Textile Manufacturers in India: Who They Are, What They Make, and Why It Matters

When you think of textile manufacturers, companies that turn raw fibers into fabric, clothing, and industrial materials. Also known as fabric producers, they form the backbone of one of India’s oldest and largest industries. India doesn’t just make cloth—it makes livelihoods. Over 4.5 crore people work in this sector, and it accounts for nearly 12% of the country’s total exports. These aren’t just big factories in cities; they’re small mills in villages, family-run units in Tamil Nadu, and giant integrated plants in Gujarat that spin cotton, weave silk, and dye denim for the world.

The biggest name? Reliance Industries, a vertically integrated giant that controls everything from raw cotton to retail stores. It doesn’t just make fabric—it owns the whole chain, from fiber to fashion. Then there’s Arvind Limited, a leader in denim and premium fabrics, supplying global brands like Levi’s and Zara. These aren’t just companies—they’re engines of export, innovation, and employment. But the industry isn’t just about giants. Thousands of small textile manufacturers across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh make handloom saris, printed shirting, and technical textiles for medical and automotive use. They’re the quiet force keeping India’s fabric tradition alive.

What’s changed? Technology. Automation. Global competition. Some old mills shut down because they couldn’t keep up. Others survived by switching to high-margin niches like medical textiles or eco-friendly dyes. The government’s schemes help, but success still comes down to one thing: who can make better fabric, faster, and cheaper. And that’s why the stories in this collection matter. You’ll find deep dives into who leads the market, why the sector faced a collapse, and how small players are finding their footing. Whether you’re looking to start a textile business, invest in one, or just understand what’s really happening behind the seams—this is where the real facts are.