The coolest textile-forward Indian brands to know this National Handloom Day

From heirloom saris to everyday dressing, handloom has always been woven into India's story. National Handloom Day, observed every year on August 7, celebrates that legacy while commemorating the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, a defining moment that encouraged Indians to champion locally made textiles over imported cloth. More than a century later, that spirit feels more relevant than ever.

Today's generation of designers isn't treating handloom as heritage locked away in museums but rather reimagining it for modern wardrobes. Through collaborations with artisan communities, thoughtful design, and a renewed appreciation for indigenous textiles, these labels are proving that craft can be timeless, wearable, and undeniably cool.

In light of Handloom Day, we're spotlighting the textile-forward Indian brands that are making handloom feel fresher, cooler, and more relevant than ever. Whether you're looking to invest in timeless pieces or simply appreciate the artistry behind them, these are some of the top Indian labels to have on your radar.

Dressfolk

Founded by Nitin Mehrotra in 2017, Dressfolk has built its identity around making Indian handlooms feel effortless for everyday dressing. Working directly with artisan communities across the country, the label transforms traditional textiles such as Chanderi silk, linen, and cotton into contemporary silhouettes that feel as relevant in the city as they do during festive occasions. Every collection celebrates the stories woven into Indian textiles, encouraging a wardrobe that embraces craftsmanship, comfort, and cultural pride in equal measure.

11.11 / eleven eleven

Few brands embody slow fashion quite like 11.11 / eleven eleven. Helmed by Shani Himanshu and Mia Morikawa, the label champions a true "seed-to-stitch" philosophy, producing small-batch collections crafted using indigenous cotton, natural dyes, hand-spinning, handloom weaving, quilting, tie-dye, and hand painting. Working closely with artisan communities across rural India, the brand places sustainability and craftsmanship at the centre of every garment. Relaxed, gender-fluid silhouettes become the canvas for textiles that are as kind to the planet as they are beautiful to wear, proving that fashion can regenerate both culture and community.

Ekà

Founded by designer Rina Singh, Ekà has become synonymous with luxury rooted in Indian craft. The label's understated aesthetic is built on handwoven textiles, natural fibres, block printing, embroidery, and traditional dyeing techniques, creating clothing that is timeless rather than trend-driven. With a design philosophy inspired by literature, nostalgia, and mindful living, Ekà celebrates simplicity while supporting thousands of artisans across India. Every piece feels intentionally made, designed to be worn, reworn, and treasured for years to come.

Harago

Harago takes India's textile heritage and translates it into contemporary menswear with remarkable ease. Founded by Harsh Agarwal, the label works extensively with handwoven fabrics, vintage textiles, Kantha, Sujni embroidery, appliqué, quilting, patchwork, and storytelling embroidery created by artisan communities across West Bengal, Gujarat, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Vintage quilts, tapestries, and heirloom fabrics often inspire the collections, giving every garment a distinctive narrative while celebrating the enduring beauty of handcrafted textiles.

Studio Medium by Shweta Gupta (SWGT)

For Studio Medium by Shweta Gupta, every collection begins long before the first garment is made. Inspired by landscapes, travel, and the natural world, the label develops textiles in collaboration with Chanderi weavers before experimenting with signature techniques such as smocking, pleat tucks, faggoting, crochet, and hand embroidery. Sustainability is woven into the brand's process through minimal-waste pattern making and responsible production, resulting in thoughtful pieces that balance textile innovation with timeless design.

Kaanjj

Founded by a mother-daughter duo, Kaanjj serves as a platform for independent South Asian designers and artisan makers whose work preserves generations of textile knowledge. The curated collections seamlessly blend heritage techniques with contemporary aesthetics, bringing together handcrafted garments and accessories that bridge Eastern traditions with global sensibilities. Every piece carries the story of its maker, turning clothing into keepsakes that celebrate craftsmanship while feeling refreshingly modern.

Rouka

Designer Sreejith Jeevan founded Rouka with the belief that clothing should create a dialogue between the weaver and the wearer. Based in Kochi, the label works with Indian artisans to reinterpret traditional weaving techniques through clean, contemporary silhouettes that feel both nostalgic and forward-looking. Rooted in mindful production and India's diverse textile traditions, Rouka strikes a balance between craftsmanship and minimalism, creating garments that honour the past while embracing modern dressing.

National Handloom Day is ultimately a reminder that India's greatest textile innovations have always begun with its artisans. These labels aren't simply preserving centuries-old techniques; they're giving them new relevance for a generation that values craftsmanship as much as design. In doing so, they're ensuring that India's handloom legacy isn't just remembered, but continues to evolve with every thread, every weave, and every collection.

Lead Image: Pexels 

Also read: The fashion drops you need on your radar rn!

Also read: Dupatta tops that you should know about because the girlies in the west are repping them hard