THE KNITWEAR INDUSTRY IN INDIA

India already has a rich textile history, so it's not surprising that this country should make a mark in the world of knitwear. The International Wool Secretariat (IWS) has helped the Indian knitwear industry to match international standards of design and creativity. "There is tremendous potential for exports from India of woolen knitwear" says Dr. S.K. Chaudhuri, director of IWS London, Indian branch. The competition from Italy and Germany is fierce, but the changing market in India makes things a bit easier. India can also be very competitive price-wise. With the help of the IWS, Indian manufacturers are learning about the latest trends in knitwear fashion. The IWS has also helped bring foreign buyers and Indian sellers together with the help of brochures, fabric sales and various export projects. The interest in woolen knitwear has grown in the last several years. Locally, knitwear is very popular in north India because of the weather. The major center for the knitwear industry is Ludhiana in Punjab, India. IWS designers come to India regularly, helping local manufacturers keep up with the latest world trends. Schools of design, like the National Institute of Fashion in New Delhi, are encouraging their students to use wool as their design medium. Indian spinners are coming up with new yarns and colors for sampling. Knitwear fashions are divided into morning, noon and evening colors and styles. There are distinct variations for everything from office daywear to afternoon casuals to evening glamour. With Indian manufacturers following the international trends so closely, it won't be long before the market is flooded with high fashion knitwear.