Gharara Suits

How a gharara is made

A gharara is built in two parts. The upper section runs from the waist to the knee and fits close to the leg. At the knee, a much wider panel of gathered fabric is stitched on, creating a ruffled flare that sweeps the floor. The seam where the two meet is usually finished with a band of trim, traditionally gota (metallic ribbon) or lace, and that knee line is the gharara's signature.

A style with royal roots

The gharara comes from Awadh, the region around Lucknow in North India, where it was worn in the households of the nawabs. It became the traditional wedding outfit for many Muslim brides in North India and Pakistan, and it's still a favorite for nikkah ceremonies, Eid and walima receptions. Today's ghararas keep the shape and add modern touches like peplum tops, capes and prints.

Gharara styles in this collection

• Classic gharara suit: a short or hip-length kurta that ends above the knee line, so the flare is on full display.
• Peplum gharara: a fitted top with a flared hem that echoes the shape of the pants.
• Gharara with cape: a sheer cape or jacket in place of a traditional dupatta, for a lighter, contemporary look.
• Printed and bandhani ghararas: floral, ajrakh and tie-dye-inspired prints for daytime events and mehendi.
• Silk, tissue and brocade ghararas: rich fabrics with zari work for weddings and evening functions.

When to wear a gharara

Nikkah and walima: ivory, gold, blush and deep jewel tones in silk, tissue or brocade.

Eid: pastel or bright georgette and chinon ghararas that are light enough for a day of visiting family.

Mehendi, dholki and mayun: yellows, greens, hot pinks and prints. The ruffles look wonderful when you're seated on the floor for the dholki.

Wedding guest: a gharara stands out in a room full of lehengas and sarees, without the weight of either.

How to style a gharara

• Keep the kurta short. A kurta that ends at the hip or mid-thigh shows the knee seam and flare. A long kurta hides what makes it a gharara.
• Mind the length. The hem should just skim the floor in your shoes. Too long and the ruffles drag; too short and the flare loses its sweep.
• Balance the volume. With so much fabric below, keep the top half fitted and the jewelry focused: jhumkas, a tikka or passa (side headpiece), and bangles.
• Drape the dupatta simply, over one shoulder or loosely over the head for the ceremony.

The dispatch time for each of our gharara suits is shown on each product, and most can be made to your measurements . Since fit through the thigh matters, check the size chart before ordering. Still deciding between the two styles? Read gharara vs sharara.

Gharara suit FAQs

How can I tell a gharara from a sharara?

Look at the knee. A gharara has a visible seam at or just above the knee where the flare begins. A sharara has no knee seam and widens gradually from the waist or hip.

Is a gharara the same as a garara?

Yes. "Garara" is simply another spelling of gharara. Both refer to the same knee-flared pants.

Is a gharara comfortable to walk and sit in?

Yes. The fitted upper section keeps the pants secure, and the flare starts low enough that it doesn't get in the way of walking. For floor seating, the ruffles fan out neatly around you.

Can a gharara be worn by a bride?

Yes. The gharara is a traditional bridal outfit in many North Indian and Pakistani Muslim families, usually in red, gold or ivory with heavy zari work.