Fabric Sourcing in India: Types, GSM, Markets & What to Know

Fabric is the biggest variable in garment manufacturing cost and quality. Two garments with identical construction but different fabric quality can sell at completely different price points. Understanding how fabric sourcing works in India helps you specify correctly and get the quality you're paying for.

Fabric types and where they're sourced

FabricOriginGSMTypeUsed inCost/metre

Viscose RayonSurat, Gujarat70–130 GSMWovenNight suits, loungewear, kurtas, ethnic sets, women's tops₹80–₹180/metre

Cotton jersey (knit)Tirupur, Tamil Nadu160–260 GSMKnitT-shirts, casual tops, kids wear₹120–₹280/metre

FleeceTirupur / Delhi NCR traders240–420 GSMKnitHoodies, sweatshirts, joggers₹200–₹420/metre

French TerryTirupur / Ludhiana240–360 GSMKnitPremium hoodies, sweatshirts, lounge sets₹240–₹450/metre

Cotton CambricAhmedabad, Gujarat60–100 GSMWovenSummer kurtas, children's wear, casual shirts₹60–₹120/metre

GeorgetteSurat, Gujarat60–90 GSMWovenEthnic wear, dressy tops, festive sets₹120–₹300/metre

Twill / Cotton TwillAhmedabad / Delhi NCR200–320 GSMWovenCargo pants, chinos, structured bottoms₹150–₹280/metre

Ripstop NylonSurat / Delhi NCR traders60–120 GSMWovenParachute pants, windbreakers, cargo₹120–₹240/metre

ChanderiChanderi, MP40–80 GSMWovenPremium ethnic wear, kurtas, occasion₹300–₹900/metre

Rib knitTirupur / Delhi NCR180–280 GSMKnitLounge sets, fitted co-ords, cuffs/hems₹160–₹340/metre

GSM explained — how to use it

GSM (Grams per Square Metre) is the weight of one square metre of fabric. It's the most important number to specify after fabric type — it directly determines the feel, drape, warmth, and price of your garment.

For the same fabric type, higher GSM = heavier, more premium feel, higher cost

Example: 180 GSM cotton t-shirt feels thinner than 240 GSM cotton t-shirt

Different fabric types have different GSM ranges — don't compare across types

Example: 90 GSM Viscose Rayon is not comparable to 90 GSM cotton — they feel completely different

Always specify GSM in your brief — 'medium weight' is not a specification

Example: Write '200 GSM cotton jersey' not 'medium weight cotton'

Request a fabric swatch at your specified GSM before bulk production starts

Example: A physical swatch eliminates ambiguity about weight and feel

Major fabric sourcing hubs in India

Surat, Gujarat

Speciality: Viscose Rayon, Georgette, synthetic fabrics, printed fabrics

India's textile capital for synthetic and semi-synthetic fabrics. Viscose Rayon sourced here by most Delhi NCR manufacturers.

Tirupur, Tamil Nadu

Speciality: Cotton jersey, fleece, French terry, knit fabrics

India's knit fabric hub. T-shirt and hoodie manufacturers here are the largest in the country.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Speciality: Cotton, cotton cambric, denim, canvas

Major cotton processing city. Best source for cotton fabrics in woven category.

Gandhi Nagar, Delhi

Speciality: Multi-category — readymade and fabric trading

Fabric traders and importers sell a wide range including Viscose Rayon, Georgette, cotton blends. Convenient for Delhi NCR manufacturers.

Ludhiana, Punjab

Speciality: Woollens, winter knits, acrylic

North India's winter fabric hub. Good for fleece, woollens, and cold-weather knits.

Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

Speciality: Chanderi silk, handloom fabrics

Source of authentic Chanderi fabric — premium ethnic wear only.

How we source fabric at The Urban Charm

We source Viscose Rayon from Surat, knit fabrics from Tirupur, and cotton fabrics from Ahmedabad through established trader relationships. Fabric sourcing is outsourced — but we manage the quality and dye lot confirmation ourselves. MOQ 200 pcs, 6–30 day production, Ghaziabad, Delhi NCR.

Get a free quote

Frequently asked questions

What does GSM mean in fabric?

GSM stands for Grams per Square Metre — it measures how heavy or dense a fabric is. A higher GSM means a heavier, thicker fabric. For example, 180 GSM cotton feels lighter and more breathable than 240 GSM cotton of the same type. GSM is the primary specification used when ordering fabric in India and should always be included in your garment brief.

Where do garment manufacturers in India source fabric?

Indian garment manufacturers source fabric from several major hubs: Surat (Gujarat) for Viscose Rayon, Georgette, and synthetic fabrics; Tirupur (Tamil Nadu) for knit fabrics like cotton jersey; Ludhiana (Punjab) for woollens and winter knits; Ahmedabad (Gujarat) for cotton and cotton blends; and local fabric markets in Delhi NCR (Gandhi Nagar, Nehru Place). Most Delhi NCR manufacturers source Viscose Rayon from Surat and knit fabrics from Tirupur.

Can I supply my own fabric to an Indian manufacturer?

Yes — most Indian manufacturers will work with buyer-supplied fabric (known as 'job work'). You source the fabric, arrange delivery to the factory, and the manufacturer handles cutting, stitching, and finishing. This is common when brands have a specific fabric they've sourced elsewhere or want exact control over material quality. Confirm the factory's job work terms before sending fabric.

What is the difference between woven and knit fabric?

Woven fabrics are made by interlacing warp and weft threads at right angles — they don't stretch significantly. Examples: cotton poplin, twill, canvas, Viscose Rayon, Georgette. Knit fabrics are made by looping yarn together — they stretch in one or both directions. Examples: jersey (t-shirts), fleece (hoodies), French terry. The distinction matters for garment construction — woven garments need seam allowances differently than knit garments.