Changes in style, fashion and trends have led to the development of new and pre-existing attire. While some attire is entirely designed for fashion trends, others are designed with a functionality aim, such as clothes designed for cold and hot climate. Kurta and Kurtis, for instance, were designed for the humid and hot climate in Asia and India. Although the two seem similar in many ways, they have various variances.
What is Kurta?
Common in South Asia, these are collarless loose-fitting shirts that slightly go above or below the knees. They take the shape of long draping shirts and are worn as traditional, casual and comfortable clothing. With the origin of Central Asia, this garment is made of lighter material including silk or cotton and can be worn by both women and men.
What is Kurtis?
These are attire with side slits that sits above the waist and have the midriff exposed. They could be jackets, blouses, and waistcoats. This trend originated in the 2nd century B.C and is still prevalent among Indians from the Northern regions. Kurtis has different styles including the Punjabi Kurti, Bihari Kurti, Uttah Pradesh, Sindh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. They are available in a wide range of dye mixes and colors and use feminine friendly fabrics such as linen, silk, cotton, and chiffon. As opposed to Kurta, Kurtis is available in a variety of collar types such as V-neck, boat-neck, mandarin-collar, keyhole, and off-shoulder among others.
Similarities between Kurta and Kurtis
- Both were designed due to the humid and hot climate in India
- Both are worn as upper garments
Differences between Kurta and Kurtis
Definition
Kurta refers to collarless loose-fitting shirts that go slightly above or below the knees, and take the shape of long draping shirts. On the other hand, Kurtis refers to attire with side slits that sits above the waist and have the midriff exposed.
Length
While kurta is long and goes slightly above or below the knees, Kurtis is short and sits above the waist.
Collar
Kurta is collarless while Kurtis is available in a variety of collar types such as V-neck, boat-neck, mandarin-collar, keyhole, and off-shoulder among others.
Material used
Kurta is made of lighter material including silk or cotton. On the other hand, Kurtis is made of feminine friendly fabrics such as linen, silk, cotton, and chiffon.
Kurta vs. Kurtis: Comparison Table
Summary of Kurta vs. Kurtis
Kurta refers to collarless loose-fitting shirts that go slightly above or below the knees, and take the shape of long draping shirts. They are made of lighter material including silk or cotton. On the other hand, Kurtis refers to attire with side slits that sits above the waist and have the midriff exposed. They are made of feminine friendly fabrics such as linen, silk, cotton, and chiffon.