India is one of the fastest-growing economies of the world and occupies a prominent position in the global textile industry. Though this comprises only about 7% of the global market, the growth rate is increasing rapidly with the increasing population, rapid urbanization, per capita consumption, and disposable income of the growing middle class.

Being the second-largest cotton producer in the world, contributing 23.7% to the global cotton production, cotton fiber is the major input material (about 56% of the total fibers) to the Indian textile industry.

Presently, with its intrinsic strength and with the aid of several promoting factors, the Indian Textile industry (comprising 70% apparel, 23% technical textiles, and 7% home furnishings) has been able to make its mark on the global scenario and is expected to grow to US $220 bn by 2020 (from US $70 bn in 2010).

The apparels in the form of garments (shirting, suiting, knits), dress material, sarees, denim, etc. constitute the largest segment. The wide range of designs, ease of making complex patterns, and gamut of color shades make the yarn-dyed shirting fabric the first choice of garment manufacturers.

During the manufacturing of yarn-dyed shirting fabric following points are considered to be of prime importance:

Quality of yarn

Selection of dyestuff

Selection of process and effect chemicals

Use of adequate machines and application process