Archive · 17 Sep 2026
How Modi’s Signature Jacket Became A Symbol Of Indian Style
The Nehru jacket was originally a longer jacket with sleeves.
Narendra Modi wears a different version of it.
His version is shorter and has no sleeves.
He usually wears it over a kurta.
He has worn it at important events for more than ten years.
Because people see him wearing it so often, many now call it the “Modi jacket.”
Stores in India sell it under that name.
The jacket is also popular for weddings and festivals.
The original Nehru jacket had sleeves and extended below the hip.
Narendra Modi’s version is shorter, sleeveless, and worn over a kurta.
Modi has worn the jacket at major public appearances for more than a decade.
The garment is now widely marketed in India as the “Modi jacket.”
It has become part of wedding and festive menswear collections across India.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and retailers and menswear designers in India.
- What
- A shorter, sleeveless version of the Nehru jacket has become known as the “Modi jacket.”
- When
- Narendra Modi has worn it at major public appearances for over a decade.
- Where
- At appearances including Parliament and global summits, and in retailers across India.
- Why
- His repeated public use helped turn the garment into a recognizable Indian style and a popular festive and wedding clothing item.
- Garment origin
- The original Nehru jacket had sleeves and fell below the hip.
- Modi version
- It is shorter, sleeveless, and worn over a kurta.
- Public use
- Narendra Modi has worn it at major appearances for more than a decade.
- Appearances
- The jacket has appeared at Parliament and global summits.
- Retail name
- Retailers across India sell it as the “Modi jacket.”
- Fashion use
- It regularly appears in wedding and festive menswear collections.