Ethnic vs Indo Western Kurti Designs: Know the Difference

While a kurti is an apparel that may be traditional at its core, it is also extremely versatile and blends itself seamlessly into contemporary fashion trends. This timeless outfit is offered in classic styles that appeal to ladies who prefer to stick to popular choices and also in unique and modern styles that are loved by those who enjoy experimenting. Nowadays, one of the most popular types of kurti for women online is the Indo western! Although kurtis come in an endless number of designs, the most commonly featured work in both ethnic as well as Indo Western kurtis is embroidery. 

An exquisite craft that involves tremendous artistic skill and attention to detail, embroidery has many different types – and there is a difference between the ones you see on ethnic kurtis and those on Indo western kurtis. Read on to learn where these differences lie:

• The embroidery work on ethnic kurtis is more intricate than that done on Indo western kurtis.

The basic difference between ethnic and Indo western kurti embroidery is spotted in the intricacy of design. An Indo western kurti typically features simple embroidery like chikankari or phulkari work that grants you a breezy casual look, whereas an ethnic kurti boasts magnificent embroidery like gota patti, zari, mirror work and a lot more that help you make a regal statement. You’ll discover the same difference in embroidery types in an ethnic and an Indo western salwar kameez.

• Embroidered Indo western kurtis are ideal for simple events, whereas ethnic kurtis adorned with embroidery are better suited for traditional functions.

Opulent traditional functions like weddings, receptions, festivities, etc. call for the attendees to deck up in impressive attires, which is why a richly embroidered ethnic kurti is the perfect outfit for women during such occasions. On the other hand, if you are attending simple events like parties or casual outings with friends, then a fuss-free embroidered Indo western kurti is your best option.

• Indo western kurti embroidery features a subtle colour palette, whereas ethnic kurtis boast embroidery in vibrant and striking hues.

Indo western kurtis exude understated elegance with the inclusion of soothing pastel hues that appeal to the global market interested in Indian wear. The embroidery work done on these kurtis usually features lime green, powder blue, dusty pink and more such subtle shades. Whereas, embroidered ethnic kurtis are majorly offered in eye-catching colours like red, navy blue, sea green, etc. that lend you a striking appearance.

• Ethnic kurtis are often expensive due to their heavy embroidery, whereas Indo western kurtis are mostly offered at reasonable prices.

The richness of embroidery work presented on ethnic kurtis makes shopping for them an expensive affair. Pure gold, silver, or copper threads go into the making of designs like zari, zardozi, gota patti, etc. which are seen on ethnic kurtis, and hence their exorbitant prices. But Indo western kurtis are relatively simpler in terms of design, which is why they are available in a pocket-friendly price range.

These are the differences between ethnic and Indo western kurti designs that every woman should know about! Similarly, you can also see this distinction in different types of sarees online.