In an era dominated by fast fashion, many Indian women are making a conscious shift towards slow fashion—a movement that emphasizes mindful production, ethical labor, and long-lasting style. Unlike mass-produced trends, slow fashion brands in India focus on timeless clothing, crafted with care, and built to last.
Whether you’re seeking handcrafted dresses, artisan-made sarees, or elegant everyday wear, India’s slow fashion labels offer a perfect blend of style, sustainability, and substance. Here’s a curated list of the best slow fashion brands for women in India that make dressing responsibly truly fashionable.
What is Slow Fashion?
Slow fashion refers to a thoughtful approach to clothing—one that values quality, fair wages, local craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility. It’s the opposite of fast fashion, which prioritizes cheap, disposable trends.
In India, slow fashion often goes hand-in-hand with traditional techniques like handloom weaving, natural dyeing, and artisan-led production, making it deeply rooted in heritage and sustainability.
Why Choose Slow Fashion Brands in India?
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Eco-friendly Fabrics – Organic cotton, hemp, khadi, and handwoven textiles
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Support for Artisans – Many brands empower rural women and preserve Indian crafts
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Timeless Women’s Wear – Focus on styles that last beyond one season
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Better Value Over Time – Higher quality means fewer replacements
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Low Waste Production – Many brands use leftover or recycled materials
10 Best Slow Fashion Brands in India for Women
1. Maati by Neha Kabra
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Udaipur
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Founded in 2017
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Fusion and ethnic wear
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Handwoven fabrics, plant-based dyes
Maati offers slow fashion rooted in earthy aesthetics and artisanal processes. The brand blends contemporary silhouettes with traditional Indian techniques like hand-block printing and natural dyeing. Their dresses, skirts, and kurtas are perfect for women who seek mindful fashion that reflects grace and purpose. Each piece is made in small batches, making it a soulful addition to a conscious wardrobe.
2. The Summer House
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Bengaluru
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Founded in 2016
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Western wear, workwear
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Organic cotton, ethical production
The Summer House is a modern label for women who love clean lines and sustainable design. Their slow fashion approach includes small-batch manufacturing, handwoven fabrics, and fair employment. From tailored dresses to easy coordinates, everything is made to last. It’s ideal for professionals and creatives who prefer elegant, minimalist, and earth-conscious fashion.
3. Okhai
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Gujarat
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Founded in 2002
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Handcrafted ethnic wear
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Artisan-made, natural fabrics
Okhai is one of the top Indian slow fashion labels for women, offering handcrafted kurtas, dresses, and sarees. Each piece supports rural artisans—mostly women—by celebrating crafts like embroidery and mirror work. The brand is known for its affordable, artisan-led collections made from breathable, eco-friendly fabrics. Perfect for conscious shoppers who appreciate both culture and sustainability.
4. Sui
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Delhi
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Founded in 2018
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Resort and casual wear
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Organic fabrics, low-waste practices
Sui—which means “needle,”—is a slow fashion startup in India inspired by nature and travel. The brand promotes “green clothing” with easy silhouettes, earthy prints, and sustainable production methods. Their women’s wear includes dresses, tunics, and co-ord sets designed for comfort and conscience. Sui works closely with small artisan groups and promotes circular fashion practices.
5. No Nasties
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Goa
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Founded in 2011
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Basics and casual wear
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100% organic cotton, fair trade
No Nasties is a pioneer of sustainable and slow fashion in India. Their women’s collection features soft tees, relaxed-fit dresses, and lounge sets made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. Everything is vegan, ethically made, and designed for maximum comfort. Plus, every purchase helps plant a tree, making it one of the most eco-friendly fashion brands in India.
6. Saltpetre
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Mumbai
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Founded in 2017
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Everyday minimalist wear
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Zero-waste packaging, natural fibers
Saltpetre creates elevated essentials with a strong commitment to sustainability. Their designs are clean, versatile, and timeless—perfect for modern women who value simplicity and conscious living. From flowy shirts to shift dresses, every piece reflects quiet luxury and low-impact living. Their entire supply chain is designed with circularity and environmental mindfulness in mind.
7. Buna Studio
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Delhi
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Founded in 2019
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Soft, flowy everyday wear
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Handwoven textiles, natural dyes
Buna Studio crafts poetic clothing using Indian handlooms and botanical dyes. Their slow fashion philosophy is reflected in each detail, from sustainable stitching to low-impact materials. The aesthetic is feminine, flowy, and minimalist, offering comfort and elegance in every stitch. Buna is for women who appreciate calm, mindful clothing with an artisanal soul.
8. Tula
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Tamil Nadu
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Founded in 2013
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Handspun organic cotton wear
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Farm-to-closet production
Tula is a farm-to-fashion initiative that offers pure, handspun, and handwoven organic cotton clothing. Their entire supply chain—from growing the cotton to stitching the garments—is ethical and local. Tula’s women’s wear is simple, soft, and rooted in Gandhian principles. It’s a truly slow, affordable fashion label that celebrates Indian soil, farmers, and craftspeople.
9. Livaeco
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Pan-India (Aditya Birla Group)
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Launched in 2019
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Eco fabrics across partner brands
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Biodegradable fibers, traceable clothing
Livaeco is not a brand but a sustainable fabric used by top Indian slow fashion labels. Made from natural, biodegradable fibers, Livaeco is traceable from forest to fashion. Many women’s wear brands in India, like Global Desi and W, use Livaeco in their eco-lines. It’s perfect for shoppers who want affordable, sustainable fashion across multiple styles and budgets.
10. Kamakhyaa
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Delhi (Online Marketplace)
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Founded in 2020
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Curated slow fashion from indie brands
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Artisanal, vegan, upcycled labels
Kamakhyaa is an ethical fashion marketplace showcasing India’s best slow fashion startups. It features women’s wear from independent, sustainable designers who specialize in vegan, recycled, and artisan-made clothing. Shoppers can browse by fabric, process, or values, making it easy to find fashion that fits their ethics. Kamakhyaa is a one-stop shop for stylish and sustainable Indian fashion.
How to Identify a Real Slow Fashion Brand
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Look for:
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Transparency in process & sourcing
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Ethical labor practices
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Small batch or made-to-order model
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Fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, khadi
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Avoid:
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Fast fashion brands with “green” marketing but no proof
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Mass discounts and synthetic fabrics labeled “eco”
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Conclusion
Slow fashion is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle rooted in sustainability, style, and intention. These top Indian slow fashion labels for women are proving that ethical fashion can also be elegant, affordable, and deeply personal. Whether you’re looking for workwear, casuals, or ethnic ensembles, these brands help you wear your values, one timeless piece at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions – Slow Fashion for Women in India
Q1. What are the best slow fashion brands in India?
Top picks include Maati, The Summer House, Okhai, No Nasties, and Sui. They offer eco-friendly women’s wear that’s handmade, ethical, and stylish.
Q2. Is slow fashion affordable in India?
Yes! Brands like Tula, Okhai, and Kamakhyaa offer slow fashion pieces starting at ₹800–₹1,500. These garments last longer and provide better value over time.
Q3. Do slow fashion brands offer ethnic wear for women?
Absolutely. Brands like Okhai, Maati, and Grassroot by Anita Dongre offer ethnic and fusion wear made sustainably.
Q4. How do I start building a slow fashion wardrobe?
Start with 2–3 versatile pieces from ethical brands, choose neutral tones, support artisans, and buy fewer but better clothes.
