Different types of lehenga

India has a vast history when it comes to clothing. Lehengas top this list for their cultural significance, especially at weddings and festivals. They are a traditional form of dress. The lehenga traced back to the 10th century, began as modest women's garments. It has since become a symbol of elegance and cultural identity.

Women of the Mughal era wore these garments in history. It revolutionized the traditional lehenga design. It introduced intricate embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and elaborate designs. Mughal lehengas reflected the grandeur of the Mughal courts. These long-skirt outfits became a symbol of celebration. They were worn to signify joy. Weddings are for brides to wear red lehengas, which symbolize marital bliss and prosperity.

Lehengas have evolved in many ways. Now, there are different types to suit various body types and preferences. There are also fusion styles, like lehenga gowns and lehenga jackets. Asymmetrical hemlines, off-shoulder cholis, and capes also make for unique ensembles. Using sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo silk, and recycled materials to make lehengas shows a growing respect for the environment.

Also, lehengas are no longer for weddings and fests. They are now worn at casual and semi-formal events. Designers use lighter fabrics and simpler designs to make them.

Have these changes left you confused about how many types of lehengas there are?

Read on to find out about the different types of lehengas, with names!

Types of Lehenga:

•  A-line: This lehenga is 'A' shaped. It hugs the waist, then flares out. It looks best on hourglass and pear-shaped bodies. It is usually made of silk, chiffon, georgette, or brocade.
•  Flared: This lehenga has a circular hem. It looks voluminous and dramatic. Flared lehengas made of brocade, crepe, georgette, or silk are best for hourglass, apple, and pear-shaped bodies.
•  Panelled (Kalidar): It has multiple panels. It gives a flowy, structured look. It is best for hourglass, athletic, and petite figures. It looks fabulous when made with georgette or new silk.
• Double flared: This lehenga has an extra fabric layer. It adds volume and movement. It looks great on voluptuous body types. It is best to avoid heavy embroidery on these lehengas.
• Trail: This lehenga, inspired by Western wedding gowns, has a trailing fabric at the back. It is best for a dramatic, princess-like look. Trail lehengas are usually made from brocade or velvet fabrics.
• Mermaid (Fishtail): This lehenga fits snugly until the knees. Then, it flares out like a mermaid's tail. It is best for athletic and hourglass figures. It is made of stretchable fabrics like lycra, net, and satin.  
• Jacket Lehengas: Pair a long or short jacket with a jacket lehenga for a layered look. They are best for winter weddings. The fabrics that suit this lehenga are silk, chiffon, and net.
• Peplum: This lehenga has a peplum top. It fits at the bust, cinches at the waist, and flares at the torso. It adds elegance and playfulness to the wearer and the occasion. These are usually made with embellished or solid fabrics.
• Cape Lehenga: This lehenga, with a cape blouse or jacket, is perfect for a regal, modern look. Chiffon and organza, which are breathable fabrics, create a stunning appearance.
• Ruffled: This lehenga has ruffled, frilled layers. They add texture, movement, and playful volume. They are best suited when made from light fabrics in pastel tones.
• Printed: Best for intimate weddings or daytime events, these lehengas have floral or geometric prints. They come in vibrant colours like red, yellow, and green on fabrics such as silk or cotton.

Types of bridal lehengas:

New styles, fabrics, and designs have given brides more choices in their wedding attire. This is true both in the country and worldwide. There are four types of bridal lehengas, which come with different lehenga designs.

• Traditional Red: Nothing beats tradition. Classic bridal wear is always red. It symbolizes prosperity and marital bliss. Zari, sequins, or beads embellish it. Traditional bridal lehengas are made with silk or velvet.
• Pastel: A modern choice, this lehenga has soft shades like blush pink, mint green, and lavender. They give a subtle, elegant look. It looks fabulous in fabrics such as georgette and chiffon.
• Embroidered: Lehengas with this style have intricate embroidery, with floral, paisley or traditional motifs, which add a rich, detailed texture. They are made from heavy fabrics such as brocade and velvet/
• Minimalist: This has become all the rage among modern brides. It is a new style of lehenga. It has a simple design and minimal embellishment. This gives it clean lines and a touch of elegance. The best fabrics for minimalist lehengas are silk and cotton.

Types of Ghagra Choli:

Ghagra choli, or Lehenga cholis, come in different styles and designs, all of which fall into two categories: Traditional or Modern. Let’s explore these Ghagra styles:

• Traditional: This lehenga choli has a classic design and intricate embroidery. It has always been popular. They feature traditional patterns and heavy embellishments and reflect the rich heritage of Indian attire. They are usually made with silk and brocade for a regal and opulent look.
• Modern: This Ghagra style consists of contemporary designs and has fusion elements. Examples include modern cuts, light embellishments, and bold patterns. They are perfect for a fashion-conscious person. Modern lehengas use georgette, chiffon, and crepe for comfort and ease of movement.

Innovations and gaps in the different styles of lehengas:

• Sustainable and eco-friendly practices: Organic fabrics dyed with environmental care fuel a sustainable fashion movement. It highlights the importance of being environment-conscious in fashion and the consumer benefits. Designers and wearers agree. Using organic cotton, bamboo silk, and recycled items in the lehenga is a smart choice.
• Lehenga styling tips for different body types: Some boutiques, like Suvidha Fashions, advise on styles that flatter each body type. This helps every woman feel beautiful in her lehenga. This highlights the importance of feeling confident and stylish no matter what the body type is.
• Mix and match elements: Many ladies combine different styles of lehengas for different occasions; they match skirts, blouses and dupattas of various ensembles to create unique and versatile looks. This highlights the innovative ways to diversify a wardrobe with limited pieces. Popular pairings include a heavy blouse and simple skirt, or traditional and modern elements coming together to form a new outfit.

Conclusion:

Lehengas are the most versatile outfits; suitable for every occasion, whether it’s your relative’s wedding, or yours’. Not only are there different types of lehengas, there are different types of lehenga stitching that give each outfit a unique look.

They are a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage, present since the 10th Century, and evolved to suit wearers with various body types, styles and preferences.

We have explored all the different styles of lehengas: from A-line to peplum, and from traditional to modern. At Suvidha Fashions, we have a wide range of lehengas to suit your style. Our fashion advisors will help you choose a style that will make you feel comfortable and beautiful.

Don’t be afraid to experiment; mixing and matching is just one way. If you are feeling particularly bold, personalise your outfit by mixing elements or fabrics never seen before to create different lehenga designs that will take the world by storm!