Kurta a trend for Malaysian men

A survey by Bernama in the federal capital found many premises selling clothing at Jalan Masjid India and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman displaying kurta as their main attraction.

The price offered is reasonable, compared with that of a pair of baju melayu or jubah (robe). The price range for a kurta is RM50 for a simple one and up to RM110 a piece for the more elegant and higher quality fabric.

The kurta is inspired from the Indian Classic and Middle East designs.

Fashion designer Azlan Abd Karim, in his 30s, regarded 2016 as the peak year for kurta with more men going for the design.

Azlan, who owns the brand name 'binqareem', attributed the good sale of kurta to its reasonable price, compared with baju melayu.

"The demand is amazing with sale increase of 50 percent from last year.

"It depends on an individual how to wear the kurta. It can be worn with slacks and songket," he said.

Fashion designer Salikin Sidek regarded the wearing of kurta among men as a healthy trend in the country's fashion industry.

This, he said, was evident with more labels, including by celebrities, coming up with their various kurta designs.

"I introduced kurta in my fashion line four years ago. Only this year it became a trend," he said.

Meanwhile, a trader, Mohd Khairi Supian, 27, said he had been in the clothing trade, mostly selling baju melayu since seven years ago, but began selling kurta only last year.

"There is great demand for kurta. My sale increase by 50 percent this year," he said when met at his stall at Jalan Masjid India recently.

Muhammad Ali Turmizi Ahmad Shukri, 28, from Kuching, said he preferred to wear the kurta because it was easy to wear.

"It's not like the baju melayu, which you have to wear with the sampin and other accessories," he said.