A Gentleman’s Guide To Pairing Watches With Traditional Indian Wear

Traditional Indian wear, also known as ethnic wear, is a beautiful and stylish choice for any occasion. Whether it's a wedding, formal event, or simply a casual outing, there are many different types of traditional Indian clothing to choose from. When it comes to pairing stylish watches for men with traditional Indian wear, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic of the outfit and the occasion. 

In this article, we will provide a gentleman's guide to pairing watches with traditional Indian wear, taking into consideration the various types of ethnic wear, the types of watches that work best, and some general tips for pulling off the perfect watch and outfit combination.

Types of Traditional Indian Wear

There are many different types of traditional Indian wear, and the type of ethnic wear you choose will largely determine the type of watch that will pair well with it. Some common types of traditional Indian wear for men include:

Kurta: A kurta is a long, loose tunic that is worn over pants. It is typically made of lightweight, breathable fabric and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. The dhoti and kurta are usually worn together, although the kurta can also be worn on its own with pajamas.

Sherwani: A sherwani is a long coat-like garment that is worn over a kurta. It is typically made of heavier fabric and is adorned with intricate embroidery and other decorative elements. Sherwanis are typically worn to formal events and weddings.

Dhoti: A dhoti is a garment that is worn around the waist and between the legs, and is typically paired with a kurta or sherwani. It is made of a lightweight fabric and is worn for both casual and formal occasions.

Jodhpuri: A Jodhpuri is a type of suit that is worn on formal occasions. It consists of a jacket and pants and is typically made of a heavier fabric.

Types of Watches That Work Well with Traditional Indian Wear

When it comes to pairing a watch with traditional Indian wear, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is the overall aesthetic of the outfit. If you are wearing a formal sherwani or Jodhpuri suit, for example, a dressier watch with a leather strap and a more classic design will work well. On the other hand, if you are wearing a more casual kurta or dhoti, a sportier watch or men's fashion watches with a silicon strap and a more modern design may be more appropriate.

Another important factor to consider is the color and material of the watch. Gold and silver color watches tend to work well with traditional Indian wear, as they can complement the metallic accents and embroidery often found on ethnic garments. Leather straps also tend to work well with traditional Indian wear, as they can add a touch of sophistication to the overall look.

Finally, it's important to consider the size and shape of the watch. A larger, bold watch may be more appropriate for a formal occasion, while a smaller, more subtle watch may be better suited for a casual outing.

Don't be afraid to mix and match. While certain men's watches may be more traditionally associated with certain types of traditional Indian wear, there are no hard and fast rules. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you and your personal style.

The occasion will also play a role in determining the appropriate watch to wear with traditional Indian wear. For example, a formal wedding may call for a dressier watch with a classic design, while a casual outing with friends may be more suited to a sportier watch.

The Sylvi Timegrapher black RG Steel

This classic yet modern multi function watch features a rose gold case and a black stainless steel strap, making it a stylish choice for formal occasions. Its timeless design would pair well with a formal dhoti and kurta or kurta-pajama.

The Sylvi Race Master Carbon Black

This sporty watch features a polyurethane strap and a bold, modern design, making it a good choice for a casual outing or a daily wear watch. Its green luminous accents would add a pop of color to a casual dhoti and kurta.

The Sylvi Imperial Blue

This sleek watch features a silver case and a blue leather strap, making it a versatile choice for both formal and casual occasions. Its understated design would pair well with both formal and casual versions of traditional wear, a good deal for watches under 1500 INR.

Again, these are just a few suggestions and the most suitable watch will ultimately depend on your personal style and the occasion.

There are many fashion designers who have offered suggestions on men's designer watches and what type of watch to wear with traditional Indian dress. Here are a few examples:

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Sabyasachi is an Indian fashion designer known for his traditional and ethnic-inspired designs. In an interview with GQ India, he suggested that a wedding watch for men with a classic, the timeless design would be a good choice for formal occasions when paired with a sherwani or Jodhpuri suit.

Manish Malhotra

Manish Malhotra is another Indian fashion designer known for his traditional and ethnic-inspired designs. In an interview with GQ India, he suggested that a watch with a simple, understated design would work well with both formal and casual traditional Indian wear.

You may like to read: How to Match Outfits with Formal Watches for Men

Rohit Bal

Rohit Bal is an Indian fashion designer known for his luxurious and ornate designs. In an interview with GQ India, he suggested that luxury watches for men with a bold, statement-making design would be a good choice for formal occasions when paired with a sherwani or Jodhpuri suit.

Consider the suggestions of these fashion designers, but also experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.

Conclusion 

Pairing a watch with traditional Indian wear is all about finding the right balance between formality, style, and personal preference. By considering the overall aesthetic of the outfit, the type of watch that will work best, and the occasion, you can confidently choose a watch that complements your traditional Indian wear and adds the perfect finishing touch to your outfit.

Whether or not you need to wear a trending watch for men with traditional Indian dresses is a matter of personal preference. Some men may feel that a watch is an essential accessory that completes their outfit, while others may prefer not to wear one. The choice of whether or not to wear a watch with traditional Indian dress is up to you and what you feel most comfortable and confident in.