Sherwani - Male Costume

Sherwani is a long coat-like garment worn in South Asia, very similar to an Achkan or doublet. Sherwani originated as a fusion of the Shalwar Kameez with the British frock coat. It was traditionally associated with the Muslim aristocracy of the northern Indian subcontinent. The Rajput aristocracy had subsequently adopted it. It is worn over the Kurta and Churidar, Khara pajama, a shalwar. It can be distinguished from the achkan by the fact that it is often made from heavier suiting fabrics, and by the presence of a lining.

In India, the sherwani is generally worn for formal occasions in winter by those of North Indian descent, especially those from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Hyderabadi-Muslims. The sherwani is generally associated with Muslims while the achkan was historically favored by Hindu nobles. The two garments have significant similarities, though sherwanis typically are more flaired at the hips. The achkan was also modified into the Nehru Jacket, which is popular in India.

The Hyderabadi Sherwani was the dress of choice of the Nizam of Hyderabad and Hyderabadi nobles. The Hyderabadi sherwani is longer than normal sherwani reaching below the knees.