Men's Kurta — The Ultimate Buying Guide

Buying a kurta should feel simple. Yet most men stand in front of a rack — or a screen — unsure what separates a good kurta from a great one. Is it the fabric? The fit? The stitching on the collar? At Sheriff, we've spent over four decades answering exactly this question for men across India. This guide covers everything — from history and types to fabric, fit, and styling — so you can buy your next kurta with total confidence.

1. What is a Kurta ?

A kurta is a loose-fitting, collarless or mandarin-collar upper garment, traditionally falling from hip to knee length. Unlike a shirt, it has no full front button placket and no fitted waist — allowing complete ease of movement.

Quick Fact:

No fitted waist — designed for ease of movement
Can be worn alone, with churidar, or layered under a jacket
One of the most versatile garments in Indian menswear

2. A Brief History of the Kurta

The kurta’s lineage stretches back over a thousand years, Tracing its roots to Central Asian nomadic tunics, or upper body garments, of the late-ancient- or early-medieval era, the kurta has evolved stylistically over the centuries, especially in South Asia, as a garment for everyday wear as well as for formal occasions.. By the Rajputana era, it had been refined into a court garment — fine muslin and silk for royalty, cotton for everyday wear.

Legacy:

Refined as a royal court garment under Rajputana patronage.
Became a symbol of national identity post-independence
Silhouette largely unchanged in a hundred years

3. Types of Kurtas

Not all kurtas serve the same purpose. Understanding the category helps you buy with intent rather than impulse.

Popular Types:

Straight-cut Kurta – classic, most versatile silhouette
A-line Kurta – flares gently from the waist
Kurta Jacket Set – layered with a bandhgala, wedding-ready
Kurta Pajama – traditional two-piece
Indo Western Kurta – asymmetric, contemporary draping
Pathani Kurta – looser cut, distinctive front placket

4. Choosing the Right Kurta

The “right” kurta depends on your body type, the occasion, and how formal it demands you look. Buy what answers these three questions correctly, not just what looks good on a hanger.

Quick Tips:

Broad shoulders – straight-cut, minimal shoulder embroidery
Shorter height – knee-length, avoid ankle-length hems
Larger build – A-line for a flattering drape

5. Fabrics That Define the Look

Fabric determines comfort, drape, and occasion-fit more than any other factor.

Top Fabrics:

Cotton – breathable, ideal for daytime and summer events
Silk – rich sheen, structured drape, best for weddings
Linen – textured and relaxed, great for warm climates
Chanderi & Cotton-Silk – lightweight with subtle shimmer
Velvet – winter weddings, deep color saturation

6. Colors That Make a Statement

Color communicates as much as cut does — choose it with the occasion in mind.

Popular Colors:

White & Ivory – timeless, safest choice for weddings
Black & Charcoal – modern, sharp for evening events
Maroon & Wine – festive richness, Diwali and sangeet
Pastels – daytime weddings and mehendi functions
Mustard & Rust – Holi, Baisakhi, seasonal festivals

7. The Perfect Fit Guide

A kurta’s fit is judged at four points — get these right and everything else falls into place.

Fit Checklist:

Shoulders – seam sits exactly at the shoulder bone
Chest & Body – room to move, no excess billowing
Sleeve length – ends at the wrist bone
Overall length – mid-thigh to knee, traditionally

8. Kurta According to Occasion

Occasion	Fabric	Color	Styling Note
Wedding (Groom/Guest)	Silk, Silk-blend	Ivory, Gold, Maroon	Pair with jacket + mojari
Engagement	Silk-cotton, Chanderi	Pastels, Blush	Lighter embroidery
Reception	Velvet, Silk	Black, Wine	Structured jacket set
Festival (Diwali/Eid)	Cotton-silk	Maroon, Mustard	Statement mala or brooch
Office Festive Day	Cotton	White, Pastel	Minimal embroidery
Casual Family Function	Cotton, Linen	Any earth tone	Kurta with jeans works

9. Essential Kurta Accessories

The right accessories elevate a kurta from good to memorable — one statement piece is more elegant than several at once.

Must-Have Accessories:

Mala – layered gold or pearl strands for festive events
Mojari / Jutti – Completes your traditional look with timeless elegance.
Stole / Dupatta – Brings a regal touch for festive and wedding occasions.
Brooch – Adds a luxurious accent and elevates your ethnic style
Pocket Square – Introduces a refined pop of color and personality.

10. Footwear Guide

Footwear is the most overlooked — and most noticed — detail of any kurta look.

Best Options:

Mojari – traditional, curled-toe, festive and wedding wear
Jutti – embroidered, slightly more casual
Loafers – semi-formal, fusion styling
Sandals – Offer comfort while maintaining a relaxed ethnic appeal.
Kolhapuri Chappals – Blend traditional craftsmanship with timeless style for an authentic look.

11. Styling Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned buyers make avoidable errors — here’s what to watch for.

Watch Out For:

A kurta too tight at the chest, mistaking “fitted” for “flattering”
Pairing heavy silk with sneakers – breaks occasion consistency
Over-accessorizing with mala, brooch, and kamarbandh all at once
Ignoring sleeve length – too short reads as an ill-fitted shirt

12. Fabric Care Guide

Fine fabric deserves proper care to stay looking its best for years to come.

Care Checklist:

Silk & Velvet – dry
Clean only, Store on padded hangers
Cotton & Linen – gentle wash, mild detergent, low heat iron
Embroidered pieces – dry clean to protect zari and thread work
Storage – muslin garment bags, away from direct sunlight

13. Why Choose Sheriff

Since 1978, Sheriff has dressed generations of men across Jaipur and beyond — not through mass production, but hands-on craftsmanship: fabric sourced with intent, embroidery done by hand, fit refined over decades.

Our Promise:

40+ years of ethnic wear craftsmanship
Hand-finished embroidery on every piece
Fit refined for the Indian male body, across builds and ages

Shopping Checklist Before You Buy

Occasion identified (wedding / festival / office / casual)
Color matched to event and skin tone
Footwear and accessories planned alongside the kurta

Fabric matched to season and formality
Correct size measured at shoulder, chest, and length
Care instructions checked before first wear

Pro Tips for Every Kurta Buyer

Shop at least 2–3 weeks before your event

Try the kurta with the footwear you'll actually wear

Match fabric weight to the season, not just the color

Choose one statement accessory, not several

Confirm care instructions before the first wear

“A KURTA is more than clothing — it’s a reflection of your style, your story, and the traditions you carry forward. Choose wisely, wear it with pride.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Kurta?

A loose, collarless or mandarin-collar upper garment traditionally worn by men across South Asia, falling anywhere from hip to knee length.

How should a Kurta Fit?

It should sit precisely at the shoulder seam, allow room at the chest without billowing, end at the wrist for sleeves, and fall between mid-thigh and knee.

What Fabric is best for a kurta?

Cotton suits daily and summer wear; silk suits weddings and evening events; linen suits warm-weather festive occasions.

Which Kurta is the best for Weddings ?

Silk or silk-blend kurtas in ivory, gold, or maroon, typically paired with a jacket and mojari.

Can Kurtas be worn casually?

Yes — cotton or linen kurtas in straight-cut styles pair well with jeans or chinos for relaxed, everyday wear.

How many Kurtas should every man own?

At minimum, one festive silk kurta, one wedding-ready jacket set, and two versatile cotton kurtas for everyday and office festive wear.

What shoes go with a Kurta?

Mojari or juttis for festive and wedding wear; loafers for fusion looks; sandals or Kolhapuris for casual cotton kurtas.