Types of Pathani Kurtas for Men: Casual, Formal, and Wedding Editions

Types of Pathani Kurtas for Men: Casual, Formal, and Wedding Editions

Explore the different types of Pathani Kurtas for men—casual, formal, and wedding styles—with tips on fabrics, colours, and when to wear each.

If there’s one outfit that checks all the boxes for comfort, class, and cultural style in men’s ethnic wear, it’s the Pathani Kurta. Whether you’re lounging at home, attending a festive dinner, or gearing up for your own wedding, there’s a version of this kurta that fits the bill.

Originally worn by the Pashtuns of Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Pathani Kurta has now become a staple in Indian and Pakistani wardrobes. From casual cotton styles to rich silk editions made for grand weddings, this garment has evolved beautifully across regions and generations.

In this article, we’ll break down the different types of Pathani Kurtas for men—from casual daywear to formal office looks and wedding-ready outfits—so you can choose the right one for every occasion.

What Is a Pathani Kurta? (Quick Refresher)

Before diving into the types, let’s quickly revisit what makes a Pathani Kurta unique.

A typical Pathani Kurta features:

• A shirt-style collar (unlike the band collar of most kurtas)
• Full-length sleeves
• A button-down front (like a formal shirt)
• Side slits for comfort and movement
• A straight hemline, giving it a clean and structured look

Traditionally paired with a salwar, it’s also now styled with churidars, pyjamas, or even jeans in modern setups.

Casual Pathani Kurtas

Best for: Daily wear, casual get-togethers, summer outings

Casual Pathani Kurtas are all about comfort and simplicity. They are usually made from lightweight cotton or linen, making them breathable and ideal for Indian summers.

Key Features:

• Fabrics: Pure cotton, linen, or cotton-blend
• Colours: Neutral tones like white, olive, light grey, sky blue, and khaki
• Design: Minimal or no embroidery, basic buttons, relaxed fit

You can wear them with loose cotton salwars, straight trousers, or even denim for a laid-back, Indo-western look. Some men prefer rolling up the sleeves or leaving a couple of buttons open to keep the vibe easygoing.

Style Tip:

Pair a light blue cotton Pathani Kurta with beige chinos and brown loafers for a cool everyday look.

Formal Pathani Kurtas

Best for: Office functions, cultural events, family dinners

When you want to stay traditional yet polished, formal Pathani Kurtas hit the sweet spot. These are ideal for workplaces that allow ethnic wear on certain days, or semi-formal events where you want to look well-dressed without going over the top.

Key Features:

• Fabrics: Cotton-silk blends, terry cotton, khadi, poly-cotton
• Colours: Deep and solid colours like charcoal grey, navy blue, forest green, or maroon
• Design: Neat piping, clean cuts, sometimes contrast cuffs or placket detailing
• Fit: Slightly tailored, not too loose or too tight

These kurtas are usually worn with churidars, straight-cut trousers, or even dark jeans depending on the event. Footwear choices can include leather sandals, mojaris, or even slip-on loafers for an Indo-formal touch.

Style Tip:

A dark green khadi Pathani with off-white churidar and black Kolhapuris gives a sharp, no-fuss formal look perfect for festive office gatherings.

Wedding & Festive Pathani Kurtas

Best for: Weddings, sangeet, Eid, Diwali, receptions

This is where the Pathani Kurta truly shines. For weddings and grand occasions, these kurtas are made with luxurious fabrics and enhanced with embroidery or embellishments. They’re often worn by grooms, brothers of the bride/groom, or guests who want to make a stylish ethnic statement.

Key Features:

• Fabrics: Silk, brocade, jamawar, velvet blends, raw silk
• Colours: Festive and royal shades like maroon, ivory, gold, midnight blue, wine, emerald
• Design: Intricate embroidery on collar, placket, or cuffs, metallic buttons, designer detailing
• Add-ons: Can be paired with embroidered Nehru jackets, shawls, or contrast dupattas

These are more fitted compared to casual types and may even come with side pockets or angled hemlines for added flair.

Style Tip:

Go for an ivory silk Pathani with gold embroidery, matched with a maroon Nehru jacket and tan juttis—perfect for the groom or his close family.

Contemporary & Designer Pathani Kurtas (Bonus Edition)

Best for: Fashion events, destination weddings, reception nights

Today’s designers are reimagining the Pathani Kurta with a modern twist. From asymmetrical cuts to zip closures, high-low hemlines to layered styles, there’s a lot of innovation happening.

Popular Variations:

• Slim-fit Pathanis with tapered sleeves
• Kurta sets with printed or embroidered jackets
• Kurta-shirt hybrids with Mandarin collars
• Contrast panels or double-layered fabrics

These are great for style-conscious grooms or wedding guests who want something unique but rooted in tradition.

Style Tip:

A black high-low Pathani with metallic buttons and a printed silk jacket can be a showstopper at a cocktail or reception event.

How to Choose the Right Pathani Kurta for You

With so many types available, here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right one based on the occasion:

Final Thoughts

From casual brunches to lavish wedding receptions, the Pathani Kurta has carved a place for itself in every man’s wardrobe. Its ability to adapt across styles and occasions makes it a truly versatile and timeless piece of ethnic menswear.

Whether you prefer a simple cotton kurta for everyday comfort or a grand silk outfit for your big day, there’s a Pathani Kurta to match your vibe.

So next time you’re shopping for Indian wear, don’t overlook this classic. Choose the right type based on your event, accessorise smartly, and let the Pathani Kurta do the talking.