Festive Vibes: 5 Ways to Style Men’s Kurta Pajama
The Indian ethnic wear market reached $197 billion last year, with projections indicating it will triple by 2033. That's no surprise—the festive season and weddings turn us all into fashionistas.
Amidst the colorful lights, mouthwatering smell of gujhiyas, and endless parties…hunting for that perfect festive dress is not so easy, especially for men. With the fashion world changing at the speed of light, one outfit that never got sidelined by trends is the Men’s Kurta Pajama.
If you are confused about your outfit for the next big celebration at home, this blog is just for you. This blog will help you select the right kurta pajama for weddings for you and give you style secrets to ace your presence at the party.
How To Choose The Right Kurta For You?
How To Choose The Right Kurta Pajama For You?
Selecting the perfect kurta pajama requires attention to several key factors that complement your body type, occasion, and personal style.
Consider Your Body Type: If you're tall and lean, opt for longer kurtas with slim-fit pajamas to enhance your frame. For heavier builds, straight-cut or A-line kurtas with comfortable regular-fit pajamas create a balanced silhouette. Shorter men should choose kurtas that end mid-thigh to avoid overwhelming their height.
Fabric Selection: Choose breathable cotton for daily wear and summer events. Silk and brocade work beautifully for weddings and formal occasions, while linen offers comfort for semi-formal gatherings. Consider khadi for a traditional, textured look.
Occasion Matters: Plain or subtly embroidered kurta pajamas suit casual outings and office wear. Heavily embellished designs with intricate work are ideal for weddings and festivals. For religious ceremonies, stick to traditional colors like white, cream, or pastels.
Color Coordination: Fair complexions can carry both light and dark shades, while darker skin tones look stunning in jewel tones, whites, and earthy colors. Match your pajama color to your kurta or choose complementary shades for visual interest.
Fit and Comfort: Ensure adequate shoulder width and arm length. The kurta should allow easy movement without being baggy. Pajamas should sit comfortably at your waist with proper drawstring adjustment.
Length Preference: Traditional kurtas fall between knee and mid-calf, while contemporary styles may be shorter. Choose based on your comfort and the formality of the occasion.
5 Ways To Style Men’s Kurta Pajama:
1. Classic Traditional Look
The classic way of wearing a kurta pajama is simple and elegant. Start with a cotton or silk kurta that fits right and is in a solid color of white or cream or a pastel color. Pair it with matching straight-cut pajamas that fit at the ankle.
Finish with traditional leather mojaris or juttis in a matching color. For formal occasions (weddings, festivals, or religious ceremonies) you can add a Nehru jacket or waistcoat in a contrasting color.
You should also keep it simple with accessories (watch and perhaps a traditional brooch on the Nehru jacket).
This style works very well for festivals, pujas, and family get-togethers. Fit is the key: the kurta should fit just below the knee, and the pajama should fit comfortably, neither too loose nor too tight.
Stick to handloom fabric (or a thin cotton) with simple embroidery along the neckline or cuffs for added sophistication without being fussy.
2. Indo-Western Fusion
Achieve a modern look by combining the old with the new. Select a shrunken or mid-length kurta and instead of teaming it with traditional pajamas, opt for slim-fit denim jeans or chinos.
When picking a kurta, especially if you are going for the contemporary fusion look, look for kurtas with unique modern cuts; we recommend mandarin collars, asymmetric hemlines or side slits.
Footwear here is a pivotal part of the outfit; we recommend swapping out the traditional mojaris for leather loafers, white tennis shoes, or even rugged boots for a more edgy look.
Additionally, you can achieve a more relaxed and casual look by rolling the sleeves of the khaki to three-quarter length. Add layers when it is cooler by teaming the khaki with a denim or leather jacket.
Aviator sunglasses, a leather strap watch, and a messenger bag are perfect accessories for this fusion look! This stylish outfit works perfectly for casual outings, brunches, college events, and even creative workspaces. You can also play around with a printed or textured kurta atop solid-colored bottoms to keep the entire outfit well-balanced.
3. Festival Ready Statement Look
Make a bold and stylish impact on any festive occasion with a heavily embellished kurta pajama that will surely turn heads in your direction. Select a kurta pajama in bold jewel tone colors like royal blue, emerald green, maroon, or gold with heavy embroidery, heavy zari work, or heavy mirror work.
Pair this kurta pajama with matching or contrasting solid color bottoms and a heavily embellished dupatta draped on your shoulders for that grand look.
Pair this outfit with traditional kolhapuri chappals or embellished mojaris. Sound too extravagant? Not to worry, you can add your own accessories: a statement watch, cufflinks (if your kurtas have buttoned sleeves), or a traditional turban or safa (for weddings).
You can add your own silk or brocade stole underneath your dupatta for additional elegance. This is the perfect style to wear for Diwali, Eid, or sangeet celebrations or as a wedding guest.
The key is to make sure you are balancing the weight of embellishments. If your kurta is heavily embellished, then everything else should be minimal to tie the whole look together.
The idea is not to attract too much attention. You want to have fun while you look incredible during a festive occasion and not be secretly cautious.
4. Minimalist Modern Aesthetic
You can adopt modern minimalism by selecting silhouettes that are simple and colors that are neutral. Try a kurta in a solid color (the classics: black, grey, navy, or earth tones) and without an elaborate embellishment.
Opt for lightweight contemporary materials, such as linen blends or matte finishes, cut in contemporary fashions, like straight lines, Chinese collars, or button-down styles.
Opt for churidar pajamas or slim-cut traditional bottoms that allow you to maintain longitudinal lines for a minimal look.
Keep shoes easy: leather sandals, slip-on minimal shoes, or modern juttis in solid colors. Keep accessories functional and not flashy: a leather watch, slim rings, or a simple, small pendant necklace.
This broken-down minimal aesthetic is ideal for intimate gatherings, art gallery openings, or modern Indian weddings, or nice dinner parties.
What makes this aesthetic intentional is the quality of the fabric and fit rather than embellishment.
5. Layered Ethnic Elegance
To achieve layering and create added appeal with a kurta pajama, begin with your best-fitting kurta and thoughtfully add your layers in a curated top-down approach.
A longer length Nehru jacket (preferably mid-thigh length) in contrasting or even complementary colors to your kurta would add depth and overall gravitas to the outfit.
A slightly shorter length waistcoat with an intricate or unique pattern would be a simple yet elegant way to layer while creating a tailored look. For added drama, consider layering a longer length cape jacket over your kurta.
For lower levels of the outfit, wear a pajama that color-coordinates or a contrasting color that offsets the layers above, and churidars can work nicely in this layered look, so keep that in mind.
To add even more levels of layering, consider complementing the outfit with a dupatta or stole across the shoulder. Footwear should lean traditional, and if so, consider elevated or adornment mojaris, khussa shoes (deep leather).
Other accessories can include a miniature pocket square, a brooch, or a traditional kada-style bracelet.
This style will be great for an appearance at sangeet nights, reception ceremonies, and high-level festive appearances where entering and exiting are paramount.
There you have five ways to style your festive kurta pajama and have fun while doing it. I hope you slay this wedding season.