Angrakha Dresses for Brides in Canada

An angrakha dress is defined by its crossover front. An inner panel sits across the chest and ties with strings, creating an angled, overlapping neckline. Shadi Dress makes bridal angrakhas to your measurements after you order, most often paired with a gharara or lehenga, with ties, panels and length adjusted where the design allows. See our Pakistani bridal dresses, or browse farshi ghararas for the classic pairing. Free standard delivery reaches any Canadian address. The timeline is up to 3 months.

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From Court Menswear to Bridal Wear

The name comes from Sanskrit and is usually translated as body protector. Men wore the angrakha at North Indian courts in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art both hold examples. Over time it was adapted for women. Today it appears in Pakistani bridal wear in short and long cuts.

How an Angrakha Is Built

The front opens with an inset panel, sometimes called the purdah, that crosses the chest and ties in place. Where the ties sit varies from one design to another. Lengths range from a waist-length cut to a flared, full-length style with many kalis. The asymmetric neckline frames jewellery well and works with a dupatta draped over one shoulder.

Angrakha Pairings

  • With a farshi gharara: a Baraat pairing seen in Pakistani bridal press.
  • Multi-kali angrakha: a panelled cut also seen at Walima events. See our Walima dresses.
  • Over a lehenga: a longer angrakha over a lehenga gives a layered line, where the design allows.

Angrakha or Pishwas?

Both swing out below the waist. The pishwas usually opens straight down the front, while the angrakha crosses over and ties. See our pishwas dresses for the other style.

Made to Measure

Tie placement, neckline depth, sleeves and length can be adjusted where the design allows, and extra work is quoted before production. Every angrakha is cut after you confirm your measurements, and our team reviews it on video before dispatch. Rush, for CAD $59, has a timeline of up to 30 calendar days.

Questions Before You Order

Does the crossover neckline give enough coverage?

It can be cut higher, lined or given an inner layer, where the design allows.

Which designer looks include angrakha cuts?

Kanwal Malik’s bridal range has included an angrakha. See our Kanwal Malik inspired bridals.