STORIES BY MANYAVAR & MOHEY
Lifestyle
Decoding the Trends in Men's Indian Clothing
Date 11 March 2025 Reading time: 7-10 mins
Salwar in Delhi, dhoti in Lucknow, or lungi in Kochi - Indian men have been showcasing their regional heritage for ages! In a country as vast and varied as ours, men's Indian clothing is a glorious medley of colours, fabrics, silhouettes and drapes that changes every few hundred kilometres. Each area boasts unique styles and traditional attire.
From the rich brocades of the North to the handwoven dhotis of the South, and the colourful turbans of the West to the elegant kurtas of the East, these garments tell stories of identity and pride. Be it the flamboyant headgear of Rajasthan or the crisp veshtis of Tamil Nadu, join us on a sartorial journey across India as we unveil the treasure of traditional Indian men's clothing.
Get ready for a master class on nailing men's Indian wedding attire, whether you're the groom, his best buddy, or the coolest guest.
The Diversity of Indian Fashion
Indian fashion is as diverse as our people, languages, and food. And nowhere is this more apparent than in men's Indian clothing. Each state - nay, each district - boasts a signature style that sets its men apart. The dhoti-clad Tamil anna is worlds away from the pathani-suit-sporting Punjabi munda, but both exude an inimitable cultural charm.
The beauty of Indian menswear lies in its incredible range, from the simple elegance of a crisp cotton kurta to the regal grandeur of a proper sherwani. And the accessories - the turbans, the juttis, the kamar bandhs! It's these little touches that truly make an outfit sing.
Traditional Indian Men's Clothing: A Brief Overview
At the heart of traditional Indian men's clothing are two classics: the kurta pajama and the kurta dhoti. The kurta, a loose collarless shirt, is the building block of many-a-dapper traditional look. Pair it with pajamas, dhotis, churidars or jeans - it's the ultimate versatile player.
The dhoti, a long unstitched cloth draped around the waist and legs, is another mainstay, especially in the South and East when it comes to men's Indian clothing. It's an art form in itself, with various regional draping styles. Then there's the sherwani, the angrakha, the lungi, the pathani... each with its own storied history and cultural significance.
Regional Indian Fashion Trends for Men
The country's diverse culture is beautifully reflected in its regional fashion, in the traditional Indian men's clothing. Each state boasts unique styles, textiles, and garments that represent its heritage and identity.
Northern Indian Men's Fashion
Up North, it's all about the bling and the swag. Think vibrant phulkari pagris, zardozi-embellished sherwanis, mirror-work juttis. Punjabi grooms are known for their OTT men's Indian clothing especially, wedding wear - heavily embroidered kurta sets, kalgi-adorned turbans, and strings of pearls. Basically, if it shines, it works!
But even for more low-key events, Northern men love their fair share of pomp. A brocade Nehru jacket set is a popular pick for festive occasions.
Southern Indian Men's Fashion
Down South, the vibe for men's Indian clothing is more minimal and fuss-free. The mundu (dhoti) and shirt are the go-to combo for Malayali men, often accessorised with a thin gold border. Tamil and Kannadiga gents also rock the veshti (another word for dhoti) with equal élan, sometimes swapping the shirt for a crisp white kurta.
Weddings, of course, demand a bit more pizazz. Enter the pattu veshti - a silk dhoti resplendent with gold zari work. Paired with a matching silk kurta or shirt, and a traditional angavastram (a long scarf draped over the shoulder), it's a sight to behold. Men's Indian wedding attire in the South often goes a step further with elaborate silk sherwanis and dhotis, complete with ornate gold jewellery.
Eastern Indian Men's Fashion
Men's Indian clothing in the East is a melting pot of influences, from the tribal to the royal. In Odisha, men proudly don the patta, a shorter version of the dhoti, often with intricate ikat weaves. Bengal is the land of the pristine white dhuti (yep, another name for dhoti).
But the star of the show is undoubtedly the Assamese mekhela chador. Worn by both men and women, this two-piece wonder features a skirt-like bottom (the mekhela) and a shawl-like top (the chador), often in stunning silk or muga fabric. It's a true work of art, a testament to the region's rich textile heritage.
Western Indian Men's Fashion
In the West, it's a riot of colours, mirror-work, and bandhani prints. Gujarati men are known for their love of all things bright and bold, from sunny yellow kurta jacket sets to shocking pink turbans. And let's not forget the classic Gujarati kediya, a short, angled jacket worn over the kurta.
On the other hand, men's Indian clothing in Maharashtrian fashion is a tad more sombre, with earthy hues and simple silhouettes. The Brahmin dhoti, worn in a distinctive "pancha kaccha" style, is a common sight, as is the pheta, a tightly wound turban. But come festival time, the pavada (a silk kurta) and the shela (a silk shawl) make a grand appearance, often in rich shades of purple and green.
Men's Indian Wedding Attire: A Regional Breakdown
This exploration of state-wise fashion trends for men's Indian wedding attire highlights the rich culture of our country, celebrating the unique influences and traditions that make each region's clothing distinct and meaningful.
Northern Indian Wedding Attire for Men
Northern grooms go all out with their wedding wear, and rightly so! An achkan-style sherwani is a popular choice - it's a longer, more regal version of the standard sherwani, often with intricate zardozi or dabka work. The churidar pants are equally ornate, and the look is topped off with a matching turban and a pearl necklace.
Southern Indian Wedding Attire for Men
South Indian grooms keep their men's Indian clothing classic with a white or off-white silk dhoti and kurta combo, accessorised with a heavy gold border and loads of temple jewellery. The angavastram adds a regal touch, and the look is finished with a silk turban or a traditional cap.
But for the engagement or reception, many Southern grooms are now opting for a more modern kurta pajama look, sometimes with a short jacket or a waistcoat. It's a nice blend of traditional and contemporary, perfect for the millennial man.
Eastern Indian Wedding Attire for Men
In the East, grooms often stick to traditional weaves and fabrics, like the Benarasi silk kurta or the Assamese muga sherwani. The dhoti is a staple, either in a simple cotton weave or a more ornate silk version.
But what sets Eastern grooms apart are the unique accessories - the Assamese gamosa (a woven scarf), the Bengali topor (a conical headgear), and the Odiya pagadi (a triangular turban). These little touches add so much character to the overall look.
Western Indian Wedding Attire for Men
Western grooms bring their signature to the men's Indian clothing for the wedding with loads of mirror work, embroidery, and bright pops of colour. The Gujarati groom is a vision in a heavily worked sherwani, often in a bold shade like red or fuchsia, paired with a matching turban and mojris (pointy-toed shoes).
The Maharashtrian groom, on the other hand, keeps it more subdued with a beige or white kurta and dhoti combo, spiced up with a colourful pheta and a pearl necklace. But the real showstopper is the mundavalya, a string of pearls tied around the forehead - talk about a statement piece!
The Final Word
Whether you're a kurta pajama kind of guy, a sherwani-loving sophisticate, or a dhoti-draping dude, carry everything with confidence and you're ready to slay. There's an Indian look out there for everyone.
And the best part? You don't have to look too far. Check out Manyavar which has an incredible range of men's Indian clothing, from classic kurta sets to trendy pancha sets. So, kick start your wedding preps and have a dhamakedar Shaadi, Manyavar Wali!
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