15 Best Business Ideas in Textile Industry

The textile industry in India offers assorted business opportunities, driven by a wealthy heritage and a developing domestic and worldwide market. Best Business Ideas in Textile Industry showcase options from manufacturing economical fabrics and garments to home materials and embroidery, highlighting the sector’s flourishing potential.

With rising demand for quality items, technological advancements, and steady government policies, starting a textile business in India can be a profitable venture for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to tap into an energetic and expanding market. Textile companies in India are at the forefront of this growth, driving innovation and setting quality standards that inspire new businesses within the industry

In this blog, we will take a look at 15 Best Business Ideas in the Textile Industry.

Some facts about the Indian Textile Industry

• Economic Contribution: The textile industry contributes around 2.3% to India’s GDP, roughly 13% of industrial generation, and over 12% including up to trade, making it one of the greatest contributors to the country’s economy. The industry may be a key driver of India’s manufacturing segment and export profit.
• Employment Generator: The textile sector is the second-largest manager in India after agribusiness, giving coordinated work to over 45 million individuals and indirectly supporting around 60 million more. This makes it a critical sector for work creation in both provincial and urban areas.
• Global Position: India is a driving worldwide player within the textile sector, positioning itself among the best producers and exporters of textiles, particularly cotton, jute, and silk. The nation is the biggest producer of cotton and jute all-inclusive and the second-largest producer of silk.
• Domestic Market Size: India Apparel Market Size was valued at USD 102.8 Billion in 2022. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2023–2022, the Indian apparel market is expected to reach USD 146.3 billion by 2032 from USD 106.9 billion in 2023. 4.0% during the forecast period (2024 – 2032). This development is making the sector an appealing area for household and foreign investment.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: India has a long history of textile generation, known for conventional crafts like handloom weaving, square printing, and weaving. Areas such as Varanasi, Kanchipuram, and Kashmir are eminent around the world for their enchanting materials, including Banarasi silk sarees, Kanchipuram silk, and Pashmina shawls.
• Sustainability Efforts: The Indian textile industry is progressively focusing on reasonable and eco-friendly practices, including natural cotton development, water preservation strategies, and economical dyeing techniques. Numerous Indian textile companies are receiving green production methods to adjust to worldwide sustainability goals.
• Government Initiatives and Incentives: The Indian government supports the industry through initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Conspire for Textiles, which points to boost sends out by advertising financial incentives to producers, and the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS), which advances modernization of machinery and forms.

Benefits of Having a Textile Business in India

• Large Domestic Market: India’s growing population and rising disposable incomes create a strong domestic demand for textiles, from everyday clothing to luxury fabrics, offering steady market opportunities. Best Business Ideas in the Textile Industry showcase ways to tap into this demand effectively.
• Abundant Raw Material Supply: As one of the largest producers of cotton, jute, and silk, India ensures easily accessible and affordable raw materials, reducing costs for textile businesses.
• Skilled Labor Force: With a rich history in textile production, India has a skilled and cost-effective workforce experienced in weaving, dyeing, embroidery, and other textile-related crafts.
• Strong Export Potential: Indian textiles are highly demanded globally, especially in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Competitive pricing and quality give Indian textile exports an edge in global markets.
• Sustainability Trends: The Indian textile sector is embracing eco-friendly practices, like organic cotton farming and sustainable production, aligning with global sustainability standards and appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
• Diverse Product Range: India’s textile industry caters to multiple segments, including apparel, home textiles, and industrial fabrics, allowing businesses to explore different markets and diversify revenue streams.
• Cultural Heritage and Unique Designs: India’s rich textile heritage, with unique designs and techniques, attracts both domestic and international customers, creating niche markets for traditional items like sarees, shawls, and handcrafted textiles.

How to start a textile business In India?

• Conduct Market Research: Recognise your niche in materials, get it market demand, and competitors, and develop trends. Study buyer inclinations and competitor strategies to discover gaps and opportunities within the market.
• Create a Business Plan: Define your commerce objectives, financial projections, target clients, and operational methodologies. Include plans for sourcing raw materials, generation forms, promoting, and potential income streams in your plan.
• Choose a Business Structure: Choose the legal structure of your business proprietorship, partnership, or private limited company. Enlist relevant specialists and get vital licences such as GST and business licences.
• Source Raw Materials: Discover dependable suppliers for textiles, yarn, fabrics, dyes, etc. Hunt for local providers to diminish costs and ensure timely delivery, keeping up consistent quality and assembly production requirements.
• Set Up Infrastructure: Set up a fabricating unit with essential machinery (weaving, dyeing, etc.) or a retail outlet. For e-commerce, set up an online store, guaranteeing appropriate logistics for product delivery.
• Hire Skilled Workforce: Select experienced specialists for different processes like weaving, stitching, coloring, and finishing. Give training to guarantee consistent product quality and create a talented workforce to manage generation proficiently.
• Invest in Technology: Use cutting-edge machinery and automation to streamline generation. Execute ERP software to manage stock, production scheduling, and client relations, progressing operational productivity and reducing manual work.
• Create a Brand Identity: Create a unique brand with a memorable name, logo, and marketing materials. Centre on building an identity that resounds along with your target audience and separates you from competitors.
• Market Your Business: Promote your commerce through social media, local advertising, online marketplaces, and exchange fairs. Construct a web nearness and use SEO, including Shopify SEO tools, and digital marketing to drive sales and construct brand recognition.
• Ensure Quality Control: Implement strict quality control measures to keep up consistency. Follow industry guidelines for texture quality, dyes, and stitching, guaranteeing that each product meets client desires and complies with directions.
• Access Financing: Explore financing options through bank credits, venture capital, or government schemes just like the PMMY for small businesses. Properly manage finances to preserve cash streams and cover startup expenses.
• Focus on Sustainability: Adopt eco-friendly practices like using natural materials, water-efficient dyeing methods, and recycling fabric. Sustainability not only draws in environmentally conscious customers but moreover aligns with worldwide industry trends.
• Scale Your Business: Extend your product range, increment production capacity, or enter new markets as your business develops. Consider exporting your items internationally to tap into a broader client base and increase productivity.

List of 15 Best Business Ideas in Textile Industry

1. Raw Jute Ropes and Bags

The demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable items makes the jute business a profitable opportunity. Jute ropes and bags are broadly used in agriculture, packaging, and everyday essentials due to their quality and sustainability. Manufacturing jute products includes a simple process and reasonable raw materials, offering a low-entry business demonstration with high development potential. 

Business people can cater to local markets as well as export to nations that promote sustainable goods. As awareness around natural impact grows, raw jute ropes and bags are progressively in request, making this commerce both profitable and socially responsible.

• Investment: ₹2 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh
• Resources: Jute fiber sourcing, processing machines, storage, packaging materials, small production facility
• Market Demand: High, especially in eco-friendly, sustainable product markets
• Profit Margin: 20% to 40%
• Popular Franchises: EcoSacks, Jute World
• Benefits: Low raw material costs; increasing demand for eco-friendly products; ideal for export markets; government support for sustainable ventures; low environmental impact.

2. Surgical Cotton

Surgical cotton, also known as absorbent cotton, is fundamental in medical care for wound dressing and surgical applications. This commerce requires a venture into cotton-processing machinery, as well as following strict cleanliness standards. With the rise in healthcare facilities and medical procedures, the demand for high-quality surgical cotton remains steady. 

The business has strong prospects in both urban and rural areas and can scale to supply hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. A well-organized setup can target bulk buyers, providing consistent revenue through contracts and tenders with healthcare institutions and governmental health programs.

• Investment: ₹3 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh
• Resources: Cotton processing equipment, cleanroom facility, packaging, quality control systems
• Market Demand: Consistently high in healthcare sectors
• Profit Margin: 15% to 30%
• Benefits: Basic for hospitals, clinics, and drug stores; consistent demand from healthcare sector; government-approved certifications; long shelf life; opportunity for bulk contracts.

3. Leather Garments

Leather garments, including coats, gloves, and vests, are timeless fashion items that attract clients worldwide. Starting a leather garment business requires sourcing high-quality leather, skilled craftsmanship, and a keen fashion sense.

India, being one of the largest leather exporters, gives entrepreneurs an edge in raw material accessibility. High-quality leather products can command premium pricing, especially in international markets.

Developing a brand with unique designs can increase appeal while collaborating with e-commerce platforms or exporting can broaden reach. The best fashion brands in India set benchmarks for style and quality, inspiring new leather businesses in the market. With effective marketing and quality control, leather garments remain a profitable business within the fashion sector.

• Investment: ₹3 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh
• Resources: Leather sourcing, stitching equipment, skilled workforce, branding, and packaging
• Market Demand: High in fashion markets, particularly for premium products
• Profit Margin: 30% to 50%
• Popular Franchises: Leatherex, Leather World
• Benefits: High-value products; growing demand for premium leatherwear; international market potential; scalable with skilled craftsmanship; growing online retail opportunities.

4. Acrylic Blankets

Acrylic blankets are delicate, warm, and reasonable, making them well-known in colder climates. The business of manufacturing acrylic blankets has potential in both residential and worldwide markets. Best Business Ideas in Textile Industry.

Acrylic is a durable, lightweight, and low-maintenance alternative to wool, advertising year-round demand. Entrepreneurs can source acrylic fibers from domestic providers and centre on innovative designs and colors to offer to an assortment of customers.

Market channels include wholesale suppliers, retailers, and online sales, making it adaptable for different scales. With growing home textile demand, acrylic blankets are an attractive venture with opportunities for expansion

• Investment: ₹1 Lakh to ₹3 Lakh
• Resources: Acrylic fibre, weaving or weaving machines, design devices, bundling
• Market Demand: High in colder districts, reliable in retail and online sales
• Profit Margin: 20% to 35%
• Benefits: Low raw material fetched; unfaltering request in colder months; potential for export to universal markets; straightforward manufacturing process; effortlessly customizable.

5. Jute Garments

Jute garments speak to a feasible, eco-friendly alternative within the textile industry. With a rising inclination for green fashion, jute-based dresses such as tops, skirts, and pants are picking up popularity. Manufacturing jute garments requires basic textile processing knowledge and access to jute fabric suppliers. 

Entrepreneurs can promote products based on sustainability, capturing the interest from eco-conscious consumers. Although jute has a rougher texture than cotton, blending it with softer fibers creates comfortable, stylish apparel. 

With innovative designs, a jute garments business can tap into both domestic and international markets, especially as sustainable fashion trends grow.

• Investment: ₹2 Lakh to ₹4 Lakh
• Resources: Jute fabric sourcing, tailoring equipment, skilled labour, marketing, and packaging
• Market Demand: Growing due to rising interest in sustainable fashion
• Profit Margin: 25% to 40%
• Popular Franchises: EcoWear, JuteSmart
• Benefits: Sustainable product appeal; low raw material costs; increasing consumer interest in eco-friendly fashion; niche market potential; export opportunity.

6. Curtains and Blinds

Curtains and blinds manufacturing offers a profitable business in home décor, as both items are staples in households and commercial spaces. Starting this business requires sourcing fabric, rods, and other hardware and providing options for different styles, such as blackout curtains, roller blinds, and customised prints. 

Entrepreneurs can cater to the residential and corporate sectors, offering design consultations or customization services to increase appeal. Online sales channels and partnerships with interior designers can boost visibility. As homeowners increasingly focus on home aesthetics, the curtain and blinds market is a promising venture with steady demand.

• Investment: ₹2 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh
• Resources: Fabric inventory, sewing or installation equipment, retail space, installation team
• Market Demand: High in urban areas, growing due to home improvement trends
• Profit Margin: 20% to 40%
• Popular Franchises: UrbanClap (home services), HomeTown
• Benefits: Strong demand in urban markets; customizability appeals to homeowners; home décor trends create continuous demand; high markup potential; repeat business from home renovations.

7. Textile Screen Printing

Textile screen printing empowers customization for apparel, bags, and other fabric items, catering to both corporate branding and individual design needs. Best Business Ideas in the Textile Industry include screen printing as a top opportunity, where starting a screen-printing business involves obtaining screen-printing equipment and quality inks.

Entrepreneurs can work with local businesses for bulk orders on promotional products or focus on custom designs for individual customers. Additionally, online platforms offer a scalable model to market unique designs to a wider audience.

With customization increasingly valued in fashion, screen printing remains an appealing, profitable business with the flexibility to diversify into various textile items

• Investment: ₹1 Lakh to ₹3 Lakh
• Resources: Screen printing machines, inks, fabrics, space for setup, skilled staff
• Market Demand: High, particularly in fashion, custom apparel, and corporate sectors
• Profit Margin: 30% to 50%
• Popular Franchises: Printo, Printo Design
• Benefits: Low cost of entry; customization demand is rising in fashion and corporate sectors; scalable business; minimal overheads once the equipment is in place; flexibility in product offerings.

8. Carpet and Rugs Making

Carpets and rugs are essential elements in home décor, with a strong market both locally and internationally. Starting a carpet and rug-making business involves sourcing natural or synthetic fibers and utilizing skilled artisans or advanced weaving techniques.

Manufacturing companies in India, particularly in the textile and home décor sectors, set high standards for quality and craftsmanship, providing inspiration and benchmarks for new businesses entering the industry.

Entrepreneurs can focus on unique patterns, materials, or handwoven products that appeal to niche markets. With the increasing demand for sustainable and unique home decor, hand-crafted or custom-designed carpets are especially popular. 

Channels include selling through online platforms, partnering with interior designers, and participating in home décor expos. This business offers artistic satisfaction and a strong profit potential.

• Investment: ₹3 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh
• Resources: Raw materials (fleece, cotton, manufactured strands), weaving or tufting machines, talented labour
• Market Demand: High, particularly in home décor and export markets
• Profit Margin: 20% to 40%
• Popular Franchises: Rug Republic, India Looms
• Benefits: Growing demand for handcrafted products; steady demand in home décor; high-value items with premium pricing; strong export potential; artistic business with creative freedom.

9. Textile Retail Store

Opening a textile retail store permits entrepreneurs to cater to an assortment of clients seeking out for fabrics, ready-made garments, and home textiles. A retail store offers adaptability in product range, from everyday wear to lavish fabric options for designers. Location plays a pivotal part, with high-footfall areas like markets or shopping malls ideal for client reach. 

Contributing to a well-organized layout and customer service can upgrade the shopping experience, whereas an online presence expands reach. With high demand for affordable and quality textiles, a well-managed retail store in textiles can yield consistent income.

• Investment: ₹2 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh
• Resources: Retail space, stock (textures, ready-made pieces of clothing), mannequins, point-of-sale system
• Market Demand: High, particularly in urban areas and fashion-conscious populations
• Profit Margin: 25% to 45%
• Popular Franchises: FabIndia, Raymond
• Benefits: Flexible business model; strong demand in fashion and home décor; ability to sell both wholesale and retail; potential for online expansion; consumer loyalty through quality products.

10. Sewing Thread Reels

Manufacturing sewing thread reels present a niche yet profitable opportunity, given the demand in the garment and textile industry. This business requires specific machinery for spinning and dyeing threads in a variety of colours and strengths. Key customers include apparel manufacturers, tailors, and textile retailers, making bulk sales a viable model. 

Entrepreneurs can focus on high-quality, durable threads suitable for various fabrics and applications. Packaging and branding are essential, as they help differentiate the product. With the right quality control, sewing thread reels can serve diverse markets, from domestic sewing needs to large-scale industrial uses.

• Investment: ₹2 Lakh to ₹4 Lakh
• Resources: Spinning and dyeing machines, quality control equipment, packaging
• Market Demand: High within the article of clothing, fitting, and material businesses
• Profit Margin: 15% to 30%
• Benefits: Unfaltering demand from a piece of clothing manufacturers and tailors; low overhead costs; raw material accessibility; moderately simple manufacturing process; potential for bulk orders and repeat trade.

11. Undergarment Business

The undergarment industry is a high-demand sector, with unfaltering consumer needs across age groups and demographics. Beginning an undergarment business includes selecting comfortable, durable fabrics, planning styles for men, women, and children, and guaranteeing hygiene benchmarks. Targeting local and online markets, entrepreneurs can cater to essentials or offer premium or niche designs. 

Branding and packaging play significant roles, as customers value comfort, fit, and quality. Partnering with retailers and offering online sales broadens reach, and with the right marketing strategy, an undergarment business promises stable growth in a competitive market.

• Investment: ₹2 Lakh to ₹4 Lakh
• Resources: Fabric sourcing (cotton, spandex, lace), stitching machines, packaging, retail or e-commerce setup
• Market Demand: Constant demand across all age groups and demographics
• Profit Margin: 20% to 40%
• Popular Franchises: Zivame, Clovia
• Benefits: Essential product with regular demand; opportunity for brand loyalty; scalable online presence; high potential for repeat business; seasonal promotions can drive sales.

12. Designer Saree Making

Designer saree mixing tradition with fashion, engaging both domestic and international clients. Making designer sarees includes sourcing quality fabrics, such as silk, cotton, or chiffon, and using weaving, embellishments, or special prints for distinctive styles. 

Entrepreneurs can cater to wedding and festive markets, where a request for high-quality sarees is high. Building a brand with signature designs can help capture loyal customers, and partnering with boutiques or using e-commerce platforms can broaden the market reach. With the popularity of ethnic wear, designer sarees remain a lucrative and culturally rich business.

• Investment: ₹3 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh
• Resources: Fabric sourcing, embroidery equipment, tailoring skills, marketing
• Market Demand: High, particularly in the wedding and festive seasons
• Profit Margin: 30% to 50%
• Popular Franchises: Many local designers have successful small businesses
• Benefits: High-profit edges; developing requests for interesting, custom-made things; high-value products; can cater to high-end markets; adaptable business model with online sales potential.

13. Embroidery

An embroidery business serves diverse markets, including design, home décor, and custom gift items. Best Business Ideas in the Textile Industry highlights embroidery as a key opportunity, where starting an embroidery business requires embroidery machines and skilled artisans.

Services can range from custom patches to intricate designs on clothing and textiles, adding value to garments and attracting boutiques, designers, and corporate clients for logos or monograms. Entrepreneurs can offer personalization services, targeting online customers seeking unique, custom pieces.

As demand for customized apparel grows, an embroidery business provides an opportunity to serve a niche with artistic appeal and business flexibility.”

• Investment: ₹1 Lakh to ₹3 Lakh
• Resources: Weaving machines, strings, design software, talented labour
• Market Demand: Relentless, with customisation needs in fashion, domestic décor, and corporate branding
• Profit Margin: 25% to 45%
• Benefits: Developing demand for personalized items; moderately low-cost entry; high-profit edges on custom work; negligible overhead after setup; adaptability in serving different sectors from fashion to corporate.

14. Fabric Printing

Fabric printing involves applying designs on fabrics for various uses, from apparel to home décor items. Entrepreneurs can focus on techniques like digital printing, block printing, or screen printing to offer unique designs or customizations. The demand for printed fabrics ranges from businesses, including design, home textiles, and corporate branding. 

A fabric printing business can cater to both B2B and B2C markets, providing retailers or advertising customization for individual clients. With advancements in digital printing technology, this business allows creativity in design and high-quality output, appealing to diverse customer needs.

• Investment: ₹1 Lakh to ₹4 Lakh
• Resources: Printing machines, fabric inventory, design software, skilled staff
• Market Demand: High, especially in fashion, home textiles, and custom apparel
• Profit Margin: 25% to 40%
• Popular Franchises: Printo, CustomInk
• Benefits: The growing trend for unique, custom fabric designs; minimal setup costs; strong online market potential; wide product application range; flexible pricing based on design complexity.

15. Woollen Knitting

A woollen knitting business centres on high-quality or machine-made woollen items like sweaters, scarves, gloves, and blankets, catering to markets with regular or year-round requests for warm clothing. This business requires skill in knitting techniques and sourcing quality wool, with options for personalised and custom designs. 

Small-scale businesses can target local markets or set up online shops for wider reach. High-quality, handcrafted woollen items are particularly popular as consumers value artisanal products. The woollen knitting business can be adapted for different scales, and it’s especially profitable in colder regions or for export to winter-climate markets.

• Investment: ₹2 Lakh to ₹4 Lakh
• Resources: Wool sourcing, knitting machines or hand knitting, design and pattern tools
• Market Demand: High in colder regions and during winter
• Profit Margin: 30% to 50%
• Popular Franchises: Woolworths
• Benefits: Seasonal demand ensures steady business; can be run on a small scale or expanded; opportunity for custom, high-margin products; relatively low raw material costs; high value-added in handmade designs.

Conclusion

The textile industry in India offers numerous lucrative business opportunities, driven by its rich heritage, vast domestic market, and strong export potential. 15 Best Business Ideas in Textile Industry cover a range of options, from sustainable fabrics and home textiles to fashion and garment manufacturing, meeting diverse consumer needs.

With increasing demand for quality products, technological advancements, and government support, starting a textile business can be highly rewarding. By focusing on innovation, quality, and sustainability, entrepreneurs can tap into this dynamic market and build successful ventures, contributing to both economic growth and job creation in the country

FAQs

What is the initial investment required to start a textile business in India?

The initial investment varies depending on the scale of operations. For a small business, it can range from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, including equipment, raw materials, and infrastructure setup.

What licences are required to start a textile business in India?

To start a textile business, you need to register your business, obtain GST registration, a Factory License (if applicable), and any relevant trade licences depending on your business type and location.

Is the textile business profitable in India?

Yes, the textile business can be highly profitable, especially with the growing demand for fashion, home textiles, and sustainable products. Profit margins typically range from 10% to 30%, depending on the business model and market.