In the changing world of men’s fashion for ethnic wear, the kurta pajama still reigns. And whether it’s a celebration with the family, or maybe a wedding, or just a gathering for the holidays, this outfit brings comfort and culture and a bit of elegance to your look. But fashion doesn’t stay still, and the kurta pajama has evolved in some daring new ways. It’s both modern and true to tradition, as seen with some fresh new designs and cuts and different textures.
As we approach 2026, men’s fashion shows off exciting blends of the charm from times past and today’s fashion and sophistication. From simple light shades to the very finest embroidery, and with styles from both the East and the West, kurta pajama trends will be redefining ethnic fashion like we’ve never seen before.
Let’s explore some of the kurta pajama styles trending for 2026 that every man in India should own.
1. The Luxe Silk Kurta Pajama
Silk is seeing a comeback in 2026, and this isn’t just for weddings but for festive and semi-formal occasions. Luxurious Banarasi silk kurtas, or maybe dupion silk, and then there are chanderi silk kurtas. These often have simple threadwork, and borders made of zari are also quite popular. They add a bit of royal charm and keep things subtle and beautiful at the same time.
Styling Tip:
You should pair an ivory silk kurta or maybe a golden one, with a churidar pajama in a contrasting color, and include a stole to top it all off. To complete your look, consider adding embroidered juttis and a classy watch. Perfect for gatherings with family, as well as prayers, and engagements.
2. Asymmetric & Angrakha Kurtas
The year 2026 is looking to have some shapes unlike what we’ve seen before. Asymmetric hemlines along with Angrakha kurtas are at the top of trends. With some inspiration from designs of the Mughal empire, Angrakhas are seeing reinvention with tie-ups and draping, as well as fabrics that have multiple layers. And the outfit has both style and structure making it perfect for an event later in the evening.
Style Inspiration:
Find a solid-tone Angrakha kurta, maybe a deep maroon, olive green, or navy blue, and you can wear this with tapered trousers instead of traditional pajamas. And if you include embroidered buttons or statement brooches you’ll achieve that high-fashion look and feel.
3. Minimalist Linen & Cotton Kurta Pajamas
Linen and cotton kurta pajama sets are wardrobe staples for men who prefer both comfort and understatement. But this year it is more than just beiges and whites: earthy tones, and some neutral shades, and light pastels like sky blue and mint green, along with the color peach, are also making it big this year. The breathable materials are wonderful for weddings in summer and festivities during the day.
Pro Tip:
Keep your appearance effortless; pair your linen kurta alongside slim fit pants along with some mojaris. You also can add a Nehru jacket with a print to create a casual and yet still smart impression.
4. Printed and Patterned Kurtas
Printed Kurta pajamas are making their full comeback! The year 2026 is looking like a revival of printed pajama sets, and brands are experimenting with geometric designs, Ajrakh designs, and Mughal prints. The prints help show India’s cultural range.
Style Tip:
Select a kurta with a hand-block print, made out of cotton. Pair this alongside some pajamas or maybe a contrasting churidar. Or perhaps for a festive appearance, consider a floral printed kurta having a rich hue, royal blue or mustard maybe. Finally, pair these alongside ethnic loafers with a stole, maybe just something simple.
5. Indo-Western Fusion Kurtas
If you love silhouettes from modern fashion, yet on an ethnic background, this trend may have been made just for you. These kurtas feature drapes, mandarin collars, sharp cuts, and buttons made out of metallic material. It is suitable for groomsmen or nights when having cocktails and brings an advantage to fashion on a worldwide stage.
Styling Tip:
You could consider wearing a kurta draped at the front alongside dhoti style bottoms or maybe some cigarette pants. For a look like the stars, layer this outfit with a jacket of some kind with great structure. The hues midnight blue, charcoal grey, or bronze will all have a must-try feeling this year.
6. Embroidered Elegance
This year, weddings and festivals are having their lists dominated by embroidered kurta pajamas. Intricate zari detailing, threadwork, sequins and embellishments made out of mirrors, are all coming in hot this year. And, the artfulness adds the most royal look but isn’t too much.
Occasion Wear Idea:
Choose for events in the daytime an embroidered kurta pajama sets that is pastel, or for evening functions one in a deep tone – green like emerald, or a wine color, and finish with contrast stole, and dhotis or maybe churidars. That will make you look royal.
7. Short Kurtas for Casual & Festive Wear
Short kurtas, they are an important modern staple. Suited for both casual occasions as well as any parties or get-togethers that have a holiday feeling, they look quite great when they are styled casually when combined alongside jeans, chinos, and just simple straight pants. Designers have brought in some bold colors and minimal embroidery to make this the best year for kurtas so far!
Style Tip:
Consider something like a mandarin collar, and wear trousers of white for that very fresh look and youthfulness, or go with sandals, leather ones of course! Or loafers, in order to match comfort and appearance.
8. Layered Kurta Pajama Sets
The method of layering remains a way of dominating fashion on an ethnic level this year. Be it the pairing with bandhgala, asymmetric overcoat, and even perhaps, Nehru jackets, layering certainly elevates how one presents oneself instantly. Designers, through working alongside varying kinds of material ranging from brocade, velvet, and silk provide depth, in addition to an outfit’s sense of affluence.
Style Tip:
Select, if one so desires, a set that’s in contrasting shades, maybe jacket-patterned on the exterior plus strong shades for a set, either one upon the beige color, or perhaps maroon paired alongside one with creme. Suitable for dinner receptions and gatherings for celebration because this can create the expression both stately or new.
9. Pastel Power
Past is far from where we stand, within which people wore the deepest shades. This one sees everyone welcoming what looks very close for just a total rush! In other cases something that is light like perhaps being beige or blush will provide for some degree trend because not just provides look classy but likewise guarantees for best images because it ensures lighting becomes amazing, at all instances throughout that sunny day.
Style Note:
Perhaps when wanting could start at something which happens to contain light colors followed from it a scarf, possibly even simple clothing which ensure polished overall display.
10. Dhoti-Style Kurtas
No matter what’s hip throughout the period, dhoti’s just never go from elegance; nevertheless upon period comes revolution! Try making a match where the top contrasts everything else plus adding dupatta which brings forth more fashion too! And should that just not simply suit go on out with the top boots just like that, since style.
Styling Tip:
Consider, let’s suggest a sort that includes pre-fitted models while having quite distinct tops that include scarfs- each giving elegant and timeless aesthetic sense, or mayhap adding those awesome boot like coverings when going down, those might definitely bring back traditions.
