The Haveli Blog · Clothes & Crafts

Kurta, Pajama and Sherwani: A Simple Guide to Indian Clothes for Every Occasion

By the Hindi Haveli team · October 28, 2026

Got an invitation to an Indian wedding, a Diwali party or a temple event, and wondering what to wear? You are not alone. Indian clothing has a lovely, practical vocabulary, and once you know a few words, choosing an outfit, or shopping for one, becomes much easier.

This guide covers the most common Indian clothes for men and women, what each one is, when to wear it, and the Hindi words and phrases you need. We will save the saree for its own article.

The kurta: India's everyday classic

A कुर्ता (kurtaa) is a long, loose shirt that usually falls somewhere between the hips and the knees. It can be simple cotton for everyday wear, or silk with embroidery for a wedding. Men, women and children all wear kurtas, and they are comfortable in hot weather, which is one reason they have lasted for centuries.

A shorter kurta for women is often called a कुर्ती (kurtee), and is commonly worn with jeans or leggings.

What goes with a kurta

Bottoms

  • पाजामा (paajaamaa): loose drawstring trousers
  • चूड़ीदार (chooReedaar): fitted trousers that bunch at the ankle like bangles
  • सलवार (salvaar): roomy trousers that narrow at the ankle
  • धोती (dhotee): a long unstitched cloth wrapped around the waist and legs

चूड़ीदार (chooReedaar) is a fun word. चूड़ी (chooRee) means bangle, and -दार (-daar) means "having." So chooridar trousers are "trousers with bangles," because the extra length gathers at the ankle in rings that look like bangles.

And yes, the English word "pajamas" comes from पाजामा. In India, a पाजामा is everyday clothing, not just something to sleep in.

Outfits for women

Salwar kameez

The सलवार कमीज़ (salvaar kameez) is one of the most popular outfits in North India and Pakistan. It is a set of a long tunic (kameez) and roomy trousers (salwar), worn with a long scarf called a दुपट्टा (dupaTTaa). The dupatta can be draped over both shoulders, over one shoulder, or over the head in a temple or gurdwara.

Lehenga choli

A लहँगा (lahangaa) is a long, full skirt, worn with a fitted blouse called a चोली (cholee) and a dupatta. Heavily embroidered lehengas are a favorite for brides in North India, and lighter ones are worn by guests at weddings and festivals.

Anarkali

An अनारकली (anaarkalee) is a long, flowing kurta that flares out from the waist like a dress. It is named after a legendary dancer of the Mughal court and is a popular choice for parties and weddings.

Women's wear

  • सलवार कमीज़ (salvaar kameez): tunic and trousers set
  • दुपट्टा (dupaTTaa): a long scarf
  • लहँगा (lahangaa): a long, full skirt
  • चोली (cholee): a fitted blouse
  • अनारकली (anaarkalee): a long, flared kurta

Outfits for men

Kurta pajama

A कुर्ता पाजामा (kurtaa paajaamaa) is the go-to outfit for festivals, pujas and family events. For a party, men choose silk or embroidered kurtas in rich colors.

Nehru jacket

Add a sleeveless, high-collared vest over a kurta and you have a smart, festive look. In India it is often called a Nehru jacket, or a बंडी (banDee) or सदरी (sadree).

Sherwani

A शेरवानी (shervaanee) is a long, fitted coat that buttons down the front, usually worn over chooridar trousers. It is the classic outfit for grooms in North India, often paired with a turban called a साफ़ा (saafaa) or पगड़ी (pagRee).

Dhoti and mundu

In many parts of India, men wear an unstitched cloth wrapped around the waist. In the north it is the धोती (dhotee), and in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the mundu or veshti, often cream with a gold border, worn at weddings and festivals.

Men's wear

  • शेरवानी (shervaanee): a long, fitted formal coat
  • बंडी (banDee): a sleeveless vest or jacket
  • पगड़ी (pagRee): a turban
  • साफ़ा (saafaa): a festive turban, often worn by grooms and guests
  • जूती (jootee): embroidered leather slip-on shoes

What to wear to an Indian wedding

Indian weddings often have several events, and each has its own mood:

  • Mehndi: a fun, relaxed event where the bride's hands are decorated with henna. Bright colors like yellow, green and orange are popular.
  • Sangeet: an evening of music and dance. Think sparkly, festive and comfortable enough to dance.
  • Wedding ceremony: the most formal event. Women often wear a saree or lehenga in rich colors; men wear a sherwani or a silk kurta with a jacket.
  • Reception: dressy, often a mix of Indian and Western formal wear.
A friendly note: guests who are not Indian are usually warmly welcomed in Indian clothes, and many hosts are thrilled to help you choose an outfit. At many weddings, guests avoid all-white or all-black outfits, but customs vary. When in doubt, ask the family; they will be happy you asked.

Shopping for Indian clothes

Many cities in the US, UK and Canada have Indian clothing stores, and you can also rent outfits for big events. Here are some phrases for the shop:

Shopping phrases

  • यह कितने का है? (yah kitne kaa hai?): How much is this?
  • क्या दूसरा रंग है? (kyaa doosraa rang hai?): Is there another color?
  • बड़ा साइज़ है? (baRaa saaiz hai?): Is there a bigger size?
  • छोटा साइज़ (chhoTaa saaiz): a smaller size
  • क्या मैं पहनकर देख सकता हूँ? (kyaa main pahankar dekh saktaa hoon?): Can I try it on? (said by a man)
  • क्या मैं पहनकर देख सकती हूँ? (kyaa main pahankar dekh saktee hoon?): Can I try it on? (said by a woman)

Notice that a man says सकता and a woman says सकती. In Hindi, the verb shows the gender of the speaker. It is one of the first patterns learners notice.

Colors and fabrics

  • लाल (laal): red
  • हरा (haraa): green
  • सुनहरा (sunaharaa): golden
  • सूती (sootee): made of cotton
  • रेशमी (reshmee): silky, made of silk

A few sentences to practice

  • मुझे यह कुर्ता पसंद है। (mujhe yah kurtaa pasand hai.): I like this kurta.
  • यह दुपट्टा बहुत सुंदर है। (yah dupaTTaa bahut sundar hai.): This dupatta is very beautiful.

Build your own shopping sentences

Hindi word order puts the verb at the end: "I like this kurta" becomes "to me this kurta pleasing is." Our free Sentence Builder shows you, step by step, how English sentences flip into Hindi order, and lets you build your own. Try "I want a red kurta" and "this dupatta is beautiful," and you will be ready for your next shopping trip.

बहुत सुंदर!

Your turn: try it free

Watch an English sentence flip into Hindi word order, then build your own. It is always free. Try the Sentence Builder