By Nandini Iyengar for Femina

For decades, Indian wedding fashion has focused on brides — the intricate lehengas, silk sarees, jewellery, the flowers and the works. At South Indian weddings, the bride is glowing presence from head to toe, adorned with jewellery and luxury fittings. But now, it’s the groom’s turn to shine. The humble veshti, once considered simple and traditional, has undergone in a stylish a transformation. From designer drapes to luxe fabrics, today’s grooms are redefining what it means to be rooted yet refined. Intricate gold brocade borders, fine woven linen and silk are some of the evolving patterns of veshti in modern South Indian grooms.

The veshti (also known as dhoti or mundu) has been worn by South Indian men. It is a garment that finds itself in the day-to-day and also in the festivities. But modern grooms are taking it beyond convention. Designers are reimagining the veshti with subtle embroidery, metallic threads, and even tone-on-tone textures. The result? A garment that looks regal yet effortless. Ivory, off-white, and champagne-hued veshtis with soft gold borders are dominating wedding fashion right now, striking the perfect balance between traditional and modern.

Pair it Right

Gone are the days when a veshti had to be paired with a basic white shirt. Grooms are now styling it with silk kurtas, linen bandhgalas, or even embroidered Nehru jackets. For temple weddings, a silk angavastram (shawl) with zari detailing adds elegance without being over the top.

Choose a contrasting upper garment, like a deep maroon or moss green kurta, to make your veshti pop in photos. Complete the look with handcrafted and customized sandals for understated sophistication.

Go Minimal, yet Modern

It is no news that movement in a veshti can be challenging for those who are used to strutting around in pants. While some grooms prefer the classic wrap, many are opting for pre-stitched veshtis that make movement easier during long ceremonies. These tailored versions retain authenticity while offering comfort, especially useful during ceremonies that demand a lot of movement.

Go Smart with Accessories

Accessories can make or break your wedding look. Minimal gold chains, antique brooches, and gemstone buttons are finding their way into men’s wedding ensembles. The traditional pose has been replaced by sunglasses, statement watches, and even floral malas for the perfect aesthetic. Don’t overdo your accessories. One statement piece, like a heritage watch or gold brooch, adds class without clashing.

Embrace Modernity, Retain Heritage

This veshti revival isn’t just about fashion; it’s about reclaiming identity. Modern South Indian grooms are showing that tradition doesn’t have to mean conservative. The new veshti look is confident, tailored, and unapologetically cultural, proving that sometimes, the most stylish thing you can wear is your heritage.

The veshti 2.0 is symbolic of a bridge between past and present, between devotion and design. After all, nothing says timeless elegance quite like tradition reimagined for the modern man.

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