The lehenga choli is one of the most graceful and elegant traditional Indian outfits worn by women. Lehengas come in a spectacular array of colors, fabrics, embroidery, and styles that showcase the diversity of Indian culture. The flare of the lehenga skirt is its most beautiful and distinguishing feature. The voluminous, free-flowing skirt cascades down from the waist in lovely pleats and gathers. Designers use various fabrics like silk, chiffon, net, crepe, brocade etc. to create lehengas with rich textures and drapes. The movement of a ghagra style lehenga is simply mesmerizing as women swirl and twirl to display these full-volume skirts.
Intricate hand embroidery done in resham, zari, beads, sequins and mirrors adorn most Indian lehengas. Floral patterns like bel-buttis, roses, and leaves are popular but there are modern abstract prints and embroidery too. Zardozi work, chickenkari, chikankari, zari-butti, aari embroidery etc. beautify lehengas with color and finesse.
The choli worn with lehengas are usually short, cropped tops with short sleeves. Designer cholis may be full-sleeved, off-shoulder, halter-neck or backless too. Banarasi brocade, velvet, silk, tissue, satin, net, lace and kundan work are used to embellish cholis. There are lehengas to suit women of all ages, body types and styles. The A-line lehenga gives a tented silhouette for those conscious about fuller lower bodies. Mermaid and fishtail lehengas accentuate curves and add drama with their body-hugging shapes. Cotton lehengas with minimal embellishment are perfect everyday wear.
Bridal lehengas hold a special place in Indian celebrations. Most Indian brides wear lehengas in red, maroon and pink for their wedding day. Intricate zardozi, badla and nakshi work adorn the bridal lehenga choli. Designers embed crystals, pearls and stones for a regal glittering effect. The bridal dupatta is usually a rich Banarasi or Kanjeevaram silk with golden zari borders. Lehengas come in a variety of styles like cape, jacket, trail and even gown styles nowadays. Mix and match options with detachable dupattas and trailing odhnis help style the lehenga in multiple ways.
The beauty of a lehenga lies in its femininity and grace. The vivid colors, luxurious fabrics and elegant embroidery make lehenga cholis a sensual Indian outfit. Lehengas are perfect for festivals, weddings and celebrations when women wish to embrace traditional clothing and feel like royalty. The exquisite craftsmanship and allure of a lehenga makes it a timeless Indian garment.
From a simple cotton lehenga to wear on a normal day to an extravagantly embroidered bridal lehenga dripping in crystals and sequins, the beauty of a lehenga is that there is one to suit every woman’s style and budget. Lehengas allow women to experience the richness of Indian textiles and handiwork. The silhouette of a lehenga along with its vivid colors and decoration enhance both the beauty and confidence of the woman wearing it.