By Meher Castelino
Don’t smirk at the next statement. It is perfect wear for the Indian executive. Ethnic clothes, is what we are talking about. Many men do consider it as the most suitable attire for our Indian climate but centuries of the influence from the occident has made western wear mandatory in the boardroom.
But who can forget our late prime minister, Rajiv Gandhi? He was the best dressed amongst all the foreign politicians and even managed to over-shadow them at international conferences. The sartorial boost he gave to the Jodhpuri suit even prompted many foreign designers and celebrities to adopt it.
The other very impressive ethnic garment is the sherwani. “In Indian wear the executive has three options to choose from. There is the kurta and Nehru jacket, which is the buttoned version of the bundi and it is perfect for summer days. The kurta should be in crisp cotton and the Nehru jacket should be in a sober colour to suit the office,” says Shobha Somani creator of ethnic men’s wear. Even designer Wendell Rodricks agrees with Shobha that Indian men look good in ethnic wear and should try it for work.
A few points that could be borne in mind while wearing ethnic wear are quite simple.
“Make sure that if it is the kurta or sherwani for those of medium height should not too short. The length of both these garments is very important since they could make a short man look shorter. With both the kurta and sherwani the accompanying garment should be churidars. Pajamas or Aligarh pants are a no-no in the office. While the fabrics for the sherwani are the same as that of the Jodhpuri jacket, for the kurta it is wise to select either a plain or self designed fabric in a blend or in a linen finish. Silk is once again too festive for the office,” continues Shobha.
As far as the Jodhpuri jacket is concerned it is teamed with a pair of trousers. The fabrics and colours selected are very similar to a western suit. Colours that look good in the boardroom are navy, dark brown, steel grey or beige. Black is far too formal and should be reserved for formal eveningwear. The shirt that teams up with a Jodhpuri jacket is collarless with the cuffs discreetly peeping out from under the sleeves.
High-powered executives in many countries like wear their national costumes to work and look very smart and comfortable. In the name of comfort at least Indian executives could give ethnic wear a try.
