Bandhgala aka Jodhpuri Suits

Belonging to the royal league, the bandhgala suit is a must-have in any Indian man’s closet! It perhaps is one of the first kinds of formal ethnic wear that fuses ethnic style of clothing with western cuts. A bandhgala suit is basically a high collared coat, fully buttoned and worn over a pair of trousers. It is believed to have originated in the Rajput gharanas when royal tailors learnt to use British concepts of tailoring in Indian clothing.

The bandhgala suit originated in the Jodhpur royal estate of Rajasthan sometime around the mid-19th century. It is basically a fusion of two types of fashion. It is fashioned after suits which the Europeans used to wear over trousers or Scottish men’s skirts. The tailoring techniques used to make such suits are different from Indian tailoring ways. These new techniques were taught to the indigenous royal tailors by the British tailors. The Indian tailors were used to stitching royal outfits like the angarakha kurta, sherwani or belted kurta for the kings, princes and the men of court. They fused these styles with the European ways and what emerged was the bandhgala or Jodhpuri suit.

The bandhgala suit emerged within royal walls and therefore is quintessentially formal Indian wear – very popular these days with the groom or groomsmen for wedding related functions, reception parties etc. One can also sport these suits in formal occasions related to work and office.

Like its European cousin, the bandhgala suits mostly come in monotones like grey, black, brown, navy, white, ivory etc with ornate buttons, silk pocket squares and sometimes accessorized with brooches, chains and also turbans. Nowadays, designers are experimenting with these suits by adding belt details, colorful fabrics or completely traditional elements like brocades, jacquard fabrics, jamewar etc.

In fact, the bandhgala suits listed below also use traditional embellishment techniques like embroidery, sequin work, zari work etc. We have used deep tones and pastel shades with floral elements and ethnic motifs. We have experimented with the button line and in some cases added an inner kurta too for a more layered look! You can go for any of the experimental bandhgalas or simply choose a solid one! You can also get it customized by adding in your preferences!