Out of all Indian wear, our favourite kind is the kurta. Whether it is the shorter version of the traditional kurta a.k.a the kurti or the long shin-length kurta itself, this ethnic style is the most versatile of them all. If your personal style is all about comfort and fashion going hand in hand, your wardrobe needs a good dose of kurtas and kurtis. Over the years, the kurta has become a wardrobe staple for the modern Indian woman no matter her profession or background, thanks to all the ways in which, and occasions on which, a kurta is a spot-on piece to wear.
Also Read Latest Neck Designs For Kurtis
From work meetings to weddings, all the different versions of the desi kurta will keep you company at all sorts of occasions and events. Button-up kurtas with your trusted pair of jeans and voilà! you’re done. If you are heading out for shopping, a relaxed-fit boho kurta with linen pants makes for the comfiest outfit. Similarly, the fusion versions of kurtas will make you want to wear them even when you’re heading to a romantic bistro on a lunch date. Apart from these, of course, we’re constantly crushing on the Shaadi waali kurti. So, now that you’re caught up on how the kurta is for anyone and everyone, let’s get you started on the best kurti brands in India.
Best Kurti Brands in India
It’s hard to resist hunting down all the different types of kurtas and kurtis, now, isn’t it? The good news is that we’ve already done the groundwork for you, so you can have access to the best kurti brands in the Indian market. Most of these are available online but the ones that aren’t… you’ll be happy to drive to the mall for them. Trust us. Here goes:
Fabindia
One of India’s top kurta brands, Fabindia started out as a company that exported home furnishings, back in 1960. The year 1975 saw the first retail store launch in Greater Kailash, New Delhi and 5 to 6 years later, Fabindia was already a brand known for its hand woven and hand printed garments. Today, it is perhaps the most trusted brand for kurtis when it comes to quality and aesthetic. Their selection includes timeless casual wear, formal wear, and festive wear that will last you a lifetime and be en vogue even a decade from now. Our favourite Fabindia kurtas, which you can buy online are:
Also Read: Fancy Sleeves Design For Kurti
This rani pink cotton silk kurta is going to set you apart at festivals and weddings with its statement sequin embroidery and its luxe, shiny fabric. To mix it up, you can style this kurta with dhoti pants or palazzos and a sheer dupatta. POPxo recommends: Cotton Silk Cutwork A-Line Slim Fit Long Kurta (Rs 4,290)
Covered in maroon and cream bagru print, this casual relaxed-fit cotton kurta features a Chinese collar. Thanks to the abstract style hand-block print and its modern collar, this Fabindia kurta will look as good with chinos as it would with palazzos. POPxo recommends: Cotton Mull Bagru Printed Knee Length Kurta (Rs 1,590)
Anokhi
One of our favourite kurti brands in India, Jaipur-based Anokhi is known for its Jaipuri prints and handcrafted, traditional textiles. A 30-year-old brand, Anokhi pioneered hand-block printing in the export market and also uses vegetable colours (one of the oldest colouring techniques) to create their designs. What we love about Anokhi is that they offer all versions of the kurta. You can choose from short modern kurtis, kurta dresses and our all-time fave, straight-fit bohemian kurtas. They don’t have an online store but you can shop their kurtas from any one of their 27 stores across India. Here are our favourite kurtas from their feed:
Image source: Instagram
Find a perfect match for your jeans, midi-skirts, and wide-legged pants in this white and burgundy-pleated kurti. With marigold hand-block print motifs all over the kurti, this piece will be your go-to, all year ̕round. POPxo recommends: G5767A Multi-Pleat Cami In Marigold White (Rs.1150)
Image source: Instagram
Kurti-dresses are the best thing to have ever happened to fashion girls who love mixing the desi with the contemporary. This V-neck dark floral-print kurti-dress is a striking option to layer with your winter-wear (denim jackets, overcoats, sweater et al), this season. POPxo recommends: Jellabah Dress In Night Garden Black print (Rs.2450)
W for Women
Known mainly for their traditional and fusion workwear kurtas, W is your best bet when you’re stuck for options that are comfortable alternates for the office. Their festive Indian wear is also worth checking out, though. Explore their contemporary prints, embroideries, and silhouettes on their website. Our W wishlist includes:
Shaadi season is in full swing and there’s no better time to invest in festive kurtas with vibrant colours and embroidery. This long, floral print kurta has a unique pattern placement, which will set you apart no matter where you go. POPxo recommends: Pink Round Neck Floral Print Kurta (Rs 1,699)
Embrace cold weather by embracing deep colours like burgundy, charcoal grey, chocolate brown, and navy blue. This mandarin-neck kurta in cotton has an interesting print and makes a statement with a belt at the waist. You can wear this kurta with cropped solid pants for work; for a movie or lunch date pair it with a crinkled cotton sharara. POPxo recommends: Blue Mandarin Neck Sleeveless Kurta (Rs 1,999)
Biba
Mrs. Meena Bindra started one of the top kurta brands in 1986, naming it ‘Biba’, which is a Punjabi word of endearment that describes one as pretty or beautiful. A brand, which was known for its mix-and-match collection of casual kurtas, casual salwars, and churidars initially, Biba’s kurta collection is one of the most sought after in the country. Not only is it affordable but the designs also leave you spoilt for choice. From contemporary and casual kurta designs to traditional Indian styles, Biba’s pieces cater to your needs for all occasions. Take your pick from our favourites at the kurta brand:
For those of you who are waiting to attend a big wedding or in fact, are about to celebrate your first Lohri as a newly married bride, this printed indigo Biba kurta is the perfect option for the Lohri dress. The best part is that it comes with a sleeveless jacket that flaunts a festive floral pattern on the front. POPxo recommends: Indigo Viscose A-Line Kurta with Cotton Sleeveless Jacket (Rs 1,839)
This season is all about layering, even when it comes to your Indian wear. Apart from the lovely deep wine shade and the dainty embroidery on this V-collar kurta, it also has another dramatically flared kurta you can wear under it. Style it with light grey palazzo pants for a low-key festive look. POPxo recommends: Wine Poly Cotton Flared Kurta (Rs 3,299)
Also Read 20 Best Short Kurtis For Girls To Wear In College
Ajio
A relatively young brand, Ajio is an online multi-retail store but TBH, we are supremely impressed with their private Indian wear label. Their kurtas and kurtis are affordable so don’t worry about going broke. But even though they’re affordable, their selection is super chic, trendy, and lends freshness and youth to one’s ethnic wardrobe. Trust us, once you set eyes on their collection of prints and colours, you won’t be able to resist ‘em! Our hearts are set on these two from the popular kurta brand:
This denim kurta is fusion at its best. A light, mellow blue high-low hem kurta with an embroidered motif and frayed edges, this Ajio design and a cool pair of bootcut-jeans is a match made in denim heaven! POPxo recommends: Denim A-line Kurta with Frayed High-Low Hem (Rs 690)
We’re crushing on this piece and how! The fact, that this traditional angrakha silhouette features a retro dip-dye effect in red, is EVERYTHING. We think a pair of red, flared sharara pants would look incredible with this kurta, how ‘bout you? POPxo recommends: Dip-Dyed Angrakha Kurta with Tassels (Rs 1,499)
Melange
The brand describes itself as one that “cuts through the clutter of stereotypes of what ethnic wear should be, making you rethink ethnic.” Their designs include kurtas with quirky, geometric prints on the one hand and sharp, edgy styles in unconventional fabrics on the other hand. Earlier a Lifestyle brand spin-off, now Melange is a kurta brand that has an exclusive online website and also has its own brand outlets across the country. You’ll love the two we’ve handpicked for you:
Isn’t this fully-embroidered white kurta the perfect day wedding piece? Style it with a matching sharara or a flared lehenga and dupatta to make a sophisticated statement. POPxo recommends: Melange Floral Print A-Line Kurta (Rs 3,899)
If you don’t already, you need to get some mustard-yellow goodness into your ethnic wardrobe ASAP. This long-tiered kurta features different all-over prints on each panel from top to bottom… Whatcha waiting for? POPxo recommends: Melange Print Panelled Long Kurta (Rs 1,499)
Kilol
Founded in 1986, Kilol, started by Mamta Mansingka, is now one of ours and India’s top kurta brands. The Jaipur-based brand encourages traditional printing and weaving techniques to bring together contemporary Indian garments for the country’s modern and ever-evolving women. We’re immensely fond of the various kinds of kurtas the brand sells in stores across India and online as well. You will fall head-over-heels in love with their nostalgic Jaipuria prints and impeccable fabric quality. Knock yourselves out:
This ‘Padma’ collection straight-fit kurta, crafted in Chanderi silk and hand-block printed with a lotus design, is a sight for sore eyes. This Cerulean blue piece deserves some space in your closet and you know it. POPxo recommends: Chanderi Silk Kurta In Cerulean Blue Floral Block Print (Rs 2,960)
For women who love understated yet luxe kurtas to wear to Indian-themed parties or occasions, this beige and gold kurta in Tussar silk is for you. We’re fans of the intricately embroidered floral bel on the kurta and the bootis on the sleeves. Trust us, this kurta, worn with matching trousers and a pair of satin mules at your next desi outing, will get you compliments galore. POPxo recommends: Light Beige Tussar Kurta With Floral Thread Work (Rs 6,040)
Rangriti
A popular name across the country, Rangriti has swiftly become one of India’s top kurta brands over the years. Their designs show off creative use of the various colours on the spectrum in the form of everyday and festive kurtas. That too, at affordable prices… what more does a ‘desi girl’ want? Which is why we picked these out for you:
Add a much-needed pop of colour to your kurta wardrobe with this vibrant yellow straight-fit kurta by Rangriti. The most exciting detail on this piece is the geometric floral print at the bottom of this button-collar kurta, isn’t it? POPxo recommends: Yellow Straight Viscose Rayon Kurta (Rs 999)
We don’t know about you but we’ve always been fond of the effect that multi-coloured prints create with an ivory background. Naturally, we couldn’t help but pick out this fun kalidaar kurta with an interesting floral print using various colours of the rainbow – a must buy. POPxo recommends: Off White Kalidar Viscose Rayon Kurta (Rs 2,299)
Jaypore
In our opinion, Jaypore is a kurta brand every modern Indian woman should invest in. The brand sources artisanal fabrics from all over India and brings them to their customers at prices that don’t do justice to the aesthetic and quality. Even though they have sarees, bottoms, dresses, jewellery, home furnishings and more to offer, we can’t do without their charming kurtas. Our new obsession is with these two styles:
How enchanting is this contemporary style button-up kurta with traditional Rajasthani bandhani print all over? Style this one-of-a-kind green kurta with white palazzos or a crinkled cotton skirt. POPxo recommends: Green Bandhani Cotton Kurta (Rs 3,950)
This stunning fuchsia pink and rose set is the mehendi kurta of our dreams. With silver gota work on both – the cotton kurta and the flared slip – all you need to complete your look is a pair of sharara pants, and a bold, multicoloured dupatta. POPxo recommends: Pink Flared Cotton Kurta with Mul Slip and Gota (Rs 4,490)
Aurelia
Founded by the names behind W, Aurelia is an affordable kurta brand that has climbed to the top of our wishlist. The brand describes their collection as one that “redefines Indian Ethnic by staying in the realm of traditions, yet adapting some modern influences.” For us, that is spot on – after all, don’t we all want to stick to our roots and stay up to date at the same time? The highlight of Aurelia’s selection of contemporary and light kurtas, for us, is the fact that their designs are unique and make it easy for fashion girls like us to make a statement. These kurtas are our favourite Aurelia numbers:
If you don’t have this evergreen black and gold in your ethnic wardrobe, you need to make the addition. Right. Now. This print-on-print style mandarin collar kurta is sophisticated and just as glamorous, don’t you think? POPxo recommends: Black Kurta (Rs 1,190)
While the silhouette of this pretty blue, white, and pink kurta is simple, the asymmetrical hemline and abstract print mix things up quite a bit, don’t they? Wear this stylish kurta with cropped pants and a neck-scarf to land up with an ‘extra’ ethnic outfit. POPxo recommends: Pink Asymmetrical Printed Kurta (Rs 1,119)
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This story was updated in November 2019.
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