Kurta

A kurta is a traditional piece of clothing worn in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It is a long shirt, usually worn knee length. It is worn over salwar drawstring trousers. The knee-length top for women is usually called a kameez ; kurtas are usually worn by men.

What is the difference between kurta and kameez? Kameez may come in brighter colors, soft feminine prints, and feature elaborate decoration and intricately cut necklines. Kurta are generally more restrained in color and decoration -- but not necesarily so. Everyone dresses up for a South Asian wedding, men and women alike!

Kurta are now less frequent as everyday wear, though they are still popular for formal occasions.

As noted in the salwar kameez article, kurta are usually custom-made by South Asian tailors. South Asians overseas, and Westerners, can shop for kurta at South Asian clothing stores, order kurta from eBay or web retailers, or make their own. Folkwear , an ethnic and costuming pattern company, sells a kurta pattern: Folkwear #135, Jewels of India.