Figure 2: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, 2021.
The country has a range of climate zones, from tropical warmth in the south to cold weather in the north. “The northern states of India have slightly higher temperatures than other same altitude areas during the winter season” (A Brief Summary on Climate of India, n.d.). This variability enables the production of a wide range of textiles, including lightweight cotton fabrics for hot and humid climates and warmer woolen materials for cooler northern areas. The monsoon season, which runs from June to September, is significant in agriculture, influencing cotton and other textile crops. “Wet tropical areas are located along the western coast, and a semi-arid climate extends in a strip up the country’s center and across the northwest. Contrary to the stereotypical heat associated with India, the northern mountainous regions, including the cold, arid, and windswept Himalayas, can see extreme cold” (India: Discover its Diverse Climate and Geography, 2019). Cotton is an essential raw material in the garment industry, therefore, the timing and severity of the monsoon may have a significant influence on goods and service levels. In Figure 2, “The country is influenced by the presence of the Himalayas in the northern part of the country and the Thar Desert in the west. The Himalayan Mountains act as a barrier to winds from Central Asia and China, enabling India’s climate to be warmer than other countries at similar latitudes. The northern part of the country is characterized by a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The coastal regions of the country, however, experience warmer temperatures with little variation throughout the year and frequent rainfall” (World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, 2021). Furthermore, climate impacts fashion trends; for example, light, breathable textiles are fashionable during the summer, whereas heavier materials are preferred in the winter. In addition, increased knowledge of sustainable fashion is influencing how customers and merchants approach clothes, particularly as climate challenges become more serious. Brands are increasingly focused on eco-friendly materials that are appropriate for India’s diverse climate, attracting environmentally aware customers.
