Snapshot

• Why Manipuri handlooms are iconic: Manipur is known for its vibrant, symbolic, and ritual-based handloom tradition, making it a leading handloom state in Northeast India. With over 3.5 lakh weavers, Manipur ranks second in India for handloom activity, and Imphal serves as the main weaving and trading hub.
  
• Craft identity: Manipuri textiles are woven on loin looms and frame looms by women artisans. Iconic weaves like Phanek (traditional wrap skirts), Innaphi (shawls), Shaphee Lanphee (ceremonial cloth), and Moirang Phee (GI-registered fabric) are deeply rooted in Manipuri culture.
  
• Global positioning: These textiles appeal to luxury ethnic fashion brands, slow fashion designers, and home décor retailers, with a focus on sustainability, heritage, and ethical production.
  

Product Range

Category	Key Products
Traditional Wear	Phanek (sarong-style wrap), Innaphi (shawl), Moirang Phee dupattas.
Ceremonial Textiles	Shaphee Lanphee (hand-embroidered ceremonial cloth), Rani Phee.
Contemporary Fashion	Dresses, scarves, jackets, ponchos, skirts, tops with Manipuri motifs.
Home Textiles	Cushion covers, curtains, runners, wall hangings.
Luxury Collaborations	Limited-edition, naturally dyed fabrics for global fashion houses.

Craft Technique

Step	Details
Weaving Tools	Loin loom (backstrap loom) for traditional designs, fly shuttle looms for larger yardage.
Design Motifs	Tribal and geometric motifs; Moirang Phee features unique triangular temple borders.
Yarn & Fibers	Cotton, mulberry silk, eri silk, wool blends.
Dyeing	Natural dyes from indigo, turmeric, madder, and other plants; chemical dyes for mass production.
Embroidery Work	Shaphee Lanphee features intricate hand embroidery depicting tribal and religious motifs.
Finishing	Fabrics are washed, starched, and hand-ironed for crispness.

Materials & Sustainability

• Natural Fibers: Cotton, silk (mulberry and eri), wool, and blends.
  
• Eco Practices: Natural dyeing, loin-loom weaving, and zero-electricity processes minimize carbon footprint.
  
• Community Impact: Over 98% of Manipuri weavers are women, making this craft a women-led rural economic driver.
  
• Cultural Significance: Textiles are used in religious rituals, royal ceremonies, and tribal identity expression.
  

Cluster Infrastructure

• Key Villages: Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Ukhrul districts.
  
• Institutions:
  
  • Manipur Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation (MHHDC): Marketing and training.
    
  • Weaver SHGs: Women-led cooperatives manage large-scale weaving operations.
    
  • NEHHDC: Connects artisans to national and global buyers.
    
• Tourism Link: Imphal’s craft markets like Khwairamband Bazaar (Ima Keithel, run entirely by women) promote these textiles internationally.
  

Compliance & Certifications

• GI Tags:
  
  • Moirang Phee Fabric (2014).
    
  • Shaphee Lanphee (2014).
    
• Handloom Mark: Verifies authenticity of weaving.
  
• Silk Mark: Applied to mulberry silk and eri silk blends.
  
• Fair-Trade & Eco Labels: NGO-led certifications for sustainable and ethical sourcing.
  

Production Timelines & MOQs

Product Type	Sampling Lead Time	Bulk Lead Time	MOQ Guidance
Phanek, Innaphi, Moirang Phee	7–10 days	4–6 weeks	25–50 pcs/style
Shaphee Lanphee (Ceremonial Cloth)	2–3 weeks	8–10 weeks	Made-to-order
Contemporary Apparel & Fabrics	10–14 days	6–8 weeks	50–100 pcs/style
Home Décor Textiles	7–10 days	4–6 weeks	50–100 pcs/style

Branding & Packaging

• Branding: GI tags, QR-coded artisan profiles, Handloom Mark labels.
  
• Packaging:
  
  • Phanek & Innaphi in cotton bags or bamboo-fiber pouches.
    
  • Ceremonial textiles in premium wooden or eco-board boxes.
    
  • Moisture-barrier cartons for export shipping.
    
• Luxury Storytelling: Emphasizes women-led production, cultural heritage, and eco-friendly craftsmanship.
  

Quality Control (IndiaUnbox Protocol)

• Motif Consistency: Symmetry and weaving precision checks.
  
• Dye Fastness: Tested for wash, rub, and light stability.
  
• Yarn Quality: GSM, fiber fineness, and tensile strength tests.
  
• Finishing QC: Folding, ironing, and protective packaging audits.
  

Price Drivers

• Motif complexity and technique (hand embroidery vs woven motifs).
  
• Fiber type (cotton, mulberry silk, eri silk).
  
• Limited production of ceremonial cloths (collector-grade pricing).
  
• Artisan recognition and GI tags (premium value).
  

Buyer Confidence Signals

• Heritage Legacy: Moirang Phee and Shaphee Lanphee are registered GI-certified cultural textiles.
  
• Women Empowerment: Craft clusters are fully women-led, supporting rural livelihoods.
  
• Sustainability: Low-carbon, handwoven, naturally dyed, and ethically sourced fabrics.
  

Global Appeal: These textiles are already part of designer showcases, slow fashion labels, and museum collections.