Some 85% of Indian consumers would part with extra cash for garments made from natural fibres such as cotton, according to research released by Cotton Council International and Cotton Incorporated.
The findings, drawn from the 2025 Global Lifestyle Monitor, which polled 13,026 people, sit awkwardly against what happens in production because crude oil-derived synthetics now make up close to 70% of worldwide textile fibre output.
Globally, three-quarters of shopper’s favour cotton, cotton blends or denim over man-made alternatives.
Polyester wins the backing of just 7%, with spandex on 5% and rayon on 4%.
The share prepared to pay more for natural fibres stands at 59% globally and 66% in Mexico, while India posted the highest figure of any market surveyed.
For garment makers, spinners and retail buyers across Asia, the result exposes a widening gap between margin protection and customer preference.
Sourcing teams in the region’s manufacturing hubs have leaned on cheaper polyester and synthetic blends to cushion themselves against price volatility, even as shoppers in key markets increasingly look for breathability, longevity and a lighter environmental touch.
Labels dependent mainly on synthetic inputs could drive away customers wary of petroleum-based cloth.
Some 83% of respondents regard cotton and other natural fibres as environmentally safe, whereas 48% said the same of rayon, 46% for polyester and 41% for Tencel.
Polyester is still markedly cheaper to make and buy in volume, which keeps synthetics in the driving seat.
“That price gap has pushed fast-fashion supply chains to raise synthetic volumes in activewear, sportswear and basics, aggravating textile waste across global networks,” Retail News reported.
Comfort and longevity drive most natural-fibre purchases. Among cotton-preferring respondents, 67% cited comfort and 66% softness; 59% named quality, 49% sustainability and 44% durability.
Liz Hershfield, executive director of Cotton USA, noted that buying decisions made by brands determine whether farming infrastructure remains financially viable.
Sourcing chiefs therefore face a stark choice: near-term savings from synthetic polyester, or verified natural-fibre supply that reflects customer preferences in fast-growing retail regions.
Image courtesy: Freepik
