Kurta is traditional clothing that is found in the South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Kurta is a long, loose shirt that falls just over or little below the knees of the person wearing it. A shorter version of kurta is called kurti and it falls a little over the knees, until the thighs specifically.
Kurtas have a great traditional-cultural significance in India. Kurtas are typically worn over loose shalwars or tight churidaars. Kurtas are also worn atop dhotis. Dhoti is traditional clothing of men hailing from rural or semi-rural areas of the subcontinent. A dhoti is a long piece of cotton cloth that is wrapped around the legs intricately and tucked near the belly.
In India Muslim men wear kurtas for the Friday prayers. Kurtas made of costly fabric are worn traditionally all over India by men belonging to all regions and cultures during wedding ceremonies and other related events. Designer kurtas for wedding are available in almost all popular cloth showrooms in India. Embroidered (gold and silk thread) kurtas and American diamond studded kurtas will be available in plush showrooms and the price range could be anywhere between INR 750 to INR 10,000.
Lucknowi chikaan kurtas and khaadi kurtas too be purchased from specific outlets from all metropolitan cities and semi-urban towns of India. Lucknowi chikaan kurtas are hot favorite among Indian men. The price of Lucknowi kurtas and Khaadi kurtas ranges from INR 200 to INR 3,500.
A simple cotton kurta can also be gotten stitched by a tailor. The sleeves of kurta usually fall unto the wrists. The necks can be modified and embroidered to improve the look of the garment. The South Asian tailor’s expertise in designing a kurta stands unparalleled. The buttons are replaced by precious stones and other attractive accessories to enhance the price and look of the garment.
The shorter version of kurta is called kurti and is worn by women usually as a blouse atop jeans or leggings. It is a typical mix of Indian and Western apparel culture. These days kurtis are in vogue and generally preferred as an informal/casual wear to offices and colleges. The lesser intricacy of the garment and lesser draping time makes it a hot favorite among girls and women.
Typically kurtis are made of thinner fabric. Kurtis are colorful unlike the kurtas. Kurtas come in limited color range whereas kurtis come in iridescent hues, embroideries, baathik prints and possible adornments that would make the women’s apparel exquisitely unique. Kurtis although popular among younger girls are worn by women of all age groups. The size range too is available unto the maximum.
Cotton kurtis having bobby dots, baathik print, or painted in natural dyes or Rajasthani cotton kurtis are worn during summers. Satin, chiffon or spun kurtis can be worn on a regular basis. The price range of kurtis is from INR 150 to INR 5000. Kurtis can be purchased from any Women apparel showroom. The price of kurti depends upon the quality of the fabric, intricacy of embroidery, the thread used for embroidery ( gold, silk) and the quality of buttons ( sometimes germs, pearls, and other costly stones replace the regular buttons).
Kurtas and kurtis are popular because of the level of comfort they offer. Kurtas, kurtis or tunics come in various hues like mauve, maroon, pink, magenta, red, violets and purples. They come stitched in finest cotton, georgette, crape, sati, khaadi and spun. Choose the one that suits your complexion and persona. Mentioned underneath are the tunics and tunics that are in vogue. You can even have a look at the price tag.
Black and white zebra print kurti – INR 260
South Indian handloom kurti with gold block design – INR 175
Cotton tunics with brocket printed chatai work (latest) –INR 500
Indian traditional silk crush kurti with machine embroidery – INR 900
Plain cotton kurtis with multiple colored embroidery – INR 440
Printed tunic cotton top with pink and black thread embroidery – INR 260
Designer Indian kurtis printed black and white screen – INR 700
You can just barge into any apparel showroom and select the kurta/kurti that is the latest.
Please share any information regarding the Indian kurtas, kurtis and tunics that you know. We would be extremely glad to hear from you.
Anu Veluri
