Menswear Decoded: Style, Inspiration, and Tips

When it comes to wedding celebrations, your attire plays a key role in setting the tone – whether you're the groom or a guest. Understanding the various types of garments is essential to ensuring you're dressed to impress.

This guide explores popular wedding outfits, including kurta pajama, dhoti kurtas, pathani suits, bandhgala sets, sherwanis, and achkan styles. We'll dive into what they are, how to style each one, and the best occasions to wear them.

Casual Wear

1. Kurta Pajama

What is a Kurta Pajama?

• Kurta: A long, loose tunic top that extends to the knees, offering a blend of comfort and style.

• Pajama: Straight-cut, tapered trousers, usually tied with a drawstring or elastic.

Occasions: Perfect for daytime wedding ceremonies or casual pre-wedding events like mehendi or haldi functions.

Styling Tips:

• Opt for lightweight fabrics like linen or silk for daytime events, or embroidered versions for semi-formal evening occasions.

• Add a scarf for an extra style touch.

• Complete the look with sandals, loafers, or traditional juttis.

2. Dhoti Kurta

What is a Dhoti Kurta?

• Dhoti: A long piece of unstitched cloth, typically 4–6 yards in length, wrapped around the waist and legs in a specific style to resemble trousers. It is usually white or cream-coloured and often made from cotton or silk.

• Kurta: A long tunic, similar to the one described in a kurta pajama.

Occasions: A classic outfit, symbolising simplicity and tradition, ideal for traditional ceremonies such as pujas or paaths, or as a statement look for daytime events.

Styling Tips:

• Choose vibrant colours or traditional patterns for festive occasions.

• Pair with traditional sandals or juttis for a complete look.

3. Pathani Suit

What is a Pathani Suit?

Also known as a Shalwar Kameez

1. Kameez:: A long, straight-cut tunic, typically knee-length or longer. While similar to the kurta, a kameez is typically longer and more fitted.

2. Shalwar or Salwar: Loose-fitting trousers that are wide at the top and taper towards the ankle, sometimes gathered into cuffs. They are secured with a drawstring or elastic waistband for adjustability.

Occasions: Suitable for casual wedding-related events or intimate ceremonies with a cultural focus.

Styling Tips:

• Choose suits made from velvet or brocade to elevate the garment and make it suitable for evening or formal events.

• Add a bandi to elevate the suit for evening or more formal wear.

• Opt for the same colour shalwar and kameez for a sleek and sophisticated look.

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Formal Wear

1. Bandhgala Set

What is a Bandhgala Set?

Also known as a Jodhpuri Suit

• Bandhgala (AKA Bandi or Nehru jacket): A structured jacket (sleeveless or long-sleeved) with a high mandarin collar, typically embellished with embroidery. This is generally paired with a kurta underneath.

• Trousers: Slim-fitted or straight trousers that balance the sharpness of the jacket.

  
  

Occasions: Perfect for evening formal events, receptions, or cocktail parties. Lightweight bandis with more subtle embellishments are also suitable for daytime events.

How to Style:

• Opt for either complimentary or matching colours for the bandi and kurta or trousers.

• Pair with fitted trousers or churidars for a sleek silhouette

2. Sherwani

What is a Sherwani?

• Sherwani: A long, coat-like garment, heavily embroidered or embellished and typically made from dense fabrics like silk, velvet, or brocade.

• Trousers: Paired with churidar or straight trousers to maintain a regal, refined silhouette.

Occasions: A quintessential choice for the groom or guests during the main wedding ceremony or evening events.

How to Style:

• Pair with a churidar or dhoti.

• Add loafers or embellished juttis.

• Enhance with statement jewellery, like a brooch.

3. Achkan

What is an Achkan?

• Achkan: A knee-length coat similar to a sherwani but lighter in weight and with a more streamlined design.

• Trousers: Typically worn with churidar for a classic, sophisticated look.

Occasions: Well-suited for daytime ceremonies or as an alternative to the sherwani for groomsmen and close family members.

How to Style:

• Pair with churidars or straight-cut trousers.

• Choose lighter fabrics for summer events.

• Swap out buttons for detailed broaches to elevate the look.

There are myriad options for men to embrace tradition and charm at any wedding celebration. With the right attire, you'll feel confident and ready to make a lasting impression at any event.