Ever wondered why some fabrics fly off the shelves while others barely get noticed? It’s not just luck, it’s smart research.
In the textile world, tastes change fast, and every market plays by its own rules. That’s why guessing what to make or where to sell it can cost you.
This guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through how textile market research actually works, why it’s worth your time, and how to use it to make confident, informed business decisions.
What is textile industry market research?
Textile industry market research helps businesses track trends, spot opportunities, and make smarter decisions. It shows what types of fabrics people prefer, how fast the market is growing, and which regions or technologies lead the way.
For example, the global textile market was worth $1.23 trillion in 2023 and is expected to reach $1.93 trillion by 2033. With this data, companies can design better products, compete effectively, and invest in areas like smart fabrics and sustainable materials.

Why is market research important in the Textile industry?
Aligns products with market demand
Textile companies must stay ahead of changing consumer preferences—be it a rising demand for sustainable fabrics, high-performance activewear, or region-specific traditional textiles. Market research provides actionable insights into what end users actually want.
This helps enterprises avoid guesswork and ensures that product development aligns with real-world demand, reducing waste and improving sell-through rates.
Informs strategic design and innovation
Modern textile design goes beyond aesthetics—it must meet evolving functionality and performance needs. Through market research, brands can identify which fabric features customers value most, such as moisture-wicking, wrinkle resistance, or climate adaptability.
These insights help R&D teams prioritize innovations that resonate with target markets, creating products that solve specific consumer problems and lead to competitive advantage.
Provides competitive intelligence
In a saturated textile market, staying aware of competitor strategies is vital. Market research helps companies analyze competitor product lines, pricing strategies, and customer positioning. This enables enterprises to benchmark performance, identify white spaces in the market, and avoid replicating failed concepts.
It also guides strategic pivots and differentiates offerings in crowded categories.
Enables geographic and demographic targeting
Textile demand varies significantly by geography, climate, and consumer demographics. For instance, lightweight breathable fabrics may be preferred in tropical regions, while technical textiles could be in demand in industrial hubs.
Market research helps enterprises tailor their product mix, distribution strategies, and marketing messages for each region or customer segment, optimizing resource allocation and improving market penetration.
Reduces business risk and forecasts trends
The textile industry faces frequent disruptions—raw material price fluctuations, supply chain issues, regulatory changes, and shifting fashion cycles. Market research equips companies with early warning signals and predictive insights, enabling proactive planning.
Enterprises can use these insights to adapt sourcing strategies, adjust inventory, or refine go-to-market approaches before trends impact profitability.
Supports data-driven decision making
Whether launching a new product line, entering a new market, or expanding manufacturing capabilities, strategic decisions in textiles require robust data.
Market research delivers real-time insights that support executive decisions across departments— product, marketing, sourcing, and operations. With research-backed strategies, large companies can scale faster, reduce costs, and increase ROI.
How to conduct Textile industry market research? Step by step
Whether you're starting a new brand, planning to enter a new region, or creating a new type of fabric, market research gives you the right direction. Here are a few steps for conducting market research in the textile industry.
Step 1: Know What You’re Trying to Find Out
Before anything else, take time to decide what exactly you want to learn. Your research should always start with a goal. This goal helps you focus and collect only the information that matters.
In textiles, your research question could be:
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Is there demand for organic cotton t-shirts in India’s tier-1 cities?
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How are pricing trends changing for recycled polyester?
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What kind of fabric is popular in hotel furnishings in the UAE?
Writing down a clear question makes your research easier and more useful. Don’t try to study everything at once; focus on one main goal.
Step 2: Pick the Right Ways to Collect Information
To understand the textile market, you need to gather information. There are two main ways to do this:
Primary Research (you collect this yourself)

This method helps you learn directly from the people who work in or buy from the textile industry.
You can try:
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Surveys: Create short forms with simple questions and send them to shop owners, fashion designers, or factory buyers. Ask what fabrics they prefer, how much they buy, and what problems they face.
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Interviews: Call or meet with textile manufacturers, wholesalers, or clothing brand owners. You can ask about trends, sourcing challenges, or which fabric types are selling well.
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Focus Groups: Bring together a small group of designers or buyers to talk about their needs and opinions. This works well when you're testing a new fabric or product idea.
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Market Visits: Visit textile hubs like Tiruppur, Panipat, or Surat. Walk through the shops and note which fabrics are displayed more, which get attention, and what buyers are asking about.
Secondary Research (you use existing data)

This method helps you understand the bigger picture using published reports, data, and articles.
You can use:
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Reports from Consainsights, Fibre2Fashion, or India Brand Equity Foundation.
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Trade data from the Ministry of Textiles, DGFT, or ITC Trade Map.
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Competitor websites and marketplaces, like IndiaMART or Alibaba, to see pricing and product ranges.
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Trend forecasts from fashion events or online platforms.
Using both methods will give you strong insights from both the ground level and the industry level.
Step 3: Decide Who Your Research is About
In the textile industry, different people buy different types of fabrics. So, you must know exactly who you're trying to learn about.
Ask yourself:
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Am I targeting B2B buyers, such as garment exporters or home furnishings retailers?
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Am I focused on fashion brands, hospitals, or interior designers?
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Do they care more about price, quality, or certifications?
Examples of target groups:
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A small boutique owner in Bangalore who needs high-quality cotton prints.
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A hotel chain in Dubai is looking for fire-retardant curtains.
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A uniform supplier who needs stain-resistant fabric in bulk.

Once you know who you're targeting, your research will be more focused and useful.
Step 4: Talk to Real People in the Textile Business
Talking to people who work with textiles every day gives you real insights that you won’t find in reports. These conversations show you what’s really happening in the market.
Here’s who you can talk to:
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Manufacturers: Ask about what materials are in demand, how production costs are changing, or which fabrics are easy to source.
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Wholesalers and Traders: Ask about which fabrics sell fast, what customers ask for, and how prices are changing.
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Retailers and Designers: Ask what their customers are looking for, what fabrics they avoid, and how often trends change.

You don’t need to talk to hundreds of people. Even 8 to 10 honest conversations with others can teach you a lot.
Step 5: Study the Market Using Reports and Online Sources
After speaking with people, it’s time to look at data and documents to see what’s happening across the industry.
Look for things like:
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Market size of your fabric type, for example, “India’s textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, contributed over ₹2.6 lakh crore in 2023–24, accounting for 8.21% of the country’s total exports”
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Which countries are importing the most textiles?
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What new textile technologies are being introduced?
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What raw material prices (like cotton or viscose) are rising or falling?
You can find this information in industry reports, government portals, and trade association websites. This step helps you determine if your product has long-term market potential or faces risks, such as high costs or declining demand.
Step 6: Spot the Trends That Are Shaping the Textile Market
The textile industry changes fast, both in fashion and in function. It’s essential to stay up-to-date on what’s new and what buyers will expect in the coming months.
Some current trends include:
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Increased demand for eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp.
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Rising interest in technical textiles, such as water-repellent or fire-retardant materials.
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Use of digital printing and natural dyeing methods for better design and sustainability.
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Shift toward faster delivery and lower minimum order quantities (MOQ) due to changing buyer behavior.
You can follow these trends by reading fashion forecasts, visiting trade shows like Heimtextil or Techtextil, and staying up-to-date on textile platforms.
Step 7: Understand What Your Competitors Are Doing
It’s important to study other businesses that sell similar products. You can learn what works for them and where there might be space for your product.
To do this, check:
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What fabrics do they sell, and what’s special about them (like certifications or finishing)?
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How do they price their products — are they budget-friendly or premium?
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What platforms do they use to sell — online stores, exhibitions, and wholesale buyers?
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What kind of customers do they attract — local shops, exporters, or big brands?
Make notes on a simple sheet. Compare their strengths and weaknesses to yours. You can stand out by offering better quality, faster shipping, or unique fabric types.
Step 8: Estimate the Size of Your Market
Now that you understand your audience, competitors, and the trends, it’s time to determine if this is a good opportunity and how big it is.
To estimate the market size:
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Start with reports that show the total size of your market, such as “the organic cotton apparel market in India is worth ₹3,000 crore.”
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Narrow it down to your region, customer type, or fabric category.
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Use growth rates (CAGR) from reports to estimate demand over the next 2–3 years.
This doesn’t need to be perfect math. You just need a strong idea of whether it’s worth the investment and how big the opportunity really is.
Step 9: Make a Clear Plan Based on What You Learned
Once your research is done, organize everything you’ve found into a clear summary. This helps you make smart business decisions.
Your summary should include:
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What was your goal?
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Who are your target buyers?
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What did people tell you in surveys or interviews?
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What trends are shaping the market?
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How are competitors positioned?
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How big is the market, and where is it growing?
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What should you do next: launch a new product, target a new location, adjust pricing, or wait?
Good market research turns uncertainty into confidence. It doesn’t just describe the market, but also helps you decide on what to do next.
How Consainsights Can Help You with Textile Market Research
At Consainsights, we understand how complex the textile industry can be. From cotton and polyester to non-wovens and technical fabrics, every segment has its own needs.
That’s why we don’t give you generic reports. We deliver custom research tailored to your business, your product, and your target market. Whether you’re exploring export trends, studying pricing, or analyzing buyer behavior, we’ll help you get the insights you need — fast, clear, and reliable.
With access to over 13,000 industry reports, we make your next move easier to plan and smarter to execute.
👉 Here are our related services:
Custom market sizing and forecasting services
When to conduct Textile industry market research?

Conducting market research at the right time can help textile businesses avoid costly decisions, identify new opportunities, and stay ahead of their competitors. Here is when you need to conduct research in the textile industry.
Launching a New Fabric or Product?
Before introducing something new, like sustainable denim, organic towels, or digital prints, you need to be sure the market wants it. Market research helps you ask the right people, check existing demand, and avoid wasting time and money. By understanding customer needs early, you can design products that truly sell and stand out in a crowded textile market.
Expanding into a New Market or Region?
Every region has its own textile preferences. A color or fabric that works in Mumbai may not suit buyers in the UK or UAE. Market research helps you learn about local trends, cultural preferences, climate-related fabric choices, and pricing expectations. It also helps you understand import/export rules, delivery timelines, and buyer behavior, all before you make the move.
Experiencing a Drop in Sales?
When orders slow down or customers stop returning, research can help you find out why. Maybe your prices are too high, your fabric isn’t trending anymore, or your delivery time doesn’t meet expectations. Talking to past buyers, comparing competitors, or reviewing new industry trends helps you identify what’s not working and regain your market position.
Unsure About Following a New Trend?
Smart textiles, waterless dyeing, or recycled yarns might sound exciting, but are they right for your business? Market research helps you determine if a trend is real or temporary, and whether your target buyers are interested in it. By collecting feedback and analyzing early adopters, you can decide whether to invest in the trend or wait it out.
Planning a Big Investment in Equipment or Fabric?
If you're buying new machinery or switching to new materials, like organic cotton or bamboo, it's smart to check if there's demand first. Market research helps you understand whether buyers will pay more for these upgrades, whether they value these changes, and how they’ll affect your profit margins. This prevents expensive investments that don’t bring returns.
Want to Know What Competitors Are Doing?
The textile industry is competitive, and knowing what your competitors are offering gives you an edge. Research helps you study their fabric range, prices, certifications, customer service, and market positioning. By analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, you can identify market gaps and determine how to make your products more attractive or unique.
Exploring Textile Export Opportunities?
Exporting textiles to other countries can be profitable, but it comes with challenges. Market research shows you which countries are buying products like yours, what fabrics they prefer, and what price points they expect. It also helps you learn about certifications, shipping standards, and legal requirements. This reduces risks and increases your chances of success in foreign markets.
Starting a New Textile Business or Brand?
If you're just entering the textile industry, research is your starting point. It helps you understand the market size, competition, fabric preferences, and target customers.
You’ll learn what gaps exist in the market, what buyers are looking for, and how to price your products. With the right research, you can build your textile brand with confidence and purpose.
Market Segmentation in the Textile Industry
Market segmentation enables businesses and researchers to tailor strategies based on distinct market characteristics, improving product development, marketing precision, and investment decisions.
Textile Market by Customer Demographics

Demographic segmentation helps classify textile consumers based on measurable characteristics such as:
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Age Group
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Young Adults (18–30): Demand fashion-forward, sustainable, and athleisure textiles.
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Middle-aged (31–55): They prefer premium textiles with a focus on comfort and functionality, such as corporate attire and home furnishings.
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Senior Citizens (55+): Look for therapeutic fabrics, easy-care garments, and health-related textile innovations.

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Income Level
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High-income: Drives luxury and customized textile demand, including branded sportswear, home decor fabrics, and technical textiles.
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Middle-income: Focuses on durability, value-for-money, and functionality in textiles.
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Low-income: Prioritizes affordability and accessibility over aesthetics or advanced features.

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Gender
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Male: Strong demand for formalwear textiles, industrial wear, and outdoor gear.
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Female: Higher consumption across fashion, home textiles, and beauty-related textile products.
Textile Market by Behavior and Usage Patterns

Behavioral segmentation focuses on how and why customers use textiles:
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Frequency of Use
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Everyday wear: High turnover, mass-produced fabrics (e.g., cotton, blends).
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Occasional or specialty wear: Low-turnover, high-margin items like bridal textiles or performance wear.
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Buying Behavior
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Eco-conscious buyers: Prefer organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and low-impact dyeing.
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Tech-savvy users: Interested in smart textiles with embedded sensors or moisture-wicking capabilities.
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Price-sensitive segments: Seek discounts, bulk purchases, or low-cost synthetic alternatives.
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Purpose of Use
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Functional use: Safety gear, military textiles, fire-retardant materials.
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Aesthetic use: Fashion, home decor, and designer fabric segments.
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Technical use: Medical textiles, composites for aerospace and automotive.
Textile Market by Geography or Region
Geographic segmentation highlights how textile needs vary globally:
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Asia Pacific
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Dominates production with strong exports from India, China, and Bangladesh.
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Rising domestic consumption in emerging economies, especially in technical textiles and fashion.
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North America
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Focus on innovation, high-performance textiles, and smart fabric technologies.
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Sustainable textiles are gaining momentum, especially in urban markets.
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Europe
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Middle East & Africa
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Growth driven by construction and hospitality textiles (e.g., uniforms, furnishings).
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Increasing import dependence and rising local textile manufacturing hubs.
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South America

Textile Market by Product or Service Type
Product-based segmentation classifies textiles based on their composition and intended use:
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By Material Type
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Natural fibers: Cotton, silk, wool – popular for clothing and home textiles.
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Synthetic fibers: Polyester, nylon – used in sportswear, industrial textiles.
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Blended textiles: Combine properties of different fibers to suit specific functions.

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By End Use/Application
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Apparel textiles: Fashion, casualwear, formalwear, activewear.
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Home textiles: Bed linens, curtains, upholstery fabrics.
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Industrial/technical textiles: Automotive, medical, protective, construction, and geotextiles.

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By Technology
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Woven: Structured, durable – used in furniture and heavy-duty clothing.
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Non-woven: Disposable or specialty use in hygiene and medical sectors.
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Knitted: Stretchable and breathable – common in fashion and sportswear.

👉 Explore our other textile market research reports
How can you apply Textile industry market research insights to improve your strategy?
You can use textile industry market research to make smarter decisions and improve your business strategy. Here’s how:
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Study fabric trends to create products people want.
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Check competitor prices to set fair and attractive prices.
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Learn what customers like so you can market better.
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Watch which regions buy more to stock the right places.
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Use data on eco-friendly products to offer greener choices.
These steps help you stay ahead and grow your textile business.
Conclusion
The textile industry's success starts with insight, and that insight begins with market research. From knowing what fabrics customers want to understanding pricing shifts across regions, research helps textile businesses stay prepared, innovative, and competitive. But raw data isn’t enough. You need clear, actionable intelligence that’s built around your product, market, and growth goals.
At Consainsights, we specialize in custom textile market research tailored to your business, whether you’re exploring sustainable materials, entering new export markets, or launching a product line.
Need help with textile industry research? Contact us.