Achkan

/ˈɑːtʃkən/ noun

Definition

A long coat or jacket worn in South Asian countries, typically buttoned down the front with no collar.

Etymology

From Urdu/Persian 'achkan' (possibly from Turkish 'cherkesska'). The garment became standard formal wear in British India and continues in South Asian formal dress.

Kelly Says

The achkan became so associated with South Asian leadership that Jawaharlal Nehru famously wore fitted achkans as his signature look—making it a symbol of Indian independence!

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