meghana
Most Indian women have embraced kurtas as an integral part of their lives simply because these outfits are versatile, elegant, and comfortable. In particular, straight kurtas have become a staple for women of all age groups in the country.
There seems to be something for everybody when it comes to designer kurtas for women, with a few options available for every occasion. The beauty of this Indian ethnic wear is such that women can flaunt it: both as a formal and casual outfit. Though there is no specific way to wear straight kurtas without matching bottom wear, its appearance might fall flat. Subtlety is the underlying secret to wearing straight kurtas.
History
During the early 19th Century, the popularity of kurtas increased as artists, scholars, and poets began wearing these outfits. Compared to diverse fabrics, designs, patterns, and prints available today, kurtas were the go-to option. In that era, cotton was the most common fabric for making kurtas. The second most popular fabric was silk, which was popular during special occasions like festivals or religious events. Besides, wearing silk was a sign of wealth and a higher social status.
In the 1960s and 70s, the hippie movement further popularized kurtas as people found these outfits comfortable to wear and reflected their carefree attitude.
Ideal for All Occasions
When we talk about fabrics, designs, prints, and details involved while creating kurtas, the varieties are endless. Kurtas are now available in all types of styles, starting from short to long, from hand block printed to the more elaborate ones with detailed work. There are kurtas for all sorts of occasions.
Straight kurtas are the simplest among the diverse range of ethnic outfits available in India. Yet they are versatile and suitable for any season or event. Particularly, during the scorching and humid Indian summers, cotton kurtas are ideal for comfort and effortless styling. Similarly, straight handloom or woolen kurtas are useful during winters to get that warm comfort.
On the other hand, straight silk kurtas with heavy embroidery are an excellent choice for a festival, wedding, or a party to display Indian ethnic styling in a subtle way. Mainly, cotton kurta for women is great as day-to-day or office wear.
Pairing Up of Different Outfits with Kurtas
There are various regional styles of straight kurtas, including Hyderabadi, Lucknow, amongst others. The Bhopali kurta (originated from Bhopal) is a loose kurta that has pleats at the waist. It is like a flowing drape similar to a skirt reaching between the knees and ankles. These kurtas pair up well with straight pajamas.
Straight Kurta and Leggings
These days, women’s kurtas go well with leggings. This outfit has become quite popular in the Indian subcontinent, and also among the Indian communities in Singapore and Malaysia.
Straight Kurta and Jeans
Women often wear straight kurtas with a pair of denims instead of pajamas or leggings. Most plain and printed straight kurtas match with blue jeans.
Trivia
- Kurtas for the Summer are commonly available in embroidery;
- Kurtas with collars are a go-to outfit in the modern era. Earlier, kurtas did not have collars;
- In Persian, kurtas referred to as “collarless shirts.”
The Way Forward
Kurtas are those ethnic Indian dresses that have gone beyond the borders and have evolved to suit the modern-day requirements of style and comfort. To explore a huge variety and range of kurtas, shopping for women’s kurta online can be a convenient option.
