That dynamic, however, appears to be changing.
According to contemporary luxury fashion label Threadgasm, Indian consumers are increasingly embracing statement outerwear as a core part of their wardrobe, creating opportunities for a category that has traditionally been overshadowed by occasion-led fashion purchases.
The shift is being driven by a combination of changing lifestyles, global fashion influences, growing disposable incomes and a rising desire for individuality.
"We are witnessing the emergence of luxury outerwear as a meaningful category in India," says Aashna Babbar, Founder of Threadgasm. "Consumers are increasingly looking for pieces that allow them to express their personality beyond traditional occasion wear. Statement jackets are becoming an investment category rather than an afterthought."
Historically, Indian fashion consumption has been heavily centered around weddings, festivals and celebrations. While those categories continue to thrive, consumers are now building wardrobes that reflect a broader range of experiences—from travel and social gatherings to creative workspaces and content-driven lifestyles.
As a result, demand is growing for fashion pieces that offer versatility while still delivering impact.
Outerwear is uniquely positioned to meet that need.
A statement jacket can transform an otherwise simple outfit, allowing consumers to create multiple looks around a single piece. Unlike trend-driven fashion purchases that often have a short lifespan, premium outerwear is increasingly being viewed as a long-term wardrobe investment.
This mirrors developments seen across major fashion capitals, where outerwear has become one of the most commercially important categories in luxury fashion.
From Paris and Milan to New York and Seoul, consumers have embraced jackets as vehicles for self-expression, craftsmanship and personal style. Indian consumers, particularly younger professionals and globally exposed audiences, are increasingly adopting similar fashion behaviors.
"We are seeing consumers become far more intentional about what they buy," says Babbar. "Rather than purchasing multiple trend-led products, many are choosing fewer pieces that have stronger visual identity, greater versatility and longer relevance."
Threadgasm has built its brand around this very insight.
The contemporary luxury label specializes in statement jackets and wearable art pieces designed to stand apart from conventional fashion categories. Through collections featuring designs such as Ash Blossom, Tiger Royal, Peacock Veil, Metallic Veil and Velvet Whispers, the brand seeks to elevate outerwear from a supporting element to the centerpiece of personal style.
Each piece is developed with a focus on craftsmanship, artistic storytelling and individuality, reflecting a belief that luxury fashion should be expressive, memorable and deeply personal.
For Babbar, the growing momentum behind luxury outerwear reflects a broader evolution in consumer aspirations—an area she has spent much of her career understanding and influencing.
Prior to launching Threadgasm, she was part of the founding team behind SEVEN by MS Dhoni, where she helped build one of India's most visible activewear brands from inception. The brand achieved sales of over $3 million within months of launch, providing valuable insight into how modern consumers engage with emerging fashion categories.
One of Babbar's most formative experiences came while working on Bata's transformation into a more aspirational lifestyle brand. As changing consumer expectations challenged long-established brands to remain relevant, Bata undertook a strategic shift to appeal to younger audiences through refreshed positioning, modern storytelling and elevated brand experiences. Being part of this evolution gave Babbar a deep appreciation of how consumer aspirations shape brand perception, and how successful brands must continually reinvent their narrative while preserving the trust and equity they have built over decades.
Most recently, as Head of Marketing at Colorbar Cosmetics, Babbar led growth and positioning initiatives across multiple brands and more than 1,400 retail touchpoints. Her work reinforced an important observation: consumers increasingly seek products that help express identity rather than simply fulfill functional needs.
A Gold Medalist in Fashion Retail from Pearl Academy, Babbar has consistently focused on understanding changing consumer behavior and translating those insights into compelling brand propositions.
With Threadgasm, she identified a gap in the Indian fashion market for luxury outerwear that combined craftsmanship, artistic expression and individuality.
The brand's philosophy is rooted in the belief that fashion should be an extension of personal identity. Rather than following seasonal trends, Threadgasm focuses on creating statement pieces that encourage confidence, creativity and self-expression.
As India's premium fashion market continues to mature, categories that were once considered niche are increasingly moving into the mainstream.
Luxury outerwear appears poised to be one of them.
"Consumers are no longer waiting for special occasions to wear fashion that makes a statement," says Babbar. "They are creating those moments every day. That shift is fundamentally changing how fashion is purchased, styled and valued."
For brands operating at the intersection of luxury, craftsmanship and self-expression, the emergence of premium outerwear represents more than a trend.
It represents a category whose time may finally have arrived.
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