Tirupur, the hosiery hub of South India, witnessed a strong surge in sales during this year’s festival season, with Dussehra and Deepavali bringing nearly a 20% increase compared with the previous festive period.
According to S. Balachandar, vice-president of the South India Hosiery Manufacturers Association, about 60% of garments produced in Tirupur for the domestic market are innerwear, while the rest are outerwear. Of these, almost 40% are now made from synthetic fabrics.
Balachandar observed that printed cotton fabrics from western States have become more accessible, as suppliers have established godowns and offices in Tirupur. He noted that the cost of such fabric is roughly Rs. 20 per kg lower than the fabric knitted and printed locally. Although labour and power costs in Tirupur remain high, he added that domestic demand has been steadily rising and the positive momentum from the festival season is likely to continue.
He also highlighted a major shift in outerwear trends, with younger consumers increasingly seeking a variety of garments for casual outings, cinema visits, dining, and nightwear. As more manufacturers in Tirupur transition towards producing garments made from manmade fibres, demand in this category is also growing.
Balachandar further said that, over the past two months, several large retail brands have approached Tirupur-based manufacturers as they seek to diversify sourcing away from Bangladesh. If local producers can offer competitive prices, he stated, production volumes could rise substantially in the coming months.
