Sharara: South Asian dress: Difference between Sharara and Gharara
Sharara: South Asian dress
The Sharara is a traditional South Asian dress, especially popular in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It is a type of flared pant typically worn with a shirt (a tunic or top) and a dupatta (a long scarf). Here's a detailed street view:
Table of Contents
Key Features of the Sharara: 1
Difference between Sharara and Gharara: 1
Current Trends in Sharara Fashion: 2
Style and design variations: 3
Occasions to Wear Peplum Shararas: 4
Why Are Peplum Shararas Popular?. 4
Key Features of the Sharara:
- Flared Legs: The most distinctive feature of Sharara pants is that they have wide legs and flare downward from the waist, resembling a skirt. This continuous flare from the waist is a key difference from the Gharara.
- High Waist: The Sharar typically has a high waist, which flares out and creates a beautiful silhouette.
- Often Heavily Embellished: Shararas are often adorned with intricate embroidery, zari work, sequins, beads, and other embellishments, making them suitable for festivals, weddings, and parties. Luxurious fabrics: These are typically made from rich, flowing fabrics such as silk, georgette, chiffon, velvet, and brocade, which enhance the garment's graceful movement.
Sharara Suit:
- A complete Sharara dress typically consists of three pieces:
- Shirt (top): The top can vary in length and style. Traditionally, kurtis or short blouses are paired with the sharara to accentuate the flared trousers. However, contemporary styles include long shirts, peplum tops, cropped tops, jacket-style tops, and anarkali-style tops with Shararas.
- Sharara (trousers): These are flared trousers, as described above.
- Dupatta (scarf): A dupatta, which often matches or complements the Sharara and shirt, is an essential part of the outfit. It is usually draped over the shoulders or worn on the head.
History and Source:
- The Sharara is believed to have originated in the Middle East, possibly Lebanon or Yemen, and was brought to the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal era.
- It was initially favoured by Mughal royalty and aristocracy, symbolizing luxury and high status.
- Over time, it became a popular choice among South Asian women, especially for weddings and festive occasions.
- Bollywood films of the mid- and late 20th century played a significant role in popularizing Sharia law in India. The trend has seen a resurgence in recent years, with designers offering both traditional and contemporary interpretations.
Difference between Sharara and Gharara:
It is common to confuse Shararas with Ghararas, another type of flared trousers from the Indian subcontinent. The main difference is in their construction:
- Sharara: A continuous garment that starts from the waist.
- Gharara: Applies from the waist to the knees (or just above the knees) and then flares dramatically from that point. The knee joint of Ghararas often has a "gota" (ribbon like shining border) or other embellishment.
Types of Shararas Suits:
Modern fashion has introduced different styles of Sharara suits:
- Traditional Sharara suit: A classic combination of a short kurti and heavy Sharara pants.
- Modern Sharara suits: Contemporary cuts, lightweight embellishments, and modern fabrics such as georgette and chiffon. They may also include unique designs for caps or sleeves.
- Gharara Suits: Although technically different, knee-length garments with flared bottoms are sometimes referred to as Shararas on a larger scale.
- Anarkali Sharara suit: Combines a long, flared Anarkali-style blouse with Sharara pants, giving a dignified and dazzling appearance.
- Angarkha Sharara: Inspired by royal attire, the Angarkha style features layered and tied kurtas with flared Shararas.
- A-line Sharara: Pair an A-line kurta with flared Sharara pants for a sleek and balanced silhouette.
- Peplum Sharara Suit: A peplum top (fitted at the bust and flared at the waist) paired with Sharara pants offers a stylish touch.
- Jacket-Style Sharara Suit: Include a jacket worn over the kurti and Sharara, adding layers and a touch of splendor.
- Crop Top Sharara Suit: A contemporary style featuring a sleek crop top paired with high-waisted Sharara pants.
Occasions to Wear a Scarf:
Scarves are versatile and can be worn on a variety of occasions depending on the fabric, embellishment, and style:
- Weddings: Heavily embellished Sharara suits are a popular choice for brides and wedding guests, especially for events like sangeet and mehndi.
- Festivals: In vibrant colors and with festive embroidery, saris are ideal for celebrating religious and cultural festivals like Eid, Diwali, and Holi.
- Parties: Depending on the level of embellishment, shahra can be an elegant choice for both formal and informal parties.
- Casual Wear: Simple Sharara pants made of comfortable fabrics like cotton can be paired with kurtis.
- For an elegant look every day.
Current Trends in Sharara Fashion:
Lightweight fabrics: Georgette, chiffon, and organza are popular choices for a fluid and comfortable feel.
- Pastel Colores: Soft, beautiful pastel shades are trending for daytime events.
- Intricate Embroidery: Delicate thread work, mirror work, and sequins are preferred.
- Fusion Styles: Combining traditional Sharara silhouettes with contemporary top designs like capes and off-the-shoulder blouses is gaining popularity.
- Minimalist Design: For a more modern look, Shararas with subtle embellishments and clean lines are also popular.
In Lahore, Pakistan, you will find a wide variety of Sharara suits available in different styles, fabrics, and price ranges, to suit different tastes and occasions. They are a beloved and fashionable ethnic wear choice.
Sharara Peplum(Style):
A peplum Sharara is a stylish and contemporary blend of ethnic wear that combines a modern peplum top with traditional flared Sharara pants. It is a popular choice for a variety of occasions, offering a combination of modern silhouettes with traditional South Asian aesthetics.
Below is a summary of what constitutes a peplum top:
Key Ingredients:
- Peplum Top: This is the defining element of the outfit. A peplum top cinches the bust and waist, then includes a short flared, ruffled, or layered overskirt ("peplum") that begins around the natural waistline. The length and volume of the peplum can vary significantly, from subtle flare to more dramatic ruffles. The neckline, sleeves, and embellishments of the peplum top can also vary, from simple and elegant to heavily embroidered and ornate.
- Sharara Pants: These are the wide, flared pants that are the hallmark of the Sharara suit. Unlike the Gharara, which falls to the knee and then flares out, the Sharara typically flares downward from the waist or upper thigh, giving it a flowing, skirt-like appearance. Sharara pants can also have a variety of embellishments, from simple borders to full embroidery.
- Dupatta (scarf): A dupatta is usually added to complete the outfit. It often matches or complements the color and embellishments of the top and Sharara. The dupatta can be tied in different ways, enhancing the overall look.
Style and design variations:
- Peplum Shararas come in a wide variety of styles to suit different tastes and occasions:
- Fabric: They can be made from a variety of fabrics such as silk, georgette, chiffon, crepe, velvet, and net, each offering a different wear and feel.
- Embellishment: The level of embellishment can range from minimal and contemporary (such as subtle prints or light embroidery) to very traditional (with intricate zari work, sequins, beads, and stones).
- Necklines and Sleeves: Peplum tops can have different necklines (round, V-neck, bateau, off-the-shoulder, etc.) and sleeve lengths (sleeveless, short sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, full sleeves), which affect the overall style.
- Peplum Style: The design of the peplum itself can vary, including simple flare, multiple layers, ruffles, asymmetrical cuts, and varying lengths.
- Sharara Flare: The amount of flare in Sharara pants can also vary, from moderate flare to very wide and dramatic flare.
Occasions to Wear Peplum Shararas:
Peplum Shararas are a versatile choice for a variety of occasions:
- Weddings and Receptions: More ornate peplum Shararas in luxurious fabrics are perfect for wedding guests and even for pre-wedding functions like sangeet and mehndi.
- Festivals: Vibrantly colored peplum sarees with festive embroidery are ideal for celebrating cultural and religious festivals.
- Parties: In terms of design and decoration, they can be an elegant choice for both formal and semi-formal parties.
- Special Occasions: Any event where you want to showcase a combination of modern and traditional style.
Why Are Peplum Shararas Popular?
- Flowing Silhouette: The fitted waist of the peplum top accentuates the figure, while the flare of the peplum enhances the shape, and flowing Sharara pants provide elegance and comfort.
- A modern take on traditional attire: It offers a contemporary take on the classic Sharara suit, appealing to those who desire a stylish and updated look.
- Versatility: The wide range of designs and embellishments makes it suitable for a variety of occasions.
- Stylish comfort: Flared Sharara pants allow ease of movement while still looking attractive.
In Lahore, Pakistan (its current location), you will find numerous boutiques and designers offering a wide variety of peplum Sharara suits to suit different tastes and price ranges. This is a trendy and sought-after style in the area.
