For centuries, India’s ethnic fashion has evolved over time and been shaped by the cultural diversity of the region. Today’s most commonly used bottom wear styles used for slacks, shorts, and pants in India include sharara, gharara, and palazzo. Although at first glance, all of these three types of traditional trousers look similar in shape and size to each other (especially if you’re not familiar with them), they actually differ in many important ways, including the overall cut, flare, tradition, and use at special events.
If you have ever found yourself confused when shopping online or wondering which style is best suited for your height, body shape, or event, we have created this guide specifically for you. In this detailed comparison of these three types of bottoms, we will take a closer look at the design of a sharara suit, the differences between gharara and sharara, and some of the current trends for palazzo suits, to assist you in making the best fashion decision for yourself.
Understanding the Basics of Ethnic Bottom Wear
Prior to making any comparisons between these styles, we’ll first take a look at what makes them so appealing today: The rise of modern ethnic clothing has created a new trend in how we wear clothes that is merging the best of both worlds, Tradition and Comfort. Shararas, ghararas and palazzos are all examples of modern ethnic wear that have been reinterpreted through the lens of what is fashionable today but still maintaining their roots in ethnic culture.
Kurtas, short tunics, long kameezes, crop tops etc., can all be found associated with these types of pant styles and they can be worn to weddings, festive occasions or just for everyday wear in casual settings.
What Is a Sharara?
A sharara is essentially a skirt with a heavily flared bottom that appears similar to that of a skirt; however, it has two distinct wide-legged pants. The majority of shara’s flare generally starts at either the waist or hip area, which gives it its very dramatic nature.
The following are some of the key characteristics of a sharara suit design:
- Flare pattern: Unlike the gharara with its relatively narrow knee joint, the flare pattern of the sharara is a continuous flare from wherever it starts.
- Movement: Because it has such a high volume of air underneath, the sharara is known for having an extremely flowing movement when walked upon.
- Fabrics used: Shara is generally created and constructed from various types of fabrics including georgette, chiffon, satin, or crepe.
- Pairing styles: Shara is most often paired with either a short kurta style, longer kameezes styles, or a peplum top.
Where/When to Wear a Sharara
Sharara suits are most often worn to:
- All types of weddings, especially functions such as Mehndi and sangeets
- Celebrations during festivals or religious holidays
- Social/Family evening celebrations/parties that call for an evening look
Because of the incredible amount of volume in the sharara, it is the perfect option whenever you wish to achieve and/or create a look that is Regal & very high fashion.
What Is a Gharara?
During the Mughal era, the gharara emerged as a popular form of bottom-wear. The gharara’s design has a more defined waist to knee fit than a sharara but possesses a wider waist to knee flare.
Characteristics of Gharara
- Knee seam (joint): The gharara fits snugly from the waist to the knee, but starts to flare from around the knee down.
- Heavier look: The gharara is usually enhanced with embellishments at the knee seam with embroideries or with the use of gota or zari decoration.
- Traditional look: The gharara represents a strong image of North Indian culture, especially Lucknowi culture.
- Matched with: Short kurtas, angrakhas and traditional kameezes.
When to Wear Gharara
Ghararas are meant for:
- Traditional weddings
- Cultural formal events
- Bridal and semi-bridal looks.
They present an ‘old world’ charm and are more formal than shararas.
What Are Palazzos?
Palazzo pants are the ultimate comfort pants made from a loose flowing material that can be styled in different ways. They’re similar to a pair of shararas or ghararas in that they both have an element of flow but they’re a lot less voluminous and more straight throughout the length.
The palazzos’ major features:
-They have straight legs, the leg’s width remains approximately the same from the waist to the hem.
-They are designed with comfort in mind, making them very easy to wear and move in.
Made using lightweight materials such as cotton, rayon, linen, and blends.
The palazzo pant styles of today reflect a modern look and can easily be styled for a variety of occasions, including casual, work, and special occasions.
The newest palazzo pants are:
- minimalist style with little or no embroidery
- asymmetric-shaped kurtas
- pastel colors and natural tones
- fusion looks with jackets or belts
Women who prefer a more informal ethnic feel will find that palazzos are a fantastic way to achieve this without much bulkiness.
Gharara vs Sharara: A Detailed Comparison
The two most popular discussions in Fashion today are gharara vs sharara. Here’s a simple way to understand the differences between them:
1. How They Are Made
- A sharara is flared from the waist or hips.
- At the knee, a gharara is fitted till below and flared outwards with a seam.
2. Their Style
- A sharara appears flowing, youthful and somewhat modern.
- A gharara looks more structured, traditional and regal in its appearance.
3. Their Comfort Level
- A sharara is considered comfortable to wear, but because of the volume it carries, it can be quite heavy when worn.
- Although a gharara offers an elegant/ regal feel, it can be somewhat restrictive above the knee.
4. Occasions For Worn
- A sharara is most often worn during festive occasions, such as wedding celebrations and Sangeet ceremonies.
- While a gharara is typically worn at traditional weddings and formal settings.
Knowing the differences between these two styles will make it much easier for you to decide which one best suits you!
Sharara vs Palazzo: Modern vs Festive
The difference between the designs of sharara and palazzo suits is that although both types of suits can be large/casual/nosiness, they differ in style and how they can be worn. The sharara suit was designed for celebratory and formal/large events, whereas the latest designs for Palazzo suits are versatile but conservative, and therefore better suited to be worn on a casual day or for traditional ethnic wear (i.e. everyday/office wear). The sharara suit would be better for weddings, whereas the palazzo would be more appropriate for brunch, day-to-day, or casual festivities, etc.
How to Choose the Right Style for Your Body Type
How to choose the correct sil affected by silhouette:
- Petite frames: Palazzos or lightweight shararas work well.
- Curvy bodies: Ghararas or structured shararas balance out proportions.
- Tall frames: All three silhouettes are great, especially for heavily flared shararas.
Finding the right kurta length and fabric to balance out the volume is critical to getting it right.
Styling Tips for Sharara, Gharara, and Palazzo Suits
- For sharara tops, pair them with big earrings and a simple necklace for a dramatic effect.
- For gharara styling, wear them with traditional jutti (shoes) and drape the dupatta (long scarf) neatly.
- For palazzo designs, add new, trendy accessories like structured bags to keep your outfit looking fresh and stylish, while wearing traditional footwear.
- When styling, consider footwear choices to enhance the style of your outfit; heeled shoes are appropriate for both sharara and gharara styles whereas flat or wedged shoes go nicely with palazzo looks.
Conclusion
Even though Sharara, Gharara and Palazzo are very similar and can often get confused with each other, they do represent their unique identities. If you have a clear understanding of the difference between gharara and sharara, know how to appreciate different designs of sharara suits and know what the latest styles are for palazzo suits, you can make a very easy addition to your ethnic wardrobe.
There is a silhouette for everyone; whether you want something that looks elegant and traditional, festive and dramatic or comfortable for daily wear. It is important to select what type of silhouette fits best with the event, what you are comfortable wearing, and what represents your personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the main difference between gharara vs sharara?
The main difference lies in construction. A gharara is fitted till the knee and flares below, while a sharara is flared from the waist or hips without a knee joint.
Q2. Are palazzo suits suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, the latest palazzo suit styles with embroidery, silk fabrics, or statement kurtas can be worn for light festive occasions.
Q3. Which is more comfortable: sharara or palazzo?
Palazzos are generally more comfortable due to their lighter flare and breathable fabrics, making them ideal for long wear.
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