The story began in the bustling streets of Bombay. Harish Dhawan hit the ground running and joined his dad at Manish Market to sell imported socks, caps and belts sourced from around the globe.

A few years down the line he came across a fabric with incredible elasticity - Lycra. Spoiler alert: this sowed the seed for the brand’s evolution which we now know as Lycot.

As a sports enthusiast Harish entered the sports textile market to cater to the growing sports landscape in India. He started with setting up a small 10x10 factory in Sion, Mumbai with 1 master and two machines. Ordered a few rolls of cloth and started by manufacturing cycling shorts and full tights in small batches and plain swimming costumes. As time passed he started importing different varieties of the fabric that revolutionised the fashion industry.

Physical stores have been a staple of Indian retail for hundreds of years. And in 1998, Lycot became a part of this legacy by entering the shelves of prominent sports stores in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Goa.

All life forms evolved from water. So did Lycot. They creatively knitted a blend of modern fabrics to create another dimension in fluid fashion. Not just because it’s a fusion between extraordinary lycra and cotton, but because when one slips into it, they defy gravity. And with the brand officially registered, they are ready to make a splash.

With its warm weather and bustling coastal towns in mind, Lycot charts its course across South India. and across Mumbai expansion.

Simultaneously, targeting full coverage across Mumbai. The aim is to dream big and keep seeking growth across the country.

In these formative years, Lycot’s sales team grew, setting the foundation for market expansion. Recognizing that the market was largely untapped, with only a few local brands present, the brand seized the opportunity to carve out their niche. With the trademark secured, they positioned themselves to explore the potential that lay ahead.

From stitching small batches to stocking retail shelves, and securing trademark protection, it is time to step in the limelight. It is the perfect moment to swap the cutting table for cameras and have Lycot’s first official photoshoot.

The brand embarked on a journey of PAN India expansion, setting out to connect with customers from coast to coast. This growth not only broadened their reach but also allowed them to share their swimwear and activewear designs, empowering people to embrace an active lifestyle with style and confidence.

As its community expanded and orders poured in, the once-cozy 10x10 workshop quickly ran out of room. Fabric rolls stacked to the ceiling, sewing machines in every corner of the room, it was clear that Lycot had outgrown its humble beginnings. In 2013, the warehouse was moved to a 6000 sqft space in the heart of Mumbai. Since then it’s been a good kind of busy— more designs, more orders and a team that’s been balancing it all like seasoned pros.

With ordering as easy as a few clicks, Lycot onboards itself onto an e-commerce platform bringing their products to the masses. Lycot brings a splash of pop culture to swimwear by licensing designs from the Warner Brothers. From superheroes to classic cartoon icons, there is something for everyone to express themselves. Bold prints have become the brand’s signature, offering a fresh take with every new collection. To bring it all to life, a beachside editorial is shot with a stunning seaside backdrop.

Hot on the heels of the editorial shoot, Lycot captivates visitors with an underwater-themed stall at a major exhibition. The immersive setup, featuring aquatic hues and playful ocean-inspired decor, perfectly complements the Lycot’s swimwear and activewear collections.