Back in the day, Korean fashion in India was limited to K-dramas and music videos. Today, however, K-fashion has become an integral part of everyday life. From the college campuses of Delhi and Shillong to the cafés of Mumbai and Bangalore, Seoul street fashion has become one of the defining style influences among young Indians.
The popularity of the Hallyu Wave in India extended far beyond music and dramas. The Korean Wave has also had a major influence on fashion. Oversized hoodies, pastel color palettes, layered streetwear, pleated skirts, chunky sneakers, natural makeup looks, and effortless airport fashion have become common among Indian millennials and Gen Z. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok further accelerated the trend by allowing Indians to recreate the looks of their favorite idols.
Korean fashion’s popularity among Indians can be attributed to its balance of comfort and style. Unlike the often glamorous and extravagant image of Hollywood fashion, Korean fashion feels more approachable and wearable. It combines relaxed silhouettes with clean, polished styling, making even simple outfits look thoughtfully put together and fashionable.
Acubi Fashion
One of the latest Korean fashion trends gaining popularity among Generation Z is Acubi fashion. The Acubi aesthetic combines minimalism with futuristic elements. Popularized by the South Korean label Acubi Club, the trend features neutral color palettes, asymmetrical tops, basic wardrobe pieces, low-rise cargo pants, layered accessories, and soft grunge-inspired styles.
Acubi fashion became especially popular through Korean influencers, Pinterest, and fourth-generation K-pop groups such as NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM, which helped popularize the relaxed Y2K-inspired aesthetic among young Koreans.
Today, Acubi fashion is increasingly visible across India, especially on social media platforms. Young people are embracing baby tees, parachute pants, gray and beige tones, and layered silver jewelry as part of the trend. The best part about this trend is its versatility; being both comfortable and distinctive, it allows individuals to adapt the style to their own taste.
Clean Fit and the Minimalist Style
Another major influence on contemporary Indian fashion is the Clean Fit aesthetic. It is strongly associated with Korean male idols and actors who favor minimalism, structure, and neutral tones. The style typically includes straight-fit pants, oversized white shirts, fitted black T-shirts, simple sneakers, and other clean, understated wardrobe essentials.
The Clean Fit style is strongly associated with Korean airport style and K-drama male lead characters. Idols from groups such as BTS and EXO are often seen wearing monochromatic or neutral-toned outfits that reflect the minimalist aesthetic.
The style has naturally gained popularity in India because of its practicality and versatility for everyday wear. Rather than relying on excessive branding or extravagant styling, Clean Fit emphasizes attention to fit and proportion. Oversized shirts, baggy trousers, and white sneakers have become must-haves among Indian college students.
The Old Money Aesthetic with a Korean Twist
The Old Money aesthetic also made a comeback thanks to Korean fashion trends. While the style originally gained global popularity for its luxurious and refined appearance, Korean fashion reinterpreted it into a softer, more youthful aesthetic.
Unlike the heavily luxury-driven image traditionally associated with Old Money fashion, the Korean version focuses on timeless wardrobe staples such as knitted sweaters, shirt dresses, pleated trousers, long coats, loafers, and neutral color palettes. Actors in Korean dramas are often seen wearing elegant yet understated outfits that reflect elegance but do not scream extravagance.
In India, the trend became popular among Gen Z Instagram influencers seeking elegance without seeming too serious. Korean dramas have played a major role in normalizing elegant yet understated luxury fashion among the younger audience.
Soft Boy Fashion
Korean fashion also influenced the discourse around men’s fashion in India. The rise of the Soft Boy aesthetic, known for oversized knits, loose-fitting clothing, stacked necklaces, cardigans, soft hairstyles, and gentle styling, has redefined the concept of modern masculine fashion.
K-pop idols helped popularize experimentation with different silhouettes, colors, grooming, and even accessories. Many K-pop male idols are often seen wearing pearl necklaces, nail polish, oversized sweaters, and pastel colors with confidence and ease.
As a result, young Indian fans have become more open to expressive and unconventional fashion choices. Exposure to Korean pop culture has contributed to the wider acceptance of softer and more experimental styles in men’s fashion.
Coquette Fashion and Korean-Feminine Style
The concept of coquette fashion gained popularity through the influence of Korean fashion on social media. The aesthetic includes bows, lace details, pleated skirts, cardigans, ballet flats, ribbons, and soft pastel colors, among others. Korean dramas and idol styling have made ultra-feminine fashion appear more romantic and elegant.
Korean fashion is often characterized by soft makeup, delicate accessories, and dreamy aesthetics. In India, many young people blend coquette-inspired clothing with local fashion trends, pairing feminine tops and skirts with traditional Indian jewelry and accessories.
Oversized Korean Fashion
The oversized style is one of the most prominent Korean fashion trends to have gained popularity in India. Loose-fitting jeans, oversized hoodies, cargo pants, bomber jackets, and layered outfits have been popular in Korean street fashion long before they became global trends.
Rather than focusing on body-hugging silhouettes, Korean fashion emphasizes balance and proportion. Loose jeans paired with fitted tops or oversized clothing styled with sleek basics have become defining features of contemporary Gen Z fashion.
The trend became especially popular in India because it combines comfort with a fashionable, effortless appearance suitable for everyday wear.
Impact of Korean Fashion on Indian Gen Z Attire
Korean fashion has had a significant influence on Indian fashion and the way young Indians approach personal style. It introduced the idea that fashion can be experimental, minimal, expressive, and comfortable at the same time.
While many global trends focus heavily on glamour and luxury, Korean fashion tends to focus on the mood, individuality, and emotional expression. The relatability made the style especially appealing to the younger audiences.
Social media also played a major role in seamlessly integrating Korean fashion into Indian trends. Pinterest boards, K-pop fancams, K-drama edits, and “Get Ready With Me” videos regularly showcase Korean-inspired styling ideas. As a result, Indian creators and designers now blend Seoul street style with local fashion influences to create a unique Indo-Korean Gen Z. Today, Korean fashion has evolved beyond a passing trend and has become an everyday style influence for Indian Gen Z.
Written by: Pranjal Ghosh
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