kurta

thumb|right|A traditional cotton kurta with wooden cuff-links-style buttons, centre placket opening with chikan, a style of embroidery from [[Lucknow, India ]]

A kurta is a loose collarless shirt or tunic worn in many regions of South Asia, and now also worn around the world. Tracing its roots to Central Asian nomadic tunics, or upper body garments, of the late-ancient- or early-medieval era, the kurta has evolved stylistically over the centuries, especially in South Asia, as a garment for everyday wear as well as for formal occasions.