As A/W 25/26 approaches, Indian winterwear finds itself at a fascinating crossroads.
Fashion, after all, doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Rising import tariffs, shifting trade dynamics,
and the reality of shorter, milder winters are reshaping how we dress for the season.
Style is no longer just about what looks good—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and
finding comfort in uncertainty.
And yet, fashion thrives on paradox. This winter, two opposing desires stand shoulder to
shoulder. On one side, there’s a craving for real clothes that protect, endure, and ground
us. On the other hand, there’s an equally powerful longing for release—playful silhouettes,
bold colours, and dreamlike escapism. Together, these duelling impulses are redefining
India’s winter wardrobe.
For men, the mood leans towards introspection. Clothing becomes both shield and statement: durable, functional pieces for protection, and heritage-inspired designs that
whisper of simpler, analogue times. Think handloom wool, khadi, and corduroy jackets
that echo the cinema of the ’70s and ’80s.
But this grounded aesthetic is not without its counterpoint. Surreal, digitally-inspired
details creep in—Nehru jackets in optimistic hues, bandhgalas with witty motifs—proving
that even the most classic wardrobe leaves space for whimsy and modern
experimentation.
Highlights for him include:
● Crafted Legacies: Indian textiles reimagined as future heirlooms.
● The Pre-Digital Aesthetic: Retro silhouettes with vintage charm.
● Sophisticated Utilitarianism: Smart, functional outerwear for the urban
commuter.
● Intelligent Whimsy: Minimalist cuts lifted by unexpected details.
● Moody Romance: Dark florals, velvet jackets, and shimmer for eveningwear.
If menswear is about balance, womenswear this season is about quiet strength paired
with joyful defiance.
Clothes double up as sanctuary and spotlight—comfort found in plush textures, resilience in structured tailoring, and optimism in unapologetically bold colour.
From oversized cardigans that cocoon to sarees paired with sharply tailored jackets,
Indian women are redefining power dressing with a distinctly modern edge.
And when it’s time to celebrate, dopamine brights and theatrical silhouettes take centre stage.
Highlights for her include:
● The Art of Comfort: Plush textures and enveloping silhouettes.
● Quiet Power: Elegant tailoring in handloom fabrics.
● A Dose of Dopamine: Colour, craft, and theatrical volume.
● The Art of Subtlety: Understated garments with intelligent detail.
● Wearable Heritage: Contemporary heirlooms rooted in Indian craft.
The trends may set the tone, but the true test is what hangs in wardrobes. For men, that means versatile outerwear—from duffel coats and roll necks to reimagined bomber jackets in Indian weaves. For women, it’s all about fusion pieces like cropped bombers over sarees, asymmetric blazers in khadi, and scarf coats that nod to the Indian dupatta.
These garments aren’t just seasonal—they’re adaptable, designed to shift effortlessly
between work, travel, and celebration.
Colour, as always, tells its own story.
● Menswear anchors itself in sophisticated neutrals—Future Dusk, Venetian Brown,
Dark Gull Grey—punctuated by festive tones like Cherry Lacquer and Celestial
Yellow.
● Womenswear balances moody bases with celebratory vibrancy. From Raspberry
Rose and Pineapple Gold to ethereal pastels like Transcendent Pink, the palette
mirrors India’s festive calendar and its love for colour.
The Indian winter of 2025–26 is not about choosing between protection and play, reality and escapism. It’s about embracing both: a duffel coat that becomes a modern heirloom, a kurta elevated with a single quirky motif, and a silk bomber that pairs as easily with denim as with a saree.
This is a season defined by duality—where comfort meets creativity, heritage meets modernity, and fashion reflects the complexity of the world. The brands that thrive will be those that understand this nuance and give consumers more than just clothes. They will offer armour, escape, and expression—all stitched into one.
This article is an adapted version of a feature originally written by The Knowledge Company/WGSN exclusively for IMAGES Business of Fashion. For more such content, log on to www.imagesbof.in
