81st NGF-Women’s and Men’s exceeds expectations with Rs 25,000 crore turnover

19 July, Mumbai 2025

Organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) from July 14-16, 2025, the 81st National Garment Fair (NGF) – Women’s and Men’s Wear edition, significantly exceeded industry expectations.

Coupled with the Kidswear segment held the previous month, this event consolidated its position as India’s largest apparel trade show. Together, these fairs generated an estimated business turnover of Rs 2,500 crore, attracting over 50,000 buyers, including retailers, distributors, agents, and wholesalers from across India.

Over 800 brands on display

The Women’s and Men’s wear segment of the NGF garnered an excellent response from both exhibitors and buyers. The fair showcased over 800 menswear and womenswear brands and more than 40 accessories labels, in addition to the 590 kidswear brands featured in the earlier segment. Order placements at the fair increased with many exhibitors securing bulk bookings well in advance of the upcoming festive season.

Industry leaders weigh in on market evolution

Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, emphasized, the industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a young, aspirational, and trendsetting consumer base. Today's consumers are no longer confined to traditional fashion norms - they are increasingly embracing contemporary styles that seamlessly blend global trends with Indian sensibilities, he remarked.

As incomes rise and choices evolve, apparel is becoming more of an occasional and lifestyle-led category, creating new opportunities for brands, designers, manufacturers, and retailers alike, Kataria added.

Rohit Munjal, Vice President and Chairman - Fair Sub-Committee, CMAI, noted, buyers at both segments of this year's fair benefited from focused and productive sourcing time, which directly contributed to the strong order placements. The overall response has been very encouraging and satisfying with a record visitor turnout that exceeded expectations, Munjal stated.

Anand Chokshi, Joint Chairman, Fair Sub-Committee, CMAI, observed, women's wear is seeing modern makeovers of traditional outfits like sarees and lehengas, alongside a seamless blend of East-West fusion and a comeback of bold prints. Men's fashion is increasingly blending athleisure, casual, and formal wear, featuring softer tones and traditional looks, he noted.

Exhibitors’and buyers’ perspectives

The fair attracted numerous notable Women’s and Men’s wear retail brands, including Sohum Shoppe (Guwahati), GV Mall (Khammam), Asopalav (Ahmedabad), Pakiza Retails (Indore), B S Channabasappa & Sons (Karnataka), Shree Shivam Attire (Indore), Sanjay Textile Store (Jaipur), and Rajwadi Emporium (Valsad). Their presence underscored the NGF's importance as a platform for discovering the latest trends and innovations.

Exhibitors expressed immense satisfaction with the fair's outcome. Radhika Jalan, Tandhan Fashion, a women’s wear brand from Kolkata, stated, having received positive footfall and visibility, the brand plans to participate again in future editions." Purvi Agarwal, Linen and Linens Wear, added, the trade show has attracted a good inflow of customers, and generated a positive feedback.

Redefining the Indian apparel market

The Indian apparel market is currently undergoing a significant redefinition. Consumer preferences are no longer solely driven by metropolitan trends; there's a growing pulse in regional markets, fueled by aspiration, digital influence, and a strong sense of identity. Fashion choices are becoming more conscious, custom-driven, and seasonless. To remain relevant, brands must not only follow trends but also anticipate needs, reflect local narratives, and deliver value across both design and the overall customer experience.

A crucial platform

Recognized as the largest and most anticipated trade fair in the Indian Apparel Industry, the National Garment Fair by CMAI serves as a vital platform connecting national and regional brands, manufacturers, designers, and fashion accessories manufacturers with retailers, agents, distributors, and e-commerce companies. This biannual event holds significant prestige and is widely regarded as India's foremost trade fair, offering a comprehensive sourcing platform that maximizes both time and cost efficiency for all stakeholders involved.

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