Kurtas & Kurtis

Kurtas

Kurta is a Persian word adopted in Urdu & other languages, meaning ‘a collarless shirt’. It is a traditional type of dress worn generally by the people of Indian sub-continents. Kurta used to be one of the main clothing for the natives of Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. People used to wear it on different occasions like any festival or any fair or any family function. Kurta had different looks earlier such as sherwani, pathan-dress, golband and many more. Earlier kurta was worn by males only, but gradually it has become the most sought after clothing for ladies.

The kurta as the name suggests is typically without collars. However, over periods of time kurtas have started being designed with collars as well, the most common among them are as in sherwani and achkans which are either U-shaped or V-shaped around the neck. The traditional kurtas used in the earlier eras by the common men came without buttons, but as kurtas evolved some of them have buttons. The upper front portion is embroidered with threads of silk, cotton, gold, silver, or other material, upon any woven fabric, leather or paper.

Kurta is, without any doubt, a traditional costume originated in India. It is similar to a long shirt stretching up to the knees. Kurta could be an ideal top for jeans, trousers, salwars, or a pajama which should match and compliment well with the kurta in style and color. Kurtas also fit well with all regular Western bottom wears. These are suitable for extremely unique works like embroidery, stones, beads mirror etc… They are available in different lengths, sizes, designs and fabrics.

Kurtas have been a craze among fashionable young Indian women. Some are enchanting with fine unique embroidery work in pretty designs on them. Due to its smart look ladies love to wear it for a casual family get-together in the lounge or simply to participate in an afternoon tea with their friends outside in a park or a garden.

Embroidery, printed designs, embellishments with beads, laces, mirrors etc. also enhance the overall look of these fashionable kurtas. Beads and mirror work is often used to beautify these kurtas. The fabric used in Kurtas mainly depends upon the seasons. Summer Kurtas are made of cotton fibers or thin silk threads which are very light weight and soft in addition to making the wearer feel comfortable. Winter kurtas are made of thicker fabric such as wool or khadi silk, a thick, coarse, hand spun and hand-woven mixed with other fibers. Winter Kurtas provide style, fashion along with protection from cold.

The common fabrics used in Ladies Kurti are: Cotton, Silk, Wool, Georgette, Chiffon, Khadi silk, Satin, and Crepe.

Ladies kurta can be of following types depending on the fabric covering of the arm:

• Full sleeved kurta: This type of garment each lady would like to have it in her wardrobe. They can be worn by females of all age groups starting from kids, teenagers to working women. It gives a unique look to you. Innumerable designs and styles are available for full sleeved kurtas. Kurtas heavily embroidered around collars, upper front and wrist are best suited for wedding ceremonies or parties. These Kurtas are used in all seasons.
• Sleeveless kurta: Best suited for summers. The light weight and soft sleeveless kurtas are the most sought after clothing during hot weather. It is available with or without collars. The collared kurtas are designed with fine threads of gold, silk, cotton or other materials. Summer kurtas have chikan embroidery around the edges and upper front. As mostly used in summers the fabric must soak sweat, should be soft to skin and allow air to pass through.
• Half sleeved kurta: Absolutely perfect for offices, parties, marketing, travel. This kurta covers the arm upto elbow length and thus is indicative of an energetic approach to your attitude.

Cotton kurtas, available in many colors and styles with embroidery or beads, sequin and mirror works on them, are too comfortable to wear in summer and winter. Hand-crafted Indian kurtas are very comfortable and convenient for all seasons, especially during summer and winter. They look beautiful and radiant with varying textures and shades.

Kurti

The Kurti is one of the biggest fashion formulae created by fashion pundits. Indian Kurti (or the Tunic) is the ideal for year around wear. All you need to ensure is the right fabric, the right color, the right silhouette, and the right surface design at the right time. It can be worn anytime anywhere as it suits every age and season.

Unlike the kurta, Kurti comes across as the ideal Spring-and-Summer wear. With their `quick-fix' solutions, fabrics such as viscose georgette, polyester georgette and crepe blends form a perfect setting for rainy days. A bright color comprising dark hues that conceal stained and soiled spots are ideal. The length of the kurtis varies between mid-thigh levels and a little above the knee. Kurtis generally have a front opening.

The style could be `tight-fit' or `semi-fit'. Opt for slits that are not too long (between 10 inches to 12 inches). Cotton kurtis are suited to wear over jeans, skirts and capris. Printed kurtis, made out of fabrics like cotton, crepe, georgette, silk etc could be paired with formal pants and skirts. These are essentially any party wears with attractive embroidery, mirror, beads, zari, stones or sequin works on them.

Kurtis can be with cap sleeves, short sleeves or three-quarter sleeves. The traditional Salwar suits best with a kurti as it offers more fabric volume. Kurtis are also worn with slim-fit pants (ankle length, capris) to create an element of interest. Complete the look with dupattas, scarves or stoles. Teens and young ladies look wonderful and fabulous in an elegant kurti worn over jeans. The main advantage of this costume is, in it, one can do brisk walking, cycling and even sprints.