Traditional Indian fashion has always mesmerised the world with its distinct silhouettes, embroidery, rich history, and cultural meaning. Among these, the Sharara stands out as one of the most graceful and widely loved outfits for women. Whether it is a wedding, engagement, sangeet night, festival, or special celebration, Sharara suits bring together elegance, comfort, and femininity in a way few outfits can.
However, many people—especially in international fashion spaces—often wonder:
What do we call a Gharara or Sharara in English?
Is there a proper English term for this beautiful ethnic outfit?
In this blog for VrtRaha, we will not only explain what a Sharara and a Gharara mean in English but also explore the differences between them, their history, their modern place in Indian fashion, and why the Sharara continues to rule as a trending ethnic outfit today.
What Is a Sharara?
A Sharara is a traditional ethnic bottom worn with a kurti or long top. It is most commonly seen in South Asian countries including India and Pakistan.
A Sharara consists of:
✔ A short or long kurti
✔ Wide-legged bottoms that flare from the waist
✔ A dupatta (optional, depending on style)
Sharara bottoms typically have a free flow from the waistline, similar to extremely wide palazzo pants, but with a lot more flare and structure. Modern Sharara suits come in a variety of fabrics such as georgette, silk, chiffon, velvet, brocade, and crepe, making them suitable for both everyday festive looks and heavy wedding wear.
What Do We Call a Sharara in English?
There is no single perfect word in English that captures the cultural and design identity of a Sharara, but a few closest English descriptions include:
- Wide-Leg Flared Pants
- Tiered Flared Trousers
- Traditional Wide-Leg Skirted Bottoms
Fashion experts often explain Shararas in English as:
“A pair of heavily flared trousers worn with a traditional kurti and dupatta.”
However, because Shararas are unique to South Asian heritage, the word ‘Sharara’ itself is widely used even internationally—just like “sari,” “lehenga,” or “kimono.”
So, while we may describe them in English as flared trousers, the world continues to call them Shararas.
What about Gharara? Are Ghararas and Shararas the Same?
Now comes the next part of the confusion—many people assume Gharara and Sharara are the same, but they are not.
A Gharara:
- Has a fitted silhouette from the waist to the knee
- Features a thick flare below the knee
- Has a distinctive “gota” or seam at the knee joint
A Sharara, on the other hand:
- Is wide and flowing from the waist itself
- Has no knee joint or defined cut
- Acts more like flowy trousers or skirt-like bottoms
What Do We Call a Gharara in English?
Like Sharara, even Gharara does not have a perfect single-word definition in English. However, the closest English descriptions include:
- Wide-leg trousers with a knee joint seam
- Traditional flared pants fitted above the knee
- Structured flared trousers
To simplify:
✔ Sharara = Flared pants from waist
✔ Gharara = Fitted till knee with flare below
Both words, however, are known internationally by their original Urdu names, because they represent a cultural design that English terminology cannot fully express.
Why Sharara and Gharara Shouldn’t Be Translated Literally
While it is possible to use English explanations like:
- “Traditional flared pants”
- “Wide-leg ethnic trousers”
- “Tiered trousers”
None of these describe:
- The craftsmanship
- The cultural origin
- The embroidery styles
- The traditional wear customs
- The elegance and heritage
So in global fashion, designers, models, magazines, and boutiques continue to use:
✨ Sharara
✨ Gharara
just as they use Lehenga, Saree, Kurta, or Anarkali without translating them.
Origin and History of the Sharara
The Sharara has a majestic heritage that traces back to:
- The Mughal era
- Persian Royal fashion
- Nawabi culture in Lucknow
Historically, Shararas were worn by Mughal princesses and noblewomen as an elegant court outfit. They combined feminine beauty with royal grace, and eventually became a cultural favourite across North India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Even today:
✔ Brides wear Sharara suits for wedding ceremonies
✔ Many bridesmaids choose them for sangeets and mehendi
✔ They are highly popular in festive collections across India
The charm of the Sharara has never faded—it has only evolved.
Sharara in Modern Fashion
Today, Sharara suits have become a massive trend in:
- Bollywood
- Celebrity weddings
- Instagram influencer looks
- High-fashion Indian designer collections
Modern interpretations include:
- Peplum tops with Shararas
- Cape jackets and Shararas
- Heavy embroidered wedding Shararas
- Minimal pastel georgette Shararas
- Indo-Western experimental cuts
Some designers have even mixed Sharara silhouettes into fusion wear with:
- Crop tops
- Bralettes
- Structured blazers
- Ruffle dupattas
Even internationally, Sharara is gaining recognition just like sarees and lehengas.
Why Sharara Suits Are So Popular Today
1. Extremely Comfortable
Shararas offer:
- Zero restriction on movement
- Breathable flare
- Lightweight flow
Perfect for celebrations that last for hours.
2. Universally Flattering
They suit:
- Petite body types
- Curvy figures
- Tall frames
- Plus-size silhouettes
Because the flare balances proportions beautifully.
3. Works Across Occasions
Shararas are ideal for:
- Sangeet
- Wedding
- Mehendi
- Eid
- Diwali
- Navratri
- Family celebrations
You can choose between minimal chic and heavy royal looks.
4. Makes a Stylish Statement
Shararas tend to stand out in a crowd due to:
- Their elegance
- Their silhouette
- Their modern yet traditional balance
They are classic yet contemporary.
Are Shararas and Palazzos the Same?
No—this is another common misconception.
While palazzos are wide-leg western pants, Shararas:
✔ Have a larger flare
✔ Are often embroidered
✔ Have ethnic styling
✔ Are worn with traditional clothing
A Sharara looks more like a:
- Mini skirt plus pant in one silhouette
whereas palazzos are simple western trousers, usually minimal in design.
How International Fashion Describes Shararas Today
Designers across global markets now describe Shararas in editorial catalogues as:
- “Traditional South Asian flared pants worn with a kurti”
- “Ethnic festive pant-skirt hybrids”
- “Decorative wide-leg ceremonial trousers”
Just like a kimono is still called a kimono in English, Shararas continue to hold their global identity under their original name.
Shararas in the VrtRaha Fashion Story
At VrtRaha, we believe the Sharara is more than clothing—it is:
- A celebration of Indian feminine identity
- A tribute to cultural heritage
- Clothing designed to make you feel beautiful and confident
Our goal is to create Sharara styles that combine:
✨ Rich heritage
✨ Modern design
✨ Premium ethnic craft
✨ Comfortable, flattering silhouettes
From wedding wear to festive day outfits, Shararas remain one of the most loved fashion statements for the modern Indian woman.
Final Answer: What Do We Call a Sharara in English?
If we have to summarise:
- There is no exact single English word for Sharara.
- The closest English meaning is “flared traditional trousers.”
- However, the world knows and recognises the outfit as a Sharara itself.
Just like saree, lehenga, or kurta—Sharara has become an internationally understood fashion term that represents a unique South Asian style.
Final Answer: What Do We Call a Gharara in English?
- The closest English descriptions are “pants fitted to the knee with flare below.”
- But like Sharara, even Gharara is best called by its original name.
Conclusion
The Sharara and Gharara are iconic symbols of Indian and South Asian fashion. Their beauty lies not only in their flare, fabric, and silhouette but also in their heritage. Although English translations like “flared trousers” or “wide-leg pants” may explain the structure, they do not capture the cultural richness.
That is why:
✨ A Sharara is best called a Sharara.
✨ A Gharara is best called a Gharara.
They are unique to our culture, our history, and our fashion identity—and they deserve to be known by their true names.