Is the Indian custom apparel market ready to move beyond hoodies and t-shirts?. Yes. Qikink, a Print-On-Demand (POD) fulfilment company in India, has expanded its portfolio to include women’s All-Over Print (AOP) apparel categories. The new range of products covers scarves, stoles, and AOP-based apparel, including tube tops, Pencil skirts, Bodycon dresses, A-line dresses, and Sports Bras. This initiative addresses a prominent gap in the Indian POD market, where custom apparel options for women have historically been limited to basic t-shirts and hoodies.
The Demand for Women’s Apparel
The development of women’s apparel in POD marks a significant step in the Indian Print-On-Demand ecosystem, which has historically centred around hoodies, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. This launch is expected to open new opportunities for fashion entrepreneurs and online sellers seeking new possibilities beyond usual casual wear. Over the past decade, India’s POD industry has primarily revolved around unisex and male-centric categories, leaving a noticeable gap in women’s fashion.
According to industry reports, the country’s Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) market is projected to reach USD 100 billion by 2025, driven by young entrepreneurs and a growing demand for customisation. The introduction of new women’s fashion products has become evident with the rise of digital-native brands and consumer interest in personalised clothing.
Unlike traditional screen printing, AOP technology enables seamless designs to cover the entire garment, providing independent sellers with access to global-standard fashion products without requiring them to hold an inventory. These new products aim to empower sellers with more modern product options to attract fashion-focused customers.
Speaking on the launch, Sivaraman S, MD of Qikink, stated, “With this expansion, we’re aligning Indian POD with global standards while opening new categories for small brands. This move enables sellers to take advantage of the growing preference for customised women’s fashion in India, bridging the gap between on-demand technology and evolving style needs.” They stated further that the goal is to equip sellers with versatile products that also appeal to women’s lifestyles and seasonal fashion demands.
Founded in 2016, the company has expanded its operations to serve over 18,000 entrepreneurs across India. Its catalogue now expands to include custom apparel, advanced AOP products, accessories, and home décor items. The firm adopts an eco-conscious approach, utilising OEKO-TEX certified inks and implementing a zero-inventory model to minimise waste. Standard dispatch timelines of 48 to 72 hours enable sellers to manage operations efficiently while handling design and production through the platform.
What Do Experts Think About This Expansion?
Industry observers believe this expansion could transform the way small fashion brands approach women’s apparel. This inspirational move into women’s fashion is expected to encourage more small brands and entrepreneurs to take part in growing fashion categories. Analysts expect this to encourage more women’s categories to enter the POD market, creating wider opportunities for customisation-driven brands.
With India’s growing population of business owners and increasing access to digital sales channels, these new printed products may soon become significant sales makers in the custom apparel segment. Furthermore, the company’s expansion hints at the likely trajectory of the Indian POD market, which is forecasted to branch further into specialised, trend-driven niches for both women and men.
Bringing fashion innovation and technology-driven retail together creates more space for the next generation of sellers to grow. It offers a broader variety of products that stay relevant in a digital-first market. As Print-On-Demand evolves in India, these changes will play a crucial role in shaping the future of personalised fashion, technology, and business simultaneously.
About the Company
Qikink is a Coimbatore-based Print-On-Demand and order fulfilment company, providing custom apparel and accessories for thousands of entrepreneurs across India. With a technology-driven, zero-inventory model and eco-friendly inks, the company supports sellers in launching and scaling their businesses without inventory risk or logistics burdens.