Okay, I need to get something off my chest. Last week, I was talking to this guy at a coffee shop (yes, I was wearing a kurta, and no, I wasn't overdressed), and he said something that's been bothering me ever since.

"I like kurtas, but they're too formal for regular wear."

I hear this ALL the time, and honestly? I'm tired of it. Who decided that putting on a kurta automatically makes you look like you're heading to a board meeting? Because that person has a lot to answer for.

Let's Address This "Too Formal" Thing

Here's what I think happened: somewhere along the way, we started associating kurtas only with special occasions. Weddings, festivals, family functions - basically times when we're supposed to dress up. So now, wearing a kurta on a Tuesday feels wrong because our brain goes "but it's not Diwali!"

But think about it - a kurta is literally just a shirt. A comfortable, breathable, well-fitted shirt that happens to have some cultural significance. When did comfortable become formal?

I wore a simple cotton kurta to meet friends for lunch yesterday. One friend said, "Wow, you're dressed up!" But I was wearing the most basic white kurta with jeans. If I'd worn a button-down shirt, nobody would've blinked.

The difference? Just our perception.

The Real Problem: How We're Styling Them

I think part of the issue is how kurtas are often styled in stores and online. You see them with heavy churidars, elaborate dupattas, and formal mojaris. Of course that looks like occasion wear!

But here's what nobody's telling you - kurtas work with regular stuff too:
With dark jeans and sneakers - Instantly casual, instantly wearable 
With chinos and loafers - Smart-casual that works for work or dinner
With shorts and sandals (yes, really) - Perfect for weekend hangouts

The fabric matters too. A silk kurta? Yeah, that's definitely more formal. But cotton, linen, cotton-silk blends? Those are as casual as your favorite t-shirt.

Let Me Break This Down By Situation

Coffee with friends: Light cotton kurta + jeans + casual shoes = perfectly normal outfit
Office (if it's casual): Linen kurta + chinos + sneakers = comfortable and appropriate
Lunch date: Cotton-silk kurta + well-fitted pants + clean sneakers = effort without overdoing it
Weekend errands: Basic kurta + shorts + flip-flops = actually more comfortable than most Western wear

None of these require a special occasion. None of these are "too formal."

The Comfort Factor Nobody Talks About

Can we also discuss how kurtas are actually more comfortable than most regular shirts? They're usually looser, made from breathable fabrics, and don't restrict movement. In Kolkata's humidity, I'd choose a cotton kurta over a fitted shirt any day.

Yet somehow, we've convinced ourselves that comfort = formal. Make it make sense.

What Needs to Change

We need to start seeing kurtas as just another clothing option, not costume wear. The guy who wears different t-shirts every day should feel just as comfortable owning different kurtas.

Start small if this feels overwhelming. Get one really simple, well-fitted cotton kurta in white or light blue. Wear it with your regular jeans and sneakers. I guarantee nobody will think you're overdressed - they'll just think you look good.

My Challenge to You

For the next month, try wearing a kurta in a "regular" situation. Not a wedding, not a festival - just a normal day. Coffee run, grocery shopping, meeting friends, whatever.

Pay attention to how people actually react (spoiler: they probably won't even comment) versus how you think they'll react.

I'm betting you'll realize this "too formal" thing is mostly in our heads.

What do you think? Am I being too harsh about this, or do you also think we've overcomplicated something that should be simple? Drop your thoughts in our DMs  - I'm curious to hear if you've felt this way too.

Next week, we're tackling that kurta length situation because apparently, finding the right fit is its own adventure.

Vanshika
Wearing a kurta while writing this, obviously