Kurta vs Sherwani vs Bandhgala vs Nehru Jacket: What's the Difference?

Navy blue embroidered raw silk jodhpuri set by Nitika Gujral.

A kurta is a long tunic worn with trousers and is the least formal of the four. A Nehru jacket is a sleeveless, mandarin-collared jacket worn over a kurta to dress it up. A bandhgala, also called a jodhpuri, is a fitted, closed-neck jacket with full sleeves, worn with trousers for formal evening events. A sherwani is a long, knee-length or longer embellished coat and is the most formal — traditionally the groom's outfit.

All four appear at Indian weddings, often at the same celebration, which is why they are so easily confused. The difference comes down to three things: length, how structured the garment is, and how formal the occasion.

Below, we explain each one with two examples, compare them side by side, and set out which to wear as a guest, as family and as the groom. For Diwali specifically, see our Diwali kurta guide for men, and for real occasions, our client stories.

Kurta vs Sherwani vs Bandhgala vs Nehru Jacket at a Glance

What Is a Kurta Set?

A kurta is a tunic without a front opening all the way down — you pull it on over the head. A kurta set pairs it with matching bottoms. It is the most versatile piece in Indian menswear: relaxed in cotton for a haldi, dressed up in silk or georgette for an evening function. Short kurtas, cut to the hip, give the silhouette a more contemporary feel.

Kalpraag

Black Floral Georgette Short Kurta Set

A short kurta in black floral georgette — the modern cut, suited to a sangeet or an evening party.

Kalpraag

Beige Tissue Silk Mirror Short Kurta Set

Beige tissue silk with mirror detailing — proof that a kurta can be dressy enough for a wedding function.

What Is a Nehru Jacket Set?

A Nehru jacket is a sleeveless, hip-length jacket with a mandarin collar, worn over a kurta. In India it is also called a bundi or modi jacket. It is the simplest way to take a kurta set from casual to smart, which is why it is popular with wedding guests and the groom's and bride's families — you get structure without the weight of a full jacket.

Kalpraag

Blush Pink Satin Silk Kurta Jacket Set

A tonal blush pink in satin silk — kurta and jacket in one colour for a clean, polished line.

Fabilicious Fashion

Beige Gold Kurta Set with Green Bundi

A beige gold kurta under a contrast green bundi — the classic way to add colour with a Nehru jacket.

What Is a Bandhgala or Jodhpuri?

A bandhgala — literally "closed neck" — is a fitted jacket with full sleeves, a mandarin collar and buttons down the front, worn with trousers. It is also called a jodhpuri, after Jodhpur in Rajasthan, where the style is associated with royal dress. It sits between a western suit and a sherwani: tailored and hip length like a suit jacket, but unmistakably Indian. It is the natural choice for a reception or formal evening event.

Nitika Gujral

Black Raw Silk Jodhpuri Set

Black raw silk — the most classic bandhgala, and a strong choice for a reception or black-tie evening.

Nitika Gujral

Navy Blue Suiting Jodhpuri Set

Navy in a suiting fabric — the bandhgala at its closest to a tailored suit, easy to wear beyond weddings.

What Is a Sherwani?

A sherwani is a long, structured coat that falls to the knee or below, with full sleeves and buttons down the front, worn over a kurta with churidar or pants. It is usually the most embellished garment of the four and is traditionally worn by the groom for the wedding ceremony. An achkan is a close relative: a similar long coat, generally lighter in construction and embellishment, which makes it a good option for the groom's close family or for a groom who wants a softer look.

Contrast by Parth

Soft Pink Silk Jacquard Sherwani Set

An embroidered sherwani in soft pink — the full groom's silhouette in a lighter, contemporary colour.

Chatenya Mittal

Light Pink Georgette Achkan and Pant Set

An embroidered achkan with pants — the sherwani's close relative, placed side by side so you can compare the two.

Which Should You Wear to an Indian Wedding?

As a guest, a kurta set or Nehru jacket set is right for almost every function. Move to a bandhgala for a formal reception. Avoid a heavily embellished sherwani, which can look like you are dressing as the groom.

As close family, a Nehru jacket set works for daytime and sangeet, and a bandhgala or achkan for the reception and ceremony. Coordinating colours with the rest of the family is common.

As the groom, the sherwani is traditional for the ceremony, often with a bandhgala for the reception and kurta sets for haldi and mehendi.

Browse men's kurta sets, Nehru jacket sets, jodhpuri sets and sherwanis, read our Diwali kurta guide and how to choose a kurta set online, see our client stories, or explore the full journal.