Indian Garments for Men: The Wardrobe Switch American Guys Didn't Know They Needed

Mounika Gade
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One of my friends, an engineer in his mid thirties and definitely not a "fashion person," texted me a picture before his buddy's wedding last month. Red kurta, sneakers, sleeves rolled once. "Is this okay?" he asked. More than okay, this ensemble gave him three compliments even before he sat down in his place.

This is pretty much a perfect encapsulation of what is going on with Indian men's wear in America at present. Men who have never considered ethnic clothing except for "that garment I borrow from my roommate" are now consciously purchasing these clothes and wearing them multiple times. It is no longer just another trendy article about a small niche segment of clothes; it is the story of how Indian men's garments became everyday menswear.

Why "Indian Garments for Men" Is Suddenly Everywhere

Interest in Indian clothing for men has been growing in recent times, not only when it comes to weddings. Let us see why.

More efficient wardrobe investment: It makes much more sense to invest in Indian clothing for men that is custom made for you as opposed to renting clothing which was never really meant for your body shape.

Modern fusion fit: Where classic kurtas used to be comfortable but less flattering, modern Indian clothing for men combines good fit, fashionable collars, and proportions to ensure that what you wear is truly an example of contemporary menswear.

Climate appropriate clothes: When one thinks about the heat of Dallas, the discomfort of wearing thick western clothes becomes evident from the very first moment. Indian clothing for men, especially kurta sets made out of silk and satin, provide you with light, breathable and fashionable clothing in every festive occasion of South Asia.

In other words, Indian clothing for men is menswear with cultural origins, modern proportions and versatility for all kinds of celebrations in the USA.

Indian Garments for Men: The Wardrobe Switch American Guys Didn't Know They Needed

Men’s Indian Kurta Set

Three Kurta Sets Worth Knowing (And Why They're Different)

Not all kurta sets provide the same solution. Here are three great examples of kurta sets explained, and here's why each one has a right to be in an Indian garments for men wardrobe.

For the Formal Event: Kairo Maroon Silk Kurta Set

This is the kurta set to wear when everything needs to be perfect: receptions, sangeets, and dinner functions. Silk is structured fabric that shines unlike cotton, while the dark maroon color does not photograph too flashy or costumey. This is the item that would make a great addition to Indian garments for men collection, if there was only room for one silk piece.

For the Subtle Touch: Blue Throne Kurtha

Not every party requires flamboyance. The Blue Throne Kurtha is a deep blue that can be worn at religious ceremonies, daytime events, or even evening dinners. This item has earned the place of the most sought after item under the broad umbrella of Indian garments for men category.

For Daytime and Warm Weather Events: Sky Aura Kurta Set

For those who have faced hot outdoor wedding ceremony in the month of September in Texas, then you know the importance of light fabrics. The Sky Aura Kurta Set comes in a lighter shade and is designed using fabric suitable to cope with the conditions mentioned above. It does not give any sort of trade off in terms of appearance while dealing with the situation.

Matching Fabric to the Occasion (This Is Where People Get It Wrong)

There is only one thing to get right when choosing your first Indian outfits for men: fabric should come before color. In descending order:

Silk — For indoor, night time, and formal occasions. Drape, but less breathable than other fabrics.

Cotton linen blends — Ideal for daytime and outdoors or prolonged wearing. Breathable and forgiving.

Silk cotton blends — Balanced combination of formal look and breathability.

If buying a garment for a particular date on the calendar, consider the event place and time of day first. Indoor, night time reception is a fine place for a more structured, heavy silk. Outdoor daytime event in a hot, humid city isn't.

How to Actually Wear These Pieces More Than Once a Year

The true worth of Indian clothing for men comes alive only when you wear it out of the closet in which it lies between marriages. A few tricks to help you use them as daily wear:

  • Wear sneakers instead of the usual foot wear for daytime or festival wear.
  • Put on a Nehru jacket as a layer over the kurta for a more formal look.
  • Roll up the sleeves, leave out the stole for a more laid back dinner party look.

This is the new attitude with which the category is being redefined: Indian clothing for men is not just for special occasions. They are outfits that can be worn at weddings, festivals, and even casual dinners just like any blazer.

Keeping These Pieces Looking Sharp

Here’s an outline of proper care, because well tailored Indian wear should endure for more than just one event season:

  • Silk and embroidered kurtas must be dry cleaned. No washing in the machine!
  • Use padded hangers for preservation of shoulders and drape.
  • Steaming is preferable to ironing right over any embroidery or zari work.
  • Keep in breathable garment bags and avoid storage in plastic bags!

Treat it as you would a well fitted suit, and it will survive multiple seasons.

The Bottom Line

Men's clothing in India has reached the level of premium men’s wear which can be worn during celebration times regardless of it being an outdoor wedding in the Texas heat, a festival dinner in the DFW region, or just an outfit which gives you that authentic character.

If you would like to know how the whole range of kurta sets looks when worn together as opposed to individual items, then visit our Agapi Clothing website to check out our collection of men's ethnic wear and have a look at our Mirror Edit Collection.

Blue Throne Kurtha - Agapi Men's Kurthi

FAQs

1: Which clothing would be considered as Indian clothes for men?

Kurtas and Nehru Jackets traditional and fusion wear which are appropriate to wear on festive, formal and casual days.

2: Are there any Indian clothes for men other than those used in wedding ceremonies?

Yes, in fact, cotton and linen blended kurta sets are perfect for casual outings, festivals, and dinner dates. They are not only formal.

3: Why is the Kairo Maroon Silk Kurta Set a great choice?

This is a silk kurta set designed for evening use with an elegant structured drape and vibrant colors which will look good in indoor lights.

4: Should I choose silk or cotton?

You should opt for silk when it comes to indoor and evening formal outfits. For outdoor and long period events use cotton or linen blended ones.

5: Is there anything else I should consider?

A complete curated collection of Indian clothes for men can be found in the Mirror Edit line.