Indian fashion world is popular for its colourful, elegant and stylish
look. Wedding season and festive events drive Indian men to wear ethnic
outfits. Let’s browse through variety of styles and latest trend. You can
create your unique style statement choosing from plethora of options including
sherwanis, jackets, kurtas, indo-western and more. Below is a buying guide to
variety of ethnic wear ranging from formal to casual for different ceremonies
or occasions.
Upper wear or top
·
Formal ethnic menswear
Formal Indian ethnic wear is ideal for weddings, engagements, festive
and formal rituals.
Sherwani
Sherwani symbolizes royalty and prosperity. Traditional sherwani are designed
from silk, brocade, and rich cotton fabric. They have high neck collars, carved
buttons and are paired with dhotis or churidars. Accessorise like mala,
kilangi, dupatta, and jootis with sherwani enhances his overall look.
Sherwani types
Traditional sherwani
Sherwani design is basic. It has a simple straight cut with slight flare
towards the knee. It is either embroidered or embellished. Traditional sherwani
has that eternal quality, which is always in trend.
Asymmetric sherwani
Sherwani has asymmetric collar as well as a slit, which offers a stylish
look. You will find this sherwani designed in rich and exotic materials, each
season. For formal occasion choose asymmetrical sherwani designed from heavy
fabric. Team it with loose pants or churidars, matching jootis and duppata.
Jacket sherwani
Jacket sherwani is designed in different ways like buttoned or
unbuttoned, short or long jacket, etc. Pair off your jacket sherwani with
Patiala or dhoti n contrasting colour.
Indo-Western sherwani
The latest trend is to blend the desi-videshi style. Touch of Western to
an Indian outfit is called fusion wear. Kurta donned with formal jacket is
another semi-traditional design, which works great for engagement ceremonies.
Indo-western style sherwani includes a curved hemline, different high neck
collar styles and cuts. Wear this kind of sherwani with Patiala pants or dhoti
to create an amazing look.
Achkan
Achkan sherwani has a button placket in front, which falls to his knees.
You can either choose a patterned, plain or embroidered achkan in silk or
brocade. Pair it with choridar to gain the classy look. Achkan is ideal for
occasions like festivals, sangeet, and weddings.
Bandhgallas
It is a Chinese collared jacket falling on your hips that offer a
rugged, suave, and machismo look. You can buy foil printed or an embroidered
bundhgalla deisgend from velvet or silk for weddings or sangeet and pair it
with jodhpuri pants. Plain and patterned bundhgalla are also available, which
can be worn with trousers.
Indian suits
You will see cuts similar to Western suits. However, there will be an
Indian touch with regards to royal colours, fabric, and embellishments or
embroidery. The common suit colours are black, blue, grey, burgundy, and
maroon. Common materials chosen to stitch the suits are brocade and rich
cotton. The fabric is either embellished with sequins or embroidered.
1. Semi-formal ethnic
menswear
Semi formal Indian ethnic menswear is the best option for opening
ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, orations, and more.
Nehru jacket
Jawaharlal Nehru always wore a jacket, so the name. It is a flexible
piece of clothing, which can be worn over a plain sherwani or kurta. Nehru
jackets are available in plethora of styles and cuts. A simple Nehru jacket
changes the look of your whole attire.
Safari suit
Men with fine taste in fashion wear a safari suit. Wear khaki or neutral
coloured hip length jacket with matching pants but choose a contrast coloured
tee-shirt or shirt to be worn inside the jacket.
2. Casual ethnic
menswear
If you desire to wear something ethnic, comfortable, and stylish for
festivals or parties then below are some best choices.
Kurta
Fashion and trends keep on changing but demand for traditional kurta pyjama will
always remain in the men’s world. Kurtas are available in different kind of
fabrics including brocade, silk, and cotton. You get to choose from collared,
V-neck shirts [unbuttoned], Chinese collars, knee/hip length and short/long
sleeved. Embroidered or plain kurta has to be worn with contrast or matching
jeans or churidars.
Bandi
It is a waist coat, which is worn around casually during ceremonies and
weddings. Bandi worn with patterned or plain kurta looks cool. Pair it with
coloured or matching churidar, accordingly.
Lower wear or bottoms
Dhoti
Dhoti signifies classic and elegant fashion in ethnic menswear. Dhoti is
actually an unstitched material, which are 5-yards in length. It gets tied
around mid section and your legs. Bunch gets tied at midriff but people fear
that it will fall off in the middle of a wedding or function.
Fortunately, dhoti pants are designed around the archetypal Indian
dhoti. He just slips into it. The flare gives an illusion that you are wearing
a real dhoti. When you wear dhoti with sherwani, bandhgalla, Nehru jacket, or
kurta for style, it will certainly make heads turn.
Pajamas
Saying the word pajamas give a feel of nightwear. However, on occasions,
you desire to look handsome as well as comfortable. It is a versatile bottom
wear, which can be carried comfortably with sherwani or casual kurta style.
Salwar or patiala
Patiala is a loose lower clothing with pleats donned with knee length
kurta. Salwar pants can make you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Choridar or Jodhpuri pants
Jodhpuri pants or choridar are evergreen options. Jodhpuri pants are a
blend of choridar pants and classic riding breeches. Jodhuri pants silhouette
is flared till thighs then snugs from calves onwards.
Just like choridar they have gathers around the ankle. Silk is the
popular material for formal occasion because it is crisp and makes the flares
of Jodhpuri pants stand out. Stylize these pants with mojaris, jooties, or
Kolhapuris.
Palazzo pants
Palazzo pants are sensational attire, which was believed to be women’s
fashion staple but recently it was added to bridal fashion show. Palazzo wide
bottomed pants worn with knee length sherwani and embroidered jacket looked
sensational.
Different kinds of Indian men’s accessories
·
Turban
Turbans are necessary for a groom. It does not matter, if he is wearing
a formal suit, pajama kurta or a sherwani, wedding turban suits his face.
Banarasi Jamawar turban has short tail and decorated with shining items
and pearls on front and sides. Rajasthani turban has colourful dyed prints
embellished with cotton gotas, specially made for the groom is called ‘Sehra’.
Tissue pagri is lightweight designed from georgette or chiffon material
looks awesome. Jodhpuri style silk turban with lengthy layering and feathered
brooch are classic. India has myriads of turban types worn differently in
different states. Turbans or pheta or pagri can be either printed, plain,
printed, bordered or dye patterned. They can be designed from cotton, silk, or
brocade.
·
Duppatta
Indian kings wore a duppatta and turban. They regarded it as sign of
stature, elegance, and pride. As per old Indian tradition, Indian groom needs
to resemble a king. Hence the importance of turban and duppatta cannot be
overlooked, while dressing in ethnic outfits like sherwani and pajama kurta.
Duppatta gives a classy traditional and formal look.
·
Footwear
For traditional outfits like pyjama kurta, achkan or sherwani choose
mojaris or jootis. These elegant slip-ons are available in different sizes,
shapes, and designs. Jootis are closed in the back, while mojaris are open.
Materials used in designing jootis or mojaris are velvet, leather, and brocade.
Usually, mojaris and jootis are handcrafted and decorated with colourful
zari work, thread work, beads, and gems. With suits wear formal shoes that
complements your suit colour. Kolhapuris are also comfort, safe and stylish
option.
·
Jewellery
Adorn the turban or pagri with Kundan kalgi or sarpech to display his
traditional side. Iconic layered one side necklace or natural pearl strings
make him look sophisticated. String of emeralds looks dainty on his chest, when
matched with polka kalgi.
Precious gemstone layers around groom’s neck lend insignia to his poised
pose. Diamond and emerald brooches sit gracefully on plain light coloured
sherwanis. Cascading pearls interlaced around the pagri offers the groom a
bejewelled crown.
·
Optional accessories that also speak
Ethic cufflinks can be paired with sherwani. Metal cufflinks can improve
the grandeur of your tuxedo, on this special occasion. Stylish watch speaks
about your fashion style and sophistication. It adds to the overall look.
Now, that you know about the ethnic Indian groom’s wear, a belief that
dressing is only a women’s forte gets eliminated. It means you too can dress in
best outfits on your own wedding or your daughters or cousins wedding and look
stylist. Below are some ways for wedding guests to look their best.
Trendiest wedding guest menswear
What to wear -
On your daughter’s or son’s wedding
Wedding makes you think traditional but give it a modern and chic twist.
Go for bandis, bandgallas, or suits.
On your sister’s or brother’s wedding
Dress comfortably ecause sibling’s wedding accompany lots of
rsponsibilities. However, it also needs to be luxurious, so that you stand out
in crowd. Choose velvet bandhgallas or silk sherwani or brocade jacket.
On your cousin’s wedding
Just think about the fun without any responsibility and chances of
meeting new girls. Choose something cool and trendy. Go for a fusion wear but
make sure to wear a jacket that fits well. Slim fit kurtas with well-fitting
trousers or breeches draw positive attention.
On your sister-in-laws or brother-in-laws wedding
Dress in grandeur to gain an edge amongst far-off relatives. For
example, a designer bandgalla or an embellished garnet coloured jacket will do
wonders.
On your nephew and niece’s wedding
Obviously, you desire to look sophisticated as well as comfortable to
enjoy the dance. Wedding guest outfit colours suitable for nieces or nephews
wedding can be a white knee length kurta with dazzling black velvet jacket, or
bright pink kurta with white Nehru jacket.
On your yaar’s shaadi
Go like a bollywood star looking cool with kurta, turban, and dupatta.
Even a velvet suit with light coloured trousers will give a smart look.
On your colleagues wedding
Wedding guest menswear for attending a colleague’s marriage is to be
formal. Suits work best in spring or opt for dinner jacket.
There are some things an Indian wedding guest needs to avoid. Never wear
shorts or trousers, flip flops, jeans or T-shirts, white, back or red colours.
In brief, Indian wedding guest has to look elegant and decent but not cool and
funky. It does not matter, if the groom or the bride is a close friend.
Remember, there will be elder people present, so dress in a way that shows
respect and pride with a garnish of Indian taste.
Visit Nihal’s Fashion to choose an appropriate wedding guest or groom
attire to look sophisticated and in trend.
It does not mater, if the dulha avatar with epic sherwani and shehra or
the dapper man look in a tuxedo is opted for. The most crucial thing is to groom
and style in the best way on your own wedding.
Wedding grooming tips
o Aversion to putting makeup needs to be kept aside because you have to
look equally handsome like your gorgeous looking bride. Hire professional
makeup artist to make you look perfect for camera and lights.
o Start taking care of your skin in advance, so that it looks stunning in
the wedding photos. Drink plenty of water or consult a skin specialist for
specific skin issues like acne or tan lines or sun burns, if any.
o Focus on daily exercise, do things you adore and sleep for ample amount
even though courtship is fun. Sleep deprived look can ruin your videos and
pics.
o Avoid experimenting with hairstyles prior wedding. The chosen hair style
or colour can go drastically wrong. Go with hairstyles that looked good prior
and will also make you look the best on your wedding day.
o Same for face treatments. Follow trusted facials, only.
Wedding styling tips
o Blend harmoniously with bride’s style because co-ordination will make
you stick out as well-suited couples.
o Don’t ignore jewellery, watch, pocket squares, tie pins, buttons, and
cuff links. However, accessorize to add value to your outfit but don’t overdo
it. For example, massive belt, or large brooch or necklace which grabs all the
attention, is not right.
o A trial before the wedding date [one week] is crucial because fits tend
to change, especially if you are on an exercise routine.
o Vibrant colours add radiance for daytime functions. However, for night
or evening event pick dark shades like emerald or burgundy.
o Make sure that the length of sherwani, sleeves, and bottom wear is
sharp.
Besides all these, your smile is the most precious thing, which will
complement your overall appearance. Remember, smile and attitude can steal the
limelight. With all the knowledge about outfits and accessories, get ready to
don yourself perfectly.
