Kerala is on an update. Or you can say, an upgrade. And as usual, the youngsters are making this change. It's not an educational or technological revolution; it is a change in how students dress. Yes, the college students are lighting up the college campuses. Fashion here isn’t about playing it safe anymore.
Students are experimenting, mixing old-school charm with fresh Gen Z vibes. Whether it is Maharaja’s College or hangouts in Kozhikode, you can see the emerging trends explicitly. So, let’s unpack what young Keralites are wearing on campus in 2025, one trend at a time.
What Young Keralites Are Wearing in 2025?
In 2025, young people in Kerala embrace both traditional and modern fashion trends. They focus on comfort and uniqueness. Traditional attire clothing, like Mundu and set saree and Kurti, is still worn for any special occasions.
But casual wear clothes, including anti-fit tees, edit tops, and bold prints, are now popular for everyday use. Indo-western styles are gaining popularity. The young guys mix lehengas with shirts or dhoti pants with trendy tops.
Comfort Over Chaos—But Still Stylish
One thing's clear: students want to breathe. The tight jeans and fitted shirts are out. In their place? Breezy fits that feel like freedom. Loose pants, roomy kurtas, and oversized tees are bursting upon the scene. Cotton and linen have started leading the march again. All of it fits perfectly with Kerala's warm and sticky weather. Picture this:
- Baggy cargos paired with ribbed tops
- Linen shirts tossed over tank tops
- Flowy pants with tucked-in T-shirts that just work
The best part? These outfits feel like a hug on stressful days. Easy to wear, easy to repeat.
Sneakers, Sandals, and Unexpected Kicks
Shoes say a lot. Not just apparels, but the young Keralites have set their footwear to do the talking. Open sandals and rubber slides are back. They are comfortable and fashionable too. Don’t worry, those who prefer sneakers are safe!. Thefts are still in fashion. Why the shift? It rains a lot. Plus, these shoes handle the slippery tiled college floors like a pro. What you’ll spot:
- Flip-flops with socks (yep, it’s a thing now)
- Old-school chappals worn with Western outfits
- Clean white sneakers paired with sarees or lungis
- It’s bold. It’s functional. It’s totally Gen Z.
Thrifting Is the New Cool
Ask any college kid, and they’ll tell you—thrift shops are goldmines. Thrifting has exploded, both online and offline. From Instagram thrift stores to Sunday market stalls, students are building entire wardrobes without breaking the bank. It’s not just about saving money. It’s about:
- Standing out with one-of-a-kind pieces
- Supporting slow fashion
- Reducing waste and overconsumption
A denim jacket from 2002? Rocked with pride. A faded band tee from a flea market? Instant conversation starter.
Gender Lines Are Fading—and That’s Beautiful
The gender gap in clothing is reducing. The separate tags “for him or her” don't matter much now. Boys are wearing the ‘so-called’ women’s colors, pink and yellow. Girls are borrowing their brother’s shirts. And some are shopping in both aisles without even thinking twice. Common sightings:
- Mundu styled with boots
- Unisex baggy jeans, worn with silver chains
- Oversized flannel jackets that nobody wants to share
- It's fashion without restrictions. And honestly, it looks great on everyone.
Modest Meets Modern—and It’s Stunning
In many parts of Kerala, modest fashion isn’t new. But in 2025, it’s got a whole new flavor. Flowy hijabs in soft pastels. Long tunics with cropped denim jackets. Abayas have a new look. It’s about comfort and confidence. Young women have changed everybody’s thinking. They’ve shown how fashion looks draped in modesty.
Accessories in your budget. Accessories are having their moment. And Kerala students are going all in. Forget luxury brands—this is about creative expression:
- Tote bags with local art or memes
- Colorful hair ties, scrunchies, and butterfly clips
- Oxidized jewelry mixed with silver studs and nose pins
- Anklets with bells, DIY charm bracelets, and beaded keychains
Hair color is big too. Think soft reds, deep burgundies, or random blonde streaks—spotted mostly before exam week (go figure!).
Fusion Wear for the Win
Traditional wear hasn’t vanished. In fact, it’s being reinvented. College fest days are when fashion goes into full swing. Mundus with sports jerseys. Sarees paired with sneakers and graphic tees. Kurti + belt + mom jeans = peak fusion energy. It's heritage and hype culture rolled into one. And honestly? It's a vibe that only Kerala students can pull off so well.
Campus Influencers Are Everywhere
You don’t need a million followers to be a style icon anymore. Every college has its own mini influencer circle. From morning outfit Reels to “what I wore this week” carousels, students are turning their daily looks into content gold. And others are watching and imitating. Popular content includes:
- Affordable outfit hauls
- Styling thrifted pieces
- Monsoon fashion hacks
- Traditional fits with a twist
- It’s social media, but local and real.
Monsoon Hacks & Layering Done Right
Kerala’s unpredictable weather? A fashion obstacle course. But students have mastered it. Raincoats have been made interesting. They aren’t boring anymore. Neon-colored and cropped windcheaters are in fashion.
Read Also: City Stories Through Fabric: Traditional Dresses of Kerala
Quick-dry clothes are lifesavers. Waterproof sling bags? A must. Most students carry an emergency layer in their bag. A simple hoodie or poncho can make or break a rainy day. What Students Are Saying About It All?
A few campus voices sum it up best:
- I’m done shopping from big brands. Thrift is cheap, sustainable, and unique.
- A student from Kochi.
- The new age mundu is traditional and stylish.
- A student from Kozhikode.
- College fashion now feels personal. I’m not copying; I’m creating.
- A student from Kannur.
Final Thoughts
What young Keralites are wearing on campus in 2025 is more than just fabric. It’s self-expression. It's a protest. It's a celebration. The shift isn't about following fashion magazines—it's about crafting individual style stories.
One thrifted tee, printed mundu, or hijab at a time. And if Kerala’s youth have shown us anything, it’s this: fashion doesn’t need a rulebook. Just authenticity, confidence, and a little creativity.
