Sharara vs Gharara: Key Differences Explained

In the ethnic fashion world, sharara and gharara dominate as important articles of clothing. These regal outfits share many similarities but also have many differences. You can wear them on different occasions, ranging from traditional events to special occasions. But which is appropriate to wear? Comparing sharara vs. gharara in light of their differences, you can choose the right article of clothing.  

In this blog post, we’ll explain the key differences between the aforenamed articles of clothing. Knowing their differences will help you choose the right option based on the occasion. But before that, we want you to understand shararas and ghararas, besides knowing their similarities.

What Is Sharara? 

Sharara is a traditional and ethnic article of clothing that features flared pants, also called party pants. As a garment, it flares out from the waist, creating a bulky and skirt-like appearance. It is, in fact, a woman’s bottom that is completely loose, offering comfort and grace to ladies wearing it.

In addition, women usually pair a sharara with a short kurti. And it remains women’s pick for weddings and festivals, in general. Thanks to its versatility, women style a sharara in different ways, based on occasions! What’s more?

Modern shararas embrace tradition with modernity. So, ladies embracing cultural heritage and modern style often opt to wear modern sharara outfits. 

What Is Gharara? 

Similar to sharara, gharara is a traditional and ethnic article of clothing that women wear. As it shares many similarities with sharara, it is often considered the glamorous cousin of sharara. However, gharara is not the same as sharara. How? Let us explain that to you.

When it comes to gharara, the flares start just above the knees. As a result, it creates a dramatic silhouette continuing till the toes. Ladies usually choose to wear a gharara during weddings and traditional events. Thanks to its unique flare and intricate embellishments, ladies love wearing gharara, an elegant and ethnic bottom!

Similarities between Sharara and Gharara 

Here are the similarities that sharara and gharara share:

1. Popularity 

Sharara and gharara share the same popularity in South Asia among women. Both Indian and Muslim women like wearing these two bottoms.  

2. Appropriateness

Sharara and gharara are appropriate bottoms for weddings and traditional events. 

3. Fabric Need

It requires a large amount of fabric to produce sharara and gharara. That is eight to twelve meters in length.

4. Heavy Embellishments 

Both sharara and gharara feature heavy embellishments. 

5. Origin

The history of sharara and gharara dates back to the Mughal era. That is the 16th century.

Sharara vs. Gharara: The Key Differences

Now you know the similarities between sharara and gharara. It is time you knew the key differences between these two articles of clothing, as explained below: 

1. Roots and Historical Significance

Sharara and gharara, as garments, have rich cultural roots tracing back to different origins in history. Sharara has Lebanese origins, which made its way into Indian fashion during the Mughal era. Contrarily, gharara has originated from the Awadh region in India with a Lebanese-inspired design. 

Moreover, both sharara and gharara symbolize cultural heritage. And the difference in their origins and historical significance contributes to their unique appeal in the Indian subcontinent. They share the same popularity among Muslim and Indian women in South Asia, which we have mentioned already. So, you see women often wearing them on festive occasions and weddings. 

Also, don’t forget to explore our Ramadan / Eid Sale if you are after discounted outfits for festive occasions.   

2. Design and Structure

Another key difference between sharara and gharara lies in their design and structure. Sharara resembles wide-legged pants, flaring from the waist down, recognized for their loose and flared style. On the other hand, gharara as pants feature a thick band around the knee where their flare begins. And their flare below the knees is rather impressive compared to sharara.  

Further, both sharara and gharara fall into the category of flared pants. However, the key difference between the two lies in how their flare distributes. It also makes both of them unique and appropriate bottoms for a variety of occasions. 

3. Materials and Embellishments

Designers, artisans, and clothing manufacturers use a variety of luxurious materials (fabrics) to produce shararas and ghararas. In general, they create shararas from fabrics, like silk, georgette, or brocade. Often, they adorn shararas with intricate embellishments, such as sequins and gota lace.  

Conversely, designers, artisans, and clothing manufacturers produce ghararas from heavier fabrics. Brocade and satin, to name a few. In addition, they heavily embellished ghararas with zari work, sequins, and other decorations.

Moreover, the choice of fabric besides embellishments is important for both gharara and sharara suits. It determines the overall look and appeal of these two popular regal outfits.     

4. Pairing and Styling

Another key difference between a sharara and a gharara lies in their pairing and styling. Women pair sharara pants with both short as well as long kurtis and a dupatta. Nowadays, ladies also wear sharara pants with an Anarkali top for a modern look. On the other hand, ladies wear gharara pants with a short kurti or a and a dupatta. It accentuates their unique flare below the knee, giving them a distinct and regal appearance. For the same reason, they remain a popular choice for special occasions and as a bridal trousseau. 

Now, let's compare sharara vs. gharara in terms of styling, which can make or break any outfit. Here are different ways you can style these two flared pants:

• Styling a Sharara 

Shararas have more of a modern appeal, so you see women often styling them in modern ways. Ladies accessorize their sharara suits with statement jewelry, like bangles and jhumkas. When it comes to dupatta draping with sharara and a kurti, women may drape it either on one side of the shoulder. Or they may spread the dupatta across their neck. In addition, women may complete their looks in sharara suits with a modern haircut and juttis.   

• Styling a Gharara

Unlike shararas, ghararas have a more grand and dignified vibe, so you see women wearing gharara suits traditionally. Often, ladies experiment with bold accessories, like bold jhumkas or chandbalis with a maang-tikka on the forehead. They may also add a couple of bangles to the mix for special occasions and statement kadas.

In addition, women may go for a traditional hairstyle, such as a hair bun or one-sided braid, when styling gharara suits. Plus, they would take a dupatta on their back and bring it forward on their shoulders with traditional juttis to complete their looks.     

5. Occasions Suitability

We have already mentioned that shararas and ghararas are appropriate for weddings and traditional events. Yet their suitability varies based on the occasion, as we have explained below:

• Sharara Suitability    

Sharara outfits are perfect for parties, weddings, and festive season celebrations. Thanks to the fact they are loose, flared, and offer a comfortable fit! Sharara outfits are a popular choice for pre-wedding events, such as Henna (Mehndi), and Music (Sangeet) Nights.

Moreover, sharara suits in soft pastels and bright hues perfectly work for daytime events. And they work perfectly well in deeper shades, such as emerald and navy, for evening or night-time events.     

• Gharara Suitability    

Compared to shararas, ghararas are more appropriate for formal events and as bridal wear. Thanks to their dramatic flair, you see women wearing them at weddings and high-profile events! As a matter of fact, brides themselves often choose ghararas for their wedding day or receptions. It is especially true when women seek outfits that are traditional yet regal. And ghararas made of rich, jewel-toned fabrics, such as velvet, are perfect for night-time events.

In addition, Indian celebrities often promote sharara and gharara outfits during the festive season. It further contributes to the popularity of these outfits over time. Whether it is a grand wedding or a festive occasion, both shararas and ghararas have a special place. That is to say, both of them are versatile additions to any wardrobe, embracing tradition.    

Furthermore, we encourage you to explore our New Arrivals section if you are always after something new to wear. We have this section dedicated to all and sundry, including men, women, and kids.

Modern Adaptations of Shararas and Ghararas 

In recent years, shararas and ghararas have undergone modern adaptations. That is to say, designers nowadays produce them as fusion wear, blending tradition with modernity. They experiment with contemporary fabrics, lighter embellishments, and western styles to produce them. However, the classic elements that define shararas and ghararas remain integral to their modern designs. 

Moreover, you may look for fusion wear dresses as a contemporary fashion enthusiast. You can easily find that at Chic Ophicial. We also have Ready to Ship items in our inventory, which you can order if you cannot wait longer for your fusion wear delivery.  

Choosing Sharara or Gharara Based on Your Body Type

Both sharara and gharara are flattering bottoms for ladies, having their own benefits. However, they suit different body types, as explained next.

Which Body Type Is a Sharara Ideal for?

Sharara pants are the right choice for women with a pear-shaped body. The reason for this is that their flare tends to draw the attention from the larger lower half. Besides the pear-shaped body type, sharara pants are the right choice for inverted triangle and apple-shaped body types. Why? Sharara pants add visual mass to the lower half of the body, making them suitable for the aforementioned body types. 

Which Body Type Is a Gharara Ideal for?

Gharara pants are ideal for women with a rectangular or an hourglass body. The reason for this is that they accentuate the hips, creating the illusion of a defined waist and curves.

Sharara or Gharara Prints and Fabric for Plus-size & Petite 

Plus-size & petite women need to consider prints and fabrics when choosing shararas or ghararas for themselves. We have explained below how they should choose them based on their prints and fabrics:

How Should Plus-size Women Choose Shararas or Ghararas? 

Plus-size women should opt for shararas or ghararas featuring smaller prints or vertical stripes. And we recommend they choose monochromatic or darker color gharara or sharara outfits. Also, they should consider flowy fabrics like chiffon or georgette, for ghararas or shararas. It won’t only create a streamlined look for them but also make them look slimmer in gharara or sharara suits.

How Should Petite Women Choose Shararas or Ghararas? 

Petite women should opt for shararas or ghararas featuring bigger prints. And we recommend they choose stiffer or bulkier fabric, like organza, silk, or velvet shararas or ghararas. It won’t only help make them look bolder but also flattering in their gharara or sharara suits.

Sharara vs. Gharara: Which Is the Right Choice?

Whether a sharara or a gharara is appropriate for women depends on three factors. That is the occasion women need it for, their personal preference, and a body type or frame. We have mentioned below when a sharara or gharara is the right choice for ladies based on these factors:

Sharara Is Best for:

• Occasions, Like Henna, Music Night, or a Festive Party

• Ladies Who Prioritize Comfort with Volume

• Women with a Taller Body Frame  
  

Gharara Is Best for:

• Traditional Events or Ceremonies, Like Nikkah or Weddings

• Ladies Who Prefer Wearing Structured and Regal Outfits

• Women with a Petite Body Frame

Conclusion

Shararas and ghararas dominate as important articles of clothing in the ethnic fashion world. Sharara as pants flare out from the waist, creating a bulky and skirt-like appearance. Contrary, gharara, as a glamorous cousin of sharara, flares just above the knees. Both ghararas and shararas share some similarities in terms of their popularity, fabric needs, embellishments, and origin. Yet, these two articles of clothing are not the same.    

Shararas and ghararas have some key differences based on their roots and historical contexts, besides design and structure. They also differ in terms of their materials (fabrics) and embellishments, occasion suitability, besides styling & pairing. There are also modern adaptations of shararas and ghararas today as fusion wear outfits. Considering your body type and size, you can choose between a sharara and a gharara. Lastly, comparing sharara vs. gharara based on your personal preference, occasions, and body frame, you can easily choose between them.