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One of the most stylish ethnic garments for men is the Nehru jacket. It is a beautiful, tailored coat which comes with a distinctive, high-neck Mandarin collar and full sleeves. This hip length garment has a very interesting history as it was said to have been named after the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, though he hardly wore it in his lifetime. It has today become iconic as an indo-western garment for men. It was initially conceived as a cross between the western suit/jacket and the Indian achkan or sherwani. The unique collar is called the bandhgala in India and is actually inspired by a similar cut which was used predominantly in traditional, courtly garments. However, Nehru jackets are usually not as opulent and colorful as those traditional outfits, instead employing sober colors and subtle, understated designs. This is quite a versatile garment for men’s wear. Nehru jackets can be worn for a number of different occasions depending on the type of jacket and the way it is styled. Typically, a men’s Nehru jacket for a special occasion, such as a festival or a wedding, will be adorned with a certain amount of embroidery around the borders and the sleeves. This can be simple yet colorful resham embroidery or it can be the more opulent zardosi work. The varieties those intended for formal, business occasions will be more subdued and plain, utilizing a sharp silhouette and fine fabrics to create the office appropriate look. The same kind of variation can be seen in terms of colors as well. The varieties for wedding and festival wear, especially the designer options, might come in colors such as moss green, rust red and deep blue, which are bright without being gaudy. However, black, brown and grey are the most popular shades in any Nehru jacket collection. Many different fabrics can be used to make these garments. From rich, opulent fabrics such as velvet, brocades and woven silks, to rayon, polyester, linen and even cotton, there is no dearth of fabric choices for all seasons. Typically, lighter fabrics like linen and cotton are reserved for the summer months. The less costly artificial fabrics are preferred for casual wear occasions. There are also certain innovations which can be seen in the garment today. These have been introduced to make it appeal to the younger generation. For instance, there are many sleeveless options with a slightly shorter length which are meant to be layered over a crisp full-sleeve shirt. The Nehru jacket can also be worn in a variety of creative ways to get a new look. For instance, it can be paired with a dhoti to create a funky ensemble with a traditional twist; or, it can be paired with a pair of tailored trousers to create a formal, indo western get up. It can also be layered over kurta pajamas or sherwanis. Either ways, it is important to make sure the fitting of the garment is perfect. As with all tailored jackets, the right cut and fit can make or break the look.
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