How India’s Knitting Industry Is Weaving Versatile And Sustainable Apparel

Knitted fabrics made from organic cotton and recycled polyester are now providing more eco-friendly options without compromising on the comfort, quality and style quotient, writes Arvind Maurya

As the world moves towards sustainable operations to offset climate change, India’s knitting industry is also moving with the times. With environmentally-conscious customers transitioning from fast fashion to sustainable and comfortable apparel, the knitting segment is embracing the mantra of reusing, recycling and upcycling raw materials. This includes the reduction or even elimination of knitting waste.

Eco-friendly Tools and Techniques
Knitting machines with eco-friendly manufacturing techniques, having a lower impact on people and the surroundings, are being preferred along with manufacturing systems that substantially curb time loss between production processes. Moreover, enhanced efficiency is sought by increasing knitting speed since this contributes to sustainability by minimising production times, thereby boosting cost efficiency and ensuring greater ecological effectiveness.

Seamless knitting machines enable the production of a complete all-in-one knitted item without any requirement for the cutting and assembly process. This eliminates periodic gaps between the knitting and assembly processes, saving time and production costs. Such clothing offers users greater comfort plus a better fit by eliminating the need for seams. The rising popularity of seamless knitting technology enables the creation of garments that provide superior fit, comfort and functionality.

From an environmental standpoint, its waste-free production potential is the most crucial advantage. Additionally, it facilitates quick responses backed by just-in-time production and mass customisation. In this way, seamless technology is beneficial for both producers and end users.

Industry Overview and the Role of Technology
With sustainable fashion gaining greater popularity, the knitting and textile segments are seeing a series of innovations, transforming the way people dress. Sustainable fashion industry statistics show the market is slated to touch US$ 9.81 billion in 2025 while reaching US$ 15.17 billion by 2030, recording a CAGR of 9.1%.

The rise of sustainable fashion is propelling the circular fashion concept, displacing fast fashion’s ‘take, make and dispose’ model. Besides generating enormous waste, fast fashion is driven by excess water consumption and the use of harmful chemicals that affect the environment, plus all forms of life.

However, knitted fabrics made from organic cotton and recycled polyester are now providing more eco-friendly options without compromising on the comfort, quality and style quotient. The slow fashion approach also highlights the criticality of recycled and upcycled clothes that curb waste. As a result, garments are designed to ensure longevity while utilising durable materials and enduring styles that avoid the need for regular replacements.

In this scheme of things, technology has been crucial in remodelling the knitting and textile space. The production of garments has been revolutionised by innovations like 3D knitting and 3D printing. Since modern technologies permit more precise and efficient manufacturing processes, they limit energy consumption and waste. In addition, advances in dyeing procedures have lowered water usage and eliminated harmful chemicals conventionally used in colouring fabrics.

Thanks to sustainability norms, firms in the knitting industry are adhering to zero-liquid discharge rules and using renewable energy, while complying with relevant regulations and certifications such as OCS, GOTS, BCI, OEKO-TEX and GRS. The transition towards sustainable processes is also done via the use of old textiles and recycled yarns from PET bottles, minimising the sector’s environmental footprint while meeting global standards.

Domestic companies are capitalising on the inclination of foreign brands to lower their dependence on China by adopting a China-plus-one strategy. Although the country has ample potential to benefit from this opportunity in the labour-intensive segment, brands must focus on skills training to ascertain the easy availability of skilled workers.

Future Outlook and Fashion Trends
The outlook for future growth seems as bright as ever since a rising trend for casual and active wear is driven by the global inclination for health and well-being. India is driving the development of sustainable textiles that integrate ‘Ecofusion’ attributes, combining eco-friendly materials with advanced functionality. By incorporating sustainable fibres, these textiles reduce environmental impact while ensuring durability, comfort and performance, shaping the future of fashion into one that is intelligent, responsible and forward-thinking. The industry is innovating with textiles that offer antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, UV protection and odour-neutralizing properties, enhancing both wearability and longevity. At the production level, manufacturers are prioritizing water and energy efficiency, ethical sourcing, and waste minimization to create a more sustainable and circular economy.

The future of sustainable textiles lies in intelligent design, where aesthetics align with functionality and environmental responsibility. By integrating technology with traditional craftsmanship, India’s textile industry is poised to become a global leader in sustainable fashion, driving a more conscious and responsible industry transformation.

In India and worldwide, ‘athleisure’ and ‘loungewear’ are emerging as part of an overall trend towards casual and comfortable clothing. Here, knitted fabrics are playing a big role in addressing the evolving demand for comfort, softness and stretchability in sustainable apparel. This is backed by finishes such as UV protection, wicking, water and stain resistance, as well as anti-microbial and anti-bacterial treatments.

In meeting the demands of eco-conscious consumers, the knitting and textile segments are employing various sustainable fibres. These include organic BCI, CMIA, Regenagri, recycled cotton and polyester, bamboo, modal and lyocell that are usually blended to create fabrics offering performance alongside sustainability. In turn, the range of innovative natural fabrics made from flax, nettle, jute, hemp, ramie and banana expand the industry’s eco-friendly offerings.

Another important aspect in the changing fashion dynamics is the role of Gen Z and millennial cohorts in driving demand for sustainable, comfortable clothing that prioritises style, comfort and ecological responsibility during purchase decisions.

In 2024, youthful consumers also sought versatile apparel that served multifunctional purposes like workwear, activewear and casual wear. This included trans-seasonal wear that adapted to diverse weather conditions with lightweight, breathable and stretchable materials. As India’s knitting industry continues innovating, it will stay aligned with the global transition towards more responsible and versatile fashion trends.