Cultural, traditional, and fashion-forward elements come together in a riot during an Indian wedding. The groom’s costume has changed fascinatingly throughout the years, even though the bride’s outfit usually gets all the attention. The traditional men’s wedding sherwani has become a symbol of the groom’s attire, but it has a long and storied past. Let’s take a visual journey through time to see how men’s wedding apparel, including the sherwani, has evolved in India throughout the years.
The Sherwani and the Mughal Empire
During the Mughal era, when angarkhas were worn by royal males, the sherwani was first worn. It is a long, fitted garment. The modern-day marriage sherwani has its roots in these ancient outfits. These garments, which included churidars and turbans decorated with elaborate embroidery, were worn by members of the upper class and nobles.
The Mughals had a penchant for ornate textiles like jamawar, brocade, and silk that were zardozi- and hand-embroidered with intricate designs. Modern wedding attire carries on the tradition of wearing mojris or khussa shoes, which gave the wearer an air befitting a monarch.
India in the Colonial Era: A Meeting of East and West
Under the British Raj, there was a subtle blending of Western and Indian styles in clothing. After seeing structural cuts and buttons on European military uniforms, many grooms started wearing these styles to their ceremonies, even if traditional attire was still popular.
During this time, the bandhgala, a dress that is quite similar to the sherwani, began to be worn for more formal occasions. But the sherwani for weddings was still king, particularly for royal families who could afford to splurge on elaborately bejeweled shawls and other bridal accessories.
A Time of Resilience and Ease Following Independence
There was a marked shift away from modernity and toward a return to India’s traditional values in the decades after independence. Increasingly, cultural identity was reflected in fashion. Beige or off-white bridal sherwanis with delicate embroidery were popular choices for Indian grooms in the 1960s and 1970s, when a more minimalistic design was trending.
Bollywood started to have an impact on wedding dresses around this period as well. Films with actors dressed traditionally served as inspiration for real-life grooms. Coupled with Nehru jackets and traditional footwear, the men’s sherwani became a sign of grace and patriotism during weddings.
1990s: A Revolution in Design
Indian men’s wedding attire saw a sea change in the 1990s. The conventional men’s sherwani got a fresh lease of life with the emergence of Indian designers. Raghavendra Rathore and Rohit Bal are just two of the designers who have given grooming apparel a modern twist by introducing sharper angles, brighter hues, and international styles.
Jewel tones, velvet, and intricate needlework were all back in vogue. From its humble origins as a traditional wedding garment, the sherwani has transformed into a show-stopping masterpiece. Grooms started to view wedding clothing as a form of self-expression rather than merely a matter of convention.
Customization and Couture: 2000s to the Present Day
Today, the men’s wedding sherwani has evolved to its most customizable and diverse form to date. These days, grooms can choose from an almost infinite variety of sherwanis, from elaborately embroidered royal pieces to simple pastels with floral themes.
Nowadays, there is more than one way to style a marriage sherwani. Wear your sherwani with a cloak, draperies, or dhotis and pants for an Indo-Western fusion look. Sherwanis come in asymmetrical styles as well. Simultaneously, traditional wedding attire still features details like zardozi embroidery, banarasi silk, and bandhani patterns.
Furthermore, contemporary grooms emphasize customization, whether it is via the use of monogrammed dupattas, matching couple ensembles, or theme-based apparel. The modern men’s sherwani is all about making a statement while being true to your heritage.
Anticipated Developments
The more extravagant and interactive nature of Indian weddings suggests that men’s wedding attire may follow suit. It’s possible that in the near future, shoppers may encounter tech-integrated textiles, sustainable materials, and custom fits supported by artificial intelligence. The bridal sherwani, however, is not going anywhere.
The sherwani, a traditional garment for men’s weddings, will remain relevant and regal even as newer generations find new ways to celebrate their heritage.
Last Remarks
The sherwani, a traditional bridal garment for men, has been worn by kings and queens and by modern fashion designers alike. It’s a celebration, a history canvas, and more than simply a garment. This traditional garment, which can take inspiration from a variety of sources, including the Mughal Empire or be created to reflect the wearer’s unique style, is sure to be the show-stopper for Indian grooms.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own wedding or just want to show your appreciation for our progress, you can’t deny that the men’s sherwani is a style revolution.
