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When the pandemic hit, India's fashion scene underwent a quiet revolution. Structured suits and starched kurtas gave way to softer, more forgiving fabrics sweatshirts and joggers that felt like a sigh of relief. This shift wasn't just about surviving lockdowns; it was a redefinition of style, particularly for plus-size consumers who have long demanded better from the industry. What began as a necessity has evolved into a movement, with these cozy staples becoming emblems of comfort, versatility, and inclusivity across the country.
Too many plus-size shoppers in India struggle to find trendy clothes that fit well. Limited sizes and poor designs can feel disheartening, leaving you sidelined. Pluss.in offers fashion crafted for real Indian bodies, with breathable fabrics, modern styles, and sizes up to 10XL. Find confidence in clothing that fits your life. Shop Pluss.in Now!
The Surge of Sweatshirts and Joggers in India's Plus-Size Market
The global casual wear market, valued at USD 624.29 billion in 2024, is on track to reach USD 839 billion by 2032, growing at a steady compound annual growth rate of 3.76%. In India, this trend has taken root with remarkable force, fueled by a persistent work-from-home culture and a growing appetite for clothing that balances ease with elegance. Sweatshirts and joggers, once confined to gym lockers, are now wardrobe essentials, particularly for plus-size shoppers who seek inclusive designs that don't compromise on style. Indian retailers are responding, creating pieces that effortlessly shift from virtual meetings to casual outings.
The joggers and sweatpants market, worth USD 12.5 billion in 2023, is projected to climb to USD 19.3 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.1%. This growth reflects a broader embrace of athleisure, where clothing must serve both active and everyday purposes. In cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi, where fashion trends are born, sweatshirts and joggers are more than garments they're a lifestyle statement. Consumers are choosing pieces that align with their health-conscious routines while offering the polished look needed for urban life.
The numbers tell a compelling story. The hoodies and sweatshirts market, valued at USD 227.31 billion in 2024, is expected to grow to USD 381.40 billion by 2032, driven by a CAGR of 6.77%. These garments, crafted from materials like cotton, wool, or synthetic blends, offer warmth and versatility, appealing to India's youth who crave sporty yet sophisticated looks. Meanwhile, the joggers and sweatpants sector, valued at USD 9.4 billion in 2023, is forecasted to reach USD 14.3 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 4.77%, propelled by the global athleisure craze.
Inclusivity Takes Center Stage
India's fashion industry is undergoing a seismic shift, with plus-size consumers driving demand for inclusive clothing. Brands like FabAlley and Juno's Closet are leading the charge, offering sweatshirts and joggers designed to flatter diverse body types. These aren't mere upsized versions of standard patterns; they're thoughtfully crafted to ensure comfort and style, whether worn at home or out and about. Zara India has also entered the fray, launching collections that cater to a demographic tired of being overlooked.
The loungewear market is flourishing, spurred by rising disposable incomes and a universal desire for cozy yet chic apparel. In India, this translates to a boom in demand for sweatshirts and joggers made from breathable cotton, luxurious silk, or durable wool, available through e-commerce platforms and specialty stores. Social media plays a pivotal role, with influencers like Dolly Singh and Sakshi Sindwani showcasing how to style these pieces for everything from laid-back weekends to casual office settings. Their vibrant posts, often featuring bold patterns or sleek neutrals, have turned athleisure into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a generation to embrace comfort without sacrificing flair.
This shift isn't just about fashion it's about identity. Plus-size consumers, long marginalized by an industry obsessed with narrow ideals, are finding their voices. A 2023 Mintel report notes that 65% of Indian shoppers, particularly in metropolitan hubs like Delhi and Bangalore, prioritize clothing that blends comfort with style. For plus-size individuals, this means seeking out brands that understand their needs, from flexible waistbands to fabrics that drape rather than cling.
Navigating the Challenges
Despite the momentum, the path to inclusivity isn't smooth. Sizing inconsistencies remain a persistent issue, with many retailers failing to standardize measurements. A “large” that fits like a medium can shatter consumer trust, particularly in a market where options are already limited. Cultural dynamics also pose a challenge. While urban centers embrace the casual revolution, more traditional regions where sarees and salwar kameez reign view sweatshirts and joggers as a departure from convention, slowing their adoption.
Quality is another hurdle. India's varied climate, from Mumbai's humid coastal air to Shimla's crisp mountain chill, demands versatile fabrics that hold up under strain. Yet, some manufacturers prioritize cost over durability, producing sweatshirts that fray or joggers that lose elasticity after a single season. For plus-size consumers, who often pay a premium, this is more than an inconvenience it's a breach of trust. The joggers and sweatpants market's projected growth to USD 14.3 billion by 2031 underscores the urgency for brands to invest in quality control to meet rising expectations.
Price is a sticking point, too. Plus-size apparel often comes with a higher price tag, putting it out of reach for budget-conscious shoppers in smaller cities like Coimbatore or Lucknow. In a country where economic disparities are stark, this pricing model risks alienating a significant portion of the market. For many, choosing between a trendy sweatshirt and daily essentials is a non-starter.
Seizing New Opportunities
Yet, these challenges are dwarfed by the opportunities. The plus-size market in India is a goldmine waiting to be tapped, and e-commerce is the key. Platforms like Myntra and Amazon India are expanding access, delivering inclusive sizes to tier 2 and tier 3 cities where brick-and-mortar stores often fall short. The hoodies and sweatshirts market's projected rise to USD 381.40 billion by 2032 highlights the potential, particularly among India's style-savvy youth.
Sustainability is another bright spot. Brands embracing eco-friendly materials, like organic cotton or recycled polyester, are winning over India's growing cohort of conscious consumers. Local designers are also making their mark, blending traditional craftsmanship think block prints or handwoven accents with modern athleisure silhouettes. This fusion creates sweatshirts and joggers that feel uniquely Indian, carving out a niche in a globalized market.
The pandemic's legacy, particularly the rise of home workouts, has further fueled demand. As Indians flock to yoga, jogging, or virtual fitness classes, they're seeking apparel that performs as well as it looks. Sweatshirts with breathable panels and joggers with stretchy waistbands have become go-to choices, blurring the line between loungewear and activewear. The joggers and sweatpants market's growth, driven by this athleisure trend, reflects a broader shift toward versatile, functional fashion.
A Lasting Legacy
India's fashion landscape is at a turning point, where comfort, inclusivity, and self-expression converge. The rise of sweatshirts and joggers in the plus-size market isn't just a passing fad it's a cultural shift, reflecting how Indians live, work, and dream. Brands like FabAlley and influencers like Sakshi Sindwani are leading the charge, proving that style knows no size and comfort is non-negotiable. As fashion expert Richa Agarwal puts it, “India's future is one where fashion embraces everyone, unapologetically.” With the casual wear market set to soar, plus-size consumers are stepping into a world where they can dress with confidence, whether they're lounging at home or navigating the vibrant streets of their cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have sweatshirts and joggers become so popular in India's plus-size market after the pandemic?
The pandemic sparked a shift toward comfort-driven fashion as work-from-home culture became widespread, making sweatshirts and joggers wardrobe essentials rather than just gym wear. For plus-size consumers specifically, this trend represents a long-awaited move toward inclusivity, with brands like FabAlley and Juno's Closet creating thoughtfully designed pieces that flatter diverse body types without compromising style. The global casual wear market is projected to grow from USD 624.29 billion in 2024 to USD 839 billion by 2032, reflecting how these cozy staples have evolved from pandemic necessities into permanent lifestyle statements.
What are the main challenges facing plus-size consumers shopping for sweatshirts and joggers in India?
Plus-size shoppers face three significant hurdles: inconsistent sizing standards across brands that erode trust, higher price points that make trendy athleisure inaccessible to budget-conscious consumers in smaller cities, and quality issues where some manufacturers prioritize cost over durability. Cultural factors also play a role, as traditional regions where sarees and salwar kameez dominate are slower to embrace casual Western wear. Additionally, India's varied climate demands versatile, high-quality fabrics that can withstand everything from Mumbai's humidity to Shimla's chill, yet some brands still fall short on this requirement.
How is the athleisure market growing in India, and what opportunities does it present for plus-size fashion?
The joggers and sweatpants market is projected to grow from USD 12.5 billion in 2023 to USD 19.3 billion by 2032, while the hoodies and sweatshirts segment is expected to reach USD 381.40 billion by 2032. E-commerce platforms like Myntra and Amazon India are expanding access to inclusive sizes in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, while sustainability-focused brands using organic cotton and recycled materials are attracting conscious consumers. The rise of home workouts and health-conscious routines has created demand for versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from virtual meetings to casual outings, offering brands a significant opportunity to serve India's underrepresented plus-size demographic with stylish, functional athleisure.
Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.
You may also be interested in: Pluss Online Store: Premium Plus Size Fashion for Every Style
Too many plus-size shoppers in India struggle to find trendy clothes that fit well. Limited sizes and poor designs can feel disheartening, leaving you sidelined. Pluss.in offers fashion crafted for real Indian bodies, with breathable fabrics, modern styles, and sizes up to 10XL. Find confidence in clothing that fits your life. Shop Pluss.in Now!
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