Chikankari Myths Busted: Let’s Talk Fashion, Not Folklore

Chikankari Myths Busted: Let’s Talk Fashion, Not Folklore

Posted by Hariharan Arumugam on

If you are someone who has stood in front of a mirror wearing a chikankari kurta wondering whether you’re dressed too simply for brunch or too fancy for work, this one's for you. Today we are busting the tired rules and giving your ever special chikankari kurta the freedom it deserves.

Myth #1: “Chikankari is Expensive”

Truth bomb: No, chikankari is not expensive. The starting price of a cotton chikankari kurta is from INR 1200. Also always remember for it to be called chikachikankarinakri it needs to be hand embroidered. Chikankari can also cost up to lakhs of rupees but that’s because you're paying for artistry, legacy, and slow fashion and some chikankari outfits like chikankari lengths take months to make. That said, there are so many budget-friendly options that you can explore. You can shop for a mukaish white kurta for INR 2890 from Nama:Stay website. We believe in freedom of craft and making it accessible to all by making it affordable yet feel like luxury. 

Myth #2: “Chikankari Can Be Done by Machine”

Here’s the truth: While machine embroidery might resemble chikankari on the surface, it’s not the real thing. True chikankari is hand-embroidered; it's an art form practiced in Lucknow over centuries by artisans who have generations of knowledge and experience. And it's definitely not the same when replicated by machine.

Think of it this way: Hand-embroidered chikankari kurtas and other outfits are one-of-a-kind, crafted with love, takes hours to make, and therefore it is beautiful and gorgeous.

Myth #3: “Footwear Doesn’t Matter; It’s Just a Kurti”

Your shoes convey your identity even before you speak.

Your chikankari kurti look deserves the right vibe from the ground up. Mojaris, yes. But also:

  • White sneakers for that fresh college-casual feel

  • Wedges for when you’re feeling grown and gorgeous

  • Chunky boots if you want to channel main-character energy

So if you’re asking what footwear to wear with a chikankari kurti, answer with whatever makes you feel like you're starring in your own rom-com.

Myth #4: “All Chikankari Kurtis Look the Same”

Truth Bomb: That’s like saying all sunsets are the same because they’re orange.

From straight cuts to asymmetrical hems,from spaghetti to full sleeves modest kurtas, chikankari kurti styles come in an array of colors, different embroidery patterns and fabrics all hand-embroidered by the awadi artisans from all their heart.

Styling a chikankari kurti? Super Easy

  • Belt it and wear it as a dress

  • Layer with a shrug for adding layers 

  • Pair with wide-leg pants and chunky earrings for an instant style up!

Myth #5: “Chikankari is Only for Traditional Wear”

Reality check: Chikankari kurtis are the most versatile pieces of clothing. You can wear them with ripped jeans, palazzo pants, linen skirts, or even cargo trousers for that extra bold look. Styling these classics is more about confidence, so don’t follow the traditional rule.

Try this:

  • Throw on a faded denim jacket over a soft pastel kurti.

  • Pair with high-top sneakers and sunglasses for a street-chic vibe

  • Or layer with a flared skirt and belt it up for that Indo-Western blend

Myth #6: “You Can’t Be Creative with What You Wear Under It”

No, let's not believe in this! You can wear your kurta with denim, shorts or some days just wear your georgette chikankri kurta to a beach without the slip and oh so it suddenly became the best cover up you have ever seen.

So, where do you find these beauties?

Say hello to Namastay: your new styling destination.

Our chikankari collection? It’s not only dreamy but also handcrafted by the artisans of Lucknow. Think breezy whites, ombre pinks, and wide variety silhouettes that will make you obsessed with chikankari. And Shop Namastay's range of chikankari kurtis and chikankari coord sets is the kind of upgrade your wardrobe needs.

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