India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market Outlook to 2030

India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market Overview

• The India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market is valued at USD 363.5 million, supported by the growing demand for personalized clothing, a rise in gifting culture, and increased online retail penetration. The market has seen robust growth due to the convenience offered by e-commerce platforms and advancements in printing technology, such as direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. Furthermore, the evolving trends in fashion, especially among millennials and Gen Z, are driving the demand for custom-designed t-shirts.
• In India, cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru dominate the custom t-shirt printing market due to their large urban population, diverse demographics, and increasing disposable incomes. These cities host significant e-commerce operations and corporate sectors, which actively use custom t-shirts for branding, promotional events, and personalized fashion items. The growing number of startups and tech hubs in these cities further boosts demand for branded corporate merchandise.
• The Indian government, through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has introduced guidelines for the use of environmentally safe printing inks. The use of hazardous chemicals in textile printing has been regulated, with businesses now required to comply with stringent rules around dye disposal and the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. Non-compliance can result in penalties or revocation of operating licenses. This has encouraged the adoption of water-based inks and other sustainable alternatives, aligning with global trends in green printing technologies.

India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market Segmentation

• By Printing Technique: India’s Custom T-Shirts Printing Market is segmented by printing techniques into Screen Printing, Direct to Garment (DTG), Heat Transfer Printing, and Sublimation Printing. Recently, Direct to Garment (DTG) has emerged as the dominant sub-segment under printing techniques due to its flexibility in creating high-quality designs on demand. This technique allows for more detailed graphics and is cost-effective for small-batch orders, making it popular among online retail platforms and independent designers.

• By Distribution Channel: The market is segmented by distribution channels into E-commerce Platforms, Offline Retail, and Custom Orders via Small Businesses. E-commerce Platforms hold a leading position in this segment due to the growing preference for online shopping, easy customization tools available on websites, and the convenience of doorstep delivery. E-commerce giants like Myntra and Amazon are capitalizing on this trend, making custom t-shirts a fast-moving product on their platforms.

India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market Competitive Landscape

The India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market is characterized by several key players, both local and global, offering a wide range of customization options. Leading brands dominate the market by leveraging their e-commerce presence, advanced printing technologies, and extensive delivery networks.

India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market Analysis

India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market Growth Drivers

• E-commerce Penetration: The Indian e-commerce sector, which is valued at over USD 85 billion as of 2024, has seen significant growth in custom t-shirt printing, with platforms offering easy-to-use customization tools. Major e-commerce players like Flipkart and Amazon India have witnessed a rise in demand for personalized merchandise, particularly in metro cities. The increased internet penetration, which stands at over 47% of the total population according to TRAI data, has fueled online sales of custom t-shirts. In addition, India boasts over 750 million smartphone users, driving accessibility and convenience for customers to engage in online customization.
• Personalization & Gifting Culture: India's gifting market, worth approximately USD 65 billion, has seen a rapid shift towards personalized gifts, including custom t-shirts, as the millennial generation prioritizes unique and meaningful gifts. Festivals like Diwali and Raksha Bandhan often drive demand for personalized clothing, reflecting strong cultural ties to gifting. Moreover, the growth of the Indian middle class, currently at 350 million people, has expanded discretionary spending on custom clothing and apparel. Personalization is now a mainstream choice, catering to growing demands for unique products.
• Affordable Printing Technologies: Advancements in Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and screen printing technologies have lowered the cost of custom t-shirt printing. With printing machines now available for as low as USD 10,000, small-scale entrepreneurs and businesses have access to affordable solutions. India’s industrial production index for machinery and equipment rose by 5.6% in 2023, facilitating the growth of affordable printing technology adoption. This has led to an expansion of micro and small enterprises entering the custom apparel space, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.

India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market Challenges

• Competition from Unorganized Sector: India’s custom t-shirt printing market faces stiff competition from the unorganized sector, which contributes over 80% of the country’s garment industry by volume. These unorganized players often operate with minimal overhead costs, enabling them to offer competitive pricing. They cater primarily to local markets with limited customization options but capture a large portion of demand in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Despite government efforts to formalize the sector, this competition remains a significant challenge for organized players, who must differentiate themselves through quality and service.
• High Costs of Premium Customization: Although basic customization technologies have become affordable, premium services such as embroidery and high-quality printing techniques like sublimation still come at a cost. The import duties on high-end printing machinery, which can range from 7.5% to 10%, drive up the expenses for companies offering premium customization. Furthermore, the input cost for premium inks, fabrics, and eco-friendly printing methods remains high, limiting affordability for the broader market. These costs pose a challenge, particularly in price-sensitive markets where consumers seek budget-friendly custom products.

India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market is expected to experience significant growth, driven by an increasing demand for personalized fashion, corporate branding, and gifting solutions. The rise of sustainable printing technologies, the penetration of online retail, and expansion into smaller cities are key factors propelling market expansion. Customization tools integrated into e-commerce platforms will continue to attract customers seeking unique and personalized apparel. The adoption of eco-friendly printing techniques is also anticipated to grow, in response to increasing consumer awareness about sustainability.

India Custom T-Shirts Printing Market Opportunities

• Rise of Sustainable Custom T-Shirt Printing: The increasing global focus on sustainability has created a significant opportunity for eco-friendly custom t-shirt printing in India. The market is seeing a shift toward the use of organic cotton, natural dyes, and water-based inks. India is the world’s largest producer of organic cotton, contributing to over 50% of global supply, positioning it well to capitalize on this trend. Indian companies are now exploring biodegradable printing materials, catering to environmentally-conscious consumers who are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products.
• Expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities: The growing urbanization in India, with over 34% of the population now living in urban areas, has opened new avenues for custom t-shirt printing businesses to expand beyond metro cities. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, and Indore are witnessing a rise in disposable income, with the per capita income in these cities growing steadily. E-commerce platforms are actively targeting these regions, providing an untapped market for customized apparel. Companies that invest in local production units can reduce logistics costs and cater to this emerging demand.