knitted garments manufacturers in india

A Comprehensive Guide to Knitted Garments Manufacturers in India
India has emerged as a global powerhouse in the textile and apparel industry, with knitted garments manufacturing standing out as a particularly dynamic and rapidly growing segment. Known for their comfort, versatility, and style, knitted garments—including T-shirts, sweaters, sportswear, and intimate apparel—are in high demand worldwide. Indian manufacturers have capitalized on this demand by combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, robust supply chains, and a skilled workforce. This article provides a detailed exploration of the knitted garments manufacturing sector in India, covering its strengths, key production hubs, manufacturing processes, and the factors that make it a preferred sourcing destination for international brands.
Strengths of the Indian Knitted Garments Industry
The success of India’s knitted garments industry can be attributed to several key strengths. First and foremost is the availability of high-quality raw materials. India is one of the largest producers of cotton globally, and it also produces substantial quantities of other fibers like wool, silk, and synthetic blends. This ensures a steady and cost-effective supply chain for manufacturers. Additionally, India boasts a vast pool of skilled and semi-skilled labor proficient in various aspects of garment production, from knitting and dyeing to stitching and finishing. The industry is also supported by a strong domestic market, which provides a stable base for manufacturers to scale their operations and experiment with new designs and trends before venturing into exports.
Key Manufacturing Hubs and Clusters
The knitted garments manufacturing industry in India is not uniformly distributed but is concentrated in specific clusters or hubs, each with its own specialization and advantages.
Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu: Often referred to as the “Knitwear Capital of India,” Tiruppur is a massive cluster dedicated almost exclusively to knitted garments. It is renowned for its production of cotton T-shirts, sweatshirts, and sportswear. The cluster is known for its vertically integrated operations, where everything from spinning and knitting to processing and garment manufacturing happens within a close geographical radius, ensuring efficiency and cost-competitiveness.
Ludhiana, Punjab: This hub is famous for its woolen and acrylic knitted garments, particularly sweaters and winter wear. Ludhiana’s manufacturers have expertise in producing a wide range of knitwear, from basic pullovers to high-fashion items, leveraging both hand-operated and advanced computerized knitting machines.
Kolkata, West Bengal: Kolkata and its surrounding areas have a strong presence in the knitted garments sector, with a focus on casual wear, T-shirts, and innerwear. The region benefits from a long history in the jute and textile industries.
Delhi NCR (National Capital Region): The NCR area, including cities like Noida and Gurugram, hosts numerous export-oriented units (EOUs) and manufacturers that produce a diverse range of high-value knitted apparel, often catering to fast-fashion and premium international brands.
The Manufacturing Process: From Yarn to Finished Garment
The production of knitted garments is a multi-stage process that requires precision and quality control at every step.
1. Yarn Sourcing: The process begins with sourcing the right yarn—cotton, polyester, viscose, wool, or blends. The choice of yarn determines the fabric’s feel, durability, and functionality.
2. Knitting: The yarn is then loaded onto knitting machines. These can be circular knitting machines (producing tubular fabric for T-shirts and leggings) or flatbed machines (producing flat fabric for sweaters). Modern manufacturers use computerized machines that allow for intricate patterns and designs.
3. Dyeing and Finishing: The knitted fabric, known as “greige” goods, is then dyed to the required color. This is followed by finishing processes like bleaching, mercerizing (for cotton), and softening to enhance the fabric’s properties and hand-feel.
4. Cutting and Stitching: The finished fabric is cut into pattern pieces using manual or computerized cutting machines. These pieces are then stitched together by skilled tailors to form the final garment.
5. Value-Added Processes: This stage includes printing (screen, digital), embroidery, washing (for a distressed look), and the attachment of labels, buttons, and zippers.
6. Quality Control and Packaging: Every garment undergoes rigorous quality checks for defects in stitching, color fastness, and measurements. After passing inspection, the garments are pressed, folded, and packaged according to the buyer’s specifications.
Why Source Knitted Garments from India?
International buyers and brands choose Indian manufacturers for several compelling reasons:
Competitive Pricing: Efficient supply chains and lower labor costs allow Indian manufacturers to offer highly competitive prices without compromising on quality.
Quality and Compliance: Reputable manufacturers adhere to international quality standards (like ISO) and social compliance norms, ensuring ethical and sustainable production practices.
Design and Development Capabilities: Many Indian units have in-house design teams that can develop new samples and adapt quickly to changing global fashion trends.
Scalability and Flexibility: From small, customized orders to large-volume production, Indian manufacturers demonstrate remarkable flexibility to meet diverse client requirements.
Government Support: Initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles and various export promotion policies provide a favorable environment for growth and international trade.
Conclusion
The Indian knitted garments manufacturing sector is a mature, resilient, and innovative industry that plays a pivotal role in the global apparel supply chain. Its unique combination of raw material advantage, skilled craftsmanship, technological adoption, and cluster-based specialization makes it an attractive and reliable partner for brands across the world. As the industry continues to evolve with a greater focus on sustainability, digitalization, and value-added products, its position as a leading global hub for high-quality knitted apparel is set to strengthen further. For any business looking to source knitted garments, India offers a blend of quality, variety, and value that is hard to match.