Latest Set Mundu trends in Kerala Fashion

Kerala’s classic Set Mundu evolves with tissue textures, bold borders, and artisan touches—styled with modern blouses and chic accessories for a rooted yet contemporary look.

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Traditional Kerala Set Mundu is evolving from its classic white and gold core to dynamic textures like tissue fabrics, bold borders, creative prints, and artisan embellishments while styling cues like coordinated blouses and chic accessories keep it rooted yet modern.

Here are the upcoming trends in Kerala Kasavu Set Mundu blending craftsmanship, innovative designs and unique fusion.

Puliyilakkara and Eerkkil Kara Revival

The understated, thin Puliyilakkara kara and a thinner Eerkkil kara, once daily wear for elders, is returning. Designers are embracing it for its refined simplicity, making it a festive season favourite again.

Features a thin 3–5 mm colour woven border in all bold shades that offers a subtle, minimalist elegance, ideal for daily wear, temple visits, or mature traditional styles. Its delicate simplicity makes it timeless.

Staple Mulloth Kara Set mundu

The hallmark coloured stripes ranging from thin to medium-width bands adds subtle drama while preserving traditional integrity. Lightweight and versatile, colorful kara stripes paired well with a wide range of blouses—prints, solids, or traditional silk retains the purity of classic Kerala attire while offering a subtle twist with colour.

Vibrant AJRAKH & Appliqué Inserts

Ajrakh is a centuries-old block-print tradition from Kutch and Rajasthan, known for deep indigo, madder red, and symmetrical geometric or floral motifs. Appliquéing Ajrakh patches onto kasavu mundu keeps both crafts alive, while creating something new, artisanal, and eco-conscious. When the bold intricacy of Ajrakh meets the purity of Kasavu, the contrast creates a visually striking and culturally layered garment.

Festivals call for attires that are graceful, traditional, and festive. Whether it’s light embellishment or intricate thread works adds a unique charm to the classic white-and-gold ensemble. Embroidery collections on trend are ;

Minimal yet Detailed Kasuti Embroidery - Brings together two South Indian textile traditions in a wearable form.

Story Telling Kantha Embroidery- The muted gold zari border of Kasavu pairs beautifully with vivid Kantha threads—reds, indigos, leaf green, mustard, or even tonal ivory.

Floral Thread Embroidery - Pavizha malli, thechi, marigolds, lavenders and kanikkonna flowers hand-stitched or machine embroidered in vibrant hues like yellow, green and red.

Mirror work- Small reflective mirrors surrounded by coloured thread embroidery with defined shapes of traditional Kerala jewels like ‘Palakka’ , ’Nagapadam’, and ’Navaratna’ embroidery blends spiritual symbolism, cultural depth, and unique artisanal beauty.

Bride’s Choice Aari Embroidery - A hand-embroidered Set Mundu with divine motifs is more than just a wedding outfit—it’s a sacred tapestry that weaves together faith, family, craftsmanship, and identity.

Fusion with Bold Block Patterns

A fusion of classic kasavu weaves and striking hand-block motifs offers a beautiful balance keeping the elegance of kasavu while embracing statement fashion. Block print styles like Bagh prints, Ajrakh prints, floral block prints with print elements like Symmetrical stars, florals, mandalas, grids in indigo, Large floral vines, mango patterns, temple arches etc has become a popular choice among kasavu lovers.

Kattam Kasavu And Vari Kasavu Setmundu

Kattam - Woven check patterns across the mundu, Often golden zari kattam on cream cotton or tissue base and sometimes coloured thread checks in maroon, green, black and blue shades.

Vari- Features vertical or horizontal kasavu lines running through the fabric as Pinstripes (nool vari) Subtle zari threads across the mundu and Bold multi-vari: Multiple stripes (2–5 lines) in varying colors or widths.

Unique and Handcrafted Mural Painted Setmundu

Each hand-painted mural set mundu is a one-of-a-kind piece. Traditional murals depict gods and goddesses like Krishna, Shiva, and Devi in expressive, detailed forms. The contrast of the classic ivory and gold base with vibrant mural art creates a visually rich and culturally resonant look.

Common and trending mural painting themes seen on Kerala kasavu are Playful Bala Gopala, Romantic Radhakrishna, Balancing Ardhanarishwara, Fierce Durga, Dramatic Kathakali expressions and caparisoned elephants.

While trends come and go, handloom sarees offer a timeless grace.

For Kerala women Kasavu is not just a clothing, its culture, craftsmanship, and conscience woven together. Women choose handloom to honor tradition, knowing that every thread carries the legacy of Kerala’s weavers, especially from clusters in Balaramapuram, Kuthampully, and Chendamangalam.