Menswear fashion has evolved over the years beyond neutral tone bandhgalas and well-tailored suits. Indian men have always chosen to play it safe when it comes to dressing up. With time, there has been a shift in our design vocabulary that has come to include bright colors, florals and statement making ensembles. Traditional Indian menswear encompasses a rich and diverse range of clothing options, each with its unique style and cultural significance.
What is Traditional Indian Menswear?
Traditional Indian menswear options are not only a reflection of India's rich cultural heritage but also a way to embrace elegance and style for various occasions. The choice of outfit depends on the event's formality, regional preferences, and personal style. The kurta pajama for instance is one of the most iconic and versatile traditional outfits for Indian men. It consists of a long, knee-length tunic (kurta) paired with straight-cut pants (pajama). This ensemble is commonly worn for various occasions, from casual to formal. Variations of the kurta pairings are the dhoti kurta and the Pathani suit. Both silhouettes have deep historical roots. The shoti kurta consists of a dhoti (a draped lower garment) paired with a kurta. While it was once everyday attire, it's now commonly worn during religious ceremonies and festivals. The Pathani suit on the other hand originated from the northern regions of India and features a long kurta paired with straight-cut pants. It’s super comfortable in nature and often chosen for casual and semi-formal occasions.
The Majestic Charm of Sherwanis
The sherwani is a formal, regal outfit often chosen by grooms for weddings and special occasions. It's a long, tailored coat-like garment worn over a kurta and churidar pants. Often adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments, sherwanis are the go-to for grooms and close wedding guests today. The silhouette comes in various styles and variations, making it suitable for different occasions.
Wedding Sherwani: Wedding sherwanis are the most elaborate and heavily embellished garments that often feature intricate embroidery, gold or silver zari work, and come in rich colors like red, maroon, gold, or ivory. Grooms often choose wedding sherwanis for their big day.
Reception Sherwani: Reception sherwanis are slightly less ornate than wedding sherwanis but still have a formal and elegant appearance. They are a popular choice for post-wedding celebrations and receptions.
Jodhpuri Sherwani: The Jodhpuri sherwani is characterized by its shorter length and Nehru collar. It's a blend of traditional and contemporary styles.
Achkan Sherwani: The achkan sherwani is known for its front-buttoned style and a straight-cut silhouette. It's often chosen for its simplicity and elegance.
Angrakha Sherwani: The angrakha-style sherwani features a distinctive wrap-around design and is known for its asymmetrical closure.
Accessorize Appropriately To Enhance The Look
To complete the sherwani ensemble, men often wear traditional accessories such as a matching turban or safa, churidar pants or straight-cut trousers, and traditional footwear like juttis or mojaris. Accessories like a brooch, pocket square, and a necklace can also add an extra touch of sophistication.
Sherwanis are a symbol of timeless elegance and are a popular choice for Indian grooms and men attending formal events. The choice of sherwani style, fabric, and embellishments often depends on personal taste, the formality of the occasion, and regional customs. Complete your traditional Indian look with appropriate footwear, such as juttis (embroidered shoes), mojaris, or kolhapuris, depending on the region and outfit.
Exude Royalty with Regal Jodhpuri Suits
Originating from Rajasthan, the Jodhpuri suit is characterized by a short, structured jacket with trousers. It’s a stylish and regal choice for formal events and weddings. Jodhpuri suits, also known as Jodhpur suits or Bandhgala suits, exude a sense of regal elegance and have a distinct style that harks back to the princely state of Rajasthan, particularly the city of Jodhpur. These suits have become popular choices for formal and semi-formal occasions due to their sophisticated and royal appearance. Lashkaraa’s popular collection of Jodhpuri Suits features many styles like the Light Grey Hand Embroidered Velvet Jodhpuri Set and the Light Green Hand Embroidered Velvet Jodhpuri Set.
Characterized by a high collar, straight cut trousers and rich fabrics, the Jodhpuri suit has some defining features that sets it apart from the rest of the ethnic wear looks for men. The high collar in this silhouette stands upright and gives the suit a distinctive and regal look. The Jodhpuri suit consists of a tailored jacket or coat with a buttoned front closure. The number of buttons can vary, but they are often placed in a straight line down the front of the jacket.
Typically worn with straight-cut trousers that complement the formal appearance of the jacket, this gives the entire look well-fitted and tailored. These suits are crafted from luxurious and high-quality fabrics such as silk, brocade, jacquard, or wool. The choice of fabric can vary depending on the season and occasion.
Jodhpuri suits often feature intricate embroidery or embellishments, especially around the collar, chest, and cuffs. The embroidery can be traditional or contemporary, and it adds a touch of opulence to the ensemble. Jodhpuri suits come in various styles and can be customized to suit different occasions. From a traditional Jodhpuri suit that adheres to the classic design elements with rich embroidery, a high collar, and a straight-cut jacket to lighter versions of the style, each one can be worn on different occasions.
Modern Jodhpuri suits may incorporate contemporary design elements, including slimmer fits, unique color combinations, and minimalist embroidery. These are versatile and suitable for a range of occasions. Some Jodhpuri suits feature printed fabrics, adding a touch of modernity while retaining the traditional silhouette. These are often chosen for semi-formal gatherings. Some styles are made from lighter fabrics like linen or cotton, designed for comfort in hot weather. They are less ornate and ideal for daytime events.