By — Dilip Guha

The growing focus on holistic health in India has brought two trends together: the ancient practice of yoga and the rise of modern “wellness wear”. Together, they are redefining how people approach fitness, recovery, and daily well-being.

Yoga, a 5,000-year-old Indian discipline, emphasises the union of body, breath, and mind through _asanas_, _pranayama_, and meditation. Recognised globally for its benefits in reducing stress, improving flexibility, and enhancing mental clarity, yoga has moved from studios into everyday lifestyles.

Alongside this, wellness wear has emerged as a specialised category of apparel designed to support physical and mental wellness. Unlike conventional activewear, wellness wear uses breathable, moisture-wicking, and skin-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo fibre, and recycled polyester. Ergonomic, seamless designs allow unrestricted movement, while sustainable production and mindful colours reflect the values of the wellness community.

International Yoga Day is observed annually on June 21, the date proposed by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and established by the United Nations in 2014. The global initiative celebrates the ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice of uniting the body, mind, and breath to promote holistic well-being.

On the occasion of approaching International Yoga Day, Shri Manoj Goel, Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, has launched a special wellness wear collection named ‘Swadha‘ on Friday. Created by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), this collection represents an innovative effort to blend the Indian concepts of yoga, health, and balanced living with modern clothing styles. The launch ceremony was held on Friday,12th June 2026,    at the  Delhi Hub   Office of the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), in collaboration with KVIC at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)  Delhi Campus in  Hauz Khas, New Delhi.

The Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), established in 2021 by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of MSME, in collaboration with the NIFT, serves as a design and innovation hub for the khadi sector. CoEK works closely with Khadi Institutions across India to develop contemporary products, strengthen design capabilities, and build new narratives around Khadi through innovation, branding, storytelling, and market-oriented interventions. With Svadha, CoEK continues its mission to make khadi relevant to modern lifestyles.

Wellness wear refers to clothing designed to support physical and mental well-being. It blends comfort, functionality, and fabric technology to help the body perform and recover better, and ‘स्वधा’ (Svadha) is a wellness wear collection that reimagines the timeless comfort of Khadi for contemporary lifestyles.

Speaking on the occasion, KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Goel stated that International Yoga Day celebrates the ancient Indian tradition of yoga, which promotes whole health and well-being by establishing harmony between the body, mind, and soul. Carrying forward this spirit, the ‘Swadha’ wellness wear collection has been created for the upcoming International Yoga Day, weaving together two of India’s significant legacies, i.e., Yoga and Khadi.

Shri Goel remarked that Khadi, the legacy of the revered Bapu, is not merely a fabric but a symbol of self-reliance, Swadeshi consciousness, environmental conservation, and rural empowerment. He stated that the ‘Swadha’ wellness wear collection represents a harmonious blend of two great Indian traditions, which are Yoga and Khadi. He explained that the word ‘Swadha’ is derived from the Atharvaveda and signifies ease, comfort, and spiritual contentment. Rooted in this ethos, the collection prioritises simplicity, comfort, and adaptability. It is designed to meet the needs of a modern lifestyle, making it suitable for both yoga practice and daily wear.

Designed for mindful movement while extending beyond the mat, the collection seamlessly blends wellness wear with everyday dressing through simplicity, comfort, and understated elegance.

Inspired by the philosophy of self-awareness and conscious living, Svadha features relaxed silhouettes, thoughtful detailing, and effortless versatility. Most garments are free-size and gender-neutral, making them adaptable across different body types and lifestyles. The collection highlights the inherent qualities of handspun and handwoven khadi, its breathability, lightness, softness, and natural comfort, making it particularly suited to wellness-focused clothing.

The collection comprises nine relaxed-fit styles designed for ease of movement and all-day comfort. Crafted using khadi sourced from three distinguished Khadi Institutions across India: Gandhigram Khadi & V.I. Public Charitable Trust (Tamil Nadu), Payyanur Firka Gramodaya Khadi Sangh (Kerala), Kshetriya Punjab Khadi Mandal (Punjab)

The collection features nine distinct garment styles developed to ensure effortless mobility and all-day comfort. Most of the garments are free-size and gender-neutral. The Khadi fabric used in these garments is particularly well-suited for wellness wear due to its breathability, lightness, softness, and natural comfort.

The KVIC Chairman remarked that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and ‘Local to Global’ has infused the Khadi and Village Industries sector with new energy and a renewed identity. The sector created history in the 2025-26 financial year by achieving record sales of ₹1.87 lakh crore. He attributed this achievement to the collective efforts of millions of artisans, weavers, rural entrepreneurs, and Khadi institutions across the country. He further stated that the Khadi and Village Industries sector has now set an ambitious turnover target of ₹2.51 lakh crore. He expressed confidence that the sector would play a vital role in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and further strengthening the rural economy. Shri Goel also mentioned that, at present, the Khadi and Village Industries sector is providing employment to approximately 2.04 crore people across the country.

Wellness wear is more than just gym clothing. It is apparel specifically designed to promote both physical comfort and mental well-being. Made from lightweight, breathable fabrics with non-restrictive silhouettes, wellness wear helps regulate body temperature, minimises skin irritation, and allows for unrestricted movement during physical activities.

Light colours are often preferred in wellness wear because they reflect heat, evoke a sense of calm, and align with the mindful, clutter-free philosophy associated with yoga and wellness practices. The focus is on creating clothing that enhances relaxation, recovery, and concentration rather than causing distraction.

Speaking about the concept, young fashion designer Payel Kumari said, “Wellness wear refers to clothing designed to support physical and mental well-being. It blends comfort, functionality, and fabric technology to help the body perform and recover better. That is why we use light colours, and the garments should also be lightweight.”

She added that wellness wear is particularly beneficial for yoga and stretching exercises, as its flexible and comfortable design allows for a full range of movement while promoting overall ease and well-being.

Shri Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI and Advisor KVIC, Project Director, CoEK, Director Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, New Delhi, Senior Officers, and staff from KVIC, CoEK, and NIFT were present on this occasion.