Nithin cannot remember the last time he walked into a legacy menswear store to buy work clothes. A 28-year-old advertising professional in Bengaluru, his wardrobe is stitched together from brands his father had never heard of — trousers from The Pant Project, linen shirts from Bombay Shirt Company, and premium basics from newer, digital-first labels. His office wardrobe isn’t built around one brand anymore. Instead, it’s curated piece by piece, balancing comfort, fit and individuality.For a growing tribe of young Indian men, dressing well is no longer about buying a suit once every few years. It’s about building a wardrobe that reflects personality — whether that’s wrinkle-free travel pants, oversized Korean-fit trousers or custom-made shirts that fit just right.
The Pant Project, a men’s bottomwear brand
This shift towards digital-native brands, premium labels, and omnichannel retail is reshaping India’s menswear industry — and investors are taking note.The menswear sector has seen annual funding rising from $34.4 million in 2022 to $55.5 million in 2023, before reaching a record $60.7 million across 16 funding rounds in 2025 — a 79.9 per cent growth year-on-year, according to data from Tracxn.Long overshadowed by women’s fashion, the menswear category in India is emerging as one of the most promising premium consumer segments, backed by rising disposable incomes and a generation of men willing to splurge on themselves.Craving more than utilityFor decades, Indian menswear revolved around utility. A handful of established brands dominated when it came to buying formal shirts, trousers and suits. Experimentation was largely confined to occasion-wear.
