Lehengas have been an integral part of Indian and Pakistani culture, and it is a well-known fact that no Indian wedding or festival is complete without this gorgeous traditional attire. Over the years, the fashion industry has witnessed an impressive transformation in the lehenga design. From the classic A-line silhouette to the modern and edgy jackets, plenty of lehenga types are worth investing in.
If you’re looking to expand your collection of traditional Pakistani clothes, there are several types of lehenga that you should consider. In this article, we will discuss five famous types of lehenga that you need to have in your wardrobe. Explore these beautiful lehenga styles and find the perfect one that works for you.
1. Banarasi Lehenga
The Banarasi silk brocade of Banaras in Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the most preferred fabrics for Indian weddings. This luxurious fabric is known for its intricate designs and vibrant colours. The Banarasi silk brocades are traditionally used to create sarees and wedding attire, passed down from generation to generation as heirlooms.
The Banarasi lehenga is an extension of this magnificent fabric and is perfect for weddings and special occasions. This type of lehenga features intricate zari work, woven resham, and colourful minakari zari designs that add to the grandeur of the lehenga. Brides from North and East India prefer the Banarasi lehenga for their wedding ensembles as it exudes luxury and royalty.
2. Sharara Lehenga Style
The sharara lehenga is the perfect blend of fusion and traditional elements and is the latest trend in Indian fashion today. This unique silhouette comes with a pair of flared, wide-leg trousers with a lehenga-like appearance. It looks like an umbrella-cut lehenga with overly decorated pleats and is usually paired with a straight or A-cut Kurti and a dupatta, making it comfortable yet stylish.
The sharara lehenga is versatile and can be worn at weddings or other formal events. The lehenga looks regal in silk, georgette, or net fabrics and comes in various colours, prints, and embroidery styles. This style has quickly become a hot favourite among fashion enthusiasts.
3. Panelled or Kalidar Lehenga Style
The Kalidar Lehenga is a vertically panelled skirt with narrow dimensions near the waist that broaden towards the hem, creating a wider flare. The number of panels determines the design and fabric of the skirt, and the flare increases as the number of panels increases. To add appeal, contrasting fabrics are used to give colourful designs. A panelled lehenga consists of horizontal panels of fabrics attached along the flare of the lehenga.
The Kalidar lehenga is elegant and regal, suitable for weddings and formal events. This style works great in silk, net, georgette, and chiffon and is gracefully embellished with zari, gotta Patti, sequins, and other embroidery patterns.
4. Half Saree Lehenga Style
The Half Saree lehenga is a modern garment that blends traditional sari and lehenga choli elements. This style is popular among young girls and women who prefer trendy and comfortable fashion. It is easy to drape and does not require the hassle of forming pleats like the traditional saree.
A Half Saree lehenga is 4.5 to 5.5 metres long and is worn over a petticoat (inskirt; pavadai or langa in the south and shaya in eastern India. Lehenga in western India), along with a blouse called the choli which is the upper garment. The choli mostly resembles that of a conventional lehenga or ghagra choli. The choli comes in different styles: halter neck, deep neck, and backless, and is embellished with kundan, beads, mirrors, and other vibrant designs. This style is perfect for any casual occasion or small gatherings.
5. Jacket Lehenga
The Jacket Lehenga is a contemporary yet elegant version of the traditional lehenga choli. This ensemble features a heavy zardozi embroidery jacket or delicate weaving on velvet that covers the blouse paired with a pretty flared lehenga. Jackets work incredibly well in winter or formal events where you can forgo a dupatta and still look ravishing.
Since only the hem of the lehenga is visible through the jacket, it can be a simple one, for instance, broad laces or heavy work. With the right type of jacket, you can have a variety of looks, from rich and elegant to subtle and decent.
Conclusion
Numerous styles and variations of lehengas are available to suit everyone’s taste. The beautiful blend of traditional and modern designs has made this garment a staple among Indian women. With the popularity of these styles increasing, designers are coming up with new and innovative ideas to make them even more versatile for different occasions. So, go ahead and explore the world of lehengas at Shadi Dress.