Lehenga, Sharara, Gharara or Peshwas? Choosing Your Pakistani Wedding Outfit

Quick answer: a lehenga is a full, flared skirt worn with a short or long shirt; a sharara is wide trousers that flare from the hip; a gharara is fitted to the knee and then flares out with a gathered band; a peshwas is a long, flowing frock-style dress; a kalidar is a long shirt made of many flared panels. All are worn with a dupatta.

Lehenga

A full skirt, usually heavily embroidered, paired with a choli or a longer shirt. Lehengas are the classic choice for brides and close family at the baraat, and look especially striking in raw silk, net and organza.

Best for: baraat, bridal and formal receptions. Browse Akbar Aslam and Afrozeh for lehenga sets.

Sharara

Wide-legged trousers that flare from the hip, giving lots of movement while staying comfortable. Shararas are paired with short or mid-length shirts.

Best for: mehndi, dholki and Eid, or anyone who wants a skirt-like look with the comfort of trousers.

Gharara

Fitted from waist to knee, then flaring out dramatically, with a decorative band (gota or embroidered patti) at the knee. It is a traditional silhouette with roots in Lucknow and Hyderabad, and it pairs beautifully with a short kurti.

Best for: nikkah, mehndi and family functions.

Peshwas

A long, flowing frock or gown with a fitted bodice and a very full skirt, often with heavily worked front panels. Peshwas look regal, photograph beautifully and are popular for walima and evening receptions.

Kalidar and angrakha

A kalidar is a long shirt made of many flared panels (kalis) that create volume at the hem. An angrakha has an overlapping, wrap-style front. Both work well for guests who want something elegant but less heavy than a lehenga.

Saree

A draped length of fabric worn with a fitted blouse. Pakistani designer sarees are often in net, organza or chiffon with embellished borders, and suit cocktail evenings and receptions.

Which silhouette suits you?

• Petite: a sharara with a shorter shirt, or a lehenga with a mid-length shirt, adds height. We set shirt length according to your height.
• Tall: peshwas, kalidar and long-shirt lehengas show off length.
• Want comfort for a long day: sharara or gharara.

Every Raz Ruya outfit is made to order to your size or measurements. See our guide on how to measure, or WhatsApp us on +44 7424 561863 for styling help.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a sharara and a gharara?

A sharara flares out from the hip. A gharara is fitted from the waist to the knee and then flares out, with a decorative band at the knee.

What is a peshwas?

A long, flowing frock or gown with a fitted bodice and a very full skirt, popular for walima and evening receptions.

Which outfit is most comfortable for a long wedding day?

A sharara or gharara, which gives the look of a skirt with the comfort of trousers.