“Fashion has only two purposes — comfort and love,” so said Coco Chanel. It can neither be defined by any gender or method nor any specific style or genre and that is what the recent fashion trend of ‘Comfort Couture’ suggests. Truly, fashion knows no limits. In the decade gone by, fashion saw a multitude of extravagant ballgowns and very modish high-end house-dresses. Now it’s all about classy, bold, smart and haute couture with one and only intention — comfort must meet couture! Perhaps, a natural progression in the fashion landscape has come and no one’s complaining.

Fashion is one of the finest and strongest forms of self-expression where couture is becoming democratic and no longer limited to merely special occasions. This also means couture clothing is now drifting to being more comfortable, wearable yet keeping the style factor in sync. “Luxury no longer means you have to look a certain way or have to be a certain size. When it comes to couture, it is now becoming more diverse, adaptable and comfort oriented. With time, adaptability to culture and geographical diversity is something each designer or brand has to cater to,” feels Mrunal Khimji, designer and founder of Mrunal’s Boutique in Oman. Cardinal rule: If it’s couture it ought to be comfortable.

While every fashionista flaunts their love for couture, they now want it tailored to their specifications. So how and why did everyone’s favourite haute couture shift loyalties to comfort? Designer Anita Dongre reiterates, “Comfort has always been a central focus around which I design a garment whether it is ready-to-wear or couture. We were the first to add pockets in our lehengas, a simple but deeply appreciated functionality in our designs. Our designs are meant for the wearer to enjoy the experience and I truly believe that a woman looks her best when she feels her best.”

It all started during the pandemic. Everyone was home-bound. Not many occasions to show off expensive couture. Everyone got too comfortable in the cosiness of their homes, slipped into their favourite pyjamas. Then post pandemic, trends shifted drastically towards athleisure and grew at a scale which was unimaginable. That trend has become a very strong part of our wardrobes. Designer Nupur Kanoi says, “Celebrities, influencers, and even high-end buyers are opting for functional couture—outfits that look luxurious yet are easy to wear. There’s a growing demand for clothing that fits effortlessly into everyday life. As designers, it’s important to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that couture isn’t just admired but also lived in and worn frequently.”

With this, the boundaries of fashion have been pushed further for brands to weave comfort and luxury together. To this, Dubai Bling star Farhana Bodi adds, “Fashion is evolving so quickly, it’s not just about statement pieces anymore. People want to invest in looks they can actually wear from day to night. Even at red carpets or luxury events, you’ll spot designers creating pieces that look stunning but still feel effortless. Comfort wear with a touch of glamour is what everyone is leaning towards now — it’s practical without compromising on style.”

Comfort couture is having a moment right now and it seems like it’s here to stay. The desire to look stylish and glamorous without compromising on ease is the new mantra. The modern consumer values versatility—pieces that work for multiple occasions, feel effortless, and still hold that luxury appeal. “It’s more about elevated classics that are timeless rather than trend based pieces that go out of style the very next season. This is why we see structured pieces with relaxed tailoring, lightweight embellishments, and an increasing preference for fluid silhouettes that move with you. Comfort and couture are no longer separate ideas; they are merging to create a new wave of fashion that is both aspirational, versatile and wearable,” says Kanoi. 

With men and women hustling day in and out, fashion boundaries have merged and overlapped beautifully. Consumers are happy wearing sneakers with a pantsuit or corset with oversized blazers — it’s all about blending style with ease. The beauty of fashion industry today is how the luxury and couture market is moving beyond the commercial aspects to take into consideration the “look good, feel good” factor as non-negotiable so as to lure target consumers. “The idea of luxury is evolving, being of Indian origin heavy embellishments and embroideries will always be a mainstay in couture for us but when this is coupled with intelligent fluidity, wearability, and effortless style, it takes it a couple of notches higher than just traditional heavily embroidered garments. The modern wardrobe is all about versatile, statement pieces that can transition seamlessly from day to night while offering maximum comfort,” she adds. 

We also spoke to Manisha Verma, brainchild behind label Marushika, who reiterated that luxury exists at the intersection of sophistication and wearability, whilst keeping the target audience in mind. Modern consumers, especially women, seek designs that align with their desire for a lifestyle that is comfortable, confident, and beautiful. “When designing, we prioritise the understanding that ‘ultra comfort’ does not require compromising on aesthetics. In fact, comfort has become the new luxury, as it reflects the modern woman’s need for versatility, personalisation, and authenticity,” explains Verma.

A very important part of adapting to fashion is understanding and making the right choices. Your style should always reflect your personality. Same holds true for couture, too. Some eminent global designers like Tarun Tahiliani and Sabyasachi Mukerjee are great examples of effortless couture. Comfort is the biggest commandment in their collection. Their focus remains on creating outfits that are light and comfortable yet grand and elegant. A valid point indeed. Why would you spend an enormous amount on something you can’t breathe, sit and move around in easily? “I’ve always believed that fashion should be a mix of both — you should feel as amazing as you look. There’s nothing better than stepping out in a power look that’s chic but still feels easy on your body. I love a structured blazer or even a statement dress styled with flats or sneakers. It’s all about creating that balance between high fashion and everyday wear,” says Bodi.

Like Farhana, many fashionistas have embraced the sneaker culture and made it an essential part of their wardrobes. The humble sneaker is happily paired with formals, dresses, shorts and coord sets. Another example of comfort couture are the wide-legged pants, shirts and fluid fabrics which have many takers. In terms of perspective and choices, the shift between the fashion industry and consumer is quite palpable. Does the ‘Comfort Couture’ trend dilute the high-end couture market? “Not at all. In fact, making couture comfortable is what makes it wearable, which in turns ensures that the exquisite craftsmanship continues to thrive. We see a lot of our consumers re-wearing and restyling our couture pieces as separates, which I absolutely love. We have to ensure crafts find a frequent place in our everyday lives,” Dongre signs off.  

“For me, it’s always about effortless glamour. I love pieces that are timeless but still make a statement, whether it’s a classic blazer with a twist or flowy dresses that I can wear all day. I’m really into corsets as well, they’re such versatile add-ons. You can style them effortlessly with jeans for a chic, casual look, pair them with a skirt, or even incorporate them into a dress for a seamless, couture feel”