from Sherwanis to Kurtas: Your Relatable Handbook to Indian Men’s Traditional Fashion

“Explore the essence of Indian men’s traditional fashion, from sherwanis to kurtas. Your comprehensive guide awaits!”

In the vibrant world of Indian men’s fashion, picking the right traditional outfit can be both fun and a bit confusing. Whether you’re going to a wedding, a big celebration, or just want to add some cultural style to your look, it’s important to know the basics of traditional clothing. So, let’s talk about Kurtas, Sherwanis, Indo-western, Jodhpuris and Nawabis in a simple way to help you understand Indian men’s fashion better.

The Comfort of Kurtas

Think about putting on a kurta – it’s like wearing a comfy Indian version of your favorite T-shirt but with a touch of tradition. Kurtas have all sorts of looks, from simple cotton ones which can be worn everyday to fancier ones for special occasions. And guess what’s the best part? They can be paired effortlessly with jeans, making them a go-to choice for both comfort and style.

Elevating Everyday Style

Guess what? Kurtas aren’t just for special occasions – you can wear them everyday too! Imagine this: you throw on a comfortable kurta with your favorite jeans or chinos. Boom! You’ve got a look that’s all about mixing tradition with today’s style. It’s like saying,” I appreciate my roots, but I’m ready for whatever the day brings.”

Festive Vibes: Kurta Pajamas

India is like the ultimate party place – we’re always celebrating something! And you know what’s awesome? You can totally rock a kurta for so many of these festive occasions, whether it’s a pooja at home or one of those colorful haldi or mehendi ceremonies! There are so many types – like cotton, silk (raw silk, art silk, Chanderi silk), Jacquard print, embroidered, Bandhani, geometric prints, Chikankari, Linen, khadi, Self-textured, Ombre Shades – the list goes on! 

You’ve got plenty of options to pick your favorite kurta and show it off, no matter the occasion. Pair it with a Pyjama pants, dhoti pants, or even your favorite  pair of jeans – it all works. Add some nice Kolhapuris or Mojaris and you’re ready to turn heads. And hey, if you want to add a little more traditional touch, try a Modi jacket – it’s a look that’ll last!

Styling It Out in Sherwanis

Now, let’s talk about sherwanis – the showstoppers of Indian men’s traditional fashion. Sherwanis are like the tuxedos of the East, reserved for special events like weddings. You’ve got options – pick from light shades like white or cream, or go bold with darker colors. And guess what? Different fabrics like Chikankari, Silk, Jacquard, and Self-textured are up for grabs. The work on the Sherwani can be as simple or intricate or it can even be heavily embroidered. Think minimal or intricate, totally your call.

Now, hold on, there are plenty of patterns! You can go for a single layer, double layer, triple layer – or even rock that Maharaja pattern or jacket style sherwani. And here’s a cool idea – you can match the embroidery on your sherwani with the color of the lehenga or saree the bride is wearing. Talk about color-coordination goals!

Oh, and wait, it gets better. Some sherwanis come with matching Mojari fabrics. You can customize them to fit your shoe size perfectly.

Wedding Wonders: The Groomsmen Edit

Imagine this: the groomsmen squad rocking a desi vibe with a cool twist! They can color coordinate their outfits with the Groom’s outfit at Haldi, Mehendi, Sangeet, Wedding and Reception day and show off in trendy Indo-Western kurtas, stylish Jodhpuri/Bandhagala, or even a Nawabi. In 2024, it’s all about coordinating colors and setting a new trend. 

Mixing It Up: The Indo-Western Edit

Let’s check out the Indo-Western collection! There’s  Nawabis, Jodhpuris (also known as Bandhgalas), Kurtas with long jackets and dupattas, and Indo-Western with open jackets. There’s a bunch of fabrics to pick from. For Nawabis, you can go for darker shades like black, maroon, or different shades of blues. Want to feel extra sophisticated and royal? Choose Armani fabric. Jacquard fabric is another winner, making you really stand out.

Now, for Jodhpuris or Bandhagalas – perfect for special occasions like engagement, reception, or sangeet. Suede, embroidered velvet, and jacquard fabrics are your go-to to shine bright.

In the world of Indo-Western, fabrics like Jacquard, self-textured, and embroidered are all good choices to keep you looking sharp and stylish.

Colors That Speak

Colors are a big deal in Indian fashion. They’re not just random – each one has a special meaning tied to our emotions and traditions. Imagine vibrant reds for celebrating good times or calming blues for those peaceful vibes. When you pick colors that feel right to you, it’s like adding your own personal touch to your traditional outfit.

When picking sherwanis, people usually lean towards lighter shades like white, off-white, cream, and gentle colors like powder blue, powder pink, peach, and sage green. If you’re feeling a bit royal like the nawabs, go for darker colors such as black, maroon, or different blues. Jodhpuri style? Mix it up with both light and dark shades. And if you’re going for that Indo-Western vibe, feel free to experiment with both darker and lighter colors. It’s all about choosing the ones that vibe with your style.

Accessories Matter

No outfit is complete without the right accessories. For kurtas, consider adding a stylish Modi/Nehru jacket or a vibrant dupatta along with Kolhapuris. Sherwanis look great with classic mojari, A safa (turban), a mala, and a dupatta for that extra touch of royalty. If you’re going for Nawabi, Indo-Western, or Jodhpuri styles, you can keep it simple with nice ethnic shoes and a mala – that’s all you need to rock the look! Accessories not only complement your outfit but also showcase your attention to detail.

Final Thoughts: Your Style, Your Story

In the world of Indian men’s traditional fashion, it’s not just about what you wear – it’s about telling your story. Whether you opt for the everyday comfort of kurtas or the richness of sherwanis, let your style reflect your personality. Mix and match, experiment with colors, and most importantly, wear your traditional attire with confidence. After all, it’s not just clothing; it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and, above all, You.