You see him at the airport. He isn’t wearing a $3,000 tracksuit or chunky sneakers that look like moon boots. Instead, it’s a crisp, white, slightly crinkled cotton set. Saif Ali Khan in kurta pajama has become such a permanent fixture of Indian pop culture that we almost take it for granted. Honestly, in a world of fast fashion and "hypebeast" trends, his refusal to change is exactly why he’s still the blueprint for men’s ethnic wear.
There is a specific kind of confidence required to walk through a swarm of paparazzi in what is essentially a high-end version of sleepwear. But for Saif, it’s not just a choice—it’s a heritage play. He has single-handedly made the "Pataudi look" a standard for the modern Indian man.
The Mystery of the White Kurta Pajama
Everyone asks: why white? Why always white?
It’s basically his uniform. Most actors use the airport as a runway for brands. Saif uses it to stay comfortable. Most of his signature white kurtas are made from fine cotton or mulmul, a fabric so breathable it’s basically like wearing air. He usually pairs them with a straight-cut pajama—never too tight, never quite a churidar.
The magic is in the fit. It’s never "slim fit" in the way Zara sells it. It’s tailored to his shoulders but flows everywhere else. That’s the "Nawab" secret. If it’s too tight, you’re trying too hard. If it’s too loose, you look sloppy. Saif hits that sweet spot where he looks like he just woke up in a palace and decided to catch a flight to London.
What He Gets Right (That Most People Get Wrong)
Most guys think "ethnic wear" means a wedding. They buy a heavy silk kurta with itchy embroidery and wait for a cousin’s Sangeet. Saif flipped the script. He made it "everyday."
- The Sleeves: Watch him closely. He almost always rolls his sleeves up to the mid-forearm. It takes the formality down a notch and adds a rugged, "I’m actually doing things" vibe.
- The Footwear: You won't see him in Nikes when he’s in a kurta. It’s either Tan leather Kolhapuri chappals or, if he’s feeling fancy, suede loafers.
- The Accessories: Usually just a high-end watch (he’s a Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe guy) and some classic Wayfarer-style sunglasses. No heavy chains. No "men’s bracelets." Just the basics.
The Raghavendra Rathore Connection
While he wears a lot of his own brand, House of Pataudi, for the big moments—think Royal weddings or high-stakes events—he turns to Raghavendra Rathore.
Rathore is the guy who basically patented the modern Bandhgala. He understands the "Jodhpur" aesthetic better than anyone. When Saif puts on a Rathore creation, the kurta pajama evolves. It stops being casual and becomes a weapon of mass sophistication. We’re talking about silk-wool blends, hidden plackets, and collars that stand up perfectly without being stiff.
In the Amazon Prime series Tandav, his stylist Subarna Ray actually raided Saif’s personal wardrobe. That tells you everything. The character needed to look powerful, old-money, and untouchable. They didn't go to a costume shop; they just went to Saif's closet and pulled out his grey and beige mul kurtas.
Beyond White: The Color Palette
Lately, he’s been branching out, but only slightly. We’ve seen him in "Serenity Blue," military greens from a Mumbai-based brand called Saphed, and even a deep navy Pathani.
- Powder Blue: Great for summer lunches.
- Military Green: He recently wore a linen set in this shade that retailed for about 12,000 rupees. It looked expensive because of the texture, not because of a logo.
- Black Cotton: Usually reserved for evening sightings. He pairs this with white pajamas to keep the contrast high.
How to Steal the Look Without Being a Nawab
You don't need a palace in Bhopal to pull this off. You just need to stop buying "synthetic" blends. If the tag says more than 20% polyester, put it back.
Start with a white linen kurta. Linen is great because it’s supposed to wrinkle. It shows you’re relaxed. Pair it with white cotton trousers (not jeans). If you feel like a doctor or a politician, throw on a Nehru jacket (Sadri) in a contrasting color like olive or navy.
Saif’s style works because it doesn't look like a costume. He wears the clothes; the clothes don't wear him. He’s been spotted repeating the same white pajamas for years—grocery shopping, airport runs, or just hanging out with Taimur. It’s sustainable, it’s classic, and honestly, it’s just cool.
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Actionable Style Tips
- Invest in Tailoring: Even a cheap cotton kurta looks like a million bucks if the shoulder seam hits exactly where your arm starts.
- Ditch the Bling: Let the fabric do the talking. If you're wearing a kurta, your watch is the only jewelry you need.
- Own the Wrinkles: Don't stress about a few lines in your cotton kurta by midday. It’s part of the "lived-in" luxury aesthetic.
- The Hair Factor: Saif often pairs the kurta with a slicked-back ponytail or a neat side part. Grooming is the "glue" that keeps the traditional look from looking messy.
The next time you’re tempted to buy another pair of distressed jeans, maybe think about a well-cut kurta instead. It’s worked for the Nawab for thirty years; it’ll probably work for you too.