How to Choose the Right Kurta for Men (Answering Some Common Questions)

Choosing the right kurta might sound like the kind of decision you can make in five minutes. But ask anyone who’s stood in front of a mirror juggling collar types, fabric textures, and hem lengths, it’s never that simple. What starts as a choice between “white or blue” turns into a battle between occasion, climate, body shape, and mood. And the truth is, most guys aren’t getting it quite right.

Let’s change that.

Below, we’ll go deep into the real questions men ask when buying kurtas. Not the designer lingo, not the vague fashion tips, actual questions with detailed, honest, and yes, sometimes opinionated answers.

Does a kurta always come with buttons?

No, and it doesn't need to.

Traditionally, kurtas didn’t have buttons. They were pullovers, plain, collarless, and relaxed. The design wasn’t lazy. It was intentional. The focus was ease of wear in harsh climates, simplicity of tailoring, and unrestricted movement. These were clothes for living in, not posing in.

Now, buttons are everywhere. Half plackets. Full packets. Decorative flaps that pretend to be functional. Are they necessary? Not always. They change the silhouette, though. A full-button kurta mimics the structure of a shirt. A buttonless one leans more toward tunic territory.

Some kurtas in kurta pajama set use buttons purely for show, elaborate wooden toggles or oxidized metal pieces that serve no functional purpose. And that’s fine, if the setting is right.

Want to layer with a jacket? Avoid thick buttons. Wearing it solo? Go with what flatters your torso length. If you have a broader chest, a half placket draws the eye vertically and helps elongate your shape. If you're slim, buttonless works beautifully, fluid, uninterrupted lines.

Bottom line: Buttons don’t define a kurta. But understanding why they’re there, or why they’re not, will help you choose more wisely.

Can I wear a kurta to a casual party?

You can. And honestly, it might be the smartest move in your wardrobe.

Walk into any casual gathering, house party, birthday dinner, weekend meetup, and most men are rotating through the same tired looks: checked shirts, ill-fitted tees, and one-too-many fake brand logos. Now imagine showing up in a sky-blue short kurta, fitted jeans, and clean loafers. You're not overdressed. You're intentional.

Kurtas for casual settings are lighter, simpler, and, here's the key, more breathable. Look for cotton or chambray, roll up the sleeves, and let it hang naturally around mid-thigh. Avoid embroidery. Ditch anything with sheen or glitter. Keep it earthy.

Tone shift incoming: You know what makes casual kurtas so effective? They tell people you give a damn, but not too much. You’re the guy who shows up looking great without appearing like he tried too hard.

Add a cloth strap watch. Maybe a simple leather bracelet. And you’ve got range. You’re not formal, you’re not basic, and you’re definitely not background noise.

Is cotton better than linen for summer?

That depends: Are you sweating in it or sitting in it?

Cotton and linen both breathe. Both absorb moisture. Both have their fans. But here’s the difference: cotton holds onto that moisture longer. That means once it gets damp, it clings. Linen, on the other hand, wicks it away faster. It’s dryer to the touch and cooler overall.

But there’s a caveat. Linen wrinkles. And not in a “charming crumpled” way, in a full “I-sat-on-this-for-two-hours” way. Some men can pull it off. Others hate the texture.

Tone swings again, formally speaking, linen offers a crisp silhouette and elevated finish. It suits brunches, gallery openings, or destination weddings where comfort and polish must coexist. Cotton is better for daily wear, office days, or anywhere you might spill something and need to toss it in the machine the next day.

Also, blended fabrics are underrated. A cotton-linen blend gives you softness, shape, and breathability in one go. Don’t fall into the “pure fabric” trap, sometimes, a hybrid is smarter.

How many days does it take to get a tailor-made kurta?

In theory? Three to five working days. In practice? Seven to ten. More, if it’s wedding season or if your tailor’s honest enough to admit when they’re overloaded.

Here’s what goes into a basic tailored kurta:

1. Measurements
   
   

2. Drafting and cutting
   
   

3. Stitching the main body
   
   

4. Adding details (collar, cuff, button loops)
   
   

5. Finishing and pressing
   
   

Now add lining, embroidery, contrast piping, or a Nehru collar with structure, each one adds hours, sometimes days.

Pro tip: Always ask for a fitting trial. No matter how experienced your tailor is, human bodies vary. A quick 10-minute trial can save you days of discomfort later. And if they offer a “next-day delivery” on a designer piece? Be skeptical.

If your function is important, give them time. You wouldn’t want your wedding photos to be forever haunted by a crooked placket or uneven hem.

Do all kurtas have side slits?

No, and it’s not a defect when they don’t.

Side slits are functional. They make sitting cross-legged easier, reduce fabric tension near the thighs, and create flow, especially for longer kurtas worn over churidars or pajamas.

But fashion’s evolved.

Streetwear-inspired kurtas, Indo-western tunics, and asymmetrical hems often ditch slits for visual impact. Some replace them with zippers or paneled sides. Some go for U-hem or scoop cuts to eliminate the need entirely.

If you’re wearing your kurta with jeans or slim trousers, side slits may actually break the silhouette awkwardly. A slitless design keeps it clean, especially for shorter lengths.

Rule of thumb: If your kurta is long and straight-cut, you want slits. If it’s short and curved, you probably don’t.

Can I wear jeans with a kurta?

Yes. Please do. But do it right.

This combo isn’t new, but it’s often butchered. Think loose long kurta with flared acid-wash jeans. Or thick bootcut denim under a pastel kurta. That’s not fusion. That’s confusion.

Here’s what works:

• Mid-thigh or slightly longer kurta
  
  

• Slim or tapered jeans
  
  

• Muted denim tones (charcoal, deep blue, black)
  
  

• Clean shoes, sneakers or loafers depending on vibe
  
  

Optional: Nehru jacket in contrasting tone, or casual layer like a cotton overshirt.

This pairing thrives on proportion. Don’t let the bottom half overpower the kurta. If your denim is loud or busy, keep the top simple. If your kurta has print or detailing, go with neutral jeans.

When done right, this combo is unstoppable, modern, rooted, and ridiculously comfortable.

What size kurta fits a 5’10” man?

Here’s the blunt answer: you need to measure. Don’t trust vague size labels.

But if you insist on a quick guide:

• Chest 40–42 inches = Size L
  
  

• Broad shoulders or gym build = Size XL
  
  

• Kurta length = 38–42 inches (depending on occasion)
  
  

But sizing isn’t just about chest or length. Shoulder seams, armhole depth, and sleeve length all matter. Especially if you’re buying ready-made kurta pajama for men.

If your kurta is tight across the shoulders, it’ll restrict arm movement. If the sleeves are too short, you’ll look like you borrowed it from your younger cousin.

Golden rule: Buy slightly loose and alter down. Never the other way around.

Where in Patna can I buy affordable kurtas?

Let’s get specific.

Nawab Parker (Boring Road): One of the few spots that gets it right, both in terms of design variety and fit. They mix trendy and traditional without killing your budget. Their festive pieces are great if you want something that's wearable more than once.

Hathwa Market: Budget-friendly and surprisingly deep. Expect to dig, but you’ll find hidden gems. Good for daily-wear, casual prints, and experimental cuts.

Maurya Lok Complex: Tailor heaven. If you want fabric + stitching under ₹1500 and a result that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this is your hunting ground.

P&M Mall (Manyavar, FabIndia): Slightly higher pricing, but if you’re shopping off-season or during sales, you get massive value.

Personal Opinion: Personally i like Nawab Parker and think of them as the best kurta shop in Patna, actually the best ethnic menswear shop would be more suitable.

Now you may ask why?

Do festive kurtas need to be long?

Not necessarily.

The traditional logic says yes. Longer kurtas look more ceremonial. They offer a regal flow, especially with churidars or dhotis. But modern festive dressing is more flexible. A mid-thigh kurta in rich fabric, with detailed embroidery and a structured Nehru jacket, can look just as celebratory.

The key is in the fabric and finishing, not the length. Raw silk, jacquard, or modal blends instantly elevate even a shorter kurta. Add ornate buttons, contrast piping, or a patterned stole, now you’re festive.

Long kurtas do photograph better, though. Especially in wedding group shots. So if the event is being documented, go longer. If it’s a small gathering or indoors, wear what feels more like you.

Is it worth tailoring your kurta or should you go readymade?

Let’s break this into brutal honesty:

If you’re tall, broad-shouldered, or have a unique build, tailoring is a game-changer.
If you’re under 5’7” or slim, readymade often fits just fine.

Tailoring is worth it if:

• You want clean sleeve length
  
  

• You hate adjusting cuffs every 15 minutes
  
  

• You want fabric that isn’t mass-produced
  
  

• You’re attending a key function and need perfection
  
  

Tailoring also gives you subtle freedoms: slightly higher side slits, a curved back hem, a narrower collar spread. These aren’t things brands offer.

But if you're just grabbing something for college fest or Friday office wear, ready-made is quicker, cheaper, and mostly sufficient.

Final Thoughts

Kurta pajama shopping shouldn’t be stressful. But it should be intentional. The right kurta doesn’t call attention to itself, it supports you, moves with you, and sits just right. It flatters without needing filters. It fits without begging for validation.

You don’t need 20 kurtas. You need four that work like twelve.

Understand your purpose. Know your fit. Learn your fabrics. Don’t chase trends, chase alignment.

And finally, stop treating kurtas like backup outfits for weddings or festivals. They’re not secondary. When chosen well, they outperform most “Western” outfits in style, comfort, and substance.

That’s the point. That’s the whole guide. Now go wear one right.

Learn About Pathani Kurta Pajama