India has some of the widest varieties of ethnic prints. Be it large, bold and full-on dramatic, or soft, floral and elegant handwork that is traditional and luxury rolled into one. Summer is around the corner, and the prints are already peeking out of the winterwear. Kurta sets for women are one of the most versatile garments for Spring and Summer. These sets with ethnic motifs and styles are trendy, comfortable and eye-catching. This time of the year, Amazon is already hosting some of the most eye-catching prints and designs of all time.
Each print and design carries a story. It carries handwork, culture and regional history. Kurta sets for women that predominantly feature Indian prints and designs define your silhouette and sense of culture.
Chikankari is perhaps one of the most well-loved Indian designs amongst women's kurta sets. With a rich legacy that traces its roots back to Mughal rulers, chikankari is one of the most delicate forms of embroidery. Wearing this embroidered set is like stepping into centuries-old history.
When choosing these kurta sets for women, neutral, pastel colours work best. The elegance of this chikankari rayon kurta and palazzo set is further enhanced when these sets are bought with an inner lining and paired with simple jhumkas. This embroidery needs to be carefully handled and checked for authenticity.
Block print kurta sets for women are perhaps one of the most comfortable garments to wear. It’s good for workwear, casual hanging out and even summer lunches that may stretch out into the evening. Each block print is different from the other and carries the unique touch of Indian handloom prints. These printed straight kurtas with straight pants and a dupatta create a silhouette that’s clean, elegant and comfortable.
The illustrious prints on these kurta sets can be best accentuated with wooden bangles, juttis, mojaris and silver or oxidised jewellery. Palazzos can be worn instead of the tapered pants to create a more flowy look.
Bandhani prints are one of the oldest tie-and-dye techniques used in India. With its dots and colour saturation, these prints are a visual delight. This unique print sits well on different cuts of kurta sets for women. A cotton bandhani kurta set with a dupatta and palazzo is perfect for days when you want to look festive without being over the top.
The easiest way to style a bandhani kurta set is to wear jewellery and footwear that does not overwhelm the print. Think single-stack bangles with leather flats. To make it a bit more contemporary, a sleek sling bag instead of a traditional embroidered handbag or potli changes the look.
With Spring-Summer in the calendar, social events begin all around. Chanderi kurta sets for women let you achieve an effortlessly beautiful, dreamy summer occasion wear. Known for its lightweight fabric and soft sheen, this fabric, woven in cotton and silk, is a traditional go-to choice when it comes to upping the glam. A chanderi gold paste kurta set with a dupatta is a beautiful occasion wear that sets the tone for any event without being heavy. The refined zari exudes an elegance that very few fabrics can match. Carrying the royal history of Madhya Pradesh, this fabric is a classic.
Chanderi, being shiny, does not need much to be styled. The whole look can be completed with delicate jewellery and soft, embellished shoes.
An ethnic bold print, kalamkari, tells stories. Made with a technique that goes back thousands of years, this print is as versatile as the women who wear it. Made of natural dyes and with an ancient process that involves using bamboo and palm sticks, kalamkari traditionally depicts mythic stories. Beautiful and elegant kurta sets for women, drenched in the richness of kalamkari, liven up any occasion.
A straight kurta set can be styled with oxidised jewellery and ethnic shoes that match the earthy tone of the prints. Ideal for workwear and casual hangouts, kalamkari is a blend of rich heritage and comfort blended together. Made of natural dyes, these fabrics bleed colour on washing and may fade faster if washed too frequently.
If tie-and-dye fabric is your thing, ikkat is an amazing print to hold on to. A unique technique that involves dyeing the yarns before weaving, ikkat has a traditional and yet contemporary look. With a soft, feathery look that looks blurred, this print is widely practised in Odisha.
A soft ikkat kurta set exudes comfort and tradition. These kurta sets for women come in distinct ikkat styles like pochampally, patola, telia rumal and so on. Styling them is quite easy and depends on the print chosen. While these prints quite trendy, they might look too stuffy on some fabrics. For most of these sets, minimal jewellery and clean footwear work wonders to style them.
A timeless Indian print that makes a comeback each summer is Ajrakh. With a history that goes back more than 500 years and involves an intensive 16-stage process, Ajrakh dyes and colours are unique and restricted to a few basics. Out of these, red and black is the classic combination.
An Ajrakh kurta palazzo set with a dupatta is as festive as ordinary. The cotton fabric makes it breathable, and the earthy print makes you stand out. This versatile print and colour can be worn during the day and after-sundown events as well. Silver or oxidised jewellery or delicate stonework jewellery go well with these kurta sets for women. This beautiful ethnic print made of natural dyes might leak colours, so it’s best taken care of with hand washing or dry cleaning.