Anarkali, Sharara or Salwar Suit: Which Indian Suit Should You Buy?

Walk into any Diwali party in Melbourne or Sydney and you will see three silhouettes again and again: the flowing anarkali, the flared sharara and the classic salwar suit. All three are beautiful, all three are comfortable, and all three suit very different occasions and body shapes. If you are buying an Indian suit online in Australia for the first time, this guide will help you choose with confidence.

The anarkali: graceful and flattering

An anarkali is a long, fitted bodice that flares out from the waist into a full, floor sweeping or calf length skirt. Because the volume starts at the natural waist, it flatters almost every figure and gives you that twirl worthy movement in photos.

  • Best for: Diwali dinners, engagements, receptions and any event where you want to look elegant without wearing a heavy lehenga.
  • Fabrics to look for: georgette and chinon chiffon for flow, silk blends for a richer look.
  • Styling tip: keep jewellery to statement jhumkas and a few bangles, as the silhouette already does the talking.

The sharara: festive and playful

A sharara pairs a short or knee length kurta with wide, flared pants that are gathered at the knee and fall like a skirt. It is the most party ready of the three and feels very current, which is why it is so popular for sangeet and mehndi nights.

  • Best for: sangeet, mehndi, Eid and Diwali parties where you will be dancing.
  • Fabrics to look for: printed crepe for comfort, embroidered georgette or net for something dressier.
  • Styling tip: a matching dupatta draped over one shoulder keeps the look neat while you move.

The salwar suit: classic and easy to wear

The salwar kameez is the everyday hero of Indian fashion: a straight or A line kurta with salwar, palazzo or farsi pants and a dupatta. Designer versions with gota, mirror work or sequins dress up beautifully for festivals, and you can rewear them to family dinners and pujas all year.

  • Best for: pujas, family gatherings, office Diwali celebrations and anyone who wants maximum comfort.
  • Fabrics to look for: cotton and chanderi for day events, velvet and silk blends for winter evenings.
  • Styling tip: swap the dupatta for a contrast one to get two looks from one suit.

Quick guide: which suit for which occasion?

  • Formal dinner or reception: anarkali
  • Sangeet, mehndi or a dance heavy party: sharara
  • Puja, family lunch or work celebration: salwar suit
  • Not sure? An anarkali is the safest all rounder.

Getting the size right

Indian suits are sized by bust, so measure around the fullest part of your chest and choose the closest size. Many of our pieces have some margin in the side seams for small alterations. If you are between sizes or want a custom fit before Diwali, message Anita on WhatsApp on +61 423 681 170 with your measurements and she will tell you exactly which size to pick.

Shop the edit

Browse our full range of ethnic suits, including anarkalis, shararas and salwar suits, or see everything that is in stock for the festival in our Diwali outfits edit. Looking for a quick gift or a top up piece? Our Diwali specials under $99 are a great place to start.

Prefer to try before you buy? Visit our boutique in Mount Waverley, Melbourne, by appointment. Book a boutique visit here.

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