Embroidered shirts for men used to mean wedding sherwanis or polos with a logo. That has changed. Hand-embroidered men's shirts, button-downs and overshirts with floral, mirror work, or paisley embroidery, are now part of regular wardrobes.
This guide covers what to look for, where to wear them, and what separates a good embroidered shirt from a tacky one. Browse the full range in our embroidered shirts for men.
The 4 main types
1. Floral on cotton button-downs
A small floral cluster on the chest or shoulder, sometimes running down the placket. Our floral cotton shirt for men is a popular piece. Good for smart-casual occasions, dinners, dates, and summer weekends.
2. Mirror work (shisha)
Small mirrors stitched into cotton with thread loops, a tradition from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The mirror work shirt is festive without being formal, good for casual weddings, festivals, and nights out.
3. Paisley and kantha border
Traditional motifs stitched along the collar, cuffs, or hem. Paisley shirts read as fusion wear: modern cut, traditional decoration.
4. Animal and nature
Tiger, eagle, palm tree, banana plant. The Royal Bengal tiger shirt is a bold, distinct piece.
What to look for
Fabric. A hand-embroidered shirt needs a fabric with enough body to hold the thread without warping. Cotton and cotton-linen work well. Avoid polyester blends, where the thread puckers and the shirt feels cheap.
Placement. Five spots work on a men's shirt: the left chest (subtle, pocket area), the right chest (a little bolder), the shoulder yoke, the collar and cuffs as a border, and the placket running down from the collar. Avoid a large full-back design, which looks costume-like.
Fit. A regular fit, standard and slightly relaxed, is the most flattering. An oversized or boxy cut suits a younger, streetwear wardrobe. A very slim fit tends to make embroidery look forced.
Where to wear it
For daily wear, a small chest motif with jeans or chinos. For a dinner or date, a floral motif on white or beige with dark trousers. For a festival or Diwali, a mirror work or paisley shirt with kurta-style trousers. For a wedding as a guest, a fuller embroidered cotton shirt with sleek trousers instead of a suit. For a beach or vacation, a palm or coastal motif on a lighter shirt. Embroidery generally reads too casual for a formal corporate office.
Colours that work
White cotton with multicolour floral has the most impact and is the most versatile. Beige with olive or burgundy is muted and vintage. Black with cream or gold is good for evenings. Navy with white is clean and nautical. Cream with sage or burgundy feels earthy and considered. Skip neon thread on dark shirts and all-pastel combinations on white, which wash out.
Care
Hand wash cold or use a gentle machine cycle, inside out, with mild detergent and no bleach. Air dry flat or on a hanger rather than tumble drying. Iron on the reverse only, never directly over the embroidery. Store on hangers, since folding can crease the embroidery.
How ours are made
Every shirt is stitched by hand by women artisans in our Bulandshahr studio. Detailed pieces like these take about 5 to 10 days.
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