A symphony of artisanal values and heritage meet in our signature Jodhpuri Bandhgala. The Raghavendra Rathore atelier amalgamates the play of handwoven textiles and textures with a fresh appeal to redefine the traditional and timeless silhouette.

A man in a well-cut, carefully considered and crafted Bandhgala, commands attention in any room he may enter. The Jodhpuri Bandhgala is regarded as much more than a well-structured garment today. It can be likened to a piece of art. Bespoke Bandhgalas have been the signature product offering at Raghavendra Rathore for decades. With the time-tested legacy silhouette, Raghavendra Rathore carries the rich history of Jodhpur and translates it into slick cuts that make for a new-era of sartorial style. A timeless classic, one that is considered an investment to any gentleman’s wardrobe, is reinvented in keeping with the culture of the times, as it finds its way from one generation to the next.

          SHOP THE LOOK                         SHOP THE LOOK

Much like bridal heirlooms, the Bandhgala is a luxury essential for a modern man. The silhouette provides an instant polish, maturity and panache. And although the current generation has grown up in an era of comfort-first street wear, the glamour that formal dressing offers is second to none. Despite the cultural evolution from suits to sweatpants, the Jodhpuri Bandhgala withstands the test of time, changing styles and adapting to the zeitgeist of trends. With Raghavendra Rathore’s modern and distinctive approach, the Bandhgala single-handedly finds its place on a global fashion map.

Shop all Bandhgalas here

TRACING THE BEGINNINGS

Originating from the princely state of Jodhpur, the Bandhgala jacket gained popularity during the British Raj era. In Colonial India, around the 1600s, the Bandhgala perfectly merged the western structured sensibility of the British, with the ease of the traditional Indian angarkhas. It was during the reign of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Sri Sardar Singh that the classic Bandhgala took its name as the Jodhpuri Bandhgala. The Maharaja brought Western style elements like padding, lining and tailoring to the anchkan, giving it a sharper, more versatile look. It was during this period that the Bandhgala’s timeless characteristics emerged, forever changing the original boxy silhouette.

The Bandhgala still remains timeless and impervious to change. Regal by style and classic by nature, the Bandhgala has always adapted to the modern world. This crossover between a suit and the achakans and angarkhas deems this ‘prince coat’ a voice of a generation. The Bandhgala becomes the go-to uniform for both formal and semi-formal events.

BANDHGALA IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

With the classic Jodhpuri Bandhgala, Raghavendra Rathore cleverly blends the aristocratic and regal appeal of the garment with his modern tropes, making it on par with the world today.

Traditionally for a more formal affair, the Bandhgala suit or jacket would be styled with tailored Bandhgala shirts. Complete the look with either cravats, scarves or pocket squares as accessories.

However, the band collared jacket that’s designed as the penultimate formal dress code, can easily be dressed down for a more laid back lifestyle in 2021.

SNEAKING IN CASUALS WITH YOUR FORMAL ATTIRE

The versatile Bandhgala has the ability to make every accessory look good, even the unlikely pairing of sneakers with the heritage garment.

The inherent power of the Bandhgala is its formal foundation— the buttoned up front and meticulous tailoring. Even in a more modern setting, a classical dresser would opt for a fail-safe Bandhgala and trouser set, with glossy leather lace-ups or embroidered juttis.

For a more relaxed look, undo the top buttons of the Bandhgala. The ease of dress this brings matches the times we live in. The texture and weave of the Bandhgala plays a part in bringing it into 2021, too. Opt for linen and Opt for linen in neutral colours in neutral colours like ecru and ivory, or khaki and tan in the more earthy tones.

Grooms who are choosing to wear the timeless classic for their cocktail or mehendi, can bring the silhouette into the now by wearing it with a cowl neck kurta. The crisp Bandhgala offset by the drape of the cowl neck brings an interesting play of textures. Combine the look with jodhpuri breeches and a pair of sneakers, and you’re all set for a night of dancing.