Looms Of Love: How Indian Handlooms Are Finding Their Gen-Z Moment

Every year on August 7, Indians celebrate National Handloom Day, a tribute to our age-old textile legacy and the countless artisans who keep it alive. This year’s theme, “Weaving Innovation into Tradition,” aptly reflects the evolving narrative of handloom in India, a beautiful blend of heritage and modernity.

In a press release commemorating the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “We take immense pride in the rich heritage and vibrant tradition of handlooms across our nation. We also cherish the efforts of our artisans and reiterate our commitment to be ‘Vocal for Local.’”

Why Young India Is Wearing Handloom With Pride

Recently, many Indians have humorously pointed out how global luxury brands like Prada and Tory Burch have rebranded our Kolhapuri chappals and traditional sheesha work for their international markets, yet failed to acknowledge the cultural roots or credit the Indian artisans behind these astonishing crafts.

Fortunately, the Indian handloom industry is reclaiming the spotlight, led by a generation that proudly embraces handmade over mass-produced. For Gen Z, wearing sarees and kurtas isn’t a nod to the past; it’s a celebration of identity.

Traditional wear is no longer reserved for festivals or weddings. It’s everyday fashion, personal expression, and cultural pride. Social media reflects this transformation. Our Instagram feeds are filled with millennials and Gen Z proudly posing in handloom weaves, draped in elegance and heritage.

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Ambuj Narayan, CEO of the Indian ethnic-wear brand Taneira, shared his insights with SheThePeople. “We’re seeing a remarkable change in how younger generations perceive handloom. What was once considered traditional or occasion-only attire is now embraced as a conscious, everyday fashion choice. They’re drawn not only to the aesthetic but to the authenticity and cultural richness handloom represents."

Narayan also noted that the Indian fashion industry is seeing a growing demand for authenticity and traceability. "This is more than a fashion trend, it’s a cultural movement toward conscious, purpose-driven living," he said.

Beyond Fabrics: A Legacy Stitched By Generations

India’s handloom sector is one of the oldest and most vibrant cottage industries in the world. With a heritage spanning thousands of years, our textiles reflect the country’s cultural richness and exceptional craftsmanship. Even as far back as the Egyptian and Babylonian eras, Indian fabrics were admired for their finesse.

Many of India’s skilled weavers live in small towns and villages, passing down intricate techniques through generations, from hand-spinning and weaving to block printing and natural dyeing.

Priyal Bhardwaj, General Secretary of the BJP Women’s Wing and Founder of the fashion brand, Label PB, and the non-profit organisation, Sangini Saheli, spoke about a deeply personal connection to India’s textile traditions with SheThePeople.

“From my earliest days at NIFT, I realised textiles aren’t just fabric, they’re memory, skill, and quiet strength. The deeper I explored Indian handicrafts, the more convinced I became that fashion cannot and should not be separated from the hands that create it." Bhardwaj collaborates with local artisans across India—from batik printers in Murshidabad to pashmina weavers in Kashmir.

"For me, this journey isn’t just about sustaining livelihoods. It’s about honouring legacy. It’s about placing artisans at the heart of the story, not as suppliers, but as co-creators, keepers of culture, and India’s original designers. To embrace Indian textiles is, in many ways, to embrace India, in all her depth, beauty, and resilience.”

From the Swadeshi Movement to 'Make in India'

India’s handloom sector has played a pivotal role in shaping our national identity. On August 7, 1905, the Swadeshi Movement was launched as a form of passive resistance against British rule. Mahatma Gandhi encouraged every Indian to spin their own yarn using the charkha and wear khadi, symbolising self-reliance and empowerment. This movement wasn't just about clothing; it was a political statement. Wearing a handloom became a symbol of national pride and resistance.

Today, 125 years later, the handloom sector remains a powerful force for empowerment. According to India Handmade Collective and Indus Diplomacy, India produces 95% of the world’s handwoven fabric, and 72% of the sector’s workforce are women, many of whom find financial independence and dignity through weaving. We Indians take pride in our traditions.

On a global scale, many Indians proudly showcase their intricately designed handlooms. Often, mothers-in-law pass down these treasured pieces to their daughters-in-law as a symbol of continuity. Indian brides wear sarees that carry their family’s legacy, each thread reflecting the weaver’s dedication, craftsmanship, and love for their art.

Indian handlooms are celebrated globally for their earthy colours, rich textures, and meticulous craftsmanship. From Banarasi brocades to Pochampally ikats, each weave tells a story of place, of people, of pride.

Views expressed by the author are their own.