Industry estimates vary depending on how the market is defined, but they point to a sizeable and expanding opportunity. One recent estimate projects India’s athleisure market to grow from around US $18.3 billion in 2025 to US $47.2 billion by 2033, at a 12.7% CAGR. We spoke to five Indian brands across different market segments, CAVA Athleisure, Bird Eye, Feier, TechnoSport and ZONE, to understand who today’s athleisure consumer is, what they are looking for and what is driving the next phase of the market.
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Co-ord sets emerge as fall's fastest-moving category, with Indian brands like Biba, Suta and Label DC scaling the format across ethnic and western wear.
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Preppy style gets a rebellious edge for A/W 2026, with varsity jackets and pleated skirts blending collegiate polish with streetwear ease.
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Indian retailers are reducing their reliance on discounts as consumers increasingly prioritise product value, quality, experience and convenience, while technology enables more targeted promotions and healthier full-price sales.
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Harvard researchers use standard knitting machines to create shape-shifting smart textiles that sense motion and function as electrical switches.
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Power dressing turns dark for A/W 2026, with sharp, body-conscious tailoring replacing softer suiting across global runways and Indian retail.
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The elevated cardigan signals a ladylike revival this autumn, with structured knitwear offering Indian brands a low-risk quiet luxury entry point.
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The "granny blouse" trend pairs lace-trimmed, vintage-style tops with modern bottoms, a look Indian labels are already well-equipped to embrace.
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Draping emerges as fall 2026's defining dress trend, a silhouette deeply rooted in Indian saree and dhoti traditions now reshaping global fashion.
