Sherwani and Achkan are both traditional Indian garments that are worn by men on formal occasions. While they may look similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the Sherwani and Achkan.
Sherwani is a long coat-like garment that originated in the northern part of India. It is typically made of silk or other high-quality fabrics and is heavily embroidered with intricate designs. Sherwani is usually worn with churidar pants, which are tight-fitting pants that gather at the ankle. It is often worn by grooms during weddings or by men attending formal events.
There are several types of Sherwanis, each with its unique style and characteristics. Some of the most common types of Sherwani are:
- Classic Sherwani: This is the most traditional style of Sherwani, characterized by a long coat with intricate embroidery and a high collar.
- Jodhpuri Sherwani: This style of Sherwani originated in the Jodhpur region of Rajasthan and is characterized by a shorter coat with a buttoned-up collar and a Nehru jacket-like appearance.
- Achkan Sherwani: This style of Sherwani is similar to the Jodhpuri style but is longer in length and has a more relaxed fit.
- Angrakha Sherwani: This style of Sherwani has a unique overlapping design that gives it a cross-body appearance. It is often adorned with heavy embroidery and is a popular choice for weddings and other formal events.
- Indo-Western Sherwani: This style of Sherwani is a fusion of traditional Indian and Western styles, with a shorter coat and modern cuts and designs.
- Sherwani with Dhoti: This style of Sherwani is typically worn with a dhoti, which is a traditional Indian garment that resembles a long skirt. It is a popular choice for grooms during weddings.
Each type of Sherwani has its unique style and charm, and the choice of which one to wear often depends on the occasion and personal preference.
Achkan, on the other hand, is a shorter coat that also originated in northern India. It is typically made of lighter fabrics such as cotton or linen and is not as heavily embroidered as the Sherwani. Achkan is usually worn with loose-fitting pants, known as dhoti or pyjama, and is often worn on less formal occasions such as parties or social gatherings.
There are several types of Achkan that are popular in different regions of India. Some of the most common types of Achkan are:
- Lucknowi Achkan: This style of Achkan is popular in Lucknow and is characterized by intricate embroidery and embellishments, often using gold or silver threads.
- Kashmiri Achkan: This style of Achkan is popular in Kashmir and is often made of wool or silk. It is characterized by intricate embroidery and a shawl collar.
- Rajasthani Achkan: This style of Achkan is popular in Rajasthan and is often made of cotton or silk. It is characterized by bold colors and block prints.
- Punjabi Achkan: This style of Achkan is popular in Punjab and is often made of silk or satin. It is characterized by intricate embroidery and embellishments.
- Hyderabadi Achkan: This style of Achkan is popular in Hyderabad and is often made of silk or brocade. It is characterized by heavy embroidery and embellishments.
- Modern Achkan: This style of Achkan is a fusion of traditional and modern styles, with a shorter length and modern cuts and designs. It is often worn on less formal occasions.
Each type of Achkan has its unique style and characteristics, and the choice of which one to wear often depends on the occasion and personal preference.
In summary, Sherwani is a long, heavily embroidered coat worn with tight-fitting pants for formal occasions, while Achkan is a shorter, less heavily embroidered coat worn with loose-fitting pants for less formal occasions.
