8 Innovative Startups Revolutionizing the Fashion and Textile Landscape
By Tanvi Munjal
The textile industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation, driven by passionate entrepreneurs who are reimagining how we create, consume, and think about clothing and fabric. Let’s explore eight extraordinary startups that weave innovation, sustainability, and purpose into the very fabric of the industry.
1. The Loom Art: Preserving Craft, Empowering Artisans
- Founder: Aarushi Kilawat
- Founded: June 2017
- Unique Selling Proposition: Reviving traditional craftsmanship through conscious design
| Key Highlights | Details |
| Background | Fashion Design graduate from Pearl Academy with specialisation from Nottingham Trent University |
| Mission | Preserve dying authentic craft techniques and generate employment for local artisans |
| Social Impact | Creator of Braille tags for garments, supporting visually impaired consumers |
Aarushi Kilawat is not just a designer; she’s a storyteller who believes every piece of clothing carries an emotion. Her brand, The Loom Art, stands as a powerful testament to the magic of handmade textiles in a world dominated by fast fashion. With a philosophy of “#HappyClothesMadeByHappyHands,” she’s creating more than just garments – she’s creating opportunities and preserving cultural heritage.
2. SeamsFriendly: Democratizing Fashion for EveryBOdy
- Founder: Anurag Sarawgi
- Founded: 2018
- Unique Selling Proposition: Inclusive, body-positive, made-to-order clothing
| Innovation Highlights | Details |
| Production Model | Zero inventory, made-to-order approach |
| Size Customization | Tailored options for petite, plus-size, and all body types |
| Material Choice | 100% natural, plant-based fabrics |
SeamsFriendly is revolutionising fashion by challenging traditional sizing norms. Their radical approach includes:
- Custom size options
- Style customisation
- Eco-friendly and vegan materials
- Releasing new designs every 1-2 weeks
3. Heritage Weaves: Democratizing Luxury Banarasi Textiles
- Founder: Pooja Saini
- Founded: During the COVID-19 lockdown
- Unique Selling Proposition: Authentic, premium Banarasi textiles at accessible prices
| Brand Essence | Details |
| Inspiration | Lockdown rekindled passion for fashion and textiles |
| Vision | Make royal Banarasi fabrics accessible to a broader audience |
| Cultural Significance | Celebrating the rich textile heritage of the Mughal era |
Born from a personal passion during an unexpected pause in life, Heritage Weaves transforms the perception of luxury textiles from exclusive to inclusive.
4. Textile Infomedia: The B2B Digital Textile Marketplace
- Founders: Amar Bhadoriya Email
- Founded: 2014
- Unique Selling Proposition: Comprehensive B2B platform connecting textile suppliers globally
| Platform Features | Details |
| Services | Digital directory for textile suppliers, wholesalers, manufacturers |
| Global Reach | Connects thousands of suppliers and buyers |
| Business Categories | Sarees, dresses, ethnic wear, Kurtis, apparel, fabrics |
With a focus on empowering businesses of all sizes—small, medium, and large—Textile Infomedia leverages technology to optimise procurement processes. Their commitment to customer satisfaction ensures businesses can thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
5. Locofast: Tech-Enabling Textile Procurement
- Founders: Deepak Wadhwa & Mohit Piplani
- Founded: 2019
- Unique Selling Proposition: Technology-driven textile procurement platform
| Platform Achievements | Details |
| Customer Base | 700+ brands |
| Textile Procurement | Over 50 million meters of textiles |
| Supplier Network | 500+ textile suppliers nationwide |
By fostering an ecosystem where suppliers can receive consistent orders at reasonable prices, Locofast empowers SMEs to compete effectively in a tech-driven market. Their dedication to quality and timely deliveries has garnered a loyal customer base.
6. Worn Again Technologies: Circular Economy Innovators
- Founder: Cyndi Rhoades
- Founded: 2005
- Unique Selling Proposition: Textile recycling technology transforming used textiles
| Technology Highlights | Details |
| Process | Convert used textiles into new polyester and cellulose fibres |
| Environmental Impact | Reduce water use, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions |
| Future Goal | Textile-to-Fiber Accelerator by 2025 |
The company’s technology operates in five key steps: colour, decolour, separate, regenerate, and spin to fibres. This process allows maximum feedstock flexibility, enabling operators to efficiently handle diverse polyester and cotton textile blends. Worn Again ensures optimal chemical utilisation and minimal waste by reviving chemicals used in recycling.
7. Soarce: Material Science Revolutionaries
- Founders: Derek Saltzman, Mason Mincey, Matthew Jaeger, & Patrick Michel
- Founded: 2017
- Unique Selling Proposition: Natural material innovation for high-performance textile solutions
| Product Innovations | Details |
| Key Products | Seabind™, Searamic, TeraSolv™ |
| Focus Areas | Textile treatments, clean chemistries |
| Mission | Leverage natural materials to outperform synthetic alternatives |
The company’s Seabind™ technology streamlines the indigo dyeing process, significantly reducing water and chemical usage. Additionally, TeraSolv™ offers clean extraction methods for paints and dyes without hazardous emissions, showcasing Soarce’s commitment to sustainability in all aspects of material science.
8. Verve Motion: Human-Centric Robotics in Workplace
- Founders: Ignacio Galiana
- Founded: 2012 (Technology development), Officially launched in 2020
- Unique Selling Proposition: Ergonomic exosuits reducing worker strain
| Innovation Highlights | Details |
| Core Product | SafeLift exosuit |
| Technological Origin | DARPA contract in 2012 |
| Impact | Reduces 40% of lifting strain for workers |
The SafeLift exosuit is lightweight and easy to deploy, requiring minimal user training. Verve Motion’s commitment to improving workplace ergonomics has significantly increased productivity while prioritising worker health and safety.
These eight startups represent the vanguard of textile innovation, proving that the future of fashion and textiles is not just about looking good but also about feeling good, doing good, and creating positive change for people and the planet.
