to formalize this sector, opening opportunities for consolidation and brand building.

The future of the India hosiery market lies in its ability to adapt to evolving consumer needs, adopt technology, and embrace sustainable practices. With strong regional manufacturing bases and an increasingly informed customer base, the market is well-positioned for long-term growth.