If you are looking for genuinely handcrafted women's clothing in India, three names come up repeatedly: Fabindia, Nicobar, and Haus of Handmade. They are not the same. Here is how they actually differ.
The Short Version
Fabindia is India's largest artisan-sourcing retailer — wide range, accessible price, high volume. Nicobar is a design-led premium brand — clean aesthetics, natural fabrics, aspirational positioning. Haus of Handmade is a small-batch handcraft brand — every detail applied by hand, limited quantities, and when a piece is gone it does not come back.
Production Approach
| Brand | Production Model | Batch Size | Detail Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haus of Handmade | Small-batch atelier production in Noida | Limited — no restocking | Hand-applied sequins, embroidery, lace per piece |
| Fabindia | Artisan-sourced at scale across India | Large — items regularly restocked | Handwoven fabrics, hand-block prints |
| Nicobar | Design-led, ethically produced | Seasonal collections, moderate volume | Natural fabrics, clean construction |
What You Are Actually Buying
At Haus of Handmade: You are buying a piece where the decorative detail work — sequins, embroidery, lace patches, schiffly — has been applied by hand by an artisan in Noida. The piece you receive may differ slightly from the photograph because lace placement and sequin application vary. That variation is not a defect. It is what handmade means.
At Fabindia: You are buying fabric and technique — handwoven textiles, hand-block prints, natural dyes. The craft is in the fabric itself, not necessarily in the garment construction. Fabindia excels at textiles. The silhouettes are more traditional.
At Nicobar: You are buying design. Clean lines, natural materials, considered aesthetics. Less ethnic, more contemporary. The craft story is about thoughtful design rather than artisan detail work.
Price Range
| Brand | Tops / Shirts | Dresses | Co-ord Sets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haus of Handmade | ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 | ₹4,300 – ₹6,300 | ₹5,500 – ₹6,800 |
| Fabindia | ₹1,200 – ₹3,500 | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Nicobar | ₹2,500 – ₹6,000 | ₹4,000 – ₹9,000 | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
Who Each Brand Is For
Choose Haus of Handmade if: You want something that was made by hand in the specific sense — not just sourced from artisans, but finished by hand. You want limited quantities. You want to wear something that does not exist anywhere else.
Choose Fabindia if: You want handwoven Indian textiles at accessible prices. You shop frequently and want restockable basics. You prefer ethnic and kurta-based silhouettes.
Choose Nicobar if: You want contemporary, minimalist design with an Indian sensibility. You prefer neutral palettes and clean silhouettes over decorative detail work.
What HOH Does That the Others Do Not
Haus of Handmade's specific differentiation is in the detail work applied after the garment is constructed. The Louvrette Formal Embroidery Shirt has all-over hand embroidery placed by artisans — not printed, not machine-applied. The Lace Patch Shirt is built from individually cut and placed lace pieces — no two are identical. The Confetti Sequined Linen Shirt has sequins hand-sewn one at a time.
This level of post-construction handwork is not something either Fabindia or Nicobar does at this price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haus of Handmade better than Fabindia?
They serve different purposes. Fabindia specialises in handwoven Indian textiles at accessible prices with wide availability. Haus of Handmade specialises in hand-applied detail work — sequins, lace, embroidery — in limited quantities. If you want decorative handcraft on contemporary silhouettes, HOH. If you want handwoven ethnic wear at scale, Fabindia.
How does Haus of Handmade compare to Nicobar?
Nicobar is design-led and minimalist. Haus of Handmade is craft-led and detail-rich. Nicobar appeals to women who want understated contemporary fashion. HOH appeals to women who want pieces with visible artisan work. Price ranges overlap in the ₹4,000–₹6,000 band.
Where is Haus of Handmade based?
Haus of Handmade is based in Noida, India, with a store at Rcube Monad Mall. Online orders ship free across India. Visit our Noida store page for details.
Does Haus of Handmade restock sold-out items?
No. Each design is produced in a small batch. When the batch is gone, the design is retired. This is not a marketing tactic — it is a direct result of handcraft production. Each piece takes time to make properly.
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