How Apparel Sourcing from India Is Reshaping Russia’s Fashion Industry
The Russian fashion market is currently changing from its long-term reliance on wholesale over retail as a way to build an apparel business. Importing apparel has been the primary source of stock for Russia’s apparel businesses for nearly 70 years. As such, the apparel businesses have relied heavily on the availability of imports and their affordability, leaving them susceptible to risk exposure throughout their supply chain, from the factory to the sale desk. This reliance on imports, combined with changes to the way the global economy operates and changing consumer preferences, has resulted in a mature market in Russia that is rapidly diversifying.
The long-standing way Russian fashion businesses have operated will continue to change with increased attention to the availability of cotton and other raw materials, due to changes to the market as well as an increased focus on supply chain resiliency. Traditionally, in the Russian apparel industry, it has been common for brands and retailers to work with a single supplier for a long period. Russian fashion companies are now looking to create strong relationships with a diverse network of suppliers to manage their supply chain risk, whether due to external stressors such as increased consumer demand, economic uncertainty, or logistics disruptions.
A Market in Transition
The Russian apparel market has matured significantly over the past ten years. Domestic brands have grown in size and volume; private label sales have become more prevalent; and consumers have become more discerning with regard to how they purchase clothing. Additionally, external factors such as supply chain disruption and changing international trade relationships have exposed vulnerabilities for apparel manufacturing businesses in Russia that rely on single source strategies. The result of this market evolution has led Russian fashion companies to begin to diversify their sourcing strategy and develop strategic partnerships with manufacturers who can provide a range of products and styles across the seasons.
India’s Structural Strength in Apparel Manufacturing
One of the Largest Apparel Producing Countries in the World is India. With a textile base, skilled labour force, and integrated manufacturing, Indian textile units produce 99% of their apparel products domestically. The benefit of this is not only that Indian manufacturers are able to quickly react to design changes or shifts in order quantity, but that they have more control over the entire process from cotton production to finished garment. Therefore, Indian manufacturers have a competitive edge over other countries which import raw materials and textiles and must rely on shipping and customs to get their product shipped to customers.
Balancing Cost, Quality, and Flexibility
With strict quality control and very short lead times, Indian manufacturers have become the preferred source of apparel for many Russian buyers. Buyers are also evaluating suppliers based on total cost of ownership instead of by unit cost. Indian manufacturers are competitive in the mid-market and premium casual segments due to their ability to produce high-quality items at prices that are more affordable than other manufacturers.
Another key differentiator for Indian suppliers is the ability to provide flexibility. Many Indian suppliers are accustomed to working with all types of order runs, from low volume to high, as well as the production of capsule collections, private label programs, and initial test orders for fashion retailers. By having this versatility, Indian suppliers are able to support fashion retailers with quick market entry and reduced inventory risk, thereby assisting them in managing the uncertain demand within the fashion industry.
Design Adaptation and Product Diversity
Russia’s fashion market consists of all the clothing options for various climates and cultures. It includes everything from street fashion for urban areas to warm clothing for cold climates. The Indian manufacturers producing for Russian market, and throughout Europe, North America, and Asia have the experience and ability to alter their designs to suit the various requirements of these different markets.
This ability extends to selecting fabrics, creating sizing standards, and applying finishing techniques suitable for the Russian market. This allows Russian brands to tap into a considerable design vocabulary with no need to have a large number of individuals on staff for in-house product development, enabling a quicker response to rapidly changing fashion trends and seasonal requirements.
Digital Platforms and Sourcing Transparency
The sourcing process has changed with the use of digital tools in supplier sourcing, sampling, and order management. With more B2B apparel sourcing platforms being created, buyers in Russia have far greater access to suppliers through digital means and the availability of supplier information has been improved due to digital engagement. By having access to these tools, suppliers in India will have access to markets that they previously did not. In addition, the use of digital tools has increased accountability for suppliers due to the availability of better and clearer documentation and communication.
Risk Management and Supply Chain Resilience
Resilient sourcing has received greater attention during the past year due to recent global trade disruptions. Attaining business resilience through decreased concentration risk from reliance on a limited number of countries (or factories) has cost many apparel businesses substantial amounts of money.
Indian manufacturing offers a means of minimising concentration risk due to its wide array of manufacturing locations. With multiple production centres in various states, Indian manufacturers allow companies to prepare by having back-up production sites if needed, coupled with well-developed logistics networks that promote steady streams of exports. Resiliency in the apparel sourcing context is the new competitive advantage, as it has decreased risk for companies and also enabled companies to create differentiation, as we see from the emergence of custom apparel sourcing services from Indian suppliers.
Customization and Brand Differentiation
As competition increases, Russian brands have begun to differentiate themselves by competing on unique products compared to other brands within the industry. Custom fabrication (fabrics, prints, fit) is one of the methods Indian suppliers provide to Russian companies. By providing these methods of creating unique products, Indian suppliers will support and promote the identity of brands, in addition to enabling Russian retailers to move from standardised or generic products to unique and tailored products. This trend is in line with Russian retailers’ increasing emphasis on creating private label brands and exclusive collections.
Compliance, Ethics, and Sustainability
Buyers are becoming more aware of regulatory and ethical considerations associated with sourcing decisions. Indian manufacturers who sell into international markets have made substantial investments to comply with international labour standards, environmental regulations, and obtain quality certification. This allows for a reduction in reputational risk to Russian buyers and aligns their sourcing practices with current trends in consumer expectations. Although Indian suppliers have taken various steps toward building sustainability efforts, the overall trend toward improving compliance has enhanced India’s status as a leading manufacturer across many categories of product.
The Role of Integrated Sourcing Services
Russian companies can expect that in addition to manufacturing, Indian companies increasingly offer apparel sourcing services including: Design Services, Sampling, Production, and Logistics Coordination. Because of this vertically integrated solution, sourcing is simplified for Russian buyers, many of whom have limited local sourcing teams.
By partnering with an experienced apparel sourcing company, brands can remain focused on marketing and retail strategy while outsourcing the operational complexities of apparel sourcing. The partnership often develops into long-term collaborative relationships instead of simply transactional experiences.
Challenges and Competitive Pressures
While there are many positives to sourcing from India, there are also challenges. Since sourcing from India takes longer due to the distance to Russia, the seller must develop effective processes for executing orders across time zones. Additionally, many low-cost countries continue to compete aggressively with India for apparel production.
However, some of these challenges are being addressed increasingly through better planning, improved digital communications, and tighter supplier relationships. For many Russian apparel brands, the upside of diversifying their supply chains outweighs the challenges of operational complexity.
Outlook for India–Russia Apparel Trade
As we look ahead, it is expected that Russian apparel sourcing from India will become more concentrated rather than growing exponentially in volume. Future growth will derive from value-added segments, improved capabilities for collaborative design, and greater use of digital tools.
As Russian consumers continue to demand higher quality and unique products, and brands are focusing on developing more resilient supply chains, India will continue to hold an important position within the overall fashion supply chain.
Conclusion
The evolution of the Russian fashion industry mirrors the larger-scale evolution of global trading patterns and consumer preferences. With its large size, operational flexibility, and higher level of sophistication than most other apparel-producing countries, India has become an increasingly vital business partner for the Russian apparel industry.
For many Russian apparel companies, sourcing products from India isn’t simply about reacting to disruptions; instead, sourcing materials from India represents a strategic decision made to ensure their businesses have continued long-term competitiveness in the marketplace. Collaborations between Russian apparel companies and Indian factoring companies that are based on adaptability and trust are expected to characterise the next stage of growth for the Russian fashion industry.
1. Why are Russian brands sourcing apparel from India?
Because India offers a balance of cost efficiency, quality, and production flexibility.
2. Which apparel categories are commonly sourced from India?
Casual wear, knitwear, cotton garments, and seasonal collections are widely sourced.
3. Does sourcing from India support customization?
Yes, many suppliers provide tailored designs and exclusive fabric options.
4. Are Indian manufacturers compliant with international standards?
Leading exporters adhere to labour, quality, and environmental compliance norms.
5. Is this sourcing trend expected to continue?
Yes, driven by diversification strategies and demand for resilient supply chains.
