Pantaloons

20 Aug, 2026 5 Mins Read 147

Break away from festive templates this Onam 2026. Style your Onam your way with contemporary festive looks for every celebration.

For most men celebrating Onam, the wardrobe decision usually comes down to one question: how to respect tradition without feeling restricted or overdressed. Here is a quick, practical guide on how to style a white kurta and other Onam festive essentials for every occasion this Onam 2026.

Start with the White Kurta

White and gold are central to the Onam wardrobe, but there’s more than one way to wear them.

A clean, straight-cut cotton kurta with a traditional kasavu mundu keeps the look rooted in the occasion. Swap the mundu for beige, cream or neutral trousers and it instantly takes on a more contemporary feel.

You can also play with the kurta itself - try a Mandarin collar, a shorter silhouette or subtle texture for a look that feels less expected while still staying festive.

Style It for Every Onam Occasion

Family Gatherings & Rituals

For family visits and traditional celebrations, keep the combination classic with a white kurta and kasavu mundu or off-white dhoti.

Lightweight cotton works particularly well for Kerala’s warm weather. Finish the look with leather sandals, kolhapuris or neutral understated loafers.

The Onam Sadya

The Sadya is a celebration in itself - and your outfit should be comfortable enough to enjoy it.

Choose a relaxed-fit cotton kurta with soft trousers or lightweight ethnic bottoms. Easy silhouettes make sense for a long afternoon of sitting, eating and spending time with family, without compromising on the festive feel.

Office Celebrations

Bring the festive mood into your work wardrobe without going completely traditional.

A shorter white kurta with tailored trousers creates a clean ethnic-meets-formal look. Prefer to keep things even more minimal? A crisp white shirt with tailored trousers works just as well.

Keep the accessories considered - a classic watch and loafers are enough to finish the look.

Evenings with Friends

Once the formal celebrations are done, loosen things up.

Pair a short cotton kurta with your favourite denim for an easy high-low combination. Sneakers or minimal loafers can take the look further away from traditional festive dressing while keeping the kurta at the centre. It’s a simple switch, but it changes the entire mood.

Keep It Light

Onam celebrations can run from morning pookalams to evening get-togethers, often in warm and humid weather.

Breathable fabrics such as cotton and lightweight linen blends make an easy choice for the season. Regular and relaxed fits also allow for more movement while keeping the overall silhouette effortless.

Change the Details, Change the Look

The same white kurta can take on a completely different personality with a few considered changes.

A kasavu border and leather sandals keep it traditional.
Tailored trousers and loafers make it sharper.
Denim and sneakers give it a more relaxed edge.
A watch, bracelet or subtle accessory can add another layer without making the look feel overworked.

There’s plenty of room to experiment while staying true to the spirit of Onam.

Festive dressing doesn’t have to mean following one formula.

Build around the pieces you already know work - the white kurta, the kasavu, the crisp shirt - and bring in silhouettes, separates and details that reflect your own style.

Style Your Onam

Explore Pantaloons’ collection of men’s ethnic wear, shirts, trousers, denim and accessories to find more ways to dress for the season.

This Onam, Spark Your Imagination.