Culture, comfort, colour: Deepavali style honours tradition with modern flair

There is demand for saree materials that offer comfort, suit Malaysia’s hot and humid climate, and are easy to drape and manage. Photo: Thasselz Collection

Deepavali, a festival observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Newar Buddhists, is a time for reflection, generosity and togetherness – marked by temple visits, charitable acts and shared meals with family and friends.

Choosing what to wear for Deepavali has become as much a part of the celebration as the festivities themselves, with many embracing vibrant colours, intricate fabrics and modern interpretations of classic styles.

With the festival just days away, local brand owners share the key trends shaping traditional Indian wear this year – from enduring favourites to fresh, contemporary expressions.

Best of both worlds

While many adore time-honoured styles, being able to move with ease and feel comfortable in traditional wear is a priority.

“Malaysians today want the best of both worlds: style and comfort,” says the founder of homegrown brand Pranikas, Prasaanth Chandran.

“Traditional wear has evolved into cultural wear, something you can wear anywhere, anytime.”

Dressing up in matching outfits is another popular trend. Photo: Pranikas

“We have also noticed a mindset shift. People want to celebrate culture in their own way. Instead of strictly traditional outfits, Malaysians are experimenting with crop tops, short kurtas, mix-and-match bottoms, and even layering styles inspired by modern streetwear,” says Prasaanth, whose brand offers a full range of Indian-inspired clothing, from men’s kurtas and couple sets to palazzo pants, women’s kurta sets and casual readywear.

He notes that the new generation no longer sees traditional wear as “for festivals only”, and tends to seek out lighter, breathable fabrics that suit our climate and pieces they can rewear and restyle across different occasions.

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“At Pranikas, our designs include thoughtful details like cotton linings in palazzos to prevent sheerness, adjustable drawstrings for flexibility, and silhouettes that move with you,” adds Prasaanth, who also does custom fits for special occasions.

According to Thasselz Collection founder Sangeetha Radhakrishnan, today’s shoppers love exploring bold colours and patterns.

“However, comfort and style remain their top priorities, and pricing plays a significant role in decision- making, especially since many wear sarees only once and prefer not to invest heavily,” says Sangeetha, whose brand offers curated sarees, accessories and jewellery.

“A growing number of women now wear sarees to work, favouring formal yet comfortable options like cotton sarees. Blouse styling has also evolved – unique, trendy designs are in demand, with crop tops becoming a popular pairing choice,” she adds.

Ananda Sakthi Silk House managing director Veerasamy Harikrishnan has observed that the brand’s customers love selecting their own material followed by having their outfits custom- stitched according to their exact preferences, making each piece one of a kind.

“Over the years, traditional Indian wear in Malaysia has evolved to match modern lifestyles. Today’s shoppers prefer clothing that is comfortable, lighter, and easier to manage, without compromising on elegance or cultural essence,” says Veerasamy, who helms the company founded by his parents, Datuk V Harikrishnan and Datin Puvaneswary.

“Fabrics like Banaras, super cotton, chiffon and lightweight silk are now more popular due to Malaysia’s warm climate,” adds Veerasamy who manages the business with his wife Sus Shanit.

Keeping it trendy

Clients are increasingly prioritising saree materials that offer comfort, suit Malaysia’s hot and humid climate and are easy to drape and manage.

“Other than sarees, there’s been a significant rise in demand for comfortable kurtis and ethnic tops as preferred choices for casual wear and also as festive wears,” says Sangeetha.

Prasaanth notes that colour trends among Malaysians have been leaning towards more earthy tones.

“This Deepavali, we are seeing a rise in earthy sophistication. Mustard, brick red, and classic black are leading the colour story, reflecting warmth and depth while remaining versatile enough to wear beyond the festive season,” he says.

A trend that seems to take every festive season by storm – matching outfits – has also been a favourite for Deepavali.

“Couple sets are taking centre stage this year, allowing partners to coordinate effortlessly in matching prints and shades without being identical. From the timeless appeal of black and white patterns to the richness of brick red and the brightness of mustard, these sets are redefining festive dressing as a shared celebration of style,” says Prasaanth.

Flowing kurta silhouettes, palazzo sets, and relaxed men’s kurtas remain favourites, echoing a growing love for comfort-driven elegance.

The brand’s customers love selecting their own material and having their outfits custom-stitched. Photo: Ananda Sakthi Silk House

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For Gen Z and young adults, comfort is non-negotiable, according to Prasaanth.

“They want outfits that resonate with modern Desi culture like crop tops, draped dupattas, palazzo sets, and co-ords that reflect their expressive, playful energy. Deepavali dressing in 2025 is less about extravagance and more about authenticity, celebrating who you are while keeping that festive spark alive,” he adds.

When it comes to fabrics, Veerasamy notes that the most popular ones this year include Banaras (or Banarasi), super cotton, tissue material, 2x2 material, jippa material, and embroidered fabrics.

“All of these fabrics are perfect for creating both traditional and contemporary festive look,” he says.

One highlight is the Banaras material with floral and textured designs, which is gaining popularity among men.

“This luxurious fabric is particularly suitable for tailoring suits and long-sleeved shirts, offering a refined look that balances elegance with individuality,” says Veerasamy. “The floral patterns and woven textures add a sophisticated twist, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or formal events.”

“Among the younger generation, one standout favourite has been our sequin jimikki Banaras, a unique fabric that offers a beautiful shine and rich colour texture, making it ideal for festive celebrations and family gatherings.”

As these brand owners point out, Deepavali dressing this year is a blend of heritage and modernity, where comfort, versatility and self-expression take centre stage.

Ultimately, the way Malaysians approach traditional wear today reflects a broader shift in mindset, as cultural attire is no longer reserved for festivals or formal occasions.

Reinterpreted as everyday fashion that connects the wearer to their roots while embracing contemporary sensibilities, Malaysians are honouring tradition while making it unmistakably their own.