Types of Indian Dresses and When to Wear Each One
The connotations associated with Indian outfits are much more than fashion. It’s rooted in diversity and a rich cultural heritage; only the surface is fashion-filled. From the choice of a color to the outfit's work, design, and silhouette, every little detail may have meaning and significance in the culture.
In fact, oftentimes you can tell which part or culture of India someone belongs to by the style of their attire. From the fit to the fabric to the colors they adorn, every element of an Indian attire symbolizes an aspect of culture. For example, a ghagra choli is associated with people from the state of Rajasthan, salwar kameez or Patiala suits from Punjab, Kanjeevaram silk sarees from Tamil Nadu, and Kasavu sarees from Kerala. Even the way men's dhotis and turbans are tied varies by region.
However, that doesn’t mean you need to limit yourself to a specific attire. Nowadays, we wear whatever suits the occasion, from sarees to salwar kameez and more. Lashkaraa unlocks each type of Indian dress and when to wear each one of them.
Types of Indian Dresses
The trend these days among Indian festivities is to usually have a theme announced by the host. A lot of invites come with moodboards of colors and silhouettes because, we get it, there’s so much to choose from that it gets confusing!
Each silhouette adds its own charm to your vibe and the event, so here’s our guide on the different types of Indian dresses to choose from.
Timeless Sarees
Starting with the classic 6-yard staple, Sarees are one of the most iconic and traditional Indian garments. It consists of a long piece of fabric, usually around six to nine yards in length, that is draped elegantly around the body. Its timeless appeal and everlasting grace have made the silhouette stand the test of time.
This sophisticated piece of wearable art is often carefully handwoven or hand-embroidered with intricate designs, making it a collectible to be cherished for generations. Sarees are worn with different blouse styles and a petticoat. They come in a wide range of fabrics, colors, and designs and are suitable for various occasions.
For example, our Light Green Embroidered Tissue Saree is a classic staple for more formal events, while the Dusty Lilac Embroidered Tissue Saree adds a fresh color palette and is more of a partywear silhouette.
Saree Fabrics & Occations
The type of fabric also makes a difference. For example, the Green Embroidered Silk Saree would be the ideal choice for an evening formal event, as the material gives you a structure of refinement while keeping you warm and dazzling.
Sarees have remained a fashion staple through the ages. While they’re steeped in tradition, they continue to evolve. Moreover, in recent years, sarees have been popularized by Indian film actresses, fashion designers, and celebrities both in India and internationally. They are often chosen for red-carpet events, enhancing their timeless appeal. Contemporary designers continually reinvent saree styles, making them relevant to modern women.
The Graceful Salwar Kameez
The salwar kameez is a versatile and comfortable outfit. It comprises a long tunic (kameez), loose-fitting trousers (salwar), and a matching or contrasting dupatta. Keeping ease of movement at the forefront, it is often the first choice for everyday wear, whether you’re at home or going to the office.
If you're new to Indian attire, note that salwar styles encompass Anarkalis, Shararas, and Punjabi suits. And what you go with really depends on what you're doing or the type of event you're attending.
From casual cotton suits for daily wear to heavily embroidered or embellished salwar kameez for weddings and special events, there's a salwar kameez for every occasion. And despite its comfort, the salwar kameez is inherently elegant. The way it drapes and its silhouette flatter the body, giving you an air of grace.
For a more casual, playful event like a Haldi or Mehendi, we suggest a suit like our Yellow Multicolor Floral Printed Gharara Suit or our Purple Embroidered Silk Sharara, as Ghararas and Shararas are known for their playful, light silhouettes meant for events with a lot of movement.
As an integral part of Indian culture and tradition, it is worn by women of all ages and backgrounds and is often chosen for its cultural significance during festivals and celebrations.
Lehenga Cholis for Celebrations
A popular choice for weddings and special occasions, the lehenga choli consists of a flared skirt (lehenga), a fitted blouse (choli), and a matching or contrasting dupatta (scarf).
They’re perfect for brides, bridesmaids, and guests attending Indian weddings. Brides often wear heavily embellished and intricately designed lehengas on their wedding day, while guests and bridesmaids opt for lighter and festive lehengas.
Our current favorite for the season is the Lavender Multicolor Embroidered Satin Lehenga, featuring mirror work and multiple shades that beautifully complement each other.
Additional occasions to wear this Indian ethnic wear style are engagement ceremonies, Sangeet Night, Mehendi, and other family functions and festivals.
Embrace Elegance in Anarkali Suits
Similarly, Anarkali Suits can be worn for festivals and pujas, as they make for stunning traditional attire that's also comfortable. Known for its grace and elegance, the Anarkali suit is a flowing, frock-style outfit named after the legendary dancer Anarkali. It typically includes a long, frock-style kurta, fitted churidar (leggings), and a dupatta.
For example, our Light Dusty Beige Embroidered Anarkali is perfectly suited for more serious occasions like the wedding day.
Casual Chic With Palazzo Sets
A modern rendition of the salwar kameez, palazzo sets offer a modest yet stylish option for women who prefer more coverage. It is a popular choice among women of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.
Unlike sarees, which require intricate draping, this two-piece ethnic wear style is relatively easy to wear. It also makes for a practical choice for women with busy lifestyles.
These loose-fitting pants, known as "palazzo pants," and long tunics, are reminiscent of the kameez Western fashion influences have popularized. You can go for our Mint Green Embroidered Viscose Tissue Palazzo Suit, a silhouette that is as chic and comfortable as it gets.
Classic Indian Dress Styles for Men
While many believe women have a wider variety of traditional Indian dresses to choose from, men's Indian attire also offers a myriad of options, including fabrics, embellishments, colors, and more. Below, we'll break down men's Indian dress styles based on occasion and cultural traditions.
Kurta Sets
For men, classic styles such as kurta and pajama sets come in many variations, from simple and modern to OTT with intricate handwork and embellishments. They include a knee-length or ankle-length kurta paired with straight-cut pajama trousers and are a common choice for semi-formal events. Our Light Grey Printed Kurta Set shown above is a staple for casual events where you want to blend in but still feel elevated.
Dressy Sherwanis
Sherwani are to men what lehenga-cholis or sarees are to women. It's the attire you wear for special and important events where you want to stand out. Men wear the sherwani style to formal occasions like weddings and special events. It is a long, buttoned coat-like garment with intricate embroidery and is typically worn over a kurta and churidar.
Lashkaraa offers a range of sherwani styles from dressier looks, such as our Black and Gold Embroidered Satin Sherwani, and classy styles like our Grey Foil-Printed Sherwani.
Nehru Jacket Sets
Another dapper choice for men is the bandhgala suit, also known as the Nehru suit. This one is usually worn by politicians and dignitaries regularly, and worn at events like an Indian wedding cocktail party. It features a closed-neck jacket with a buttoned front and straight-cut pants. It's known for its elegance and is often worn by politicians and dignitaries.
If you’re looking for a classic partywear Nehru jacket set, then we suggest our Maroon Silk Nehru Jacket Set or the Grey Embroidered Nehru Jacket Set for a simpler option.
A popular formal outfit in men's wear is the sherwani, often worn by grooms during Indian weddings. It's a long, buttoned coat with intricate embroidery, paired with a kurta and churidar or pajama.
Desi Dhoti Kurtas
A more Indianized version is the dhoti kurta. This one is steeped in tradition and is often worn on religious or cultural occasions. It consists of a dhoti, which is a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist, and a kurta, a long tunic-style top.
South Indian Veshti
Going a little south of the country, Mundu and Veshti are traditional outfits worn by men in South India. The mundu is a white or off-white drape that covers the lower body, while the veshti is similar to a dhoti. These outfits are typically worn with a shirt or kurta.
FAQs
What is an Indian dress called?
The most commonly known Indian dress is the saree, but India has many traditional garments like lehengas, salwar suits, anarkalis, kurtas, and shararas with each associated to different regions and cultures.
What are the different types of Indian dresses?
Indian dresses include sarees, lehenga cholis, salwar kameez, anarkalis, kurtas, shararas, ghararas, and Indo-western styles, with variations based on region, occasion, and heritage.
What do Indian women wear?
Indian women wear a mix of traditional and modern outfits, including sarees, lehengas, salwar suits, kurtas, co-ord sets, and fusion wear, depending on daily life, festivals, and celebrations.
What are traditional Indian outfits called?
Traditional Indian outfits include sarees, lehengas, salwar kameez, anarkalis, kurta sets, and dupattas. These are timeless silhouettes that reflect India’s rich textile and craft legacy.
Discover Your Perfect Indian Ensemble with Lashkaraa
Indian ethnic wear is a beautiful reflection of tradition, artistry, and culture, offering a stunning variety of styles for every occasion. Whether you're drawn to the timeless grace of a saree, the effortless charm of a salwar kameez, or the regal elegance of a sherwani, each piece tells a story of heritage and celebration.
At Lashkaraa, we bring you a thoughtfully curated collection of Indian dresses that honor tradition while embracing modern style. Explore our range of sarees, lehengas, salwar kameez, and more to find the perfect outfit for your next event. Shop our new arrivals collection and embrace the beauty of Indian fashion!
