Kashmiri kurtas that carry the valley into your day
A Kashmiri kurta isn’t just something you wear, it’s something you live in. The cotton is soft and breathable enough for long days in the plains, but it still holds something of Srinagar’s winter in its weave. The embroidery, known as aari, is looped by hand and slightly raised to give you a unique look.
The shape is easy: no tricky fastenings, just pull it on and go. It works with denim when your day is packed with errands, with palazzos for long lunches, with slim trousers and earrings when there’s something to celebrate or just put one of our coords like the XoXo White Kashmiri Coord Cotton Kurta Pants Set and you’re ready for the day!
Each one starts with an artisan's needle and finishes in your wardrobe, still carrying the care stitched into every detail.
The art of aari
Aari embroidery uses a tiny hooked needle to lay continuous chain loops on fabric. Unlike flat prints, these loops sit proud of the cloth, creating subtle texture you can sense with your fingertips. Look closely and you will see single blooms, curling leaves and traditional chinar motifs that nod to Kashmiri shawls. No two flowers are identical because no machine touches the frame; every twist of thread is guided by a steady hand.
Fabrics chosen for comfort
Most styles here are cut from fine cotton or crushed cotton like our Lata Blue Kashmiri Kurta Set that stays cool in humid weather, then layers smoothly under a shawl when evenings dip. A few winter ready phiran shapes add a gentle wool blend for extra warmth. All fabrics are pre washed so colours remain true and threads lie flat after many laundry cycles.
Fit that moves with you
Patterns run XS through 3XL and follow the relaxed Kashmiri block, wider at the shoulder and eased at the waist so the kurta falls straight, never clings. Or go for a Kaftan like Mademoiselle Maroon Kashmiri Summer Long Cotton Kaftan for a looser fit. Side vents keep your stride natural on a busy platform, and discreet pockets in several designs hold a phone without pulling the seam. If you favour more shape, add a narrow belt; the embroidery stays flat and the outline refines in seconds.
Colour stories and styling cues
Neutrals Whimsical White Kashmiri Summer Long Cotton Kaftan, Galantea Black Kashmiri Cotton Kurta Pants Coord Set slips under jackets you already own. Brighter tones such as She's my Sunshine Yellow Kashmiri Coord Cotton Kurta Pants Set set your summer mood. Match the kurta with cigarette trousers in the same palette for quiet coordination, or break the look with white denim and sneakers on travel days.
Filters that simplify the search
Use the craft, fabric, size and colour toggles above to surface exactly what you have in mind, whether that is a cotton aari coord in pistachio green or a wool phiran silhouette for mountain evenings.
The Namastay promise
• Every stitch guided by human hands, never machine loops
• Orders ship within 48 hours, so your plans stay on track
• 1000+ artisans earn fair wages and new apprentices learn the craft each season
FAQs about Kashmiri Kurta
How is a Kashmiri kurta different from a chikankari kurta?
Both are hand embroidered but aari uses a hooked needle to create raised chain loops while chikankari relies on shadow work that sits flat. The result is a slightly textured surface with greater visual depth.
Does the cotton become see through in strong sunlight?
We select mid weight weaves and test each colour outdoors. Pale shades may include a lightweight inner slip or denser weave to ensure modesty without reducing airflow.
Do all designs include pockets?
Most straight and coord styles feature side seam pockets sized for a phone and keys. Check the product detail line for confirmation on the piece you like.
Can I wear a Kashmiri kurta in summer?
Yes. The cotton and crushed cotton options breathe well in high temperatures. Choose lighter colours and roll the sleeves once for extra airflow.
Will the raised embroidery snag on jewellery?
Aari loops are compact and tightly set. They rarely catch on bangles or rings, but if you plan to stack metal bracelets, slip the kurta on first, then add accessories to avoid brushing the surface.
Shop by Kurtas:
Lucknowi Chikan Kurtas | Kutch Work Kurta | Short Kurta | Cotton Kurta | White Kurta
