Year after year, sherwanis have been the perfect wedding attire for Indian grooms, adding the right amount of sophistication, grandeur and allure. Whether it is your wedding day or a pre-wedding celebration, a seamlessly tailored sherwani is the perfect attire to add a royal touch to your look. And no matter what your style is, you can find the perfect one from all the different types of sherwanis.
Come along as we explore our favourite types of sherwanis, ranging from timeless classics to fusion contemporary styles, suitable for different tastes and preferences.
Classic Sherwani
A classic sherwani has been the go-to wedding attire for most Indian grooms. A traditional sherwani embodies the Indian heritage through its intricate embroidery and opulent silhouette, creating one of the most beloved traditional wedding attires for Indian men. It is often crafted from premium fabrics such as silk, brocade, or velvet, keeping up with the formal appeal and festive vibe of the occasion.
Classic sherwani designs feature intricate, all-over embroidery, often done with zari or silk threads, creating traditional patterns, ranging from paisleys and florals to even architectural motifs.
This straight-cut type of sherwani pattern is often paired with churidar pants or straight-fit trousers. They are further styled with a safa and a stole for a cohesive wedding look. Other accessories such as necklaces, brooches, juttis and watches can be added to complete the look.
Achkan Sherwani
Achkan sherwanis are slightly different compared to the classic traditional sherwani. This particular style of sherwani originated from Lucknow during the Mughal era, when the attire was reserved only for the royals and aristocrats to wear. Gradually, the royal attire made its way out of the palaces and became one of the most popular traditional attires for men, suitable for formal events such as weddings, festivals and other celebratory occasions.
When we talk about achkan vs sherwani, the classic sherwani has a full-length buttoned placket, while the achkan style features an open front with a few buttons near the neckline, with the rest of the front open, creating a unique look. Achkan sherwanis, too, are tailored from premium fabrics such as silk, brocade and velvet, but often feature subtle embroidery and minimal embellishments, with decorative elements on the cuffs, collar and hemline.
Angrakha Sherwani
Grooms who want to flaunt something regal and opulent on their special day should surely opt for an angrakha sherwani. This distinctive style is marked by a side closure, similar to an angrakha, combined with the structured silhouette of the sherwani. This style features an A-line silhouette that is fitted at the chest and flares out at the bottom.
The angrakha-style sherwanis offer a more traditional look and are often paired with a churidar and sometimes with a dhoti. The look is almost always accompanied by a matching safa, a stole and added accessories for a complete wedding attire.
Jodhpuri Sherwani
As the name suggests, the Jodhpuri sherwani originates from the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan and is often made from heavier fabrics such as jacquard, brocade or velvet. However, the choice of fabric may vary depending on personal preferences and the occasion.
This sherwani style features a structured jacket with a straight-cut silhouette that sits closer to the body. The jacket typically falls on the knees and sometimes even shorter, imparting a regal yet sophisticated vibe. Wedding Jodhpuri sherwanis feature intricate embroidery, zari work, and embellishments such as sequins, beads, crystals and stones.
Jodhpuri sherwanis are typically paired with a dhoti or matching pants, depending on the type of look you want to achieve. It is always recommended to pair the sherwani with a matching safa and stole for an appropriate wedding sherwani look.
Indo-Western Sherwani
Modern grooms want to embrace Indian traditions but with a modern twist. Indo-western sherwani designs fulfil that requirement of fashion-forward men who want to experience the best of both worlds. These sherwani designs create the perfect fusion by combining traditional designs with contemporary tailoring.
Indo-western sherwanis are characterised by their western-inspired silhouettes, asymmetrical hemlines and unique drapes. It is a versatile and comfortable alternative to the traditional designs, which may not be suitable for many grooms as well as guests because of their traditional aesthetic and heavy embroidery.
These sherwanis are often tailored from lightweight fabrics such as cotton and silk, featuring intricate thread embroidery, zari work and sophisticated embellishments. These fusion designs are perfect for grooms who don’t want to go the traditional way and even for guests who want to look put-together for special occasions.
Different Types of Sherwanis Based on Fabric and Embellishment
- Embroidered Sherwani: Embroidered sherwanis are a top choice among grooms seeking a sophisticated and elegant wedding look. These sherwanis feature intricate as well as detailed threadwork embroidery, creating stunning patterns and motifs. More opulent designs feature zardozi and ornate embellishments, such as pearls, beads, and sequins, to enhance the engagement sherwani look.
- Velvet Sherwani: Velvet has been a very popular fabric for tailoring exquisite sherwani designs, as it imparts a regal appeal to the garment. These sherwani patterns are often adorned with intricate zardozi, sequins and embellishments, creating stunning patterns and motifs. Velvet sherwanis are especially preferred for colder months, as the thick fabric provides some much-needed warmth.
- Printed Sherwani: For grooms who want to stand out and draw a lot of attention, printed sherwanis are the best picks. These brightly hued variants are a fresh and modern alternative to heavily embroidered ones. From floral prints to geometric patterns, you have a wide variety of colourful prints to choose from.
While grooms can also sport printed sherwanis, these are most suitable for pre-wedding ceremonies and other casual occasions. You can wear them for a sangeet or mehendi ceremony. Printed sherwanis are best paired with solid hues and work best with minimal accessories.
- Mirror Work Sherwani: Another option suitable for party wear and pre-wedding ceremonies is the mirror-work sherwani. This traditional Indian technique of using small mirrors is extensively used to create intricate and eye-catching designs. Mirror work sherwanis are a great way to add some character and personality to your party look. Whether you want to create a subtle look with a hint of mirror or go all out with an intricately embellished look, a mirror-work sherwani look is sure to get you all the attention.
- Cotton Sherwani: Cotton sherwanis are the perfect dressing choice for summer, as this one offers a more comfortable and breathable option. It also offers a more polished and sophisticated look compared to other fabrics, such as silk and velvet. Cotton sherwanis can be explored in any style of your choice to match your fashion preferences.
Designer & Trendy Variants of Different Sherwani Patterns
- Designer Sherwani: A designer sherwani is created by an individual designer or a designer brand. These designs are more exclusive, as they are tailored in a controlled environment and not mass-produced in a factory. A designer sherwani features an exclusive design and is specifically made keeping the customer’s requirements in consideration. These feature intricate embroidery, including zardozi, resham and dabka, and are tailored, focusing on both style and quality. These exquisite designs are typically worn by grooms on their wedding day.
- Anarkali Sherwani: An anarkali sherwani is a fusion attire that combines the silhouette of an anarkali with the tailored silhouette of a traditional sherwani. This combination attire comprises an anarkali-style kurta, with a circular flare, paired with a classic sherwani coat shorter than the kurta itself. These are suitable for grooms who want to create a style statement and stand out with their sartorial picks.
- Sherwani with Jacket: A sherwani with a jacket, also known as a jacket-style sherwani, is a modern take on the traditional silhouette. This style features a regular sherwani paired with a more decorative coat or long jacket, often made from an exquisite fabric or decorated with ornate embellishments for a more regal look. Suitable for various formal occasions, jacket sherwanis are a perfect choice for creating a unique yet polished reception sherwani look.
- Draped Sherwani: A draped sherwani is a contemporary take on the classic silhouette and features attached drapes for a modern flair. The drapes could be attached to the neck, waist or hemline to add character and fluidity to the attire. As these sherwanis impart a modern look, they can be paired with a variety of bottoms and are more suitable for parties and celebratory occasions.
FAQ’s
Is a sherwani a type of kurta?
It may look similar to a kurta, but a kurta and a sherwani are two completely different garments. A kurta is a loose-fitted garment, often worn for casual or semi-formal occasions. However, a sherwani is a more elaborate, long coat-like garment, worn by grooms as their wedding attire. You can read more about sherwani vs kurta in our detailed blog.
What is a Jodhpuri sherwani?
A Jodhpuri sherwani is similar to a bandhgala suit but longer, originating from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and typically worn by grooms on their wedding day. It typically comprises a knee-length sherwani, with a closed, high collar, paired with matching pants or dhoti.
Which colour sherwani is best?
Some of the classic sherwani colours for grooms include beige, ivory, off-white, cream, and maroon. However, grooms today are experimenting with pastel hues such as mint green, butter yellow, powder blue and lilac, especially for themed and daytime wedding ceremonies.