Author: Ankur Trivedi
Business Growth Consultant
Indian ethnic wear is a vibrant tapestry of culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary style, and the women's apparel market is thriving with brands that cater to diverse tastes. From festive lehengas to everyday kurtas, these top 10 Indian ethnic wear brands—W for Woman, Biba, Sabhyata, Libas, Janasya, Global Desi, Indya, Indo Era, and Aurelia—have redefined fashion for the modern Indian woman. In this blog, we dive into their market presence (online and offline), growth journeys, business models (D2C, B2C, B2B), international reach, and financial insights, including revenue, profits, and expected growth as of April 1, 2025.
1. W for Woman
Market Presence
W for Woman, launched in 2001 by TCNS Clothing Co., boasts a robust presence with over 150 exclusive offline stores across India and a strong online footprint via its website and platforms like Myntra and Amazon.
Growth Journey
Starting as a pioneer in "mix-and-match" ethnic wear, W has evolved into a go-to brand for modern Indian women, offering contemporary designs with traditional roots. Its focus on inclusivity with seven size options (beyond the standard three) has fueled its growth.
Business Models
- D2C: Strong through its website and app, enhancing customer engagement.
- B2C: Dominant via offline stores and e-commerce partnerships.
- B2B: Supplies to multi-brand outlets (MBOs).
International Footprint
W has a modest international presence, primarily targeting the Indian diaspora in the US, UK, and Middle East via online channels.
Financials & Outlook
- Revenue: Estimated at ₹500-600 crore (2024-25).
- Profits: Around ₹50-70 crore, bolstered by efficient operations.
- Expected Growth: 10-12% CAGR, driven by premiumization and digital expansion.
2. Biba
Market Presence
Founded in 1988 by Meena Bindra, Biba is a household name with over 275 offline stores in India and a massive online presence on its website, Flipkart, and Amazon.
Growth Journey
From a home-based venture to a retail giant, Biba's affordable yet stylish ethnic wear—think salwar suits and kurtas—has captured the mass market. Its early adoption of ready-made ethnic apparel set it apart.
Business Models
- D2C: Thrives through its e-commerce platform and store-to-home delivery initiatives.
- B2C: Extensive retail network and online marketplaces.
- B2B: Supplies to MBOs and regional retailers.
International Footprint
Biba exports to the US, UK, Canada, and UAE, with a growing online international customer base.
Financials & Outlook
- Revenue: Approx. ₹800-900 crore (2024-25).
- Profits: ₹80-100 crore, reflecting strong brand loyalty.
- Expected Growth: 8-10% CAGR, with focus on tier-II/III cities and global markets.
3. Sabhyata
Market Presence
Sabhyata, established in 2003, operates over 120 offline stores across India and has a growing online presence via its website and platforms like Ajio.
Growth Journey
Starting with a focus on affordable kurtas, Sabhyata has scaled by blending cultural aesthetics with budget-friendly pricing, appealing to young consumers and working professionals.
Business Models
- D2C: Emerging through its website.
- B2C: Strong via offline stores and e-commerce tie-ups.
- B2B: Limited, primarily through MBOs.
International Footprint
Minimal international presence, with some online sales to the diaspora.
Financials & Outlook
- Revenue: Estimated ₹150-200 crore (2024-25).
- Profits: ₹15-20 crore, supported by low-cost operations.
- Expected Growth: 12-15% CAGR, driven by expansion in smaller cities.
4. Libas
Market Presence
Libas, founded in 1985, has over 50 offline stores and a dominant online presence, especially on Myntra, Amazon, and its D2C platform.
Growth Journey
Initially a family-run business, Libas has transformed into a trendy ethnic wear brand, emphasizing quality fabrics and modern designs. Its digital-first strategy has accelerated growth.
Business Models
- D2C: A leader with its website and app.
- B2C: Strong online and offline retail presence.
- B2B: Supplies to select MBOs.
International Footprint
Libas caters to the US, UK, and Canada, with a focus on online exports.
Financials & Outlook
- Revenue: ₹300-400 crore (2024-25).
- Profits: ₹30-40 crore, boosted by e-commerce.
- Expected Growth: 15-18% CAGR, fueled by digital innovation.
5. Janasya
Market Presence
Janasya, started in 2014 by Thread Bucket Studio LLP, is predominantly an online-first brand with a strong presence on Amazon, Flipkart, and its website, supplemented by limited offline outlets.
Growth Journey
From a small ethnic wear supplier to a digital sensation, Janasya's vibrant designs and competitive pricing have made it a favorite among millennials.
Business Models
- D2C: Core strength via its website.
- B2C: Dominant on e-commerce platforms.
- B2B: Exports and wholesales to retailers.
International Footprint
Janasya serves global markets like the US and Middle East through e-commerce.
Financials & Outlook
- Revenue: ₹100-150 crore (2024-25).
- Profits: ₹10-15 crore, with lean operations.
- Expected Growth: 20-25% CAGR, driven by online scalability.
6. Global Desi
Market Presence
Launched in 1995 by Anita Dongre, Global Desi has over 100 offline stores and a robust online presence via its website and major e-commerce platforms.
Growth Journey
Targeting the free-spirited woman, Global Desi's fusion wear has grown from a niche offering to a mainstream brand under the House of Anita Dongre.
Business Models
- D2C: Strong via its website.
- B2C: Extensive retail and online reach.
- B2B: Limited to MBO partnerships.
International Footprint
Present in the US and UK, targeting the diaspora with online and select offline stores.
Financials & Outlook
- Revenue: ₹400-500 crore (2024-25).
- Profits: ₹40-50 crore, with premium positioning.
- Expected Growth: 10-12% CAGR, with sustainability focus.
7. Indya
Market Presence
Indya, launched in 2014 by High Street Essentials Pvt. Ltd., blends online dominance (via its website, Myntra) with a growing offline presence of 20+ stores.
Growth Journey
Known for Indo-western fusion, Indya has quickly risen as a trendy brand, collaborating with designers like Nikhil Thampi to appeal to younger audiences.
Business Models
- D2C: Core focus via its website.
- B2C: Strong e-commerce and retail presence.
- B2B: Minimal, with some wholesale.
International Footprint
Exports to the US, UK, and Australia, leveraging online channels.
Financials & Outlook
- Revenue: ₹200-250 crore (2024-25).
- Profits: ₹20-25 crore, driven by digital sales.
- Expected Growth: 18-20% CAGR, with fusion wear demand.
8. Indo Era
Market Presence
Indo Era, a relatively newer player, has over 30 offline stores and a solid online presence on its website and platforms like Amazon.
Growth Journey
Starting in the 2010s, Indo Era has carved a niche with elegant designs and affordable pricing, gaining traction in tier-II/III cities.
Business Models
- D2C: Growing via its website.
- B2C: Balanced offline and online sales.
- B2B: Supplies to regional retailers.
International Footprint
Limited, with some online exports to the Middle East.
Financials & Outlook
- Revenue: ₹100-150 crore (2024-25).
- Profits: ₹10-12 crore, with cost efficiency.
- Expected Growth: 15-18% CAGR, with expansion plans.
9. Aurelia
Market Presence
Aurelia, launched in 2009 by TCNS Clothing Co., has over 500 offline stores and a strong online presence via its website and e-commerce platforms.
Growth Journey
Designed for the modern Indian woman, Aurelia's affordable and stylish ethnic wear has scaled rapidly, blending tradition with accessibility.
Business Models
- D2C: Robust through its website.
- B2C: Extensive retail and online network.
- B2B: Supplies to MBOs.
International Footprint
Modest presence in the US and Middle East via online channels.
Financials & Outlook
- Revenue: ₹600-700 crore (2024-25).
- Profits: ₹60-80 crore, with high volumes.
- Expected Growth: 10-12% CAGR, driven by mass appeal.
10. FabIndia (Bonus Inclusion)
Market Presence
Founded in 1960 by John Bissell, FabIndia has over 300 offline stores and a strong online presence via its website and e-commerce platforms.
Growth Journey
From promoting rural artisans to becoming a sustainability icon, FabIndia's handcrafted ethnic wear has a timeless appeal.
Business Models
- D2C: Growing via its website.
- B2C: Dominant offline and online presence.
- B2B: Supplies to MBOs and exports.
International Footprint
Stores in the US, UK, and Singapore, plus online exports.
Financials & Outlook
- Revenue: ₹1,000-1,200 crore (2024-25).
- Profits: ₹100-120 crore, with premium branding.
- Expected Growth: 8-10% CAGR, with eco-conscious demand.
Conclusion
These top 10 women's Indian ethnic wear brands showcase the diversity and dynamism of India's fashion landscape. Biba and FabIndia lead with scale and legacy, while newer players like Janasya and Indya excel in the digital realm. With growing online penetration, international demand from the diaspora, and a shift toward sustainable fashion, the ethnic wear market—valued at over ₹1.69 trillion in 2024—is poised for robust growth. Expect these brands to continue blending tradition with innovation, driving a projected industry CAGR of 6-8% through 2030.
Which brand is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!