Trends In Western-Style Kurta Pajama Fashion

Summary: There was a time when fashion experts demarcated ethnic and western clothing. Today, the fashion world has become more fluid when it comes to stylish dress for men and women. Right from Nehru jackets to bandhgalas and asymmetrical kurtas, men's fashion is right on point on the fashion scale.

The rising popularity of Bollywood

The popularity of Bollywood movies has been instrumental in the emergence of the western-style kurta pajama. The trend started in the late 90s and is now gaining momentum with Indians across the world making it popular. Fashion designers have adapted the traditional kurta pajama and have made it into an outfit that fits the current fashion trends. Western-style kurta pajama is now counted as one of the stylish dress for men.

No longer the staple of Asian men, kurta pajamas have been sported by western celebrities like Robert Downey Jr, Gerard Butler, and Nick Jonas. Kurta in Urdu means a collarless shirt or a shirt without a collar. Stitched clothing was introduced in India by the Persians and ever since Kurta Pajama became the outfit of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Today, many avatars of this evergreen outfit are being worn by Indians and others across the globe.

Exploring Top Kurta Pajama Trends

Let's dive into the world of western-style kurta pajamas hottest new trends.

Sherwani

Sherwanis are classic wedding wear. The sherwani is primarily made of luxury fabrics such as silk and brocade, embellished with embroidery and decorative buttons. They're usually heavy, but fashion designers in recent times have managed to make them comfortable and lightweight. The cuts are bolder and experimental thereby making it a perfect stylish dress for men.

Nehru Jacket

Nehru jacket, as the name goes, was made popular by independent India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It was an ode to the new India where the leaders acknowledged its past and hope for the new future. The jacket is sleeveless and versatile enough to be worn over western and Indian outfits. Printed Nehru jackets are trending with youngsters who are experimenting with kurtas and shirts as casual wear.

Bandhgala Suit

Bandhgala originated in the city of Jodhpur, India. The Maharaja of Jodhpur, Sri Sardar Singh fused the traditional angrakha and colonial design and the classic bandhgala came into being. The outfit is a perfect blend of western-style kurta pajamas and is worn by Indian diplomats during various international events. It is mostly made from wool and is paired with both western and Indian pants. With brooches and pocket squares, one can make an individual style statement with this stylish dress for men.

Achkan

Achkans are sherwani's lighter and more versatile version. The origin of the achkan is fascinating, it was worn during the Mughal period and has its roots in central Asia. Achkan is a knee-length jacket with buttons on the side or in the center. They're made from light fabrics and are quite popular with the younger generation. Men sometimes pair it with a stole or leave it unbuttoned; they also experiment with the material. Achkans come in floral prints, light embroidery, or in monotone colors with brass buttons bringing in a touch of elegance. No wonder it is considered a stylish dress for men.

Short Jacket

The side button angrakha style achkan short jacket is a contemporary twist to the long jackets. Fashion designers from the subcontinent have successfully experimented with waist-length jackets in various prints and embellishments. Men have stylishly paired the short jacket in bright colors over monotone outfits. For summers, lighter jackets are paired with short kurtas and worn over denim pants or chinos.

Angrakhas

Angrakha means 'body protector' in Sanskrit. Like most kurtas, it has its origins in the Mughal court. Back then it was worn as a long tunic with a gathering at the waist and was made from cotton, silk, or brocade. Angrakha's contemporary versions are quite popular amongst the fashionable young. It is worn as a casual or traditional attire depending on the material of the fabric. The thread gathering on the side has made way for buttons that make it very comfortable to wear. The length of the kurta is either short or long depending on the occasion. Young men even wear it on top of faded denim pants. All in all making this versatile western-style kurta a stylish dress for men.

In Conclusion

The modern take on the traditional kurta pajamas has made it into popular wear. It has transcended borders but has still retained its Indian identity. The intervention of fashion designers and homegrown Indian brands has managed to spin it into a contemporary must-have item in the wardrobe.

Fashion-conscious can choose their pick from simple kurtas or bandhgala jackets for casual or semi-formal events. Jodhpuri bandhgala suit can easily replace the bow tie suit or corporate suit and still make a uber cool style statement for men.

Fashion brands who want to introduce indo-western outfits have to understand the trends and specific manufacturers for such clothing. Fashinza with its trend forecast and deep knowledge of manufacturers can help brands to make a foray into this segment.

Key Takeaways:

• As the population and reach of the Indian diaspora have increased, the western-style kurta pajamas are also making their point on the world stage.
• Young fashionable Indians are unafraid to experiment and are introducing multi-influence fashion to the world.
• Fashion brands can no longer ignore the fusion clothing market and the spending that happens during festivals and marriages in India.

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