Indian ethnic wear has entered an exciting new era. The saree, kurta, dupatta and lehenga are still deeply rooted in Indian culture, but the way we wear them is changing. Today’s fashion-conscious shopper wants more than a beautiful outfit. They want comfort, individuality, craftsmanship and versatility—something that can work for an office celebration, a festive lunch, a wedding function or even a casual day out. That shift has made ethnic fashion one of the most interesting spaces in Indian apparel. Traditional textiles are being paired with contemporary silhouettes, while handcrafted techniques are finding their way into modern wardrobes. So, which brands are worth watching right now? Here are 5 of the top ethnic wear brands in India in 2026, each bringing its own interpretation of modern Indian style. 1. The Loom – Where Indian Craft Meets Contemporary Fashion If there is one trend defining modern ethnic fashion, it is the return to craft-led clothing. And that is where The Loom s...
Indian ethnic wear has entered an exciting new era. The saree, kurta, dupatta and lehenga are still deeply rooted in Indian culture, but the way we wear them is changing. Today’s fashion-conscious shopper wants more than a beautiful outfit. They want comfort, individuality, craftsmanship and versatility—something that can work for an office celebration, a festive lunch, a wedding function or even a casual day out.
That shift has made ethnic fashion one of the most interesting spaces in Indian apparel. Traditional textiles are being paired with contemporary silhouettes, while handcrafted techniques are finding their way into modern wardrobes. So, which brands are worth watching right now?
Here are 5 of the top ethnic wear brands in India in 2026, each bringing its own interpretation of modern Indian style.
1. The Loom – Where Indian Craft Meets Contemporary Fashion
If there is one trend defining modern ethnic fashion, it is the return to craft-led clothing. And that is where The Loom stands out. The brand brings together Indian craftsmanship, distinctive textiles and contemporary silhouettes, creating clothing that feels rooted without looking dated. Its collections extend beyond conventional ethnic dressing, offering everything from kurta sets and suit sets to dresses, tops, tunics and occasion-ready styles. What makes The Loom particularly relevant today is its connection to India's rich textile heritage. Handwoven and craft-inspired fabrics such as Khadi, Ikat, Banarasi silk and Jamdani are increasingly being appreciated by shoppers looking for pieces with character and a story behind them.
Why The Loom deserves a place on your fashion radar
• Strong focus on Indian craftsmanship
• Contemporary interpretations of traditional aesthetics
• Interesting choices for festive and everyday dressing
• Ideal for shoppers who want something beyond mass-produced fashion
• A good fit for the growing conscious-fashion movement
Best for: Handcrafted ethnic wear, statement kurta sets, contemporary Indian outfits and occasion dressing.
The vibe: Artisanal, elegant and effortlessly Indian.
2. BIBA – The Everyday Ethnic Classic
Some brands become part of a generation's fashion vocabulary, and BIBA is one of them. Known for its colourful kurtas, salwar suits, Anarkalis and Indo-Western styles, BIBA has made ethnic dressing accessible and easy to wear. Its strength lies in creating outfits that feel unmistakably Indian while remaining practical for everyday wardrobes. From office wear to family gatherings, a well-chosen BIBA kurta set can work across multiple occasions. That versatility is particularly relevant now, when shoppers increasingly want their wardrobes to do more with fewer pieces. BIBA also continues to appeal to shoppers who enjoy vibrant colours, prints and festive detailing without moving into extremely formal occasion wear.
Why BIBA remains relevant
• Strong everyday ethnic-wear offering
• Wide selection of kurtas and coordinated sets
• Colourful and approachable designs
• Easy transition from workwear to casual occasions
• Familiar choice for Indian ethnic dressing
Best for: Everyday kurtas, salwar suits, Anarkalis and colourful festive looks.
The vibe: Bright, comfortable and unmistakably Indian.
3. Fabindia – Timeless Indian Craftsmanship
When conversations around Indian textiles and traditional craftsmanship come up, Fabindia is difficult to overlook. The brand has built its identity around Indian crafts, natural fabrics and designs that favour understated elegance over short-lived trends. Its appeal is particularly strong among shoppers who appreciate textiles as much as silhouettes. From Chanderi and Jamdani to Ikat, Ajrakh and other craft traditions, Indian textile techniques continue to receive renewed attention—and Fabindia's aesthetic fits naturally into that movement. The beauty of Fabindia is that its pieces don't necessarily demand a special occasion. A simple kurta, handwoven saree or textured dupatta can become part of an everyday wardrobe.
Why Fabindia stands out
• Strong connection with Indian textile traditions
• Natural, comfortable fabrics
• Understated and timeless designs
• Excellent choice for craft-conscious shoppers
• Pieces that can remain relevant beyond one season
Best for: Handloom-inspired clothing, cotton kurtas, sarees and sophisticated everyday ethnic wear.
The vibe: Quiet luxury with an Indian soul.
4. W for Woman – Ethnic Fashion, Reimagined for Modern Life
Traditional clothing doesn't have to mean traditional styling. That idea is at the heart of W for Woman, a brand that has carved out a strong position in contemporary ethnic and Indo-Western fashion. Its collections combine familiar Indian silhouettes with modern cuts, coordinated separates and fashion-forward styling. Kurtas can be paired with trousers, ethnic sets can become office outfits, and occasion pieces can move seamlessly into evening wardrobes. This is especially relevant as ethnic fashion becomes less occasion-specific. Modern shoppers increasingly want clothing that can move from work to dinner, brunch to celebration and everyday life to festive gatherings.
Why W for Woman makes the list
• Contemporary take on ethnic silhouettes
• Strong workwear and everyday appeal
• Modern kurta sets and fusion styles
• Polished designs for urban wardrobes
• Good balance between traditional and contemporary fashion
Best for: Office ethnic wear, contemporary kurta sets and Indo-Western outfits.
The vibe: Smart, polished and fashion-forward.
5. Mohey by Manyavar – Made for Celebrations
Ethnic fashion isn't only about everyday dressing. India has one of the world's most vibrant wedding and celebration cultures, and that creates a very different demand: statement-making occasion wear. This is where Mohey by Manyavar enters the picture. Mohey focuses on celebration dressing, making it a natural choice for weddings, engagements, festive occasions and other moments where the outfit needs to make an impression. From embellished ensembles to traditional-inspired silhouettes with a contemporary finish, the brand caters to shoppers looking for a more glamorous interpretation of Indian fashion.
Why Mohey stands out
• Strong wedding and festive positioning
• Celebration-ready silhouettes
• Traditional aesthetics with contemporary styling
• Suitable for major family occasions
• Designed for statement-making festive wardrobes
Best for: Wedding guest outfits, festive wear, engagement looks and celebration dressing.
The vibe: Glamorous, festive and occasion-ready.
What Is Actually Trending in Indian Ethnic Wear in 2026?
The biggest ethnic-wear trend isn't one particular colour, print or silhouette. It is versatility. Today's shopper increasingly wants Indian clothing that fits naturally into modern life. This is why contemporary kurta sets, fusion silhouettes, co-ords, handcrafted fabrics and occasion-ready separates are gaining attention.
Here are some of the trends shaping ethnic fashion right now:
1. Craft Is Becoming Fashion
Handloom textures, block prints, embroidery and regional textile traditions are no longer limited to conventional silhouettes. Traditional techniques are being incorporated into dresses, co-ords, contemporary kurtas and statement pieces.
2. Comfort Is the New Luxury
The modern ethnic wardrobe needs to look good without feeling restrictive.
3. One Outfit, Multiple Occasions
Consumers are becoming more interested in pieces that can be styled differently. A kurta set might work for the office with minimal jewellery and become festive with statement earrings and a dupatta.
4. Heritage Meets Contemporary Design
The most exciting ethnic looks often sit somewhere between traditional and modern. Think handwoven textiles with contemporary cuts, classic prints with modern trousers or a traditional silhouette styled with Western accessories.
5. Conscious Fashion Is Getting More Attention
For many shoppers, the story behind an outfit matters almost as much as its appearance. Artisan techniques, natural fabrics and craft-led fashion are increasingly becoming part of the conversation around what makes an ethnic garment desirable.
Which Ethnic Wear Brand Should You Choose?
There is no single “best” ethnic wear brand for everyone. The right choice depends on your wardrobe, lifestyle and the occasion. Indian ethnic fashion is no longer about choosing between traditional and modern. The most exciting brands are proving that the two can exist beautifully together. The Loom brings craftsmanship into contemporary wardrobes. BIBA makes everyday ethnic dressing easy and colourful. Fabindia keeps India's textile traditions relevant. W for Woman gives ethnic fashion a modern urban edge. And Mohey by Manyavar brings glamour to life's biggest celebrations.
If 2026 has taught us anything about Indian fashion, it is that heritage doesn't have to stay in the past.
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