Sri Lanka is one of the rare countries where the groom’s attire is often more eye-catching and ornate than the bride’s wedding dress. For example, Sri Lankan grooms wear exclusive velvet sets consisting of a short jacket and a 4-corner hat of unusual design, both richly adorned with gold embroidery. The symbols depicted on these garments are traditional and have a deep meaning. Sri Lankan brides are very feminine and beautiful in their sarees, but as for me, the grooms outshine them seriously, and then some.
This type of men’s wedding attire in Sri Lanka is called a “Nilame Costume”. It consists of a number of garments, but the velvet jacket and headdress are among the brightest and most ornate items. In the 19th century, such outfits were worn only by the Sri Lankan royalty on special occasions, all the other citizens weren’t allowed to dress like this – and when you look at this ornate apparel, you get why.
Sri Lankan groom and his groomsmen in traditional Nilame outfits
A Nilame jacket looks lovely. It is made from fine velvet, usually red, burgundy, blue, violet, cream, or black. It reaches just below the waist. This jacket has a curious design, especially the sleeves, which are short but big, stiff, and puffy. A stand-up collar fits the style perfectly.
Still, no matter what, the most eye-catching and cute feature of the Sri Lankan traditional velvet jacket is the gold needlework that adorns its surface. It’s very, bright, rich, and meaningful. In the center of the back, there is a large embroidered symbol that covers practically all of the man’s back – usually, some kind of an animal or bird (tiger, lion, swan, peacock, two-headed bird, etc). These animals are respected in Sri Lanka and there is the symbolism behind each of them. That’s why they’re the central element in Nilame jacket needlework. But this depiction is by far not the only embroidered embellishment on the velvet surface of this jacket – it is almost fully covered with goldwork or silverwork. We can find floral patterns, solar symbols, vines, curls, etc. The embroidery is also complemented with sequins, lace, gems, and other decorations.
Sri Lankan boy wearing festive traditional attire
The jacket is worn with a matching headdress. It is also made from velvet and adorned with the same embroidery as the jacket. This headpiece is a 4-corner hat of curious shape. It looks very much like a crown on a man’s head. Especially since it has a golden tree-like ornament that extends upwards from the center of the hat. The headdress is also densely decorated with gold needlework, sequins, lace, gemstones, etc.
These velvet jacket and hat used by Sri Lankan grooms for their wedding look so very royal and flamboyant. And they add a wonderful traditional vibe to the wedding festivities.
