For many women, winter is when the kurti wardrobe gets packed away. Light cottons go to the back of the cupboard, and everyday dressing turns into sweaters, jeans and whatever keeps the cold out.
It doesn’t have to be that way. With the right fabrics and a little layering, ethnic wear works just as well in December as it does in May. Here are seven ways to keep wearing kurtis through an Indian winter.
1. Switch the fabric, not the style
The simplest change is fabric. The same straight kurtas, Anarkalis and pant sets you wear in summer now come in wool and velvet. Woollen kurta sets hold body heat for cold mornings and commutes, while velvet adds warmth with a rich, festive finish. You keep the silhouettes you like and simply swap in a winter-weight version.
2. Make the shrug your best friend
A woollen shrug is the most versatile winter piece in an ethnic wardrobe. Long shrugs layer neatly over straight kurtas, while shorter ones sit well over A-line styles. Printed and embroidered shrugs can turn a plain kurta into a finished outfit.
3. Bring back the shawl
A printed woollen shawl is both practical and elegant. Drape it over one shoulder for office, or wrap it fully on colder evenings. Neutral shades like beige, cream and brown work with almost every kurta colour.
4. Layer smartly underneath
A thin thermal inner under a full-sleeve kurta adds warmth without bulk. Choose kurtas with a slightly relaxed fit around the arms and shoulders, so the layer underneath doesn’t feel tight.
5. Choose velvet for winter occasions
Winter is the wedding and party season in much of India. Velvet pant sets and co-ord sets with hand embroidery suit evening functions, family dinners and celebrations. Deep tones like wine, black and blue look especially rich in velvet.
6. Think about your bottoms
Straight pants in heavier fabrics keep legs warmer than flowing palazzos. Many winter sets now pair a woollen or velvet kurta with matching straight pants, which also look sharper for work.
7. Care for wool and velvet properly
Winter fabrics last longer with a little care. Dry clean embroidered wool and velvet pieces where possible. Store woollens folded, not hung, to avoid stretched shoulders, and use a lint roller to keep them looking fresh between wears.
Where to shop winter kurtis
Jaipur-based The Jaipur Studio has a dedicated range of winter kurtis for women that covers all of the above. It includes woollen embroidered pant sets, velvet hand-embroidered pant sets and co-ords, woollen dresses with detachable shrugs, standalone shrugs and printed woollen shawls. Prices run from about ₹1,900 for a shawl to around ₹5,000 for an embroidered woollen set. Its velvet pieces also work for winter weddings and festive occasions.
Quick winter checklist
- Daily and office: woollen pant set or a cotton kurta with a long woollen shrug
- Travel and hill stations: woollen set, thermal inner and a printed shawl
- Evening and weddings: velvet embroidered pant set or co-ord in a deep tone
- One smart buy: a neutral shawl or shrug that works over kurtas you already own
Winter doesn’t mean giving up ethnic wear. With wool for warmth, velvet for occasions and a good shawl or shrug, your kurtis can stay in rotation all season long.