Kurtas have been a traditional wardrobe staple for men, combining tradition with comfort and fashion. From classic silhouettes rooted in culture to contemporary cuts designed to suit modern fashion tastes, men’s kurtas offer unmatched versatility. Be it festive gatherings, weddings, office events, or casual outings, there is a suitable men’s kurta available to dress for every occasion.
With a wide range of fabrics, fits, neck designs, and embellishments available, men can effortlessly express their personality while staying culturally connected. In this guide, we explore the different types of kurtas for men, highlighting styles and designs that suit every mood and moment.
Popular Types of Kurtas for Men Based on Style & Design
From timeless classics to modern fusion styles, here are some of the most popular types of kurta styles for men that never go out of fashion.
- Straight Cut Kurta: A timeless silhouette to have in every Indian men’s traditional wardrobe. It is a simple, easy-to-wear silhouette with a straight fit and side slits, suitable for all sorts of occasions and settings.
- A-Line Kurta: An A-line kurta features a tailored design that gradually flares out from top to bottom. The kurta has a fitted design at the shoulders and chest and starts to flare out as it reaches the hemline, creating an ‘A’-shaped silhouette.
- Asymmetric Kurta: The asymmetric kurta variation is a fairly modern silhouette and is popular among the modern crowd. It features a non-uniform or slanting hemline instead of a straight one. These kurtas often feature other modern elements as well, like a cowl neck or a deeper side opening, giving them a contemporary look.
- Angrakha Kurta: The angrakha kurta style is characterised by a special neck design that supposedly originated in western India (Gujarat and Rajasthan). This particular kurta style features a unique asymmetrical, overlapping panel design that fastens on one side. These kurtas have a fairly distinctive look and are perfect if you want to stand out.
- Pathani Kurta: This particular style of kurta originated from Pakistan and Afghanistan and is characterised by a rugged casual look, knee-length, shirt-style collar and shoulder flaps. These are best paired with loose salwar bottoms and are ideal for festive, casual, and wedding wear.
- Cowl Kurta: A cowl kurta is a modern iteration of the traditional men’s kurta, featuring an additional drape of fabric at the neckline or the hem. It creates a layered look combining traditional aesthetics with modern design elements. These modern kurta styles are best paired with slim-fit pants, dhoti pants, or churidars to achieve the ideal look.
- Sherwani-Style Kurta: A sherwani kurta is a knee-length, formal-style kurta/tunic designed with a regal aesthetic and structure similar to a sherwani. Unlike regular kurtas, this particular style features a fitted silhouette, a high collar, full sleeves, ornate embroidery and button closures, making these more suitable for formal and elaborate occasions like weddings and festivals.
- Cape Kurta: Cape kurtas for men are a modern iteration of the traditional outfit and are best suited for creating contemporary, dramatic looks. As the name suggests, this kurta style features an attached or a separate cape, often featuring intricate embroidery and detailing. The cape adds flair and volume to the kurta, creating a bold, fusion look ideal for casual party wear.
Different Kurta Designs: Fabrics & Colours
The fabric of the kurta determines its look and feel, making it one of the most crucial factors to consider when buying a men’s kurta.
- Silk: For festive wear and wedding-appropriate kurtas, silk is the ideal fabric. It has a rich, lustrous sheen and a luxurious feel, making it one of the top choices for men’s kurtas.
- Cotton: One of the most versatile options, cotton is a breathable and lightweight fabric, ideal for hot and humid weather.
- Linen: With a loosely woven, rustic look and excellent moisture-wicking properties, linen kurtas are best suited for hot summers. Whether you are heading for a destination wedding or just want to beat a hot sunny day in style, linen kurtas are an ideal pick.
- Brocade: Brocade kurtas are best suited for elaborate occasions like wedding events and festive occasions, as they feature metallic thread detailing and intricate details that are best suited for such occasions.
- Georgette: Georgette is not the most popular pick for men’s kurtas, but is still preferred for creating elegant, draped silhouettes like cowl and cape kurtas.
- Velvet: Perfect for winter weddings and occasions, velvet adds an extra layer of opulence and warmth to your outfit.
Trending Colours in Men’s Kurtas
The colour and print of the kurta should be aligned with the season, occasion, and theme of the event to make your look stand out.
- Pastel Colours: Soothing pastel hues like sky blue, blush pink, sage green, lavender, pale yellow, and peach are popular colour choices for daytime occasions, summer, and pre-wedding events like haldi and mehendi.
- Bright Hues: Vibrant colour picks like orange, fuchsia, green, blue, purple and yellow are ideal for both daytime and nighttime occasions, making them a crowd favourite.
- Jewel Tones: For nighttime occasions like cocktail parties and receptions, jewel tones like maroon, emerald green, deep burgundy, sapphire blue, and teal are some of the popular picks.
Kurta Wearing Style: How to Style a Kurta for Men
- Casual & Everyday Styling: For everyday casual looks, pair cotton or linen kurtas with jeans, chinos, or linen pants. Choose from a mix of pastel and bright hues and modern prints to brighten up your everyday kurta attire. Elevate the look further with suitable footwear like loafers or sneakers, a pair of sunglasses and a watch.
- Office & Smart Casual Look: For office wear, stick to cleaner cuts and sophisticated colours. Pair short kurtas with slim trousers or chinos in neutral hues, and keep the styling minimal with a classic watch and loafers or brogues.
- Festive & Traditional Occasions: To create festive kurta looks with men’s kurtas, choose luxurious fabrics like silk or satin in vibrant colours with embroidered patterns. You can pair the kurtas with Nehru jackets, stoles and traditional accessories like necklaces, brooches and mojris to create a cohesive look.
- Wedding & Special Functions: Wedding ceremonies call for fancier kurta options tailored from fabrics like silk, brocade, and velvet, featuring intricate embroidery and detailing. Complete the look with matching bottoms like churidars, straight-cut pants, or dhoti, jewellery pieces, a stole, and suitable footwear.
FAQ’s
What is the best type of kurta for summer?
Lightweight kurtas made from summer-friendly fabrics like cotton and linen are best suited for hot, humid weather. Choose soothing hues and minimal prints for a refreshing summery look.
Can you wear a kurta with sneakers?
If you are aiming to create a casual or smart casual look, then you can style your kurta with a pair of sneakers. Choose casual wear or a short kurta styled with jeans to pull off this look. Keep the look subtle with a pair of basic white sneakers or create a statement look with a chunky, multicoloured number.
What is the difference between a Pathani kurta and an Achkan?
The Pathani kurta style originated in the regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan and is characterised by its shirt-like collar, chest pockets, a rounded hemline, buttoned cuffs and shoulder flaps. This kurta style has a more casual vibe and is perfect for creating casual or semi-formal looks.
Achkan originated during the Mughal era and has a more fitted, structured look, ideal for formal wear. It is tailored from richer fabrics like silk and brocade, featuring a standing collar, intricate embroidery, and full sleeves.