In the ever-evolving world of fashion, sustainability is no longer just a trend. It’s a revolution, especially for sustainable fashion brands in India. But for Indians, sustainability isn’t new; it’s deeply embedded in our way of life. For centuries, mindful consumption has been a part of our traditions- khadi has symbolised self-reliance and slow fashion, narrative textiles have preserved history through handwoven stories, and upcycling- from repurposing old saris into quilts to passing down handcrafted jewellery through generations- has always been second nature. 

Today, visionary designers are breathing new life into these traditions, proving that conscious fashion can be both heritage-driven and future-forward. At Nete, we take immense pride in discovering and celebrating the new generation of designers and entrepreneurs who are building ​​innovative sustainable fashion brands in India, reshaping the industry, blending tradition with innovation to create fashion that not only looks good but also makes a positive impact on the planet.

This weekend, we hosted a vibrant pop-up at the stunning Vintage Garden, Mumbai, featuring some of the most inspiring brands and trailblazers in conscious fashion. Through the weekend, the space was buzzing with energy, and we had the privilege of meeting the visionaries behind India’s most forward-thinking sustainable brands- each with a unique story, a powerful mission, and a commitment to redefining fashion for the better. And now, we’re bringing their stories to you.

Yesha Sant: Crafting Timeless Textiles with Tradition

Yesha Sant, Founder & Creative Director of her eponymous label, which is one of the most popular sustainable fashion brands in India, says, “Yesha Sant is more than a label- it’s a tribute to the artisans of Kutch. Founded five years ago, the brand works with skilled weavers to create organic cotton fabrics free from synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, using minimal water. Our natural dyeing techniques incorporate turmeric, henna, and pomegranate seeds, ensuring vibrant hues without harmful chemicals. But what truly sets Yesha Sant apart is its revival of Rabari Bandhani, an ancient tie-dye craft traditionally used on wool by the Rabari tribe. I reimagined this labour-intensive technique on organic cotton, a process that takes five to six months from tying to dyeing. Paired with Kora fabric- which itself takes up to three months to weave, the result was a textile steeped in history and sustainability. The finishing touch? Exquisite hand embroidery, ensuring that each piece isn’t just fashion, but a work of art.”

Nirvanaa: Turning Ocean Waste into Swimwear

Jaipur-based Nirvani Radda founded Nirvanaa with a mission to revolutionise swimwear in India- a category often overlooked in sustainable fashion brands in India. Radda, says, “Nirvanaa’s swimwear is crafted from ECONYL, a regenerated nylon made from discarded fishing nets and ocean waste, transforming marine pollution into stylish, high-performance swimwear. But the commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there. Nirvanaa also produces 100% pure cotton knitwear and linen garments using recycled mill fabrics. Even production waste is repurposed. From biodegradable packaging to compostable garment bags and swing tags, for us, sustainability is more than just fabric- it’s a way of life.”

Rafud: Weaving Stories into Sustainable Fashion

Founded by Shaishavi in Vapi, Gujarat, Rafud shifts the focus from embroidery to India’s rich narrative textile traditions. “Inspired by historical textile art, Rafud reinterprets heritage motifs for a new generation, offering a fresh take on slow fashion. Unlike many Indian brands that focus on embroidery, which is also important, Rafud shifts the spotlight to historical textile art, reinterpreting it with a modern Gen Z twist. Rafud exclusively works with eco-conscious fabrics like modal, organic cotton, and bemberg, incorporating custom-woven Kala cotton from Kutch artisans. Our approach is rooted in vibrant, non-boring designs but without overstock or dead stock. Every piece is either made-to-order or produced in small batches, ensuring ethical production and fair wages for artisans. 

Doodlage: Pioneering Circularity and one of the first sustainable fashion brands in India 

Doodlage has been a game-changer in India’s sustainable fashion scene, championing upcycling and circular fashion for nearly a decade. They are one of the original sustainable fashion brands in India. Their ethos? "Do good, look good." Shreya Sen, brand manager, Doodlage, explains, “Made from waste, is what signifies brand Doodlage. We collect deadstock fabric waste, in white, from factories, turning discarded textiles into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Then, the white deadstock fabrics are printed with azo-free dyes, a non-toxic alternative that is safer for both the planet and the wearer. While these dyes may fade faster due to their chemical-free nature, Doodlage embraces this imperfection as a mark of conscious fashion. We recently introduced bemberg, a biodegradable fabric, in our festive collections. It is made from cotton lint. It’s very breathable and feels like satin. We’ve also introduced upcycled cotton silk, adorned with intricate hand embroidery by skilled karigars. Beyond sustainable materials, Doodlage is redefining fashion with size-inclusive silhouettes, minimal stock production, and a commitment to waste reduction.”

Krithaa: The Art of Slow, Meaningful Jewelry

Founded by Krithaa, an architect with a deep love for ‘clean forms’, with details that are more tactile. The brand reflects her love for architecture, and the process is slow, intentional, and free from the pressures of seasonal collections. She says, “What started as a personal experiment with metal 11 years ago has evolved into a brand built on the philosophy that jewellery should be an extension of the self. Every piece is crafted with conscious care, embracing the beauty of imperfection. Scratches, wear and tear are seen as part of the jewellery’s evolving story.” Krithaa rejects fleeting trends in favour of timeless design. “For me less is more, and the material dictates the collection. The design statement of the brand is that it is an ornament that wears a body. Buy something that connects with you personally outside the realms of trends and style. Jewellery is such a special accessory. You should be open to building a collection that you are ready to pass over. And a collection is special when it’s tight; not with 100 pieces.”

Sustainable Fashion: A Movement, Not a Moment

These visionary brands are proving that sustainability isn’t just about eco-friendly fabrics but about ethical production, fair wages, mindful consumption, and innovative design. Whether reviving age-old crafts like Bandhani, harnessing cutting-edge materials like ECONYL, or upcycling textile waste into statement pieces, these designers who are founders of some of the most popular sustainable fashion brands in India, are reshaping India’s fashion industry. Conscious consumerism is the future. Investing in sustainable fashion means investing in artisans, cultural heritage, and the future of our planet. 

It’s a great time for sustainable fashion brands in India. Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight designers who are taking the lead- consciously.