Indian Clothes for Women, for Every Role at the Wedding

The names of Indian outfits, explained

Traditional Indian clothing is named by its cut. Here is what each name on a product page means:

• Lehenga choli: a long, flared skirt (the lehenga), a fitted top (the choli) and a dupatta, the long scarf draped over the shoulder or head.
• Saree: several yards of fabric wrapped around the waist and draped over the shoulder, worn with a fitted blouse.
• Anarkali: a floor-length kameez that flares out from a fitted bodice, worn over slim pants.
• Salwar kameez: a straight long shirt over pants with a dupatta, the everyday base of South Asian dress and the outfit many people mean by an Indian suit.
• Gharara: pants that are fitted to the knee and then flare out to the floor; a farshi gharara goes further and trails behind.
• Pishwas: a long, fully flared frock in the anarkali family, cut fuller and usually heavier.

Dressing the whole wedding party

The bride wears the heaviest piece of the day, most often a lehenga choli or a farshi gharara in red, maroon or a deep jewel tone. Bridesmaids usually agree on one color or one shape so they photograph as a group; our coordinated bridesmaid outfits are a good start. The bride’s mother often prefers a longer shirt, fuller sleeves and a lighter weight for a long day, and our outfits for the bride’s mother follow that line. Guests choose by event, and our anarkali designs for guests and long-shirt salwar suits work from the ceremony to the reception. For the groom, see our sherwanis for the wedding day.

Fabrics and handwork in traditional Indian clothing

For bridal pieces, tissue silk and organza lead: both hold heavy embroidery, tissue silk with a light sheen, organza with crisp structure. Velvet and raw silk add warmth and depth for fall and winter weddings. Guest outfits lean lighter, in chiffon and net that move easily and stay comfortable through a long evening.

The embroidery names tell you how a piece will look and feel. Zardozi and dabka use metal thread and coiled wire for a raised, heavy finish. Resham is silk thread in color, softer to the touch. Sequins, pearls, cut beads and gota, a woven metallic ribbon, add sparkle. The more of the surface is worked, the heavier the outfit and the higher its price.

Each design shows its price in US dollars, and you can sort the grid from low to high. When one design costs more than another, the silhouette, the fabric or the amount of handwork is usually the reason.

Sizing when you order from the US

Standard sizes run from XS to XL. Bridal pieces, and guest designs that offer it, can also be made in Custom Size, sewn exactly to the measurements you send, which is the simplest route for plus sizes or for anyone whose bust, waist and hips fall in different sizes. Our team contacts you after you order to collect your measurements. The workshop works in inches, so measure in inches and use our size chart with measuring tips. Between two sizes, choose the larger.

Two delivery timelines: bridal and guest

All delivery times are calendar days, counted from the day after you order, and include sewing and shipping.

• Bridal pieces: Normal Delivery in up to 3 months, free. Rush Delivery in up to 30 days for $59. Super Rush Delivery in up to 14 days for $199.
• Guest outfits: up to 18 days. Rush Delivery and Super Rush Delivery are not normally offered, so if your event is close, message us before you order.

A bride with ten weeks to go still has time for Rush Delivery; a guest is safe ordering a month ahead. Shipping terms for US addresses are on our shipping details for US orders page.

Why choose Shadi Dress for Indian clothes

Shadi Dress started making bridal wear in 2013, and every outfit is sewn in our own workshops: more than 25 of them in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, with close to 200 people. We buy no ready-made outfits from India or from other designers, and guest outfits start from branded fabric bought directly from Pakistani labels, so we can answer any question about how a piece is made and change it for you: bridal changes that add fabric, embroidery or labor are priced and approved before work starts. Ask for progress photos of a bridal outfit while it is made, or a full video of a guest outfit before it ships. More than 20,000 satisfied customers have ordered from us.

Questions about buying Indian clothes online

Is there an Indian clothing store near me?

Shadi Dress has no walk-in store; we sell online only and ship to addresses across the United States. Instead of a fitting room, you get a size chart, a Custom Size option on bridal pieces and on guest designs that offer it, answers on WhatsApp before you order, and photos or a video before your outfit ships.

Are these clothes made in India?

No. They are made in our own workshops in Pakistan and shipped directly to you. Lehenga cholis, sarees, anarkalis and ghararas share their cuts and much of their handwork across India and Pakistan, so these outfits are worn at Indian, Pakistani and other South Asian weddings alike.

Will I owe customs or duty when it arrives?

Usually not. Import charges are normally prepaid by us. If a courier ever asks you for customs, duty or tax, send us the receipt and we refund the verified amount. You can pay by PayPal, card or bank transfer, whichever suits you.

Can I return or exchange my outfit?

No. Every outfit is sewn for one customer, so there are no returns or exchanges after delivery. A bridal order canceled within 24 hours, or a guest order within 12 hours, is refunded in full; after that and before dispatch, 35% of the amount paid is deducted. Refunds go back to the payment method you used.