Emerging from a modest mill on the banks of Thane Creek, the brand has consistently set benchmarks in craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural relevance
In an industry constantly reshaped by fast fashion, ecommerce, and shifting consumer preferences, only a few brands have displayed the resilience and adaptability. Standing tall as the homegrown custodian of Indian men’s fashion, Raymond has crafted moments in time, influenced the way people lived and redefined the style legacy of generations. As Raymond turns 100, it is not just a centenary of a company, but a celebration of how an Indian brand became synonymous with the very idea of ‘the Complete Man.’
Raymond’s journey traces back to 1925, when Albert Raymond set up a modest woollen mill by the creek in Thane. At a time when British imports ruled Indian wardrobes, the vision was clear yet ambitious: to craft a high-quality Indian alternative.
The company’s journey gained fresh momentum in 1944 under the leadership of Lala Kailashpat Singhania. Backed by modern machinery and craftsmanship, the company evolved from a modest mill into a rising textile force. Joining the J.K. Group in 1947 further cemented its aspirations, laying the foundation for decades of structured growth.
The Driver Of Indian Fashion Landscape
While textiles built its base, garmenting gave Raymond a global edge. The company’s entry into ready-to-wear in the late 1960s introduced modern fits and styles to Indian consumers, while the 2000s saw its capabilities align with India’s rise as a manufacturing powerhouse. The creation of Silver Spark Apparel in 2003 was a turning point, establishing world-class infrastructure that set Raymond apart on the global stage. From its first facility, the brand has scaled to five advanced garmenting units across India and Ethiopia.
By the 2010s, India’s shirting market was evolving rapidly. Utility was no longer enough; consumers wanted refinement, creativity, and elevated experiences. Raymond responded by stepping into the premium shirting space, bringing to it the same rigour and craftsmanship that had long defined its suiting legacy.
Raymond today manufactures over 5.59 million garments annually through over 70 production lines and a 10,000 strong workforce, with women accounting for 95 per cent of its Ethiopian operations. The company is now India’s largest exporter of men’s tailored suits, jackets, and trousers, supplying more than 50 leading global brands in over 45 countries, as per the reports.
Next Chapter Of Growth
As Raymond Group turns 100, Chairman Gautam Hari Singhania has set his sights on ambitious growth, targeting 20 per cent annual EBITDA expansion and 15 per cent overall growth, underpinned by a strong balance sheet, as per the reports. Beyond numbers, the group is also reimagining its portfolio for the next generation, with jeans, t-shirts, and other Gen Z-friendly lines gaining space in Raymond stores.
“A hundred years of Raymond. A hundred years of trust. Our centenary message reached homes across the country through leading publications, a reminder of the legacy we carry and the future we continue to shape,” Gautam Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of Raymond wrote on X.
The 100-year journey of Raymond is one of vision, resilience, and reinvention. From a modest mill on the banks of Thane creek to a global leader in textiles and apparel, the brand has consistently set benchmarks in craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural relevance.
