Merino Wool takes on synthetics in India’s $20B e-com boom

Merino Wool takes on synthetics in India’s $20B e-com boom

26 November 2025, Mumbai 

Woolmark is executing a strategic pivot, challenging the dominance of traditional fabrics and synthetic fibers by repositioning Merino wool as a luxury, year-round performance asset in India. This pivotal retail strategy, marked by partnerships with e-commerce giants Ajio Luxe and Tata CLiQ Luxury, directly targets the surging Indian luxury market, which analysts project will reach a formidable $20 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR exceeding 12%.

The "Merino Reimagined" campaign is explicitly designed to dismantle the fiber's outdated 'winter-only' perception, establishing it as a modern, high-tech, and sustainable investment for discerning Indian consumers, regardless of the season. This bold expansion is crucial for the organization, leveraging rising domestic demand for premium, natural fibers to disrupt the market structure.

The Dual-Platform Approach to Consumer Education: From athleisure to elegance

Woolmark's strategy is dual-pronged and highly targeted: Ajio Luxe is spearheading the Performance and Athleisure narrative, emphasizing Merino’s natural attributes like breathability and superior moisture management. This move positions the heritage fiber in direct conflict with synthetic competitors in the lucrative sportswear segment. In parallel, Tata CLiQ Luxury addresses Year-Round Versatility, showcasing lightweight, elegant collections that actively defy traditional seasonality and reinforce the fibre's premium, sustainable appeal to the high-fashion consumer. John Roberts, Woolmark's MD, noted the campaigns are "essential to unlocking Merino wool's full potential" by educating the market on its advanced, all-weather capabilities.

A focus on sustainability, traceability, and investment value

By aligning with platforms known for high-end curation and ethical sourcing, Woolmark capitalizes on the growing consumer demand for traceable and environmentally conscious luxury. This retail synergy provides a powerful case study in strategic market disruption, illustrating how a heritage fiber can successfully pivot its perception to meet modern luxury expectations, ensuring that Merino wool is viewed not just as clothing, but as a central, sustainable investment in the high-growth Indian fashion and apparel space.

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