Forget Zara, here are 9 Indian ready-to-wear labels you can shop from (2024)

With the world looking at supporting local businesses, now is the time to realign our shopping habits to a more mindful approach with some of the upcoming Indian clothing brands expanding the RTW segment in the fashion industry. With this in mind, explore some contemporary fashion labels that could support Indian entrepreneurs. With easy online access, a value-for-money approach, shorter delivery timelines and smoother transaction processes, clothes by homegrown labels deserve an equal amount of space next to trend-based items by household names like Zara, Mango and others. So, when you begin drawing up your new shopping lists, consider these homegrown fashion brands available online for a fresh wardrobe.

Koai

Creative director Anugrah Chandra’s print-focused label, Koai, brings the ancient Indian fabric technique of Dabu print to modern-day wardrobes. The ready-to-wear ensembles are dipped in cheerful, eclectic graphics on luxurious fabrics ranging from pure silk, chiffon, georgette to satin. Pick from botanical-inspired or geometric prints to give your collection a resort-ready update with soft blouses, bustiers, breezy dresses, tailored jackets and co-ord sets.

How to shop: The pieces are available in multi-brand stores across the country and online at Koai.in.

Basque

Mumbai-based Basque offers a collection of timeless basics designed to transcend seasons and trends. Their contemporary pieces will feel at home wherever you travel in world, be it their Parisian-style leather overlay skirts, pants and cable knit sweaters or California-inspired capri shorts and straight-fit blazers.

How to shop: Visit Basque.co.in or place your orders and enquiries on their Instagram handle.

17 Looms

17 Looms is a textile-focused brand where you can find breezy block-printed shirts, transitional weather jackets, dresses and co-ord sets for a casual outing, or your next tropical holiday. The homegrown brand prides itself on empowering the artisanal community it works with, to uplift India's craft sector. The brainchild of Nandini Shenoy, the CEO and founder of online platform Pinkvilla, 17 Looms was a passion project Shenoy developed after a trip down the textile-rich bylanes of Jaipur.

How to shop: Have a look at their website, 17looms.in, and their Instagram handle for your next outfit inspiration.

Urban Suburban

Founded by three sisters, Gujarat-based Urban Suburban is a one-stop shop for budget-friendly printed slip dresses, bohemian maxi dresses and versatile separates. To upgrade your wardrobe with pieces you can wear over and over again, look to the label’s sharp blazers, playsuits and draped dresses that can double as evening wear.

How to shop: Buy the pieces via Instagram and online at Urbansuburban.in.

Nori

A popular name among the wave of new Indian clothing brands, at Nori, you’ll find a high-fashion aesthetic in ready-to-wear pieces to make your wardrobe truly seasonless. Scan through the label’s highly-detailed dresses, tailored trousers, asymmetrical skirts, printed blouses, playsuits and much more. For a more updated look, look to the white bodysuit with under-bust piping or digital print outfits.

How to shop: Place your orders and enquiries on their Instagram handle and get updates on new stockists.

Somya Goyal

For New Delhi-based Somya Goyal’s eponymous label, everything lies in the details. The handmade pieces are rooted in a minimalist aesthetic, punctuated with textured details. Think silk crepe dresses with dart details, constructed evening jackets with wire embroidery and coat dresses with statement sleeves. Mix your wardrobe basics with high-end elements from the label to re-wear over multiple seasons.

How to shop: Place your orders and enquiries on their Instagram handle and get updates on new stockists.

Virsheté

Vir Shete’s fashion-forward ready-to-wear brand is for anyone who likes to play with proportions and form. The label’s spring/summer 2020 collection features highly-tailored pieces like flared trousers with faux-leather waistband and signature gold hardware. Also find colour-blocked tops, jackets and dresses in fluid silhouettes complete with multiple textures and functional details.

How to shop: Visit Virshete.com or place your orders and enquiries on their Instagram handle.

Mannat Gupta

Mannat Gupta’s spring/summer 2020 edit is a burst of colour and celebration of prints. The label takes a modern approach to resident dyeing in shades of pink, lilac and blues. Their feminine full-length dresses with slits and overlap details make for ideal light-weight evening wear, or update your workwear wardrobe with flared trousers, embroidered blouses and structured A-line dresses.

How to shop: Place your orders and enquiries on their Instagram handle and get updates on new stockists.

No Nasties

Updated essentials and eclectic prints define No Nasties perfectly, with a focus on sustainable production practices that utilise organic cotton in its clothing. The brand is vegan and was founded in Goa. Instead of spending a fortune at Zara, where the polyester rips apart after two washes, No Nasties offers everyday basics and quirky prints for your daily wardrobe.

How to shop: If you can't pay a visit to their stores in Goa or Bengaluru, browse through their website, Nonasties.in.

Also read:

From jamdani to the Kunbi weave—how to wear handloom textiles this summer

How to style wide-leg jeans for 2024

Does Mizoram have the coolest fashion in the country?