Sustainable and Ethical Fashion in India: Brands, Trends & Impact

India’s fashion legacy isn’t just about vibrant colors and textiles—it’s also a story of craftsmanship, sustainability, and social responsibility. As the world seeks eco-conscious alternatives, Indian fashion is emerging as a beacon of ethical elegance. From organic cotton and handloom weaves to upcycled fabrics and fair-trade practices, sustainable fashion in India is transforming the narrative. In this blog, we explore what sustainable and ethical fashion means in the Indian context, why it matters, and highlight some standout Indian brands making a real difference.

What Is Sustainable & Ethical Fashion?

Sustainable fashion refers to designing, producing, and consuming clothes in ways that minimize harm to the environment. It prioritizes eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, jute, or recycled fabrics. These are biodegradable, renewable, and typically require less water and fewer chemicals during production. In contrast to fast fashion—which thrives on overproduction, exploitation, and waste—sustainable fashion focuses on longevity, durability, and conscious consumption.

Ethical fashion goes beyond materials. It emphasizes fair wages, safe working conditions, gender equality, and respect for the people behind the clothes. By demanding transparency across the supply chain, ethical fashion ensures dignity for workers and artisans.

In India, the two concepts often overlap. Sustainable fashion here is deeply rooted in heritage crafts: handloom weaving, block printing, and natural dyeing are traditions that inherently align with eco-consciousness. By reviving these techniques, ethical fashion in India not only reduces the industry’s footprint but also uplifts communities that rely on these age-old crafts.

Why It Matters in India?

1. Cultural Preservation & Artisan Empowerment

India’s fashion story is inseparable from its artisans. Regions like Kutch in Gujarat, Bhujodi, Odisha, and Varanasi are home to weaving traditions that span centuries. However, industrialization and fast fashion have endangered many of these crafts. Sustainable fashion creates demand for handwoven, handcrafted fabrics, ensuring artisans are fairly paid and their cultural knowledge is preserved.

When consumers choose a handloom sari, a naturally dyed kurta, or an upcycled jacket, they are not just buying clothing—they are investing in human skill and cultural heritage. Ethical brands in India are working directly with these clusters, cutting out exploitative middlemen, and ensuring rural weavers and craftspersons have consistent livelihoods.

2. Environmental Impact

The global fashion industry contributes nearly 10% of carbon emissions and is one of the largest polluters of freshwater. From synthetic fibers shedding microplastics to chemical dyes contaminating rivers, the impact is undeniable.

India, however, has unique potential to lead change. As the world’s largest producer of organic cotton, India provides the raw foundation for eco-friendly fashion. Brands using natural fibers like hemp, bamboo, and khadi also reduce dependency on petroleum-based synthetics such as polyester. Moreover, upcycling—repurposing textile waste into new garments—minimizes landfill contribution.

For example, dyeing with turmeric, indigo, or madder root not only avoids toxins but also uses less water. These practices make sustainable fashion in India an environmentally viable alternative.

3. Consumer Awareness & Responsibility

Indian consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, are becoming more mindful of their choices. Many are moving away from disposable trends and gravitating toward brands that embody authenticity, transparency, and sustainability.

This is partly driven by the global backlash against greenwashing, where big brands claim sustainability without actual accountability. Indian shoppers, empowered by social media and informed communities, are questioning origins: Who made my clothes? Was it produced fairly?

This shift indicates that sustainable and ethical fashion is not a passing fad—it is a growing movement aligning consumer values with responsible fashion practices.

Indian Brands Leading the Way

Here are some Indian brands making waves in the sustainable and ethical fashion space:

• Fabindia – Known for its organic cotton, khadi, and rural artisan support, Fabindia combines traditional crafts with modern wearability.

Image src- https://www.fabindia.com/

• Doodlage – A pioneer in upcycling, Doodlage transforms factory waste and rejects into chic, zero-waste fashion.

Image src- https://doodlage.in/

• No Nasties – India’s first 100% organic, vegan, and fair-trade certified clothing brand.

Image src- https://www.nonasties.in/

• Nicobar – Offers minimal, modern designs made with eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo and linen.

Image src- https://www.nicobar.com/

• Suta – Blending heritage with sustainability, Suta creates handwoven sarees and blouses using organic fibers and natural dyes.

Image src- https://suta.in/

• Upasana (Auroville) – A design studio focusing on fair trade, natural fabrics, and socially conscious initiatives.

Image src- https://www.upasana.in/

• Ka-Sha – Celebrated for its patchwork, upcycled collections, and emphasis on zero-waste processes.

Image src- https://www.ka-sha.com/

• Bhu:sattva – Ahmedabad-based label using organic textiles while reviving Indian crafts.

Image src- https://www.bhusattva.com/home.html

• The Summer House – Works with natural fabrics like Tencel and organic cotton, made in ethical conditions.

Image src- https://thesummerhouse.in/

• Ōshadi Collective – Internationally acclaimed, this Tamil Nadu-based label integrates regenerative agriculture with artisan-driven production.

Image src- https://oshadi.in/

• B Label – By BOHECO, focusing on hemp-based apparel that is strong, breathable, and eco-friendly.

Image src- https://www.blabel.in/

These brands demonstrate that sustainability can coexist with style, affordability, and cultural pride.

Trends Driving Sustainable Fashion in India

1.      Handloom Revival – A surge in khadi and regional weaves, promoted by both local designers and global influencers.

2.      Upcycling & Recycling – Creative reuse of textile waste to reduce environmental burden.

3.      Vegan Fashion – Alternatives like pineapple leather (Piñatex) and coconut-based leather by brands such as Malai.

4.      Slow Fashion Movement – Encouraging fewer, timeless purchases instead of fast, disposable fashion.

5.      Tech in Transparency – QR codes and blockchain integration for supply-chain traceability.

Your Role in the Change

Sustainable and ethical fashion in India is not just a trend—it’s a movement shaped by cultural values, artisan empowerment, and environmental consciousness. By embracing eco-friendly materials, reviving handloom crafts, and ensuring fair wages, India is setting an example for the world.

As consumers, we hold power. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. Choosing sustainable fashion means supporting livelihoods, reducing waste, and celebrating India’s rich textile heritage.

Next time you buy a garment, ask: Is it kind to the planet and the people who made it? If the answer is yes, you’re part of the change.