The Indian garment industry is less than twenty years old. It is, however, one of the fastest growing sectors with a multicrore annual turnover. The size and scope of its operations have generated innumerable employment opportunities. 

Career prospects in this highly professionalised industry are bright with a growing need for talented, skilled and qualified personnel. Work broadly involves the design, fabrication and marketing of clothing that is attractive and in tune with current fashions. Garments are big business, and the competition is keen. 

The major segment of the industry concentrates on high-volume production and caters to the tastes of large numbers of people. With growing internationalization, styles and colors in the market are being increasingly influenced by worldwide trends. All those working in this sector must therefore keep constantly in touch with the latest developments in India and abroad. 

The garment industry employs a large number of women at all levels. Hard work and initiative have enabled many young people to achieve success quite early on in their careers. 

This chapter is concerned only with the manufacture and merchandising of garments. Design and development aspects are dealt with separately under fashion design.