1 month ago
India Moves Toward Standardised Apparel Sizing to Ease Online Shopping
India is making it easier for people to buy clothes online.
The government is creating a new set of sizes that fit Indian bodies better.
This will help shoppers pick the right size and avoid having to return clothes.
Big clothing brands want the new sizes to help them, but they also want to keep their own special fits.
The new system will be rolled out slowly, and the market is expected to grow a lot in the next few years.
The Ministry of Textiles is finalising a national apparel sizing framework based on Indian body measurements.
Industry leaders say the framework will simplify online shopping and reduce size‑related returns.
Brands emphasize the system should complement, not replace, their unique fit and design innovations.
The apparel market is projected to reach ₹16 lakh crore by FY30, with 41% organised sector.
Adoption will be gradual; brands are already aligning new collections with the recommended measurements.
- Who
- Ministry of Textiles and apparel industry players
- What
- Developing a national apparel sizing framework
- Where
- India
- When
- July 30, 2026
- Why
- To simplify consumer decisions, reduce returns, and support market growth
Key facts
- Framework Name
- Indian Size System (ISS)
- Standard Sizes
- S, M, L, XL
- Projected Market Size FY30
- ₹16 lakh crore
- Organised Segment Share
- 41%
- Implementation Timeline
- Gradual, brands aligning collections
Quotes
Nitin Mohan
Co‑founder of Blackberrys and apparel industry commentator
“We have always believed that great fashion starts with a precise fit, which is why we were among the early brands to tailor our styles specifically around Indian body types. Seeing the Ministry of Textiles champion this through the Indian Size System (ISS) initiative is deeply encouraging. Bringing a unified, indigenous sizing standard to the entire retail ecosystem will be a game‑changer for streamlining operations, and ensuring every consumer feels truly seen and catered to.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“As one of the world’s largest apparel markets, it is only natural that we develop measurement standards suited to Indian consumers instead of relying on international standards that often create confusion for consumers. While this will bring greater consistency through standard S, M, L and XL measurements, it is important to recognize that brands will continue to retain some flexibility in fit, as each caters to different consumer preferences and product positioning.”
thehindubusinessline.com







