Did you know that a kurta and a kurti fall under different categories of clothes, even though they seem to be almost similar? Read below to find what is the differences between a kurta and a kurti, with a slight peek into their history!


When it comes to ethnic fashion, the mention of kurta and kurtis is unavoidable. The two have long dominated the fashion landscape and are undoubtedly a wardrobe staple. Although the two are often termed interchangeably and kurtis are often labelled as a variation of kurta, there are certain differences between a kurta and a kurti.

The history of kurta goes long ago. Both the outfits find their origin in the cultural roots of South Asian heritage and can be spotted as fashion essentials for various emperors, artists, and saints, among others. Even in India, different states offer different styles of kurta and kurtis with peculiar prints, designs, or cuts.

Although these apparel were traditionally restricted to ethnic avatars and were strictly paired only with pyjamas, churidars, or salwars, stylists nowadays are experimenting with the way they can be flaunted.

Especially kurtis can be seen paired with jeans, cigarette pants, tights, leggings, dhotis, or even skirts! This fused fashion has long evolved from pageants to daily wear.

One of the main reasons why kurtas and kurtis are popular is the comfort of wearing them. One can easily spend long stretches of hours in a comfortable kurta. Then comes the versatility – these can be worn as casual wear, daily wear, or even as festive outfits.

Difference between Kurta and Kurti

The distinction between kurtas and kurtis is becoming increasingly blurred nowadays. Fashion bloggers, as well as brands, can be seen using the terms interchangeably. Although the two garments are pretty similar in their style and appeal, kurta and kurtis are different from one another. Although it wouldn’t be completely wrong to say that kurtis are in a way shorter and tighter versions of kurtas, the two are still distinctly different. To save you from confusion we have elaborated in detail what is the difference between a kurta and a kurti below.

1.      Length

 Kurta is like a long draping shirt of loose fit which is longer in length and usually flow till the claves or slightly above the knees. Whereas, a kurti is a shorter and tighter version of kurta that sits above the waist or flows only till the knees. The latter also has the midriff exposed.

2. Collar

Kurta is traditionally collarless whereas kurtis can be found in different collar styles such as V-neck, boat-neck, mandarin-collar, keyhole, and off-shoulder.

3. Fabric

Kurtas are mostly made of lighter fabrics such as silk and cotton. Kurtis, on the other hand, are usually made from heavier fabrics such as linen, velvet, georgette, Chanderi, crepe, and chiffon.

4. Bottom Wear

Kurtas are mostly paired with traditional bottom wears such as salwars, churidars, pyjamas, dhotis etc. On the other hand, kurtis are now popularly being paired with modern bottom wear such as jeans, leggings, cigarette pants, etc.

5. Gender

Interestingly, kurtas were originally designed for men. Although in modern times, kurtas are equally popular among men and women alike¸ their shorter versions i.e., kurtis are mostly worn and styled by women.

6. Styling

Kurtis lie on the more feminine side of clothing and are usually easier to style in diverse manners as compared to kurtas.

 

Now that you have learnt what is the difference between a kurta and a kurti, don’t forget to check the exclusive ranges of both kurta and kurtis on Tamannah! From casual and daily wear to festive wear, we offer the best picks which rank high on quality, durability, as well as fashion appeal.