Matching father-son kurta sets at Indian weddings and festivals have gone from a sweet tradition to a full-blown trend. Done right, they look incredible in photographs and feel special for both. Done wrong, they look like the dad and a small version of the dad standing next to each other in identical outfits.
Here's how to get it right.
The Rule: Same Colour Family, Not Identical Outfits
The best father-son looks coordinate rather than copy. Choose the same colour palette - both in ivory, both in deep blue, both in maroon - but with different silhouettes or slight variations in embroidery. The dad might wear a heavier silk kurta with embellishment; the son wears the same shade in a simpler cotton fabric.
This approach photographs beautifully and looks intentional rather than matchy-matchy.
Shop: Boy's Cream Floral Printed Angrakha Kurta Pyjama Set
Shop: Men's Cream Silk Blend Sherwani Set
Best Colours for Matching Kurta Sets
- Ivory / Off-white - Clean, timeless, works at any function from Haldi to reception
- Deep Maroon or Wine - Rich, wedding-appropriate, photographs in jewel tones
- Bottle Green or Teal - Fresh, increasingly popular at Mehndi and Sangeet
- Royal Blue or Navy - Works across almost all functions and skin tones
- Saffron or Mustard - Perfect for Diwali and festive occasions
For Weddings: Which Functions Work Best?
Father-son matching works best at Mehndi, Sangeet, and the wedding ceremony - the three most photographed functions. For the Baraat specifically, a matching set is a standout moment where the son walks alongside the groom's side.
At the reception, you can be slightly less strict about matching - the focus is usually on the couple, so coordinating loosely (same colour family, not identical) is fine.
Shop: Boy's Beige And Coffee Jacquard Sherwani Set
Shop: Men's Green Silk Blend Kurta Pyjama Set
For Festivals: Diwali, Eid, Rakhi
Festival matching is more relaxed and more fun. Festive colours - saffron, yellow, orange, bright teal - suit the occasion. A simple cotton or chanderi kurta for both, in a matching bright shade, with minimal accessories, is the perfect Diwali or Eid look.
Shop: Baby Boy's Mustard Embroidered Cotton Kurta Pyjama Set
Shop: Men's Cream Printed Cotton Blend Kurta Pant Set
Getting the Fit Right for Kids
The most common mistake with boys ethnic wear is oversizing. A kurta pajama for boys that is too long or too wide looks shapeless. Make sure the son's kurta fits at the shoulder and is hemmed to the right length. For kids, a straight churidar with elastic waist is more practical than a traditional pajama tie.
For babies and toddlers: a kurta with dhoti pants is a classic that always looks adorable and is easy to manage. Browse kids ethnic wear for age-specific styles.
Shop: Men's Pista Green Rayon Indo Western Pyjama Set
Add a Nehru Jacket to Complete the Look
A Nehru jacket on both father and son unifies a look instantly, even if the kurtas underneath are slightly different. Choose a Nehru jacket in a complementary colour or the same embroidery pattern for both.
Shop: Boy's Aqua Blue Floral Silk Blend Nehru Jacket
FAQ's
Where can I buy matching father-son kurta sets online?
Absolutely Desi offers a range of men's and kids' ethnic wear that can be coordinated as matching sets. You choose the same colour and style in different sizes for father and son.
What age groups do matching kurta sets work for?
Any age. From infants in kurta-dhoti sets to teenagers in full kurta pajama, the coordinated look works as long as the colour palette is consistent.
Do I need to order at the same time for the colours to match?
Ideally yes - ordering from the same collection ensures the dye lots are similar. If ordering separately, share a photo reference to confirm the shade matches before ordering.
Shop men's ethnic wear and kids ethnic wear at Absolutely Desi - coordinated sets shipped to the UK, US, UAE and Canada.