"ഓണം ആയല്ലോ." Two simple words, yet enough to bring back a lifetime of cherished memories for every Malayali. There are few festivals that feel as personal as Onam.
Whether you're celebrating in Thrissur, Bengaluru, Dubai, London, or New York, the traditions remain remarkably familiar. Onam has a way of making home feel close again.
Onam is an annual harvest festival, and the Hindu cultural legend tells us of the benevolent Asura King Mahabali, who once ruled Kerala, returning each year to visit his people.
Schools close for Onam vacations, giving kids ten days to thoroughly enjoy the festival. The celebrations also mark the Malayalam New Year, spread over ten days, and conclude with Thiruvonam.
If you've never been to Kerala and want to experience its life and culture, Onam is a good time to do so plus there's the food, especially the sadhya, the different payasams, boat races, cultural programs, sports competitions, dance events, martial arts, pookkalam, and infinite supply of banana chips.
What is Onakkodi?
Men and women wear traditional dress. The Kerala sari, or Kasavu sari, is particularly worn on this day. Onakkodi plays a huge role during Onam. Planning for Onam and Onakkodi is just as important to Malayalis around the world. Irrespective of caste, colour, or creed, all Malayalis look their best on Thiruvonam and no, this isn't an exaggeration.
Onakkodi is an unavoidable part of Onam celebrations. Wearing new clothes and gifting onakkodi to loved ones is essential to the Onam tradition. It's believed that one should wear new clothes and dress up to welcome King Mahabali.
The story goes that after the scarcity of the Karkidakam month, the month of Onam brought prosperity along with it. Though times have changed, Malayalis still love wearing traditional kasavu during Onam.
Now this infectious Onam energy is spreading around the world, with corporate offices and institutions everywhere embracing this harvest festival from Kerala.
It was truly a huge responsibility to undertake the building of an Onam collection, and a lot of thought went into making this capsule collection for men. Men's Onam options are usually limited to plain shirts with a mundu, and we wanted to make sure the same thought went behind their onakkodi too. We wanted to include culturally significant elements and story into their garments, all while staying true to Linen Trail's core, 100% pure fabric story. We went searching for the right artisans and craftsmen who could help us with these integrations.
The Ultimate Men's Guide to Dressing for Onam 2026
We found a close-knit Bengali family of hand-embroidery artisans in Thrissur who helped bring our intricate vision to life, along with a hand-drawn artist we usually collaborate with for a few pieces.
We looked into our own childhoods and found memories, and finally came up with 14 pieces for this Onam Edit. We carefully integrated kasavu, zari, and embroidery into this Onam Edit so these pieces don't remain single-use event outfits you'll proudly show them off whenever the opportunity arises. Give them more life, wear them to more joyous events, and carry these memories with you.
We hope this is the onakkodi you're proud to gift, and just as proud to wear yourself with a story worth passing on when someone asks about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What should men wear for Onam?
Men traditionally wear a kasavu mundu paired with a white or cream shirt or kurta.
Q2. What is Onakkodi?
Onakkodi refers to the tradition of wearing or gifting new clothes during Onam. It is one of the most cherished customs of the festival and symbolizes prosperity, celebration, and welcoming King Mahabali.
Q3. What colours are best for Onam outfits?
Classic Onam colours include ivory, off-white, cream, gold (kasavu), beige, earthy browns, and muted greens. These shades reflect Kerala's harvest season and pair beautifully with traditional kasavu mundu.
Q4. Can men wear linen for Onam?
Yes. 100% pure linen is one of the best fabrics for Onam because it is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable in Kerala's humid weather while offering a refined festive look.
Q5. What should I wear with a kasavu mundu?
A white, ivory, or earth-toned linen shirt or kurta pairs beautifully with a kasavu mundu. Subtle embroidery or kasavu-inspired details create a festive look without overpowering the traditional attire.
Q6. What is the best outfit for an Onam office celebration?
For workplace celebrations, pair a linen shirt with a kasavu mundu or tailored linen trousers. This creates a festive yet contemporary look suitable for office events and cultural celebrations.
Q7. Can I wear my Onam outfit after the festival?
Absolutely. Choosing timeless pieces in 100% pure linen means they can be worn long after Onam for weddings, family gatherings, festivals, vacations, and other special occasions.
Q8. What is the best fabric for Onam clothing?
Natural fabrics such as pure linen and cotton are ideal for Onam because they are breathable, lightweight, and well suited to Kerala's tropical climate. Linen also develops a softer feel with every wear.
Q9. How do I choose the right Onam outfit for men?
Look for breathable natural fabrics, comfortable tailoring, classic colours like ivory or beige, and understated festive details such as kasavu-inspired accents or subtle embroidery. A versatile outfit can be worn beyond the festival, making it a lasting addition to your wardrobe.
Q10. Why is Onakkodi important during Onam?
Onakkodi represents the tradition of beginning the festival in new clothes, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and respect for the occasion. Families often exchange Onakkodi as gifts, making it one of the most meaningful customs of Onam.
