Women's Kurtas and Types

Choosing the right outfit can be confusing, especially when you want something stylish, comfortable and perfect for any occasion. If you need something for work, a family gathering or a casual day out, a kurta is always a great option.

Kurtas have been worn for centuries in South Asia and have changed over time to match modern fashion trends. Unlike some Western outfits that feel tight or uncomfortable, kurtas are breathable, easy to wear and always look elegant. They can be styled with leggings, palazzos, jeans or skirts, making them a great choice for any season.

From the graceful Anarkali to the trendy high-low kurta, there are many styles available. But how do you find the right one? This guide will help you explore different types of kurtas, the best fabrics, styling tips and the latest trends, making it easy to pick the best kurta for your wardrobe.

Types of Women’s Kurtas: Find Your Perfect Style

Kurtas come in a variety of designs, each offering a unique look and feel. Some are perfect for festive occasions, while others work well for daily wear. The right kurta can enhance your personality and make you feel confident. Here are some of the most popular types of kurtas and how they can fit into your wardrobe.

1. Straight Kurta: A Timeless Classic

A straight kurta has a simple, straight-cut design that falls evenly from the shoulders to the hem. It is one of the most versatile and comfortable kurta styles, perfect for office wear, casual outings and even festive occasions. This style suits all body types and can be paired with leggings, palazzos or straight pants for a clean and elegant look.

2. Anarkali Kurta: The Royal Choice

The Anarkali kurta comes from the Mughal era and has a tight-fitting top with a wide, flowing bottom. This gives it a graceful and royal look. Many Anarkali kurtas have embroidery, sequins or prints, making them perfect for weddings, festivals and celebrations. Wear them with churidars and big earrings for a stylish and elegant outfit.

3. A-Line Kurta: The Perfect Everyday Wear

An A-line kurta gets its name from its "A" shape. It is fitted at the top and widens towards the bottom. This style looks good on everyone and is great for daily wear or office outfits. You can pair it with leggings, jeggings or skirts for a modern look. A-line kurtas are simple, comfortable and a must-have in every wardrobe.

4. Angrakha Kurta: The Traditional Overlap Style

The Angrakha kurta has a front panel that overlaps and is tied with strings, tassels or buttons. This style comes from royal times and has a traditional look. The wrap design gives a nice fit and is often decorated with embroidery or prints. It looks great with leggings or dhoti pants.

5. High-Low Kurta: A Trendy Statement

The high-low kurta features an asymmetrical hemline where the front is shorter than the back. This modern design adds a stylish twist to traditional wear, making it perfect for casual outings or semi-formal events. You can pair it with skinny jeans, jeggings or cigarette pants for a contemporary look. This kurta is a great choice for those who love experimenting with fashion.

6. Kaftan Kurta: The Epitome of Comfort

A kaftan kurta is a loose, flowy outfit with wide sleeves, making it one of the most comfortable styles. It is airy, breathable and perfect for hot weather. Kaftan kurtas come in both simple and embellished designs, making them ideal for casual wear, vacations or lounging at home. You can wear them as a dress or pair them with leggings for a laid-back, stylish look.

7. Front-Slit Kurta: Bold and Elegant

The front-slit kurta has a cut in the middle, making it easy to move and adding a trendy look. It is a good choice for fusion wear and can be paired with palazzos, straight pants or skirts. The slit gives it a unique style, making this kurta great for evening outings or casual wear.

8. Flared Kurta: Feminine and Graceful

A flared kurta has more fabric at the bottom, making it wide and flowy. This style adds a graceful touch and is perfect for festivals and special events. It looks great in solid colors or prints and can be worn with leggings, palazzos or traditional skirts.

9. Cape Kurta: A Modern Twist

A cape kurta features an attached or detachable cape that adds a contemporary and stylish element to the outfit. This design is perfect for festive occasions and weddings, giving the wearer a glamorous look. You can pair a cape kurta with palazzos or skirts for a regal appearance.

10. Overlay Kurta: The Layered Beauty

An overlay kurta features an extra layer of fabric, often in sheer or contrasting material, which adds depth and richness to the outfit. It is perfect for occasions when you want to make a fashion statement without too much embellishment. Pairing it with straight pants or leggings completes the look beautifully.

11. Jacket-Style Kurta: Elegant and Versatile

A jacket-style kurta comes with a jacket, either stitched or separate, adding an extra layer to the outfit. It can be plain or have embroidery, making it good for daily wear and special events. Pair it with straight pants or palazzos for a stylish Indo-Western look.

12. Tunic Kurta: A Casual Essential

Tunic kurtas are short and usually end above the knees. They have a simple design, making them great for daily wear. You can wear them with jeans, jeggings or leggings for a comfortable outfit, perfect for work or casual outings.

13. Empire Waist Kurta: Flattering and Stylish

An empire waist kurta is fitted on the top and flares out just below the bust, giving a comfortable and stylish look. This style is great for casual outings, maternity wear or festive gatherings where you want to feel relaxed yet look good.

14. Asymmetric Kurta: A Unique Fashion Statement

An asymmetric kurta has a hemline that is not the same all around, giving it a unique look. It adds a modern touch to traditional wear and goes well with leggings, jeans or dhoti pants for a fusion style. This kurta is a great choice for those who like to try different fashion trends.

15. Peplum Kurta: Chic and Feminine

Peplum kurtas have a fitted top with a flared waist, giving them a fun and stylish look. They work well for both traditional and modern outfits. You can wear a peplum kurta with dhoti pants, palazzos or skirts for a trendy and comfortable outfit.

16. Cowl Kurta: A Draped Beauty

The cowl kurta has fabric that falls in soft folds, giving it a different and stylish look. This design is good for special occasions and has a modern feel. It looks nice with leggings or straight pants for a comfortable and trendy outfit.

17. Tiered Kurta: A Flowy Dream

A tiered kurta has layers of fabric that make it look full and flowy. This style is light and comfy, making it good for summer or festive events. You can wear it with leggings or as a dress for a simple and stylish look.

18. Cold-Shoulder Kurta: A Trendy Take

A cold-shoulder kurta has open cuts at the shoulders, giving it a trendy look. It is a good choice for casual outings, parties or festivals. You can wear it with jeggings or palazzos for a stylish outfit.

19. Shirt-Style Kurta: Smart and Contemporary

A shirt-style kurta looks like a long shirt with buttons on the front. It blends traditional and modern styles, making it great for work or casual outings. This kurta goes well with trousers, jeans or leggings for a neat and stylish look.

20. Pathani Kurta: Classic and Comfortable

The Pathani kurta comes from traditional men's clothing. It has a straight-cut design with buttons on the front. It is usually worn with Patiala pants or salwars, giving a comfortable and stylish look. This kurta is great for casual and festive events.

21. Chikankari Kurta: An Embroidered Masterpiece

Chikankari kurtas have beautiful hand embroidery with floral designs, making them a stylish choice for any occasion. They are usually made from cotton, georgette or chiffon, which keeps them light and comfortable. Wear them with white palazzos for a simple and elegant look.

22. Panelled Kurta: A Structured Beauty

A paneled kurta is made by stitching multiple fabric pieces together, giving it a nice shape. This style is great for formal events and looks best with leggings or churidars for a neat and stylish look.

23. Dhoti-Style Kurta: A Fusion Favorite

A dhoti-style kurta features pleats and draping, giving it a unique Indo-Western look. It pairs well with fitted leggings or cigarette pants for a balanced silhouette. This kurta is perfect for those who love bold and trendy fashion.

24. Kurta with Attached Dupatta: Effortless Elegance

A kurta with an attached dupatta is easy to wear since you don’t have to drape it separately. It gives a graceful look and is perfect for festivals and traditional events. This style makes dressing up simple and quick.

25. Kalidar Kurta: Mughal-Inspired Grandeur

A Kalidar kurta has many flares and pleats, giving it a grand and flowy look. Inspired by Mughal fashion, this style is great for special occasions. Wear it with churidars for a classic and traditional outfit.

26. Balloon-Sleeve Kurta: Playful and Stylish

A balloon-sleeve kurta has big, puffy sleeves that give it a stylish and different look. This design is great for those who like trying new styles. Wear it with straight pants for a balanced outfit.

27. Bandhani Kurta: A Traditional Treasure

Bandhani kurtas are made using a traditional tie-dye method that creates beautiful patterns. They are bright, light, and great for festivals. Wear them with leggings or Patiala pants for a classic look.

28. Fusion Kurta: The Best of Both Worlds

A fusion kurta blends traditional and Western styles, featuring unique cuts, patterns or embellishments. These kurtas can be worn with jeans, skirts or palazzos, making them highly versatile for various occasions.

29. Collared Kurta: A Smart and Sophisticated Choice

A collared kurta adds a structured and formal look to traditional wear. This style is great for office wear or formal gatherings. It pairs well with straight pants or leggings for a sleek look.

30. Sleeveless Kurta: Simple and Chic

A sleeveless kurta is an excellent option for warm weather. It offers a sleek and modern look while maintaining traditional charm. This style pairs well with palazzos or churidars for a minimal yet stylish outfit.

31. Pintuck Kurta: Subtle and Elegant

A pintuck kurta has small stitched pleats on the front, adding texture and a neat look. This design gives the kurta a formal and structured look. It's perfect for work or special occasions. It goes well with straight pants or leggings for a simple and stylish outfit.

32. Long-Trail Kurta: A Dramatic Flair

A long-trail kurta has a longer back hem, giving it a stylish and flowy look. This style is excellent for parties and festive events. Wear it with slim-fit pants or leggings to highlight the trail.

33. Princess-Cut Kurta: A Flattering Fit

A princess-cut kurta has curved stitching from the shoulders to the hem, giving it a well-shaped and stylish look. This design highlights the body’s shape and is excellent for formal events. It looks best with churidars or palazzos.

34. Double-Layered Kurta: Playful and Stylish

A double-layered kurta features an additional layer of fabric, usually of contrasting or sheer material, giving it a flowy and dynamic look. This style is excellent for casual and festive wear, offering a modern take on traditional attire. Pair it with leggings or straight pants for a balanced look.

35. Coat-Style Kurta: Regal and Sophisticated

A coat-style kurta resembles a long coat with buttons or an open front, giving it a formal and royal appearance. This style is often worn during weddings and festive occasions, paired with churidars or straight pants for an elegant look.

36. Kimono-Sleeve Kurta: Relaxed and Stylish

A kimono-sleeve kurta features wide, flowing sleeves inspired by Japanese kimonos. This design offers a relaxed and breezy feel, making it ideal for casual or resort wear. It pairs well with straight pants or palazzos for a chic appearance.

37. Bell-Sleeve Kurta: Retro and Feminine

A bell-sleeve kurta has sleeves that widen at the ends, creating a fun and classic look. This style is great for casual outings and festive events. Pair it with fitted bottoms to make the sleeves stand out.

38. High-Neck Kurta: Classy and Modern

A high-neck kurta has a closed neckline, giving it a classy and stylish look. This style is good for formal events or winter wear. It pairs well with straight pants or cigarette trousers for a neat and polished outfit.

39. Fringed Kurta: A Touch of Fun

A fringed kurta features tassels or fringes along the hem, sleeves or neckline, adding movement and a boho-chic vibe. This style is great for casual or festive wear and pairs well with palazzos or straight pants.

40. Printed Kurta: A Wardrobe Essential

A printed kurta comes in various designs, from floral to geometric patterns, making it a versatile wardrobe staple. It can be worn casually, at work or at small gatherings. Pair it with jeans, leggings or palazzos for an easy yet stylish look.

41. Mughal-Inspired Kurta: Royal and Timeless

Mughal-inspired kurtas have detailed embroidery, shiny decorations and rich fabrics like silk or brocade. These kurtas show a royal touch and are great for weddings or big celebrations. They look best with churidars and dupattas for a grand look.

42. Tuxedo-Style Kurta: A Formal Touch

A tuxedo-style kurta blends Western and Indian fashion, featuring sharp cuts, a structured front and button detailing. This kurta is great for formal events and pairs well with straight pants or cigarette trousers for a sophisticated look.

43. Parka Kurta: Stylish and Functional

A parka kurta has a sporty, layered design like a parka jacket. It is loose and comfortable, making it a trendy choice for casual wear. This kurta looks great with jeans or joggers for a cool and stylish look.

44. Bandi Jacket Kurta: A Festive Favorite

A bandi jacket kurta comes with a sleeveless Nehru-style jacket, adding a formal and festive touch to the outfit. This style is ideal for weddings and celebrations, usually paired with churidars or straight pants.

45. Ruffled Kurta: Feminine and Playful

A ruffled kurta features soft, layered fabric details along the sleeves, hemline or neckline, adding movement and flair. This style is great for casual and party wear and pairs well with fitted bottoms for a chic look.

46. Gota-Patti Kurta: Traditional and Elegant

A gota-patti kurta features shiny ribbon embroidery. It's a great option for festivals and weddings. It is usually made of silk or georgette, giving it a rich look. You can pair it with palazzos or churidars for a stylish and festive outfit.

47. Slit-Sleeve Kurta: A Contemporary Twist

A slit-sleeve kurta has cut-out or slit details on the sleeves, giving it a trendy look. This style is good for casual or semi-formal events and goes well with jeans, leggings or straight pants.

48. Tulip-Hem Kurta: Flowing and Stylish

A tulip-hem kurta has a rounded, overlapping hemline that looks like tulip petals. This style gives a soft and graceful touch to the outfit, making it great for casual and festive events. It looks best with leggings or cigarette pants.

49. One-Shoulder Kurta: Bold and Fashion-Forward

A one-shoulder kurta has a single-shoulder design, making it stylish and unique. It is a great choice for parties and festive events. You can pair it with dhoti pants or palazzos for a bold and trendy look.

50. Embroidered Yoke Kurta: Elegant and Graceful

An embroidered yoke kurta has beautiful stitching on the top part, making it look stylish and detailed. This design is good for casual and semi-formal events. It goes well with leggings or palazzos for a simple yet elegant look.

How to Choose the Right Kurta for Your Body Type:

Best Fabrics for Different Kurta Styles:

Styling Tips for Different Occasions:

Trending Jackets for the Season:

Measurement Table According to Standard Size Chart:

Conclusion

There are many types of kurtas to choose from, making them perfect for any occasion. If you like the flowy style of an Anarkali, the trendy look of a high-low kurta, or the loose comfort of a kaftan, there is something for everyone. The right fabric, good matching bottoms and simple accessories can make your outfit look excellent. From daily wear to festive outfits, kurtas are always in fashion and comfortable to wear. Try different styles and find the one that suits you best.

FAQs

1. Which type of kurta is trending now?

Asymmetrical cuts, A-line kurtas and kurtas with modern prints and embroidery are trending now. Bright colors and fusion styles like pairing kurtas with palazzos or straight pants are also popular.

2. Which type of kurta is best?

The best kurta depends on your style and occasion. For daily wear, go for cotton kurtas with a simple design. For special occasions, kurtas with embroidery or silk fabrics are great choices.

3. What is the difference between a kurta and a kurti?

A kurta is more extended, usually knee-length or below and can be worn by both men and women. A kurti is shorter, usually above the knee and is worn mainly by women.

4. What is the difference between an A-line kurti and a straight kurta?

An A-line kurti flares out from the top, creating an "A" shape, while a straight kurta has a straight, fitted cut. A-line kurtis offer more flow, while straight kurtas have a simple, sleek look.