Top 10 Sustainable Fashion Startups in India: Discover the leading sustainable fashion startups in India transforming the industry with eco-friendly and ethical practices. From No Nasties’ organic clothing to Doodlage’s upcycled fashion, explore how these innovative brands are reducing environmental impact, empowering artisans, and promoting sustainable production. Learn about their unique approaches, core values, and contributions to a greener, more responsible fashion ecosystem.
Table of Contents
1. No Nasties
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Founded | 2011 |
Founder | Apurva Kothari |
Headquarters | Goa |
Specialization | Organic clothing |
Key Products | T-shirts, dresses, tops |
Technology | Organic cotton, fair trade |
User Base | Eco-conscious consumers |
Impact | Reduced chemical usage, fair wages |
Funding | Bootstrapped |
Core Values | Sustainability, Ethics, Transparency |
No Nasties, founded in 2011 by Apurva Kothari, is a Goa-based sustainable fashion startup that specializes in organic clothing. The brand offers a range of products including T-shirts, dresses, and tops made from organic cotton and produced under fair trade conditions. No Nasties is committed to reducing chemical usage in textile production and ensuring fair wages for workers. The startup is bootstrapped and prioritizes sustainability, ethics, and transparency in its operations, catering to eco-conscious consumers.
2. Doodlage
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Founded | 2012 |
Founder | Kriti Tula |
Headquarters | New Delhi |
Specialization | Upcycled fashion |
Key Products | Apparel, accessories |
Technology | Upcycling, zero waste |
User Base | Fashion-forward, eco-conscious consumers |
Impact | Waste reduction, sustainable production |
Funding | Bootstrapped |
Core Values | Innovation, Sustainability, Craftsmanship |
Doodlage, founded by Kriti Tula in 2012, is a New Delhi-based startup that specializes in upcycled fashion. The brand focuses on creating stylish apparel and accessories from industrial waste and discarded textiles, promoting zero-waste production. Doodlage’s innovative approach not only reduces waste but also encourages sustainable production practices. The startup is bootstrapped and appeals to fashion-forward, eco-conscious consumers who value innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
3. Anokhi
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Founded | 1970 |
Founder | Faith Singh |
Headquarters | Jaipur |
Specialization | Hand block printed textiles |
Key Products | Apparel, home decor |
Technology | Handcrafted, eco-friendly dyes |
User Base | Artisanal fashion enthusiasts |
Impact | Preserving traditional crafts, sustainable practices |
Funding | Self-funded |
Core Values | Heritage, Sustainability, Quality |
Anokhi, founded by Faith Singh in 1970, is a Jaipur-based brand renowned for its hand block printed textiles. Specializing in apparel and home decor, Anokhi uses eco-friendly dyes and handcrafted techniques to create unique products. The brand is dedicated to preserving traditional crafts and promoting sustainable practices. Anokhi’s self-funded operations emphasize heritage, sustainability, and quality, attracting artisanal fashion enthusiasts who appreciate timeless, eco-friendly designs.
4. Okhai
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Founded | 2008 |
Founder | Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development |
Headquarters | Mithapur |
Specialization | Handcrafted apparel |
Key Products | Dresses, kurtas, accessories |
Technology | Handcrafting, traditional techniques |
User Base | Supporters of rural artisans |
Impact | Empowering rural artisans, preserving crafts |
Funding | Supported by Tata Chemicals |
Core Values | Empowerment, Sustainability, Craftsmanship |
Okhai, established in 2008 by the Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development, is headquartered in Mithapur. The brand specializes in handcrafted apparel, including dresses, kurtas, and accessories, made using traditional techniques. Okhai empowers rural artisans by providing them with sustainable livelihoods and preserving their crafts. Supported by Tata Chemicals, Okhai emphasizes empowerment, sustainability, and craftsmanship, appealing to consumers who support rural artisans and value handcrafted products.
5. B Label
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Founded | 2015 |
Founder | Namrata Reddy |
Headquarters | Hyderabad |
Specialization | Hemp-based clothing |
Key Products | Shirts, T-shirts, accessories |
Technology | Hemp fabric, eco-friendly processes |
User Base | Eco-conscious, health-conscious consumers |
Impact | Reduced environmental footprint, sustainable fabric |
Funding | Self-funded |
Core Values | Innovation, Sustainability, Wellness |
B Label, founded by Namrata Reddy in 2015, is based in Hyderabad and specializes in hemp-based clothing. The brand offers shirts, T-shirts, and accessories made from sustainable hemp fabric, utilizing eco-friendly processes. B Label’s innovative approach reduces the environmental footprint of fashion and promotes the use of sustainable materials. The self-funded startup appeals to eco-conscious and health-conscious consumers who prioritize innovation, sustainability, and wellness in their fashion choices.
6. House of Wandering Silk
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Founded | 2011 |
Founder | Katherine Neumann |
Headquarters | New Delhi |
Specialization | Upcycled, artisanal fashion |
Key Products | Scarves, bags, jewelry |
Technology | Upcycling, handcrafted |
User Base | Artisanal fashion enthusiasts, eco-conscious consumers |
Impact | Waste reduction, artisan empowerment |
Funding | Bootstrapped |
Core Values | Sustainability, Craftsmanship, Innovation |
House of Wandering Silk, founded by Katherine Neumann in 2011, is a New Delhi-based startup specializing in upcycled, artisanal fashion. The brand offers scarves, bags, and jewelry made from upcycled materials and handcrafted by artisans. House of Wandering Silk focuses on reducing waste and empowering artisans, creating unique, eco-friendly fashion pieces. The bootstrapped startup appeals to artisanal fashion enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers who value sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation.
7. Upasana
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Founded | 1997 |
Founder | Uma Prajapati |
Headquarters | Auroville |
Specialization | Ethical, eco-friendly clothing |
Key Products | Apparel, accessories |
Technology | Organic cotton, natural dyes |
User Base | Eco-conscious consumers, ethical fashion supporters |
Impact | Sustainable production, fair wages |
Funding | Self-funded |
Core Values | Ethics, Sustainability, Community |
Upasana, founded by Uma Prajapati in 1997, is based in Auroville and specializes in ethical, eco-friendly clothing. The brand uses organic cotton and natural dyes to create apparel and accessories that are both stylish and sustainable. Upasana is committed to sustainable production practices and ensuring fair wages for workers. The self-funded startup appeals to eco-conscious consumers and ethical fashion supporters who prioritize ethics, sustainability, and community in their fashion choices.
8. Bhusattva
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Founded | 2009 |
Founder | Suvasini Modi |
Headquarters | Ahmedabad |
Specialization | Organic clothing |
Key Products | Dresses, shirts, jackets |
Technology | Organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes |
User Base | Eco-conscious consumers |
Impact | Reduced chemical usage, sustainable production |
Funding | Self-funded |
Core Values | Sustainability, Quality, Innovation |
Bhusattva, founded by Suvasini Modi in 2009, is an Ahmedabad-based startup specializing in organic clothing. The brand offers a range of products including dresses, shirts, and jackets made from organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes. Bhusattva is dedicated to reducing chemical usage in textile production and promoting sustainable practices. The self-funded startup appeals to eco-conscious consumers who value sustainability, quality, and innovation in their fashion choices.
9. 11.11 / eleven eleven
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Founded | 2012 |
Founder | Mia Morikawa, Shani Himanshu |
Headquarters | New Delhi |
Specialization | Handcrafted, organic clothing |
Key Products | Apparel, accessories |
Technology | Organic cotton, handloom |
User Base | Artisanal fashion enthusiasts, eco-conscious consumers |
Impact | Sustainable production, artisan empowerment |
Funding | Bootstrapped |
Core Values | Craftsmanship, Sustainability, Innovation |
11.11 / eleven eleven, founded by Mia Morikawa and Shani Himanshu in 2012, is a New Delhi-based startup specializing in handcrafted, organic clothing. The brand offers apparel and accessories made from organic cotton and handloom textiles, promoting sustainable production and artisan empowerment. The bootstrapped startup appeals to artisanal fashion enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers who value craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation in their fashion choices.
10. Rimagined
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Founded | 2016 |
Founder | Shailaja Rangarajan |
Headquarters | Bengaluru |
Specialization | Upcycled fashion, home decor |
Key Products | Bags, accessories, home decor items |
Technology | Upcycling, handcrafted |
User Base | Eco-conscious consumers, supporters of upcycled products |
Impact | Waste reduction, sustainable production |
Funding | Bootstrapped |
Core Values | Sustainability, Innovation, Craftsmanship |
Rimagined, founded by Shailaja Rangarajan in 2016, is a Bengaluru-based startup specializing in upcycled fashion and home decor. The brand offers bags, accessories, and home decor items made from upcycled materials, promoting waste reduction and sustainable production. Rimagined’s innovative approach transforms waste into unique, handcrafted products, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and supporters of upcycled products. The bootstrapped startup emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship in its operations.
FAQs on Top 10 Sustainable Fashion Startups in India
1. What defines a sustainable fashion startup?
Sustainable fashion startups focus on creating apparel and accessories using eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and innovative approaches to reduce environmental impact. They prioritize sustainability, fair wages, and transparency in their operations.
2. How do sustainable fashion startups contribute to environmental sustainability?
Sustainable fashion startups contribute to environmental sustainability by using organic and recycled materials, reducing waste through upcycling, and minimizing chemical usage. They also promote energy-efficient production processes and advocate for responsible consumption.
3. What is upcycling in the fashion industry?
Upcycling in the fashion industry involves transforming waste materials or discarded textiles into new, high-quality products. This process reduces waste, conserves resources, and promotes creativity and sustainability in fashion design.
4. How can consumers support sustainable fashion startups?
Consumers can support sustainable fashion startups by purchasing eco-friendly and ethically produced clothing, spreading awareness about sustainable fashion, and choosing quality over quantity. Supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and fair practices also encourages industry-wide change.
5. What are the challenges faced by sustainable fashion startups in India?
Challenges include high production costs, limited access to sustainable raw materials, and consumer awareness. Additionally, competing with fast fashion brands that offer lower prices can be difficult, as sustainable practices often involve higher costs.
Conclusion
India’s sustainable fashion startups are playing a crucial role in transforming the fashion industry by promoting eco-friendly and ethical practices. Through innovative approaches like upcycling, the use of organic materials, and fair trade production, these startups are making significant strides towards a more sustainable fashion ecosystem. As consumer awareness and demand for sustainable fashion continue to grow, these pioneering startups will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry in India and beyond.