How Gen Z is Reinventing Traditional Wear

Aug 06, 2025 Aanya Mehta

Mixing Streetwear with Tradition

Think lehengas with sneakers, hoodies over kurtas, or sarees styled with bucket hats, Gen Z loves fusing desi with street. Source: Google Images

Upcycling Old Sarees

They’re turning heirloom textiles into coords, jackets, skirts, or crop tops, sustainability with a story. Source: Google Images

Gender Fluid Fashion

Sarees on men, kurtas worn like oversized shirts, Gen Z breaks gender norms with confidence and flair. Source: Google Images

Ditching The Dupatta

Function over form, Gen Z often styles salwar suits and lehengas without dupattas for a cleaner, more modern silhouette. Source: Google Images

Pairing with Western Staples

Kanjeevaram blouse and jeans, Chikankari kurti and leather jacket, for Gen Z, rules are just styling opportunities. Source: Google Images

Statement Accessories over Gold Sets

Ditching heavy sets for oxidized silver, nose pins, chunky rings, and experimental bindis, personal over perfect. Source: Google Images

DIY Embroidery and Prints

Custom-painted jackets, hand-embroidered slogans, or doodle-art kurtas, making tradition truly one-of-one. Source: Google Images

Repping Culture on Social Media

Instagram, Reels, and Pinterest boards are filled with Gen Z proudly showcasing traditional fits with creative, personal storytelling. Source: Google Images

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