Kurtas are a perennial favourite in a desi wardrobe – and why not? They are, given that you can wear them to work and at play with minimal effort to dress them up and down, easily the most versatile pieces we can own! Such is the power of this one-piece wonder that it can take you from a puja to a meeting to your son’s cricket practice and even a dinner date without compromising on comfort. But there’s no denying that the best of us often struggle to find the right kurtas – ones that are equal parts fashionable and functional, ones that look absolutely fabulous on us. We make the task that much easier for you with this list of the best kurtas for your body type, so that you can flaunt a flattering silhouette, always!
1. For the Pear-Shaped Girl
Your Figure: Narrow shoulders with slim arms and neck, and broader hips, thighs and legs
What You Need: The trick is to showcase your upper body. So the ubiquitous anarkali can easily be your sartorial BFF. Opt for longer hemlines, as they will add length to your body type. Embellished bodices are great, as they will highlight your lean upper body. Play with necklines for maximum impact. A kurta worn with a koti jacket will elevate the look. Stay away from figure hugging fabrics as they can make your hips and thighs look seem wider than they are.
POPxo Recommends: Full Sleeve Ghera Style Kurta by Biba, Rs 3,799
2. If You Have an Athletic Body
Your Figure: A slim and straight figure with few curves
What You Need: With a body type like yours, you rarely have to battle “what to wear” issues as you can pull off pretty much everything with effortless ease. So while you should definitely stock up on basics, don’t be afraid to experiment with your kurtas too. Play around with draped styles and cutouts too. Don’t shy away from deep necklines and strappy styles to highlight your shoulders either. Short flared kurtas worn with slim pants will look great on you as well.
POPxo Recommends: Urvashi Kaur White Crinkled Top On Exclusively.In, Rs 5,456
3. When You Have an Apple-Shaped Body
Your Figure: A big chest and round tummy with slim legs and hips
What You Need: Flowy cuts to camouflage your heavy mid-region as well as A-line kurtas, pleats and gathers work well. Opt for churidars or slim pants over salwars so that you can flaunt your toned legs. Short kurtas are a good idea too, so that your legs can be highlighted. It’s best to wear your dupatta over one shoulder than around your neck as this distracts from your heavy torso. Save dark colours for the top and light colours for the bottom. Avoid bandhgalas, heavily embellished yokes or anything too fitted and give your vote to V-necks instead.
POPxo Recommends: Sangria White Cotton Kurta on Jabong, Rs 599
4. If You’re a Girl with an Hourglass Figure
Your Figure: A narrow waist and wider hips and bust – every woman’s dream!
What You Need: We say that if you’ve got it flaunt it! Use your kurta silhouettes to highlight your assets. Which means should stay away from voluminous, all-encompassing anarkalis as their baggy fit will drown all your sexy curves. Structured, well-fitted kurtas, which accentuate your contours, as well as empire cuts, are your best bets. Remember to stick to lightweight fabrics only.
POPxo Recommends: Asymmetrical Cut Embroidered Tunic by Global Desi, Rs 2,199
5. If You Have a Petite Frame
Your figure: You’re short and you have a narrow frame
What You Need: While you should use your kurtas to put your slim body on display, you should also look at adding some volume to your frame. Opt for halters, off- shoulders or bold sleeves and necklines to highlight your assets. Go with silhouettes with a flowy bottom half to add some bulk to your body. Avoid kurtas that end mid-thigh as they will cut your body awkwardly and make you look shorter. So either pick long lengths or very short ones that end at your upper thigh. You can play with large prints, embellishments, layering and colours too in order to create a sense of “largeness”.
POPxo Recommends: Ira Soleil Women Purple and Orange Kurta on Myntra, Rs 1,895
6. For the Girl Who Has a Fuller Figure
Your Figure: Very curvy body, with a voluptuous bust and butt
What You Need: Straight-cut kurtas (the longer the better) are ideal for those with fuller figures. Kaftans can be your go-to as well. As far as possible, try and wear the same colour head-to-toe as it makes for a slimming look. Ditto for dark colours. Large prints won’t work in your favour as they will make you broader and curvier than you are. Strike a balance between too tight and too loose, and always make sure your wrists and collarbones are visible; high necklines are best avoided as they can make you look bulky and top-heavy.
POPxo Recommends: Kurta by Teej on Fashionara, Rs 799
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