Kurtas have remained as an evergreen outfit in India, loved by both men and women for centuries. In earlier times, cotton kurtas were preferred for daily wear because of the warm climate, whereas silk kurtas were reserved for rich families and festive occasions.
By the 1960s and 70s, loose kurtas became a popular fashion statement among the youth. Today, kurtas no longer remain traditional but are a stylish, versatile outfit choice suitable for casual, formal, and festive settings. With so many options, this article on kurta designs for men will help you pick the right style for every occasion.
Top Kurta Designs for Men
Kurtas are versatile outfits for casual, festive, and formal wear. Below is a quick guide to different kurta styles and the occasions they suit best.
|
Kurta Style |
Description |
Best For |
|
Angrakha Kurta |
Overlapping panels tied with strings, inspired by royal Indian attire. Often decorated with embroidery or prints for a rich ethnic look |
Weddings, festive occasions, cultural celebrations |
|
Asymmetric Kurta |
Designed with an uneven hemline or neckline, offers a trendy appeal to this traditional outfit. |
Parties, festive functions, casual outings |
|
High-Low Kurta |
Features a shorter front and longer back, offering flow and movement while maintaining an ethnic touch |
Semi-formal gatherings, evening events, weddings |
|
Straight-Cut Kurta |
Simple straight silhouette with side slits, neat and versatile, suiting almost every body type |
Daily wear, office gatherings, religious or cultural events |
|
A-Line Kurta |
Flared from the waist, forming an “A” shape. Offers a graceful, flowing and comfy look |
Festivals, family gatherings, daytime functions |
|
Cowl Kurta |
Draped fabric that gathers at the front or sides. Layered look adds more style to this outfit |
Cocktail nights, receptions, Indo-Western events |
|
Pathani Kurta |
Inspired by Afghan fashion with a relaxed fit, full sleeves, shirt collar, and buttoned placket for a strong and masculine look. |
Eid, cultural programs, formal events |
|
Sherwani-Style Kurta |
Long kurta inspired by sherwanis, usually made with rich fabrics and embroidery, offering a grand and regal look |
Weddings, receptions, engagements, festive celebrations |
|
Cape Kurta |
Comes with a cape layer either attached or separate that can be draped over the shoulders |
Designer events, weddings, festive nights |
Angrakha Kurta
The Angrakha kurta design for men has overlapping layers that can be fastened with strings on the front. This design, which is inspired by royal Indian attire, carries a classic and traditional charm. You can wear this kurta for weddings, festive occasions, and cultural celebrations. Also, these kurtas are often made in vibrant shades and are commonly decorated with prints, embroidery, or detailed patterns to enhance their ethnic look.
Asymmetric Kurta
An asymmetric kurta that is designed with an uneven hem or neckline offers a stylish and modern touch to this traditional outfit. Contrary to the regular straight cut kurta, this asymmetric kurta provides a fresh and trendy appeal. It is an excellent choice for weddings, festive functions, or parties when you want to stand out. Pair an asymmetric kurta with slim-fit trousers or tapered pants for a sharp and classy look.
High-low kurta
The high-low kurta, designed with a shorter front and a longer back, creates a flowing and stylish look. This special feature of this kurta is that it offers extra shape and movement, making it a modern and easy-to-wear ethnic outfit for men. It is a versatile casual kurta for men with jeans that can also be paired with cigarette pants or slim pyjamas for a smart appearance.
Straight-cut Kurta
One of the most popular kurta designs for men is the straight-cut kurta. It has a straight shape with side slits, giving it a neat appearance. This simple design flatters almost every body type and is perfect for everyday wear, office gatherings, or traditional occasions. It can be paired easily with churidar, pajamas, or jeans for a balanced look.
A-line Kurta
The A-line kurta has a flared design from the waist, creating an “A” shaped outline. It provides extra space around the hips, making it easy and comfortable to wear all day. This kurta, perfect for festivals, family events, or daytime celebrations, can be paired with churidar or slim-fit pants for an elegant finish.
Cowl Kurta
The cowl kurta, which is designed with extra fabric, falls in soft drapes or gathers along the front or sides. The layered look of this kurta leaves a stylish structure. It blends traditional charm with a modern, high-fashion vibe and is perfect for cocktail nights, receptions, or Indo-Western occasions. Dhoti pants or slim-fit bottoms can be paired with the cowl kurta.
Pathani Kurta
The Pathani kurta, hailing from Afghanistan, is known for its relaxed fit and straight cut. It usually comes with full sleeves, a shirt-like collar, and a buttoned front placket. This kurta design for men offers a bold and masculine appearance that looks perfect for Eid, cultural celebrations, or formal events. You can wear a Pathani kurta with salwar or loose-fit pyjamas.
Sherwani-Style Kurta
Inspired by the traditional Sherwani, this long kurta for men adds a regal touch to this outfit. They are usually made from rich fabrics and often decorated with embroidery, buttons, or other detailed work. This Sherwani-style kurta for men, which is lighter and easier to wear than a sherwani, still carries a grand and formal appeal. They are ideal for weddings, engagements, and festive celebrations, and look best when paired with churidar, Jodhpuri pants, or other formal bottoms.
Cape Kurta
Cape kurtas come with an added cape layer, either attached or separate, and rest over the shoulders. This extra layer that adds a stylish and dramatic touch to this outfit is an excellent choice for men who like experimenting with bold and modern looks. Cape kurtas are ideal for festive nights, weddings, or designer events.
Best Fabrics for Men’s Kurta
The kurta fabric for men is as important as selecting the perfect kurta design. The material of your kurta not only affects the comfort of your outfit but also decides how stylish and suitable it looks for different occasions. Here are some popular fabric choices for men’s kurta:
- Cotton: It is a soft, lightweight, and breathable fabric, which makes it perfect for hot weather. It can keep you cool and comfortable for long hours and is best suited for casual outings, daily wear, or summer days. Cotton fabric is common in straight-cut, A-line, and Pathani kurtas.
- Linen: It is an airy fabric for a men’s kurta that offers a smooth texture and crisp look. It is excellent for staying fresh in warm climates and works well for semi-formal or casual events. It is often used in straight-cut and high-low kurta styles.
- Silk: This rich, glossy, and elegant fabric adds a luxurious touch to men’s kurta, which makes it ideal for weddings, receptions, and grand occasions. Silk fabric pairs beautifully with sherwani-style and cowl-style kurtas. Also, these silk kurtis are often decorated with embroidery or fine detailing.
- Chanderi: It is a mix of silk and cotton fabric that feels light and shiny, which is perfect for festivals and formal or semi-formal events. It is commonly used in Angrakha and high-low kurtas, and is known for its delicate patterns and neat finish.
- Rayon: This smooth and flowy fabric offers a stylish drape that is comfortable and easy to style. It is ideal for evening outings, parties, or casual get-togethers. Also, rayon fabric is best suited for asymmetric and cowl kurta designs.
- Khadi: This traditional handwoven fabric made of natural cotton is eco-friendly, durable, and adds a natural grace. It is perfect for casual wear, cultural events, or eco-friendly fashion, and is popular in straight-cut and Pathani kurtas.
- Blended Fabrics: Mixed fabrics like cotton-silk, cotton-poly, or viscose offer comfort and durability. They are easy to maintain and are a versatile choice for different occasions. They are suitable for daily wear and festive outfits and are often seen in embroidered or printed kurta designs.
Takeaway
Men’s kurtas, which were once worn only for ethnic occasions, have now become a part of everyday fashion too. With so many options in kurta designs for men, you can easily find a look that suits casual outings, festive events, or formal gatherings, all while staying comfortable, traditional and fashionable at the same time.
Shop the perfect kurta for men at Nivra, designed to keep you comfortable and bring style to every occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions on Kurta Designs for Men
Which kurta design is best for weddings?
The most popular men’s wedding kurta designs are Cape, Sherwani-style, Asymmetric, and Angrakha.
What fabric is best for daily wear kurtas?
Cotton and linen are the best fabric choices for men’s daily wear kurtas.
Can men wear kurtas casually?
Yes, men can wear kurtas casually, especially short kurtas made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, which are great for daily wear, casual outings, or a comfortable day at work.
Which kurta style suits slim men?
For slim men, A-Line, Angrakha, or cowl-style kurtas add more shape and structure, while straight-cut kurtas offer a clean and polished appearance.
