Best Ethnic Wear for Men at Diwali 2026 — The Complete Guide

Men's Diwali fashion has evolved significantly. The old binary — casual Western clothes or over-embellished sherwani — has been replaced by a much richer range of options. Here's how to navigate it.

The Occasion Scale

Before choosing, understand the event:

Casual family puja at home: Straight-cut kurta + churidar or straight-fit trousers. Clean, simple, appropriately festive.

Diwali party (small): Kurta set with some embroidery or textural interest. Block prints, subtle embellishments.

Diwali party (large, semi-formal): Embroidered kurta + straight trousers or jodhpuri pants. Fitted, tailored appearance.

Formal Diwali event or wedding season crossover: Bandhgala or sherwani.

Kurta Styles for Diwali 2026

The Straight-Cut Kurta is the default and the most versatile. In silk or cotton-silk for Diwali, it elevates beyond casual without demanding attention. Pair with churidars for traditional, straight trousers for contemporary.

The Pathani is the more dramatic option — looser, with a distinctive collar, and typically paired with Pathani pants. Particularly popular in North India for Eid and Diwali both.

The Embroidered Kurta — any of the above styles with embroidery at the collar, chest, or hem — is the current trend. Chikankari on white or ivory, phulkari on vibrant colours, or minimal thread work on plain silk.

🛍️ Shop Men's Kurta Sets on Myntra →

The Bandhgala: A Sophisticated Option

The bandhgala (also called Nehru jacket or Modi jacket) is experiencing a serious fashion moment. The mandarin collar, structured silhouette, and fitted cut reads as distinctly Indian while feeling thoroughly contemporary.

Worn over a plain kurta or even a simple white shirt, a good bandhgala transforms the entire look. Available at Fabindia, Raymond, and increasingly at contemporary brands like Manyavar.

Jodhpuri Pants: The Styling Detail That Elevates

Jodhpuri pants — tapered from knee to ankle, with a distinctive cuff — are the trousers that most elevate a kurta outfit. They're fitted without being tight, festive without being costumey.

The combination of a plain embroidered kurta + jodhpuri pants is one of the most-photographed festive looks for men in 2026. It's the equivalent of women's sharara trend for men's fashion.

Colour for Men

Men's Diwali colour choices are more conservative than women's, but 2026 has seen movement:

Classic choices: Ivory/cream, champagne gold, deep navy, rich burgundy, forest green Contemporary: Terracotta, blush (yes, for men, in small doses), dusty blue

Safe combination: Deep colour kurta + contrasting trouser (navy kurta + ivory or cream trousers)

Trending for 2026: Tonal dressing — different shades of the same colour family (deep teal kurta + lighter teal jodhpuris)

Fabric Guide

For formal events: Raw silk, dupion silk, or Benarasi silk for kurtas. These drape with weight and authority. For parties: Cotton-silk blend. Breathable for hours of standing and socialising, still reads festive. For casual family puja: Quality cotton. Khadi is the artisan choice — texture and story in one fabric.

Footwear

Embellished juttis (Punjabi shoes): The classic festive footwear. Comfortable, culturally specific, distinctive in photos.

Leather mojris: Similar silhouette to juttis but in leather — dressier and more durable.

Kolhapuri chappals: The Western India choice. Casual but festive. More comfortable than closed shoes for long evenings.

Plain leather derby shoes: The safe choice when mixing ethnic with contemporary. Clean, modern, no conflict.

Shopping

Manyavar-Mohey has the widest selection of ready-to-wear festive menswear. Fabindia for the artisan aesthetic. Raymond and Siyarams for tailored options. Myntra for contemporary brands like ISCKON or House of Pataudi.