The recent emergence of fusion wear has revolutionized the fashion industry in India (and not only). By fusion wear, we understand clothing that celebrate both contemporary, Western garments and traditional Indian pieces, such as sherwanis in the case of menswear. In menswear, pieces that merge elements from traditional Indian clothing with elements from European suits are called Indo-Western suits.
Indo-Western suits are really something else, as they often mix the highly elegant structure and cut of a Western jacket and pants with the beautiful charm of a traditional Indian garment.
These clothes have taken India by storm and many men in the West have become passionate about them as well. Many designers and fashion labels in India now offer Indo-Western suits in their shops and we can also see a good amount of them on the runways of India.
When thinking of the reasons why Indo-Western suits have taken off so well, there are a few things that come to mind. Firstly, they look really amazing, and, given that the world of men’s fashion is quite limited, these suits come as a great addition. If you think about it, in the menswear world, most things are either classic items or things that are so outrageous that most guys don’t really care to wear. Some brands like Dolce & Gabbana or Armani are doing an amazing job at offering exciting menswear, but there isn’t a good amount of middle-of-the-road amazing menswear, compared to womenswear. Secondly, a well-thought Indo-Western suit is very comfortable. Sometimes, traditional garments can feel a bit much on the wearer, so editing them down is something that gets more men interested in them.
Another advantage of Indo-Western suits is that given their “dual citizenship”, they can be dressed up or down easily. For example, if you want to lean more towards the Indian part of it, you can accessorize it in that sense; but if you want to go more towards the European side, you can opt for a more formal, classic pair of pants and less accessories. Also, if you can find a way to make it work, you can accessorize them with elements from other cultures, which can result in an amazing “world fashion” look. We’d love to see that.
Men generally want to be just as flashy and stylish as women, but they understand that simply throwing glitz and glam on something or wearing something more feminine isn’t going to cut it. In this sense something like an Indo-Western suit comes in extremely handy, as it maintains the strong, bold masculine character and adds the sought elegance and sophistication of a special design.
Indo-Western suits may not be appropriate for a corporate office environment or for the everyday, but they are just the right thing to wear on a special occasion. They are often associated with weddings, but other special occasions can be fitted for such a suit as well: think of galas, New Year’s parties, evening shows and so on.
The history of clothing that mix Western with South Asian fashion is quite long and complex, but today we have arrived at a point when we can really make the best of both worlds.
All in all, it can be said that fusion wear in general and Indo-Western suits in particular are a great type of clothing to be worn on special occasions, if the context and setting allow. They are just right for those who want to stand out and make a strong and lasting impression on those they meet.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! What do you think of Indo-Western suits? Do you think they will gain or lose popularity in the near future? Do you think they will change? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!