The Science of Lehenga: Which Shapes Suits Which Body Type?

Wedding season, festive season, party season, lehenga season! A lehenga choli is not just a festive outfit, it is a style, traditional and personal statement. While getting your dress made there are a few things to pay attention to in order to look fabulous in a lehenga, not just the embroidery or fabric, but the silhouette! With the correct silhouette, any shape or cut of lehenga will enhance your best features while balancing your proportions!

Yes that's right! For a cousin's wedding a chic silk lehenga, for a lavish reception a royal velvet lehenga, for a festival of lights a lightweight flowy georgette lehenga; with the correct silhouette you cannot go wrong!

So let's get down to the science of lehenga silhouettes and discover what's the best fit for your body shape!

1. A-Line Lehengas : Simplistic beauty for everyone

A-line lehengas are one of the most universally suited silhouettes. The A-line silhouette hugs the waist closely then flares at the hem resembling the letter "A".

Great for pear-shape and petite bodies: the flare will balance out wider hips and elongate a frame that is under 5'.

Fabric Tip: A georgette lehenga or chiffon A-line will have beautiful flow, and movement. Silk lehengas will have more structure and richness.

This silhouette is great for weddings, sangeets, or even festive family gatherings making it a basic to your wardrobe.

2. Circular Lehenga – The Classic Bridal Choice

A circular lehenga truly embodies luxury! Producing a much larger hemline provides the largest volume and you can achieve that signature "twirl" in the outfit.

Best for: a tall and slim silhouette; where the dress flows into itself and somehow manages to create even more curves and drama.

Avoid for: rounder or shorter body shapes as volume could feel overwhelming.

Fabric tip: This style can feel royal in either a brocade lehenga, or a velvet lehenga, both are suitable options for traditional brides.

If your dream is to float away in a plush wedding gown; the intricate embroidery of this silhouette shall make you feel like a princess.

3. Mermaid or Fishtail Lehenga - The Glamorous Curve Hugger

The mermaid lehenga balances between hugging your curves from waist to your knees, to the longer sleeker fit at the knees, to flaring out to create a fishtail effect.

Most flattering for hourglass or curvier body types: It creates a great waist and accentuates hips.

Not recommended for apple shapes since it will probably maximize the midsection area.

Fabric Tip: Dark colored velvet lehenga, or a satin lehenga provides lovely evening glamour! The fabulous drape and sheen make the fitted silhouette very haute couture.

Not only is this silhouette an iconic option for receptions and cocktail type events - it is going to make a loud statement & be worthy of some red carpet attention.

4. Panelled Lehenga – Balanced and Stylish

Using multiple fabric panels sewn together, a panelled lehenga creates volume without "figuring her".

Best for straight or rectangular body shapes: the panels add movement and an illusion of curves.

Excellent for plus size women: the vertical panels both slim the woman out and keep the outfit comfortable.

Fabric Tip: A silk lehenga with embroidered contrasting panels or a georgette lehenga with printed panels will have drama and depth!

This silhouette is modern and trendy while remaining traditional so it can be dressy enough for sangeets/blessings or engagement parties.

5. Sharara and Gharara Style – A Modern Trend

Sharara and gharara styles have become super mainstream alternatives to lehengas, and they are sweet! they represent comfort while being a desirable fusion style.

They're great for all body shapes and all shapes apple and round shapes will benefit most from this outfit style: the flared pants will balance out the long torso and midsection to create the illusion of equitable proportions.

Great for tall women: they are elongated styles so you will look chic and very regal.

Fabric tip: for flowy elegance go for georgette lehengas or crepe shararas; or for something brocade or brocade inspired, and a sharara that has lehenga flow will look very luxe.

These will be very appropriate for Mehendi functions, or if you are looking for something more fashionable and more accessible!

6. Straight-Cut Lehenga – Minimal and Chic

A straight or lined lehenga will fall in a simple shape with limited flare but with a nice modern vibe.

Perfect for petite and slender women: gives an overall illusion of height.

Do not wear this if you do have very wide hips: there is absolutely no flare in this cut and it could exaggerate the bottom a little more than you would like.

Fabric: a silk lehenga in this cut looks elegant, while velvet lehenga will have a striking and tailored finish.

This silhouette works well for the modern bride or for a bride who hopes to keep it simple.