The Best Fabric Stores In Mumbai

Mumbai’s evolution into its current state is deeply linked to the growth of the textile industry in the country. The various historic fabric markets in the city, which have been selling textiles in the bulk and otherwise to customers around the world for hundreds of years, are an ode to this history. This is probably why some of these textile markets continue to remain the best spots for anyone fashion-lover – whether it is in the bulk for your business or to stitch up a cushion cover for your favorite couch. We have rounded up a list of Mumbai’s best textile markets for your fabric needs, as well as a little dose of Mumbai history.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Mangaldas Market at Crawford Market

Mangaldas Market, located within the bustling Crawford market, is one of the most organized fabric markets in India – reminding us of why it has flourished as Mumbai’s best fabric market for over a hundred years. With several shops lining various intersecting lanes (categorized by the type of fabric being sold), 19 different entry points and an average lakh daily visitors, this overwhelmingly vibrant market is guaranteed to please. Whatever kind of cloth you are seeking, from sarees to salwar kameez suits, or intricately designed dupattas, silk, cotton or linen, this is Mumbai’s go-to fabric market!

Mulji Jetha Market at Kalbadevi

The Mulji Jetha market, located near the famous Zaveri Bazaar specializing in jewellery, is considered to be Asia’s largest textile market. It is also the oldest existing fabric market in Mumbai with a celebrated history of over a hundred and thirty years. Much like Mangaldas, the market is divided into various aisles and includes both wholesale and retail outlets specializing in different kinds of fabric. Even Dhirubhai Ambani was a regular patron of the market, buying textiles in bulk for export purposes.

Hind Mata Market at Dadar

This bustling market in Dadar East features textiles to suit every budget. Though it specializes in Indian wear and clothing materials for sarees, salwar kameez suits, lehengas, gagras and sherwanis, it also features a good choice of outlets selling simple fabrics. Vendors are usually willing to negotiate but most items are already reasonably priced. You can also find tailors and ready-made clothes here. The market isn’t as large or historic as Mangaldas or MJ, but it is definitely as crowded. Be sure to check out the Hindmata store, located almost at the center of the market for the widest range of saree materials: cotton, silk and polyester sourced from across the country.

Gandhi Market

The Gandhi market doesn’t exclusively feature textiles or clothing materials as the earlier markets in this list, but it offers a large and rich collection nonetheless. A variety of outlets sell clothing materials particularly for Indian wear, from sarees to salwars and turbans for men. You can also find vibrantly coloured fabrics sold in bulk. An added bonus would be the numerous stores selling colourful and spectacularly designed traditional and modern footwear, cheap jewellery and decorative household items.