Best Onam Shirts for Men in 2024: Celebrate in Style

Onam is one of the most celebrated festivals in Kerala, marked by traditional rituals, delicious feasts, and, most importantly, the opportunity to wear festive attire. For men, this often involves a classic Onam shirt paired with a mundu or dhoti. But with so many options available, finding the best Onam shirt that reflects tradition while offering style and comfort can be tricky. In this guide, we’ll explore the top Onam shirts for men, ensuring you find the perfect outfit to celebrate the festival in style.

Traditional Men’s Wear for Onam

Before diving into the best Onam shirts, let’s understand the traditional attire for this festival. Onam is incomplete without the white or off-white mundu (a traditional garment worn around the waist, similar to a dhoti) paired with a shirt, typically in white, beige, or soft pastels. However, modern fashion trends have introduced a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics to choose from, ensuring that men can embrace both tradition and contemporary styles.

What to Look for in an Onam Shirt

1. Fabric Quality

The fabric is one of the most crucial elements when selecting an Onam shirt. Since the festival falls during the monsoon, light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are preferred. Not only do they keep you comfortable, but they also reflect the simplicity and elegance of the festival. However, if you’re looking to make a statement, you could opt for silk blends that offer a more polished look.

2. Color

Traditionally, Onam shirts come in light shades like white, cream, or beige, symbolizing purity and simplicity. However, modern styles include a range of hues like pastels, light blue, mint green, and soft pink, giving you the flexibility to choose a color that complements your style.

3. Design and Embellishments

While plain shirts remain a popular choice, embroidered designs or golden borders on collars and cuffs add a touch of grandeur to your Onam look. Ensure the design complements your mundu and doesn’t overpower the overall outfit.

4. Fit

A good fit is essential for comfort and appearance. Whether you prefer a regular, slim, or tailored fit, ensure the shirt offers ease of movement, as Onam involves various rituals and celebrations where you’ll want to feel comfortable.

1. Dennis Lingo Men's Solid Slim Fit Cotton Casual Shirt

• Price: ₹785.00 (60% off)

• Rating: 3.8 out of 5 (38,676 ratings)

• Material: 100% Cotton

• Fit Type: Slim Fit

• Sleeve: Full Sleeve

• Collar: Spread Collar

• Available Colors: Black, White, Bottle Green, Dusty Peach, Olive, and more.

Why We Recommend It: This cotton casual shirt from Dennis Lingo offers both comfort and style, perfect for the modern man who wants to maintain a sleek look. The variety of color options allows you to pick one that suits your Onam attire. The breathable fabric ensures that you stay cool during long festive celebrations.

Offers: Get up to ₹4,000 discount on SBI Credit/Debit Cards. Free delivery and 10 days return/exchange available.

2. Vastramay Men's Silk Blend Shirt - Half Sleeves

• Price: ₹644.00 (46% off)

• Rating: 3.8 out of 5 (1,261 ratings)

• Material: Cotton Silk Blend

• Fit Type: Regular Fit

• Sleeve: Half Sleeve

• Collar: Classic Collar

• Available Colors: Gold, Cream, Navy Blue, Green, and more.

Why We Recommend It: This silk blend shirt from Vastramay is perfect for those looking for a classic ethnic look. The lightweight material ensures maximum comfort throughout the day. Ideal for both formal and casual events, this shirt is a versatile piece for your festive wardrobe.

Offers: EMI options available starting at ₹223/month. Get up to ₹4,000 off on SBI Cards. 10 days exchange and replacement guarantee.

3. Shirt Theory Solid White Cotton Full Sleeves Casual Shirt

• Price: ₹999.00 (64% off)

• Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (1 rating)

• Material: 100% Cotton

• Fit Type: Regular Fit

• Sleeve: Full Sleeve

• Collar: Spread Collar

• Color: White

Why We Recommend It: A white shirt is a wardrobe essential for every Onam celebration. This offering from Shirt Theory adds a touch of sophistication to your festive look with its slim fit and full sleeves. The premium cotton fabric ensures breathability, making it an ideal choice for the warm Kerala weather during Onam.

Offers: Upto ₹100 discount on Credit Cards. Free delivery and 10 days return/exchange available.

4. Vastramay Men's Silk Blend Shirt - Full Sleeves

• Price: ₹687.00 (61% off)

• Rating: 3.6 out of 5 (539 ratings)

• Material: Cotton Silk Blend

• Fit Type: Classic Fit

• Sleeve: Full Sleeve

• Collar: Classic Collar

• Available Colors: Green, Maroon, Pink, and more.

Why We Recommend It: This Vastramay shirt combines ethnic charm with modern comfort. The silk blend material provides a luxurious feel, while the classic fit ensures it pairs perfectly with traditional attire like a mundu or dhoti. A great option for both formal Onam gatherings and casual get-togethers.

Offers: EMI options starting at ₹218/month. Up to ₹4,000 off on SBI Cards.

5. Amazon Brand - Symbol Men's Cotton Shirt

• Price: ₹529.00 (64% off)

• Rating: 3.8 out of 5 (84 ratings)

• Material: 100% Cotton

• Fit Type: Regular Fit

• Sleeve: Full Sleeve

• Collar: Mandarin Collar

• Color: Sky Blue

Why We Recommend It: This cotton shirt from Amazon's Symbol brand is perfect for a relaxed and stylish Onam look. The mandarin collar adds a unique twist to the traditional shirt design, making it stand out. Its breathable cotton material ensures you stay comfortable while looking sharp during the festivities.

Offers: EMI starting at ₹187/month. Free delivery and 10 days return/exchange available.

Bonus: Best Traditional Mundu/Dhoti for Onam

6. Yettalan Men's Thick Border 100% Cotton Cream Dhoti

• Price: ₹616.00 (38% off)

• Rating: 3.8 out of 5 (46 ratings)

• Material: 100% Cotton

• Size: 4 Meters Double Mundu

Why We Recommend It: Pair your Onam shirt with this traditional cotton mundu. The thick green border gives it an elegant touch, making it perfect for weddings and festive occasions. Comfortable and rich in appearance, this mundu offers a perfect blend of tradition and style.

How to Choose the Right Onam Shirt for You

With so many options available, selecting the best Onam shirt can seem overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right choice:

• Occasion: If you’re attending a formal Onam event or family gathering, a silk-blend shirt with golden accents or embroidery might be more appropriate. For casual celebrations, a simple cotton or linen shirt will suffice.

• Budget: Traditional Onam shirts come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly options around ₹799 to more luxurious styles priced at ₹1,500 or more. Determine your budget and choose a shirt that offers both style and comfort within that range.

• Personal Style: Whether you prefer traditional whites and creams or modern pastel shades, choose a shirt that reflects your personality. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors or embellishments as long as they align with the festive spirit of Onam.

Styling Tips for Onam shirts for Mens

Pairing Your Shirt with Mundu

While your shirt choice is important, how you pair it with your mundu (dhoti) can make or break your look. For a classic look, go for a white or cream mundu with a golden border, paired with a light-colored shirt. Ensure that the colors complement each other; for example, a cream shirt looks great with a white mundu, while pastel shades work well with beige mundus.

Footwear

Onam celebrations typically call for minimalistic footwear like kolhapuris or simple sandals. Since the focus is on tradition, avoid heavy, flashy footwear, which can clash with the overall attire.

Accessories

A simple gold chain or wristwatch adds an elegant touch to your Onam attire. Steer clear of overly flashy accessories as they might take away from the simplicity of the outfit.

Choosing the Right Onam Shirt Based on Body Type

Selecting the right Onam shirt involves more than just choosing a color or design; it’s essential to consider your body type to achieve a flattering look. Here are some guidelines:

• Slim Fit vs. Regular Fit: Men with slimmer builds often look great in slim-fit shirts that accentuate their form without being too tight. On the other hand, those with a broader frame might opt for regular-fit shirts for more comfort and ease of movement.

• Taller Men: Vertical patterns and stripes on shirts tend to elongate the appearance, making them ideal for shorter men who want to look taller. Taller men can experiment with solid colors or horizontal lines.

• Fabric Flow: Heavier fabrics such as silk blends offer a good flow and are ideal for men who prefer a well-draped shirt that falls elegantly.

  
  

Where to Shop for Onam Shirts

If you're looking to buy Onam shirts, both online and offline options are available. Amazon and Flipkart are two of the largest online platforms offering a wide variety of Onam shirts, often with discounts and free returns. For those who prefer the traditional shopping experience, Kerala’s local markets in cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Thrissur are bustling with vendors offering authentic, handwoven Onam attire.

For something more unique, several boutique designers specialize in creating fusion Onam shirts that combine tradition with modern style. These shirts tend to be more expensive but are perfect for those looking to stand out.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer a traditional or modern look, finding the perfect Onam shirt is all about comfort, style, and tradition. From cotton to silk blends, plain designs to embroidered accents, there’s something for everyone. The options listed above cater to various preferences and budgets, ensuring you look your best during this auspicious festival.