Haus of Handmade vs FabIndia — Two Approaches to Indian Craft
FabIndia and Haus of Handmade share something important: a genuine commitment to Indian craft and handmade textiles. But they express that commitment very differently — in silhouettes, in scale, and in who they're designing for.
FabIndia: The Institution of Indian Handloom
FabIndia has been around since 1960 and has built one of India's most recognised craft retail networks. Its strength is in handloom fabrics — khadi, cotton, linen — sourced from artisan communities across rural India. The aesthetic is traditional and understated: classic kurtas, salwar suits, and separates that work across generations. FabIndia's retail presence (200+ stores pan-India) makes it accessible, and its craft sourcing model has genuinely supported rural artisan livelihoods at scale.
The trade-off is silhouette conservatism. FabIndia's designs are reliable but rarely fashion-forward. If you want contemporary Indo-western fusion or statement pieces, the range feels limited.
Haus of Handmade: Contemporary Craft, Online-First
Co-ord sets, capes, tops, and kurtas from Haus of Handmade are designed for a buyer who wants Indian craft in a modern silhouette. Think handmade embroidery on cuts that work for a rooftop event or a casual day out — not just for festivals. HOH operates online-first with small-batch production, which means pieces are limited and designs rotate. The price range (₹2,800–₹6,800) is comparable to FabIndia's mid-to-upper tier.
HOH's weakness vs FabIndia: no physical stores, smaller catalogue, and less heritage. FabIndia's weakness vs HOH: less design ambition and no contemporary Indo-western line.
Are They Actually Competitors?
Not really. A FabIndia shopper looking for a classic khadi kurta and an HOH shopper looking for a handmade embroidered cape for a wedding are making different decisions. Both brands are legitimate — they just serve different expressions of appreciation for Indian craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy from Haus of Handmade or FabIndia?
Both are legitimate options for handmade Indian clothing. Choose FabIndia if you want classic handloom styles, access to a physical store, and a wide range of traditional fabrics like khadi and cotton. Choose Haus of Handmade if you want contemporary Indo-western silhouettes, handmade embroidery, and design-forward pieces that feel modern rather than traditional.
Is Haus of Handmade like FabIndia?
Both brands value Indian craft and handmade production, but they're quite different in practice. FabIndia is a large, established retail chain focused on traditional handloom. Haus of Handmade is a smaller, online-first brand focused on contemporary, design-forward ethnic wear with handmade embroidery and fusion silhouettes.
Which brand has better quality — FabIndia or Haus of Handmade?
Both brands maintain good quality standards in their respective areas. FabIndia excels in handloom fabrics and natural fibres. Haus of Handmade excels in handmade embroidery and contemporary construction. The better choice depends on the style and occasion you're shopping for, not a universal quality ranking.