Men's Shrugs & Jackets: Long Open Jackets, Nehru Jackets & Indo-Western Styles

Kasbah's shrugs and jackets collection is a curated edit of handcrafted ethnic layering pieces for men floor-sweeping long open jackets, structured Nehru jackets, and contemporary open Indo-Western styles. Every piece is made to order in fabrics like silk and velvet, finished with hand embroidery, real mirror work, zari, cut dana and flora-and-fauna motifs designed to be the statement layer over a kurta or shirt at weddings, sangeets, receptions and festive occasions.

What is a long open jacket (shrug) for men?

A long open jacket often called a men's shrug is a front-open ethnic layer worn over a kurta or shirt. Unlike a buttoned Nehru jacket, it stays open and falls long, adding height, movement and instant occasion-ready polish. It suits taller frames and dramatic entrances, and it lets heavy embroidery or mirror work show across the full length of the garment.

Long open jacket vs Nehru jacket vs waistcoat: what's the difference?

These three ethnic layers are often confused. Here's how they differ:

Nehru jacket

A short, hip-length jacket with a mandarin (band) collar and a buttoned front. Sharp and structured, it's the most versatile choice and sits in the same family as our bandgala and sherwani styles.

Long open jacket / shrug

Longer than a Nehru jacket and worn open, giving a softer, flowing silhouette. Best when you want the layer itself to be the highlight of the outfit.

Waistcoat (bandi / koti)

The shortest and most minimal layer sleeveless and closed ideal for daywear and understated festive looks. Choose a Nehru jacket for weddings, a long open jacket for statement occasions, and a waistcoat for lighter, everyday ethnic wear.

How do you wear and style a men's ethnic jacket?

Let one element lead. Pair a mirror-work or zari long open jacket with a solid-coloured kurta and trousers or churidar so the handwork stands out. For a Nehru jacket, keep the base minimal and let the collar and embroidery do the talking. Add a pocket square or brooch for weddings, and finish with mojris or loafers. Reserve heavier, fully embroidered pieces for evening functions, and choose lighter, ombre-shaded jackets for daytime events like haldi and mehndi.

Which colour jacket is best for a wedding?

For grooms, deep jewel tones royal blue, bottle green, maroon and black photograph richly under evening light and read as formal. Wedding guests can go a shade lighter with teal, mustard, ivory or ombre tones to stand out without overshadowing the groom. Daytime functions favour pastels and softer neutrals; evening receptions carry darker, heavily embellished jackets well.

What fabric are the jackets made from?

Kasbah's jackets use festive-weight fabrics primarily silk and velvet chosen to hold structure and carry dense handwork like cut dana and sequins. Silk gives a natural sheen ideal for zari and thread embroidery, while velvet adds depth and warmth for winter weddings. As these are hand-embellished, made-to-order pieces, dry cleaning is recommended to protect the mirror work and beadwork.

Frequently asked questions

What do you wear under a long open jacket?

A kurta with churidar or trousers works best; a shirt gives a more fusion, Indo-Western look.

Are these jackets suitable for weddings and grooms?

Yes. The collection is built for weddings, sangeets, receptions and festive occasions, and works for both grooms and guests, with made-to-measure available on request.

Can I get a jacket made to
my measurements?

Yes every piece is made to order, and made-to-measure is available on request or at checkout.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, with duty-free international shipping available at checkout to the USA, UK, UAE, Canada, Australia and more.