Indian ethnic wear is having a major fashion moment. From breathable cotton kurta sets and handwoven sarees to statement lehengas and modern Indo-Western silhouettes, traditional clothing is no longer reserved for festivals and weddings. Today, Indian women are mixing heritage pieces with contemporary styling to create looks that feel personal, effortless, and fashion-forward.
What makes the current ethnic-wear landscape especially exciting is the shift toward comfort, craftsmanship, versatility, and modern design. Shoppers are increasingly looking for outfits that can move from office to dinner, puja to celebration, or brunch to festive gathering without feeling outdated.
With that in mind, here are five of the top ethnic wear brands in India that deserve attention in 2026, including The Loom, a standout destination for handcrafted Indian fashion.
1. The Loom – Where Handcrafted Heritage Meets Modern Fashion
When discussing contemporary ethnic wear, The Loom deserves a place at the top of the list. The brand has built its identity around bringing Indian textiles, traditional craftsmanship, and modern silhouettes together.
The Loom describes its philosophy as drawing inspiration from traditional Indian sensibilities while presenting them through contemporary aesthetics. Its collections focus strongly on breathable fabrics, artisanal detailing, and timeless silhouettes.
What makes The Loom particularly interesting in 2026 is its ability to respond to current fashion without abandoning its handcrafted character. Its recent collections and editorial content highlight cotton kurta sets, Chanderi, sharara and gharara sets, farshi silhouettes, saree sets, embroidered ensembles, and festive outfits.
The brand is also tapping into the growing demand for occasion-ready clothing that doesn't feel excessively heavy. A beautifully detailed kurta set, for example, can work for a family celebration, festive lunch, intimate wedding function, or even a stylish everyday look.
Why The Loom stands out
• Strong focus on handcrafted aesthetics
• Indian textiles presented in contemporary silhouettes
• Extensive range of kurta sets, suits, sarees and festive wear
• Breathable fabrics suited to India's climate
• Designs that feel distinctive rather than mass-produced
If your idea of ethnic fashion is heritage with a modern personality, The Loom is one brand worth exploring.
2. BIBA – The Everyday Ethnic Fashion Favourite
Few names are as instantly recognizable in India's women's ethnic-wear market as BIBA.
Founded in 1988 by Meena Bindra, BIBA has spent decades building a bridge between traditional Indian clothing and contemporary women's fashion. The brand's official story emphasizes its philosophy of combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
BIBA's strength is its versatility. Its collections include kurtas, suit sets, Anarkalis, lehengas, dresses, bottoms, dupattas and dress materials.
This makes BIBA especially relevant for women who want ethnic clothing that can become part of their regular wardrobe rather than something pulled out only during festivals.
Its current collections show everything from printed straight kurtas and cotton suit sets to Anarkali styles and embellished festive ensembles.
Why BIBA stands out
BIBA has mastered the art of accessible ethnic fashion. A printed kurta can work for a casual day, while an embroidered suit set can easily transition into a festive wardrobe.
For shoppers who want familiar Indian silhouettes with contemporary prints, colours and fits, BIBA remains one of the safest choices.
3. Fabindia – For the Love of Indian Craft and Textiles
If ethnic fashion for you is closely connected with handloom, craft, natural textures and Indian heritage, Fabindia is a name that needs little introduction.
The brand's current positioning continues to revolve around products made using traditional techniques, skills and hand-based processes. Its official platform describes Fabindia as India's largest private platform for products made through these traditional processes.
Its ethnic-wear presence is particularly appealing to consumers who appreciate the story behind a garment. Fabindia's recent editorial focus includes Chanderi, Jamdani, Chikankari, Ikat, Ajrakh and other Indian textile and craft traditions.
That focus makes Fabindia different from brands that primarily chase fast-moving fashion trends. The appeal here is often more understated: beautiful fabrics, interesting textures, traditional techniques and silhouettes that can remain relevant for years.
Why Fabindia stands out
• Strong association with Indian crafts
• Extensive ethnic and traditional-wear offering
• Excellent choice for textile enthusiasts
• Understated, sophisticated aesthetic
• Particularly appealing for everyday Indian dressing
Fabindia is ideal for someone who doesn't want ethnic wear to scream for attention. Its appeal often lies in the fabric, craftsmanship and quiet elegance.
4. W for Woman – Contemporary Ethnic Wear for the Modern Indian Woman
For women who want their ethnic wardrobe to feel modern, polished and practical, W for Woman is another major name to consider.
W was started in 2001 with the aim of addressing the demand for contemporary Indian ethnic wear in an organized modern retail environment. The brand says its focus includes quality, design, fit and sizing.
Its current collections demonstrate just how broad contemporary ethnic fashion has become. Shoppers can find kurta sets, Anarkalis, lehengas, sarees, dupattas, co-ords and festive outfits.
One particularly interesting trend for 2026 is the rise of ethnic fusion. W's Spring/Summer 2026 collection describes itself as blending Indian craftsmanship with global runway influences, reflecting the direction in which modern ethnic fashion is moving.
Why W for Woman stands out
W works particularly well for women who want ethnic outfits that can fit into a contemporary lifestyle. A kurta set can look appropriate for work, while a pre-draped saree or embellished outfit can take you into evening and occasion dressing.
Its biggest strength is arguably fashion-forward practicality—Indian clothing designed with the modern wardrobe in mind.
5. Mohey by Manyavar – The Celebration-Wear Specialist
When the occasion involves a wedding, engagement, sangeet, reception or major festive celebration, Mohey by Manyavar is a brand that deserves serious consideration.
Launched in 2015, Mohey was created as Manyavar's women's celebration-wear line. Today, its collections include lehengas, sarees, stitched suits, gowns and Indo-Western ensembles.
What sets Mohey apart is its emphasis on occasion dressing. Instead of focusing primarily on everyday kurtas, the brand operates strongly in the space where fashion, celebration and Indian craftsmanship meet.
Its current collections feature everything from embroidered lehengas and organza sarees to shararas, Anarkalis and Indo-Western outfits.
The brand is also embracing contemporary styling. Its Indo-Western collections combine traditional Indian detailing with modern silhouettes, making them particularly relevant for younger shoppers who want something beyond a conventional lehenga or saree.
Why Mohey stands out
• Excellent wedding and festive selection
• Strong lehenga and saree collections
• Modern Indo-Western designs
• Extensive occasion-focused styling
• Suitable for brides, bridesmaids and wedding guests
If your calendar is filled with weddings and celebrations, Mohey is one of the brands worth having on your radar.
What Is Trending in Indian Ethnic Wear in 2026?
The biggest trend isn't simply one particular colour or silhouette. It is the evolution of ethnic clothing itself.
1. Comfort is becoming luxury
Heavy outfits still have their place, but lightweight cotton, Chanderi, organza and breathable blends are becoming increasingly attractive. Women want to look dressed up without spending an entire day feeling uncomfortable.
2. Kurta sets are getting smarter
The humble kurta set has transformed. Relaxed cuts, statement dupattas, coordinated pants, interesting embroidery and contemporary prints have turned the classic three-piece outfit into one of the most versatile pieces in an Indian wardrobe.
3. The saree is getting a modern makeover
Pre-draped sarees, contemporary blouses, belts, statement jewellery and unconventional fabrics are making the saree more approachable for younger consumers.
4. Indo-Western fashion is everywhere
From cape-style blouses and draped skirts to fusion dresses and kurta-pant combinations, the boundary between Indian and Western fashion continues to blur. Mohey and W for Woman are among the brands actively reflecting this direction in their current collections.
5. Craft is becoming part of the conversation
Consumers are increasingly interested in how a garment is made, not just how it looks. Handloom textures, embroidery, regional prints and artisanal techniques give ethnic fashion a sense of individuality.
This is one reason brands such as The Loom and Fabindia remain particularly relevant. Their emphasis on Indian textiles and craftsmanship aligns naturally with the growing appreciation for clothing with a story.
Final Thoughts
India's ethnic-wear market is no longer divided simply into “traditional” and “modern.” The most exciting brands are creating a space in between—where heritage meets comfort, craftsmanship meets contemporary design, and festive fashion becomes wearable beyond a single occasion.
The Loom, BIBA, Fabindia, W for Woman and Mohey each approach ethnic fashion differently.
The Loom is a strong choice for handcrafted, distinctive styles. BIBA excels at accessible everyday ethnic fashion. Fabindia appeals to lovers of Indian crafts and textiles. W for Woman brings a contemporary, urban sensibility to ethnic dressing. Mohey shines when the occasion calls for celebration-ready glamour.
Ultimately, the best ethnic wear brand is the one that matches your lifestyle, occasion and personal aesthetic. And in 2026, that could mean anything from a handwoven cotton kurta to a dramatic lehenga—the beauty of Indian fashion is that there is room for both.