Sharara Suits

What is a sharara?

A sharara is a pair of very wide-legged pants that flare out from the waist, so each leg falls like its own skirt. Worn with a short or hip-length kurta and a dupatta, it makes a sharara suit. The style grew out of the courts of Lucknow and Hyderabad, and it has become one of the most popular outfits for Eid and Pakistani and Muslim wedding events, as well as mehendi and sangeet nights of every tradition.

Sharara styles to choose from

• Classic sharara suit: a straight, hip-length kurta over the sharara with a matching dupatta. Timeless and easy to wear.
• Peplum sharara set: a fitted top that flares at the waist, balancing the volume of the pants. Flattering and modern.
• Crop-top sharara: a short blouse or crop top with the sharara, for a lehenga-like look with the ease of pants. Popular for sangeet and cocktail nights.
• Anarkali-style sharara: a longer, flared kurta over the sharara for a dramatic, gown-like silhouette.
• Lucknowi sharara: delicate chikankari-style thread embroidery, a nod to where the sharara began.

Sharara or gharara?

They look similar at a glance, but the cut is different. A sharara flares from the waist all the way down. A gharara fits closely down to the knee, where a band (called a gota or joint) marks the point it bursts into ruffles. Shararas feel lighter and more fluid; ghararas feel more structured and traditional. Our gharara vs sharara guide shows them side by side.

Picking the right sharara

Kurta length: the shorter the kurta, the more of the sharara's flare you'll see. Hip-length is the classic balance. If you're petite, a short kurta or crop top keeps the proportions from swallowing you.

Fabric and flow: georgette, chiffon and organza shararas float and swish when you walk, which is perfect for dancing. Silk, brocade and velvet hold a fuller, more structured shape for evening weddings and winter events.

Color by event: yellows, greens and florals for mehendi and haldi; pastels and ivory for Eid and daytime events; jewel tones, black and gold for receptions and nikkah dinners.

Wearing a sharara comfortably

• Wear heels or platform juttis if the sharara is long, so the hem doesn't catch as you walk. Get it hemmed to your shoe height.
• Hold the front of the pants lightly when taking stairs. The wide legs are generous.
• Drape the dupatta over one shoulder or pin it across both so it doesn't get lost in all that volume.

Each sharara has its shipping time listed on the product page, and most can be tailored to your size. See the size chart, or browse more suit styles in Salwar Kameez.

Sharara suit FAQs

Where does the sharara come from?

The sharara traces back to the Mughal-era nobility of Lucknow in North India. It later became a staple of Hyderabadi and Pakistani wedding wear, which is why it's so closely tied to Eid, mehendi and nikkah celebrations today.

Is a sharara a skirt or pants?

Pants. Each leg is cut so wide that it looks and moves like a skirt, but it's divided, which makes it easier to walk, sit and dance in than a lehenga.

What do you wear with a sharara suit?

Juttis or block heels, jhumkas or chandbalis (statement earrings), and a clutch or potli bag. With a crop-top sharara, a statement necklace works well.

Are shararas good for a wedding guest?

Yes. A sharara is a comfortable middle ground between a simple suit and a lehenga, festive enough for a wedding but easy to wear all night.