A complete guide to men’s styling and fashion when it comes to traditional wear and classic clothing.
Ethnic wear is a preferred choice when it comes to celebrations, festivals and marriages in India. And when we talk about traditional mens wear, it’s all about the opulent sherwanis, smart jackets and casual kurtas paired with straight pajamas, churidars, salwars, dhotis and trousers. The ever changing trends have actually given these staple Indian traditional mens wear a fresh breather and a variety with richness of colours, embroideries, patterns, designs and cuts.
Whichever the occasion might be ….. Diwali, Eid, Rakhee or any other festival, a Pooja, an Engagement, a Birthday or a Marriage, one can never be out of options when it comes to menswear. (Sue those who say, men have limited clothing options !!!)
All you need to do is – Be aware of the the latest trends and then take your pick from the vast ensemble choices .
So, keeping in mind, all the wonderful occasions and our insatiable desire to look all smart and dapper, we bring to you the most seasoned mens wear choices and styles that can make you look all the more irresistible yet classic, as ever !!!
Men …. Ahoy !!!
The Sherwani
It’s a classic and timeless piece of Indian menswear that has actually never gone out of fashion. The luxurious silks and brocades with embellishments and embroideries give this ethnic wear, their richness and grandiose. These are best suited for the utmost formal events like Marriages and Engagements. Paired with the right footwear and accessories, these can give you a look that’s no less than royalty.
The Bundhgala or The Jodhpuri Suit
Whereas the Sherwani is longer, the Bundhgala is shorter and hip length. These too come in vibrant colours, beautiful prints, patterns and embroideries and are suited for formal events like Marriages and Engagements. These look great with jodhpuri pants and trousers.
Images: Ranveer Singh at Comedy Nights with Kapil, Pinterest
The Kurta
A mens wear staple available in almost every household and adorned by most Indian men. The beauty of this ethnic mens wear piece is that it can be worn with a straight Pajama, a churidar or a salwar. These give you a casual look. However, the more the bling and richness in fabric and embroidery, the more varied can be their wearability with respect to the occasions. These can be worn to engagements, poojas and festive celebrations.
Pair your kurta Panama with mojaris or juttis and throw on a blingy stole for that added hint of festivities.
The Pathani Suits
Another traditional outfit that’s very similar to a Kurta Pajama. The pathani kurta is collared, has epaulets, chest pockets and long buttoned sleeves and is paired with a loose salwar. It’s a great menswear option that makes one look all the more elegant and classy. The Pathani look can be made all the more attractive by adding a stole or a jacket.
Like kurta pajamas, these can be worn to engagements, poojas and festive celebrations.
The Nehru jackets
These are one of the most versatile pieces of mens traditional wear. Be it a Kurta Pajama, a Pathani suit or for that matter, a pair of shirt and trousers, a Nehru Jacket can transform one’s entire look from ordinary to exceptional. These can be worn to semi formal events like festive celebrations and engagements.
Short Kurtas with Denims
It’s the simplest of the looks with a very casual vibe and comprises of a hip-length kurta paired with denims. The look is more rugged but it’s functional clothing since it allows you to run around and finish your work and chores with ease and comfort. The kurtas are usually in cotton with minimal or no embellishments.
To up the ante, just throw on a jacket or a stole and pair your ensemble with traditional footwear like mojaris, juttis or kohlapuris.
Images : Pinterest, www.turbanking.com, www.shopveda.in, www.etsy.com
The Usual Shirt and Trouser
Oh, a pair of shirt and trousers does not qualify as traditional wear but these can definitely be accessorised to create an ethnic look.
How?? We will tell you …
- Go for printed shirts or pants instead of plain options (One at a time).
- Choose brighter colours for shirts.
- Put on a Nehru jacket, a scarf or a stole.
- Use Silk Pocket Squares. Yes, they look equally good with shirts.
- Instead of wearing plain solid shoes, wear the embellished ones.
- And Do not forget, your wrist watch.
Images : www.cravat-club.com
Exciting, right ??
Definitely, there’s no dearth of options when it comes to traditional wear for men. A little quirk and experimentation here and there can transform your entire look and personality. So, binge on your ethnic wear choices and present the best of you with élan and essence.
About the Author
It’s Raksha Bandhan Time. Celebrate this beautiful festival of sibling love with these beautiful Strands of Love called Rakhees.
