Kurtas and kurtis are prime examples of comfortable yet fashionable clothing choices. However, even though we use the terms interchangeably, there is a lot of variation between the two. Despite these points of variance, both are comfortable yet stylish choices when you want to wear ethnic dresses.
Even though there is a similarity in shape and pattern, there is a crucial difference between kurta and kurti sets. We have listed all the differences you need to know to ensure you no longer confuse the two.
Discover the prime difference between kurta and kurti.
Kurta
Kurta is a loose-fitting upper-body clothing item that goes on or below the knee. The length of the garments is a significant point when trying to figure out the kurta kurti difference. Quite often, a kurta is paired with a dupatta to complement the ethnic look.
When it comes to bottom wear options, you can pair a kurta with churidars, straight-fit pyjamas, leggings, and regular salwars. Even though one can style a kurta with multiple bottom wear choices, buying the paired bottom wear enhances the overall appeal and gives it a complete ethnic look. The choice of pairs is surely another point of difference between kurta and kurti.
Kurti
Also known as tunics, a kurti is a popular ethnic clothing choice that is versatile in nature. It is a top wear that goes to the waistline and usually has no slits on the side. Often preferred for everyday wear, the kurti goes well with various traditional and bottom wear options.
Another point of difference between the kurta and kurti is that the kurti can be paired up with more types of bottom wear. For example, you can wear a solid-coloured embroidery Kurti with jeans, jeggings, or leggings. You can leave your hair open and prefer traditional jhumkis and nude-shade flats to enhance the look.
Apart from the freedom to pair with numerous bottom wears, one gets all types of neckline designs and silhouette options. Flared, waist-line, long length, A-line, tail style, scoop, and off-shoulders are only a few kinds of trendy kurtis in town.
Also Read: 8 Best Kurti Designs for Ladies to look Classy in 2023
Difference Between Ladies Kurta And Kurti
People often don’t know the difference between kurta and kurti as the terms are used interchangeably. However, to ensure that the differences are crystal clear, read the table that clears out any doubt.
| Point of Difference | Kurta | Kurti |
| Length | Kurtas usually reach at or below the knee, sometimes till the calf level. | Kurtis are short, and they have a length between the waist and thighs. |
| Bottom Wear Choices | Kurta may have limited choices of bottom wear. For separately bought kurtas, one can pair them with churidars, straight-fit pants, salwars, leggings, and similar options. | Depending upon the length and shape, one can match them with patiala salwars, jeans, palazzos, and similar options. |
| Pairing With a Dupatta | Even though one can wear them separately, a kurta suit goes well when you pair it with matching dupattas while pairing it with ethnic bottom wear. | Kurtis go well if you wear them separately without a dupatta, unless worn with a Patiala salwar. Waist-length kurtis won’t match up with a dupatta. |
| Silhouette | Another vital difference between kurta and kurti options is that kurtas have a relatively loose fit and long length. | Kurtis are tight and short compared to kurtas. |
| Styling flexibility | Kurtas are less flexible to style than kurtis, as there are fewer options for bottom wear and footwear to pair with kurtas. | There is greater flexibility when it comes to styling options for kurtis. You may choose from various bottom wear, sandals, and jewellery. |
Conclusion
As experts who have been in the fashion and tailoring industry for years, it was necessary for us to let our readers know the difference between kurtis and kurtas. You can regularly check out the Needles & Thimbles blog section for more such tips.
Needles & Thimbles is helping out those who want to get perfectly tailored outfits that complement their looks from the comfort of their homes. Moreover, we provide doorstep tailoring services for men, women, and kids. We have in-house tailors who will take measurements without you having to leave the house and deliver beautifully stitched clothes right to your doorstep.
Also Read: 10 Summer Wear Dresses for Women in India to Beat the Heat
Difference Between Kurta and Kurti FAQs
Ques – What is the difference between kurta and kameez?
Ans – The key 5 differences between a kurta and kameez are:
1. The length of the kurta is shorter than the kameez. The kurta will reach out just above or below the knees, whereas the kameez will be much longer than it, reaching below the knees.
2. Kurta has a relaxed fit with a straight and loose silhouette. The silhouette of the kameez is customised and more fitted in nature.
3. In terms of necklines, the kurta has narrower options than the kameez. You will generally find kurtas with a round or V-neckline. Kameez comes in a variety of necklines, like square, boat neck, V-neck, round, and many others, depending on the style and occasion.
4. Kurta and kameez differ in terms of embellishments, too. Generally, a kurta has no or minimal embellishments. In kameez, you can come across more intricate beadwork, embroidery, and gota patti embellishment.
5. Kurta goes well with loose-fitting bottom wear like salwars. You can pair kameez with sharara, palazzos, skirts, and many more.
Ques – What is the difference between kurta and kurti?
Ans – 4 Key Differences Between Kurta and Kurti
1. The primary difference between a kurta and a kurti is their length. Kurta is long, whereas kurti is short and reaches to the waist or hip length.
2. You can pair a kurta with a churidar or pyjama. Kurti is generally worn with denim jeans, leggings, patiala salwars, skirts, and palazzos, among others.
3. Kurta is popular Indian wear by both men and women, whereas kurti is worn by women.
4. Kurta and kurti are different in terms of the neckline, too. Kurta is collarless, whereas kurti comes in many neckline styles like boat-neck, mandarin-collar, off-shoulder, and asymmetrical collar neck designs, among others.
Ques – What is called kurti?
Ans – Kurti is a popular Indian garment that is worn by women across generations. It is an upper garment, short in length, and has no side slits. Based on the design and style of the kurti, you can wear it for casual or festive occasions.
Kurti comes in many collar styles such as asymmetrical, V-neck, round neck, boat neck, mandarin collar, sweetheart, u-neckline, square, and many more.
Ques – What are the three types of Kurtis?
Ans – In the Indian market, you will find ample varieties of kurti designs. However, in 2023, three popular types of kurti designs are:
1. Short flare kurti
2. Collar flare kurti
3. Flock style kurti
Ques – What is another word for kurta?
Ans – Tunic is another word for kurta. It is a loose collarless shirt.
Ques – Which kurti looks slim?
Ans – To look slim in a kurti, opt for the dark-coloured, straight-cut style.
Ques – What is worn under kurti?
In 2023, the top 5 bottom wears for kurtis are:
1. Denim Jeans
2. Trouser Pants
3. Palazzos
4. Wrap-around Pants
5. Dhoti pants
