November 17, 2025

Different Types of Lehengas and How to Choose the Right One

The lehenga is one of the most iconic and loved outfits in Indian fashion. Whether it is a wedding, festival, engagement, or any grand celebration, a lehenga instantly adds elegance and grace. Over the years, lehengas have evolved in design, silhouette, fabric, and styling, making it important to understand the different types available today. This detailed guide explains the major types of lehengas, their features, who they suit best, and how you can choose the right lehenga for your occasion and body type. Each section includes photo placeholders and styling tips so you can visualise the perfect look.

1. A-Line Lehenga

The A-line lehenga is one of the most popular and universally flattering styles. It has a fitted waist and gradually widens towards the hem, forming the shape of the letter “A.” This silhouette works well for most body shapes because it offers structure without too much volume. It also provides enough flare to look graceful without feeling heavy.

Best For: Pear-shaped, rectangular, or hourglass body types.

Styling Tip: Pair your A-line lehenga with a lightly embellished blouse if you want a balanced look, or choose a heavy-work choli for weddings and receptions. This style supports almost all dupatta drapes—side fall, shoulder drape, or U-shaped bridal style.

2. Flared / Circular Lehenga

The flared or circular lehenga is the most traditional lehenga silhouette. It features a broad circular cut with a lot of volume and a beautiful twirl effect. Bridal lehengas often use this style because the full flare makes it look rich, grand, and photogenic. Heavy embroidery, zari work, and stone embellishments are commonly used on circular lehengas.

Best For: Slender or athletic body shapes, or anyone wanting a dramatic bridal look.

Styling Tip: Choose lighter fabrics like georgette if you want easy movement, or go for raw silk and velvet for a richer bridal appearance. Keep the blouse fitted to balance the heavy flare. High flared skirts look best with a neatly pleated dupatta drape.

3. Mermaid or Fishtail Lehenga

The mermaid lehenga (also known as the fishtail lehenga) is fitted from the waist to the knees and flares out at the bottom. It beautifully outlines the hips and legs, making it a fashionable and modern choice for receptions and sangeet functions. The structured silhouette works best with minimal embroidery or sequin work to keep the shape clean.

Best For: Hourglass or well-defined waist shapes.

Avoid If: You prefer a breathable or flowy outfit. The narrow fit can restrict movement slightly.

Styling Tip: Mermaid lehengas pair well with off-shoulder, sweetheart neck, or corset-style blouses for an ultra-modern look. Keep the dupatta light and draped from one side to avoid hiding the contour.

4. Panelled or Kalidar Lehenga

A panelled lehenga is crafted using several fabric panels stitched together. These panels add movement, flare, and colour contrast, making the lehenga look detailed and rich without being too heavy. This type is perfect for bridesmaids, wedding guests, or brides who want a stylish yet comfortable outfit.

Best For: All body types, especially those who want controlled flare without too much volume.

Advantages:

Gives a slimming effect
Allows creative colour blocking
Comfortable for long functions

Styling Tip: Choose a contrasting blouse to highlight the multi-panel look. You can also select a sheer dupatta with embroidered edges to draw attention to the panels.

5. Sharara and Gharara Style Lehenga

Although not technically lehengas, sharara and gharara sets often fall under the same category for festive wear. A sharara has wide, flared pants that resemble a skirt, while a gharara has a unique joint at the knee that gives extra flare. Both styles are perfect for those who want comfort, modesty, and a royal Nawabi look.

Best For: Apple-shaped body types or anyone who prefers pants instead of skirts.

Styling Tip: Pair with short kurtis or peplum tops. Shararas and ghararas look stunning with heavy dupattas like chikankari, zari organza, or Banarasi silk.

Sharara and gharara style Indian festive wear

6. Jacket Style Lehenga

The jacket-style lehenga has gained popularity thanks to its modern, elegant, and Indo-western look. Instead of a traditional choli, the lehenga is paired with a long embellished jacket. This style gives height, structure, and a regal vibe—making it ideal for winter weddings, receptions, and formal events.

Best For: Plus-size, rectangular, and apple-shaped body types, as jackets provide good coverage and definition.

Styling Tip: Choose a floor-length jacket with embroidery on the front panel. Keep the inner blouse simple or skip it if the jacket design allows. Pair with statement earrings instead of a heavy necklace.

7. Banarasi, Silk, and Handloom Lehengas

Handloom lehengas made from Banarasi silk, Kanjivaram silk, tussar, brocade, and raw silk are known for their luxurious texture and timeless appeal. These lehengas stand out because of their rich zari patterns, classic motifs, and royal drape. Silk lehengas are often chosen for weddings, traditional ceremonies, and temple functions.

Best For: All body types, especially brides wanting a regal heritage look.

Styling Tip: Keep jewellery in gold tones to complement zari work. Opt for traditional hairstyles like a low bun to highlight the heavy borders and intricate patterns.

8. How to Choose the Right Lehenga for Your Body Type

Choosing the perfect lehenga is not only about colours and embroidery—it’s also about selecting a silhouette that flatters your body shape. Below is a helpful table to guide your decision:

Body Type	Recommended Lehenga Style	Why It Works
Pear-Shaped	A-line, Panelled	Balances wider hips with structured flare
Apple-Shaped	Jacket Style, Sharara/Gharara	Provides waist definition and coverage
Hourglass	Mermaid, Flared	Highlights natural curves
Rectangle	A-line, Layered, Jacket Style	Adds shape, volume, and structure

Colour Choosing Tips:

Light colours like peach, powder blue, and ivory suit day events.
Rich jewel tones like maroon, emerald, navy, and wine are perfect for nights.
Metallic shades (gold, copper, champagne) look great for receptions.

Fabric Guide:

Silk / Velvet: Best for winter weddings.
Georgette / Chiffon: Lightweight and comfortable.
Net: Good for adding volume without weight.

9. Final Tips for Selecting the Perfect Lehenga

Before finalising your lehenga, consider these extra tips:

Always check how the flare looks when you walk and sit.
Try different dupatta drapes to see which flatters your silhouette.
Focus on comfort if you will be wearing the lehenga for long hours.
Choose embroidery based on the occasion—heavy for weddings, lighter for pre-wedding events.
Consider custom stitching to get the perfect fit, especially for blouses.

A well-chosen lehenga not only enhances your beauty but also boosts confidence. With the right silhouette, fabric, and styling, you can create a look that stands out in photos and feels comfortable throughout your event.