Shopping for Indian wear can quickly become confusing once you move beyond aesthetics. Almost every brand claims that its kurtas are “premium,” “summer-friendly,” or “comfy,” but once you actually wear them all day long: office hours, lunch, family outings, festive events, travel, the differences become very apparent.
Some clothes start looking tired after just one wash. Some people look beautiful online but feel tough in real life. Some are comfortable but do not look attractive enough outside the house. And some quietly become outfits you keep repeating because they just work every time.
So, I tried out kurta sets from five extremely popular ethnicwear brands: Aurelia, BIBA, Fabindia, Lakshita and W for Women, to see how they really compare in terms of fabric, comfort, fit, style and overall value for money.
Top 5 Indian Apparel Brands I Tried and Tested
This set instantly looks more festive and attractive than others. The zari embroidery gives it a slightly elevated “small function or family dinner” vibe without being overly heavy.
The most striking thing was how attractive the silhouette looked after wearing. The palazzo pants balance the embroidery well and keep the outfit from feeling stiff or overly traditional. Red also photographs beautifully, especially in warm light.
Comfort-wise, this isn’t the lightest everyday summer set on the list, but it still feels wearable for long periods of time as the fabric doesn’t cling awkwardly.
I would personally wear it to festive lunches, family gatherings, or occasions where you want to look dressed up without going completely ethnic-heavy.
worth buying? Yes, especially if you want a versatile occasion apparel set that feels wearable again and again.
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Biba is one of those brands that almost everyone has owned at some point, and honestly, this set shows why the brand still works so well for everyday Indian wear.
The cotton fabric feels really breathable, which makes an instant difference during the Indian summer. This print is subtle enough for everyday wear and still looks polished. It doesn’t scream “festival wear”, but that’s actually its strength.
This felt like the easiest set for practical daily use: office, errands, lunch, casual meetings, travel days. The straight silhouette makes it clean and a little more structured than a highly flowy cotton set.
The only thing is that Biba pieces sometimes feel less unique because the brand is now so widely worn. But in terms of comfort and reliability, it works.
worth buying? Yes, if you want an easily re-wearable cotton kurta set that you will really use often.
This was probably the softest and most comfortable feeling set of all five. The floral print gives it a daytime aesthetic: soft, wearable and super suited for summer.
The cotton fabric feels light without being transparent, which matters a lot with light ethnic wear. The fit is also more relaxed and forgiving rather than sharply structured.
This is the kind of outfit I would wear for daytime outings, work days from a café, travel or casual lunches where comfort is more important than looking overly flashy.
What I liked most is that it doesn’t look over-designed. Sometimes simple prints and soft silhouettes look more expensive because they don’t take a lot of effort.
worth buying? Yes, especially if comfort and repeat wearability matter more to you than trend-heavy styling.
Fabindia has a very distinctive aesthetic, and if you already love handmade-looking Indian apparel, this set will instantly fall in love with you.
The embroidery looks subtle and elegant rather than flashy. The white and pink color combination looks especially fresh for summer, and the cotton fabric has that slightly textured, artisanal feel that Fabindia is known for.
What differentiates Fabindia from many fast-fashion ethnic brands is that the clothes feel cooler and more timeless. They don’t aggressively pursue trends, which means the pieces are often stylistically superior.
That said, the fit can sometimes be less clearly tailored than brands like W or Aurelia. Fabindia silhouettes generally prioritize comfort and natural drape over body definition.
I would wear this for work meetings, cultural events, airport looks or daytime functions.
worth buying? Yes, especially if you like simple Indian attire that doesn’t seem like a trend-follower.
It felt the most sophisticated and office-ready of all five brands. W consistently designs Indian wear that feels a little more contemporary and structured, and this set clearly reflects that.
The embroidery placement is minimal and clean, while the straight silhouette creates a sharp overall look. It instantly gives a more streamlined look than a soft cotton lounge-style set.
The fabric falls beautifully without being stiff. This is important because many formal looking kurta sets sacrifice comfort for structure, but this one balances the two quite well.
I especially recommend it for officewear, client meetings, dinners, or situations where you want Indian attire that still feels modern and sleek.
worth buying? If you want versatile ethnic wear that can easily transition between work and social settings then this is probably the strongest overall choice.
Which brand impressed me the most?
Each brand honestly serves a different purpose:
- W for Women felt like the most sophisticated and versatile
- Fabindia felt most timeless and artistic
- Biba found most practical for daily wear
- Lakshita found it the softest and easiest to live with.
- Aurelia worked best for more lucrative opportunities.
The biggest differences came down to what type of Indian wear experience each brand prioritized: comfort, structure, occasion wear, craftsmanship, or replicating everyday styling.
Over the years, I have realized that the best kurta set is the one you reach for again and again because it feels comfortable, attractive, breathable and easy to wear in real life. And honestly, after trying all five, it became very clear that good ethnicwear today is less about heavy styling and more about effortless repetition.
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