Explore The Top 10 Sustainable Fashion Startups in India leading the charge towards eco-friendly and ethical clothing choices. From No Nasties’ organic cotton apparel to Doodlage’s innovative upcycled fashion, discover how these brands combine style with sustainability. Learn about their founders, locations, and commitment to promoting environmentally-conscious fashion in India. In recent years, sustainable fashion has gained significant traction in India as consumers become more conscious about environmental impact and ethical production practices. Startups in this sector are at the forefront of this movement, blending style with sustainability to offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fashion choices. This article explores the top 10 sustainable fashion startups in India, highlighting their founders, founding details, locations, and their contributions to promoting ethical and environmentally-friendly fashion choices.
Table of Contents
1. No Nasties
No Nasties was founded by Apurva Kothari in 2011 and is based in Goa, India. This ethical fashion brand focuses on organic cotton clothing, free from chemicals and harmful dyes. No Nasties promotes fair trade practices and transparency in their supply chain, ensuring that their garments are not only eco-friendly but also support local farmers and artisans. The brand has gained recognition for its commitment to sustainability and offers a wide range of stylish clothing options for conscious consumers.
| Name | No Nasties |
|---|---|
| Founder | Apurva Kothari |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Location | Goa, India |
| Overview | No Nasties specializes in organic cotton clothing, promoting fair trade and sustainable practices. The brand is known for its eco-friendly approach and commitment to transparency in the fashion industry. |
No Nasties, founded by Apurva Kothari in 2011 and based in Goa, specializes in organic cotton clothing. The brand promotes fair trade practices and transparency in its supply chain, offering eco-friendly and stylish alternatives to traditional fashion choices.
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2. Bhu:sattva
Founded by Meenu Chopra in 2009 and headquartered in New Delhi, Bhu:sattva is dedicated to sustainable and ethical fashion. The brand combines traditional Indian craftsmanship with eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo. Bhu:sattva focuses on creating timeless pieces that are both fashionable and sustainable, catering to environmentally-conscious consumers looking for high-quality, artisanal clothing.
| Name | Bhu:sattva |
|---|---|
| Founder | Meenu Chopra |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Overview | Bhu:sattva offers sustainable fashion using organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo, blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with eco-friendly materials. The brand emphasizes timeless designs and ethical production practices. |
Founded by Meenu Chopra in 2009 and headquartered in New Delhi, Bhufocuses on sustainable fashion using organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo. The brand combines traditional Indian craftsmanship with eco-friendly materials, offering timeless and ethical clothing options.
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3. Doodlage
Doodlage, founded by Kriti Tula in 2012 and based in New Delhi, stands out for its upcycled fashion. The brand transforms textile waste into stylish and contemporary clothing, reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. Doodlage promotes zero-waste production techniques and works with local artisans to create unique, eco-conscious garments that resonate with modern fashion trends.
| Name | Doodlage |
|---|---|
| Founder | Kriti Tula |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Overview | Doodlage specializes in upcycled fashion, transforming textile waste into trendy clothing. The brand promotes zero-waste practices and collaborates with local artisans to create sustainable and fashionable apparel. |
Doodlage, founded by Kriti Tula in 2012 and based in New Delhi, is renowned for its upcycled fashion. The brand transforms textile waste into contemporary clothing, promoting zero-waste production techniques and supporting local artisans.
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4. Upasana
Upasana, founded by Uma Prajapati in 1997 and based in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, is a pioneer in sustainable fashion in India. The brand focuses on ethical fashion using organic cotton and natural dyes, supporting local communities and artisans. Upasana’s designs reflect a blend of traditional Indian techniques with contemporary styles, advocating for social responsibility and environmental stewardship in the fashion industry.
| Name | Upasana |
|---|---|
| Founder | Uma Prajapati |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Location | Auroville, Tamil Nadu |
| Overview | Upasana is known for ethical fashion using organic cotton and natural dyes, supporting local artisans and promoting sustainable practices. The brand emphasizes social responsibility and community development through its fashion initiatives. |
Founded by Uma Prajapati in 1997 and based in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, Upasana specializes in ethical fashion using organic cotton and natural dyes. The brand supports local communities and artisans, advocating for sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
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5. Nicobar
Nicobar, founded by Simran Lal and Raul Rai in 2016 and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, offers contemporary Indian fashion with a focus on sustainability. The brand uses natural fabrics and eco-friendly materials in its collections, blending modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. Nicobar promotes conscious consumerism and ethical sourcing practices, catering to urban Indians seeking stylish, sustainable clothing options.
| Name | Nicobar |
|---|---|
| Founder | Simran Lal, Raul Rai |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Location | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Overview | Nicobar specializes in contemporary Indian fashion using natural fabrics and eco-friendly materials. The brand advocates for conscious consumerism and ethical sourcing, offering stylish and sustainable clothing choices. |
Founded by Simran Lal and Raul Rai in 2016 and headquartered in Mumbai, Nicobar offers contemporary Indian fashion with a focus on sustainability. The brand uses natural fabrics and eco-friendly materials, promoting conscious consumerism and ethical sourcing practices.
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6. Ethicus
Ethicus, founded by Mani Chinnaswamy and Vijayalakshmi Nachiar in 2009 and based in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, focuses on sustainable and organic sarees. The brand supports local weavers and artisans, promoting organic farming and fair trade practices. Ethicus’ sarees are handwoven using eco-friendly dyes and natural fibers, celebrating traditional Indian craftsmanship while championing sustainability in the fashion industry.
| Name | Ethicus |
|---|---|
| Founder | Mani Chinnaswamy, Vijayalakshmi Nachiar |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Location | Pollachi, Tamil Nadu |
| Overview | Ethicus specializes in sustainable and organic sarees, supporting local artisans and promoting eco-friendly practices. The brand combines traditional weaving techniques with sustainable materials, advocating for fair trade and environmental stewardship. |
Ethicus, founded by Mani Chinnaswamy and Vijayalakshmi Nachiar in 2009 and based in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, is known for sustainable and organic sarees. The brand supports traditional weaving techniques and promotes fair trade practices, emphasizing eco-friendly dyes and natural fibers.
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7. Pero
Pero, founded by Aneeth Arora in 2009 and based in New Delhi, is renowned for its handcrafted and sustainable clothing. The brand collaborates with artisans across India to create exquisite garments using traditional techniques and natural fabrics. Pero’s collections reflect a blend of rural aesthetics and contemporary fashion, emphasizing craftsmanship, sustainability, and ethical production practices.
| Name | Pero |
|---|---|
| Founder | Aneeth Arora |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Overview | Pero is celebrated for handcrafted, sustainable clothing using natural fabrics and traditional Indian techniques. The brand promotes artisanal craftsmanship and ethical fashion, offering unique and eco-conscious apparel. |
Pero, founded by Aneeth Arora in 2009 and based in New Delhi, specializes in handcrafted and sustainable clothing. The brand collaborates with artisans across India, using natural fabrics and promoting ethical production practices while celebrating rural aesthetics.
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8. Anokhi
Anokhi, founded by John and Faith Singh in 1970 and headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is a pioneer in reviving traditional Indian textile printing techniques. The brand focuses on sustainable practices, using hand-block printing and natural dyes to create vibrant clothing and home textiles. Anokhi supports local artisans and promotes eco-friendly fashion choices, blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary designs.
| Name | Anokhi |
|---|---|
| Founder | John and Faith Singh |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Location | Jaipur, Rajasthan |
| Overview | Anokhi specializes in traditional hand-block printing using natural dyes, promoting sustainable fashion and supporting local artisans. The brand is renowned for its vibrant textiles and commitment to eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry. |
Anokhi, founded by John and Faith Singh in 1970 and headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan, revives traditional Indian textile printing techniques. The brand focuses on sustainable practices such as hand-block printing with natural dyes, supporting local artisans and promoting eco-friendly fashion choices.
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9. Ka-Sha
Ka-Sha, founded by Karishma Shahani Khan in 2011 and based in Pune, Maharashtra, is known for its contemporary Indian fashion with a sustainable twist. The brand incorporates upcycled fabrics and organic materials in its collections, blending modern aesthetics with traditional Indian motifs and craftsmanship. Ka-Sha promotes ethical fashion practices and strives to minimize environmental impact while offering stylish and eco-conscious clothing options.
| Name | Ka-Sha |
|---|---|
| Founder | Karishma Shahani Khan |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Location | Pune, Maharashtra |
| Overview | Ka-Sha offers contemporary Indian fashion using upcycled fabrics and organic materials, promoting sustainable and ethical fashion choices. The brand combines modern design with traditional craftsmanship, advocating for eco-conscious consumerism. |
Founded by Karishma Shahani Khan in 2011 and based in Pune, Maharashtra, Ka-Sha offers contemporary Indian fashion with sustainable materials. The brand incorporates upcycled fabrics and organic materials, blending modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship and promoting ethical fashion practices.
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10. Brown Boy
Brown Boy, founded by Akshay Narvekar in 2016 and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, focuses on sustainable menswear. The brand emphasizes eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices in its collections, catering to modern men seeking stylish and sustainable clothing options. Brown Boy promotes transparency in its supply chain and aims to reduce the environmental impact of fashion through innovative and conscious design.
| Name | Brown Boy |
|---|---|
| Founder | Akshay Narvekar |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Location | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Overview | Brown Boy specializes in sustainable menswear, offering eco-friendly clothing options with a focus on ethical production practices. The brand blends style with sustainability, promoting transparency and environmental stewardship in the fashion industry. |
Founded by Akshay Narvekar in 2016 and headquartered in Mumbai, Brown Boy focuses on sustainable menswear. The brand emphasizes eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices, offering stylish and sustainable clothing options for modern men.
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Frequently Asked Question’s(FAQ’s) – Top 10 Sustainable Fashion Startups in India
1. What are sustainable fashion startups?
Sustainable fashion startups are companies that prioritize environmental and social responsibility throughout their production processes. They aim to minimize the environmental impact of clothing manufacturing by using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and promoting fair labor practices.
2. Why are sustainable fashion startups important?
Sustainable fashion startups play a crucial role in addressing the negative environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. By promoting eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices, they encourage consumers to make more conscious choices, thereby reducing overall environmental footprint.
3. What types of materials do sustainable fashion startups use?
Sustainable fashion startups often use organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, recycled fabrics, and natural dyes. These materials are grown or produced without harmful chemicals and pesticides, reducing environmental pollution and promoting healthier ecosystems.
4. How do sustainable fashion startups contribute to local communities?
Sustainable fashion startups support local communities by partnering with artisans and small-scale producers. They often prioritize fair trade practices, providing fair wages and safe working conditions. By empowering local artisans, these startups help preserve traditional craftsmanship and promote economic stability.
5. What challenges do sustainable fashion startups face in India?
Challenges faced by sustainable fashion startups in India include sourcing sustainable materials at scale, navigating complex supply chains, ensuring transparency in production, and educating consumers about the benefits of sustainable fashion. Limited access to sustainable infrastructure and high initial costs can also be barriers.
6. How can consumers support sustainable fashion startups?
Consumers can support sustainable fashion startups by choosing to buy from brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. They can also educate themselves about sustainable fashion options, reduce clothing waste through mindful consumption, and advocate for transparency and ethical standards in the fashion industry.
7. Are sustainable fashion products more expensive?
While sustainable fashion products may initially seem more expensive due to higher-quality materials and ethical production costs, they often offer better long-term value. By promoting durability and timeless design, sustainable fashion encourages consumers to invest in fewer, higher-quality pieces that last longer.
8. How can sustainable fashion startups ensure their products are truly sustainable?
Sustainable fashion startups can ensure their products are truly sustainable by adhering to recognized certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic textiles, using recycled or upcycled materials, minimizing waste throughout the production process, and practicing transparent supply chain management.
9. What are some examples of sustainable practices adopted by fashion startups?
Examples of sustainable practices adopted by fashion startups include upcycling textile waste into new products, using natural dyes that are less harmful to the environment, implementing water-saving techniques in production, and promoting circular economy models through garment recycling programs.
10. How do sustainable fashion startups contribute to global sustainability goals?
Sustainable fashion startups contribute to global sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions, conserving water and energy resources, promoting biodiversity conservation through eco-friendly farming practices, and supporting social equity by advocating for fair labor conditions and empowering local communities.
Conclusion
These top 10 sustainable fashion startups in India exemplify a growing movement towards eco-conscious consumerism and ethical production practices in the fashion industry. Through innovative use of organic materials, upcycling, and traditional craftsmanship, these startups not only contribute to reducing environmental impact but also empower local communities and artisans. As sustainability continues to shape consumer choices globally, these startups are at the forefront of promoting a more sustainable and ethical fashion ecosystem in India.
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Top 10 Sustainable Fashion Startups in India
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