The South-Asian subcontinent is home to a vast range of traditional Indian outfits for men and women alike. It can get quite overwhelming to decide between various styles for different occasions when there are endless options to choose from! 

If you’ve been on the hunt for a good traditional Indian wedding outfit and are confused between a sherwani and a kurta, relax and take a beat. Phera has a wide variety of amazing options in both these styles, so we’ve got you covered! 

Here are 5 key differences to help you understand the nuances between these two classics, and decide your Indian wedding outfit for your next wedding party!

 

Wearing the look:

The Sherwani is a long coat-like garment with a standing collar, usually worn over a kurta and paired with a churidar or straight-cut trousers. It used to be a royal attire worn by kings and noblemen in the sub-continent, but is now made in slightly toned down styles too.

On the other hand, the kurta is a versatile tunic-like garment typically paired with a churidar, pajama, or even jeans for a more contemporary look. Kurtas are quite comfortable and breathable, and are a staple among men’s Indian ethnic wear options. 

 

Lead by occasion:

The sherwani is a go-to Indian traditional clothing option for weddings, receptions, and other extravagant affairs. It’s a good choice of outfit for your own wedding day, or that of someone close to you, like a sibling or a friend. 

The closer you are to the bride or groom, the more embellished your sherwani will be. If you’re the groom, your sherwani ought to be the grandest of all. 

While the sherwani is a perfect traditional Indian outfit for the wedding day, pre-wedding celebrations like haldi and mehendi call for a comfy, stylish outfit like the kurta, ideal for the groom and the guests.

It sports an easy fit and a relaxed silhouette, making it the ultimate choice for low-key ceremonies, cultural festivals, indoor events, or simply meeting friends for a casual outing.

 

Comfort & practicality:

The fabric of the kurta is often a simple cotton or linen material, comfortable, elegant, and casually sophisticated for a long day full of wedding festivities. 

You’ll often find delicate embroidery around the neckline, cuffs, or hemline of the kurta which emphasizes its underrated charm. 

Whether you’re navigating crowded streets, running errands, or dancing the night away at a celebration, the kurta will accompany you throughout. What’s more? A kurta is versatile enough for an effortless transition from day to night!

Sherwanis, on the other hand, are an epitome of elegance. They are full of intricate designs, sequins, and elaborate embroideries. Since they are meant for really special events, they are made in premium materials to match up to the vibe of the important occasion. 

The structured silhouette of the sherwani is made in plush fabrics like silk, velvet or brocade. While the sherwani certainly commands attention, it may not be the most comfortable outfit for prolonged wear. Even subtle sherwanis in muted hues have a regal aura. 

Sherwanis are nothing but classic works of art!

 

Care & maintenance:

As deserved, a sherwani is a high-maintenance outfit. It needs to be professionally cleaned and stored carefully in wide-shoulder hangers to retain its structure. It’s better if you cover it up in a garment bag or a breathable cotton fabric to keep dust and moisture away.

Unlike the sherwani, kurtas are super low-maintenance among all men’s Indian ethnic wear. You can sport them casually with pajamas or jeans in traditional festivities. You can wash and store them with your everyday clothes, albeit gentle-washing will keep them in good shape for a long time. 

If you’re looking to splurge on an outfit for a close one’s wedding, or perhaps your own, a sherwani is your best option that you can never go wrong with. 

For those who desire a traditional versatile outfit for a wedding, get yourself a timeless kurta - simply stylish and evergreen. It is festive, casual, lightweight, and won’t burn a hole in your pocket!

Let’s recap:

	Sherwani	Kurta
1	Sherwani is tailor-made to fit the wearer, and is worn on formal festive occasions and celebrations. The groom or the groomsmen may wear the sherwani on the wedding day.	Kurta is usually a loose-fit garment worn for casual festivities and pre-wedding celebrations.
2	Sherwanis are often made in silk, velvet or similar heavier fabrics adorned with stones, embroidery, or zari work.	Kurtas are made of cotton, linen or other breathable fabrics. They may sport light embroidery or some minute detailing.
3	Usually worn over the kurta, the sherwani has a standing collar, and is worn with or without a stole.	Made with a lightweight material, the kurta can be worn with pajamas or jeans. It has a more relaxed and breathable feel to it.
4	Sherwanis have a history of being a royal outfit. Hence, they sport a standing collar with an open V-neck to display any jewelry worn underneath.	Kurtas have a normal round-shaped or V-neckline for a casual, everyday fit
5	Sherwanis need special care to store and maintain. Since they’re not an everyday outfit, they have to be professionally washed and taken care of, else they’ll lose their structure.	Kurtas can be washed and stored with your other everyday clothes. But, gentle washing and handling will keep your kurtas in good condition and make them last longer.

Whether you’re drawn to the excellence of the sherwani or the laid-back charm of the kurta, both garments celebrate our rich cultural heritage in their own unique way. 

Phera owns a classic range of impressive choices for both kurtas and custom-made sherwanis in both traditional and fusion styles, a rich variety for you to choose from!

With all options laid before you, we hope you now have a clear idea what your guest-ready outfit for this year’s wedding season will be!