How has the work-from-home culture changed wholesale fashion demand in India?

The post-2020 shift to hybrid and remote work permanently altered Indian fashion buying patterns — with effects still visible in wholesale trends in 2026:

Categories that grew:

• Cotton kurtis and kurti sets: Comfortable enough for home, presentable enough for video calls — became the everyday uniform for millions of Indian women
• Loungewear and co-ord sets: Matching sets for home wear with enough style for casual outings grew significantly
• Kaftan and nightwear: Year-round sellers now, not just gifting products
• Athleisure: Track pants, yoga pants, and co-ord lounge sets

Categories that declined:

• Heavy formal ethnic wear (sarees, heavy suits) for office — demand reduced
• Heavily structured or embellished daily wear — consumers prefer comfort

2026 status: Even as offices reopen, the comfort preference established during WFH has become a permanent consumer behaviour shift — cotton kurtis remain dominant over synthetic daily wear.