The apparel and industry occupies a unique and important place in India.

It is one of the earliest industries to come into existence in the country. The apparel industry caters to one of the most basic requirements ofpeople and holds importance; maintaining the prolonged growth for improvedquality of life. The sector has a unique position as a self-reliant industry, from theproduction of raw materials to the delivery of end products, with considerabl value-addition at every stage of processing. Over the years, the sector has proved to be a major contributor to the nations' economy. Its immense potential for generation of employment opportunities in the industrial, agricultural, organized and decentralized sectors & rural and urban areas, especially for women and the disadvantaged is noteworthy.

History
The history of apparel in India dates back to the use of mordant dyes and printing blocks around 3000 BC. The foundations of the India's textile trade with other countries started as early as the second century BC. A hoard of block printed and resist-dyed fabrics, primarily of Gujarati origin, discovered in the tombs of Fostat, Egypt, are the proof of large scale Indian export of cotton textiles to the Egypt in medieval periods. During the 13th century, Indian silk was used as barter for spices from the western countries. Towards the end of the 17th century, the British East India Company had begun exports of Indian silks and several other cotton fabrics to other economies. These included the famous fine Muslin cloth of Bengal, Orissa and Bihar. Painted and printed cottons or chintz was widely practiced between India, Java, China and the Philippines, long before the arrival of the Europeans.

Growth of Indian Garment Industry

The industry has already given ample hint of ingenuity, as is evident from the revival of consumer enthusiasm in the seemingly stagnant menswear segment, besides remarkable growth in categories like sports wear, casual wear and party wear. The apparel market has grown 15.5% to INR 1,224 billion

INDIAN GARMENT INDUSTRY

the

Indian apparel industry (including garment retail, fashion designing and accessories trade) is booming like never before. The rapid increase in job opportunities and expanding earning capabilities has resulted in the inculcation of a brand new mindset amongst Indian consumers. Spending on brands is no longer an improbability, with shoppers willing to pay for quality and premium products. The apparel industry has benefited immensely from these new market trends. 3 Images Yearbook 2008 INDIAN GARMENT INDUSTRY 10 The countrys organized retail is booming because of increasing private incomes and changing lifestyles and consumption pattern of consumers is having a positive

effect on the apparel industry. There has been a rapid increase in the market size of ready-to-wear clothing and lifestyle apparel brands. Indian Apparel Market Growth (Value) 613 693 777 883 1,060 1,224 1,390 1,555 1,715 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

1400 1600 1800 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 ex 2009 ex 2010 ex Year INR Billion Value Figure 34 The clothing and apparel segment is the largest organized retail category, constituting Rs 21,400 crore of the countrys Rs 55,000 crore organized retail sector in 2006.only 19% of this segment is organized, with a strong potential for still further retail penetration. The high level of branding exercises undertaken by

4 Images Yearbook 2008 INDIAN GARMENT INDUSTRY 11