Quick answer: This A–Z glossary defines the Pakistani fashion terms you'll meet when shopping or attending a South Asian wedding — garments (anarkali, gharara, lehenga, sharara), embroidery techniques (zardozi, dabka, gota patti, chikankari), fabrics (banarasi, jamawar, organza) and the jewellery and wedding events that go with them.
Whether you're shopping for Pakistani clothing, attending a South Asian wedding or simply curious about the terminology, this glossary covers the terms you need to know, grouped A to Z.
A
Aari work
An embroidery technique using a hooked needle called an aari. Originating in Kashmir, it creates intricate chain-stitch patterns and is particularly associated with Kashmiri embroidery, allowing detailed floral and paisley designs on shawls, suits and bridal wear.
Ajrak
A traditional block-printed textile from Sindh, Pakistan, featuring geometric patterns in deep blue and red. Ajrak carries cultural significance in Sindhi heritage and is often given as a mark of respect; modern designers also incorporate its patterns into contemporary fashion.
Anarkali
A long, flowing dress named after the legendary Mughal court dancer Anarkali. Characterised by a fitted bodice and a dramatically flared floor-length skirt, it's popular for formal events and especially flattering for pear-shaped figures, as the flare skims the hips while emphasising the bust and waist.
Angrakha
A wrap-style garment that crosses over the chest and ties at the side. Historically worn in Mughal courts, the angrakha creates a flattering diagonal line; modern angrakha tops and kurtas are prized for their adjustable fit and elegant draping.
B
Badla
A metallic embroidery technique using flattened metal wire (usually silver or gold-toned) wrapped around a thread core. Badla creates subtle shimmer, is often combined with other techniques, and is lighter than zardozi while still adding elegant shine.
Baraat
The groom's wedding procession and the main wedding ceremony in Pakistani and South Asian weddings. Typically the most formal event, with the bride in her primary bridal outfit (traditionally red) and guests in their most elaborate formal wear.
Banarasi
A luxurious silk originally from Varanasi (Banaras), known for intricate gold and silver brocade woven directly into the fabric. Highly prized for bridal wear, authentic Banarasi features Mughal-inspired motifs including florals and paisleys.
Bridal jora
“Jora” means “set” or “pair” in Urdu. A bridal jora is a complete bridal outfit set — typically the top (blouse or kameez), bottom (lehenga, sharara or gharara) and dupatta — used interchangeably with “bridal outfit.”
C
Chikan / Chikankari
A delicate white-on-white embroidery originating from Lucknow, featuring subtle floral patterns in white thread on white fabric (usually cotton or muslin). Traditionally monochrome, modern chikankari also uses coloured threads and suits summer wear and elegant nikah outfits.
Choli
The fitted blouse worn with a lehenga, typically cropped (ending at or above the natural waist), with various necklines, sleeve lengths and back designs. It's usually the most fitted and structured piece of a lehenga outfit.
Churidar
Tight-fitting trousers that gather in folds (“churis” means bangles) around the ankles. Cut longer than the leg, they create the signature bunched effect at the bottom and are often worn with longer kameez or kurta tops.
Cutwork
A technique where parts of the base fabric are cut away and the edges finished with embroidery, creating a lace-like effect. Cutwork borders are common on dupattas and hems, adding delicate detail without heavy embellishment.
D
Dabka
Embroidery using coiled metallic wire (like a tiny spring) couched onto fabric. Dabka creates dimensional, textured work and is a key component of traditional Pakistani bridal wear; combined with zardozi it produces the rich, heavy embroidery associated with bridal lehengas.
Dholki
Pre-wedding musical celebrations named after the dholki drum. These informal gatherings see family and friends singing traditional wedding songs; dress is typically casual to semi-formal, colourful and festive.
Dupatta
A long scarf or shawl that's an essential part of South Asian women's dress, draped over the head, shoulders or across the body. Dupattas range from sheer organza to heavy embroidered silk and typically complete a Pakistani outfit.
E
Embroidery (Pakistani)
Pakistani fashion features many embroidery techniques, including zardozi (gold metallic), dabka (coiled wire), gota patti (gold ribbon), chikankari (white thread), aari (chain stitch), phulkari (Punjabi floral), mirror work (shisha) and resham (silk thread) — each with distinct characteristics and cultural origins. Our complete embroidery guide explores them in depth.
F
Farshi
“Farshi” means “floor-length” in Urdu. A farshi lehenga or farshi pajama has extra length that trails slightly on the floor for a dramatic, regal effect, popular for bridal wear and grand formal occasions.
Formal wear
Heavily embellished clothing for weddings and special celebrations, typically featuring extensive embroidery, luxurious fabrics (silk, velvet, organza) and rich colours. It's distinct from luxury pret (less embellished) and casual wear.
G
Gharara
A traditional trouser fitted from the waist to the knee, then flaring dramatically into wide, gathered panels. The knee-level ruching and flare distinguish gharara from sharara (which flares from the hip). It originates from Lucknow and carries Mughal heritage.
Gota patti
An embroidery technique appliquéing gold or silver ribbon (gota) onto fabric in geometric and floral patterns. Originating from Rajasthan, it's particularly associated with mehndi outfits, catching the light for a festive look.
H
Haath phool
Hand jewellery adorning the back of the hand, connecting a ring to a bracelet with decorative chains. Literally “hand flower,” it's traditional bridal jewellery that's especially visible during the ceremony.
Heavy formal
The most embellished category of Pakistani clothing, with extensive embroidery coverage (often most of the fabric), premium materials and maximum glamour — appropriate for the bride, close family and the most important events like the baraat.
J
Jamawar
A richly patterned fabric with woven (not printed) designs, traditionally from Kashmir, featuring intricate paisley and floral motifs woven into the fabric itself. Authentic jamawar is expensive and time-consuming to produce; modern versions may be machine-woven or printed.
Jhoomar
A decorative headpiece worn on the side of the head, usually over the left ear. Traditional bridal jewellery in Pakistani weddings, it adds sparkle and is often worn alongside a maang tikka.
Jora
“Jora” means “set” or “pair” in Urdu/Punjabi. In fashion it refers to a complete outfit — typically a top, bottom and dupatta sold together; a “bridal jora” is a complete bridal outfit.
K
Kameez
A tunic or long shirt that forms the top of the shalwar kameez. Lengths vary from hip-length to below the knee, and styles range from simple everyday wear to heavily embellished formal pieces. The term comes from the Arabic for “shirt.”
Kamdani
A technique similar to badla, using thin metallic strips or flattened wire to create delicate, shimmering embroidery. Lighter than zardozi, it creates subtle elegance rather than heavy ornamentation.
Kundan
A traditional jewellery-making technique setting gemstones in gold foil. In embroidery, kundan work attaches small stone or crystal embellishments to fabric for jewel-like decoration that adds sparkle and dimension to bridal wear.
L
Lehenga / lengha
A long, full skirt worn with a fitted blouse (choli) and dupatta — the quintessential Pakistani and Indian bridal garment. Styles range from A-line to circular to mermaid/fishtail, and bridal lehengas typically feature heavy embroidery and rich fabrics.
Luxury pret
“Pret” means ready-to-wear. Luxury pret is high-quality ready-made clothing — more refined than casual wear but less embellished than heavy formal — suited to smaller gatherings, casual parties and elevated everyday dressing.
M
Maang tikka
A forehead ornament that hangs from the centre hair parting, sitting between the eyebrows. Essential bridal jewellery, with designs from simple single drops to elaborate multi-strand pieces.
Maxi
A long, floor-length dress or gown, often with heavier embroidery on the bodice and lighter work below. A popular one-piece alternative to the multi-piece lehenga, easier to wear and often more comfortable for dancing.
Mehndi
Two meanings: the henna paste used for temporary body art in intricate patterns on hands and feet; and the pre-wedding celebration where the bride and female guests have mehndi applied — a colourful, festive event full of music and dancing.
Mirror work / shisha
An embroidery technique incorporating small mirrors (shisha), secured with decorative stitching. Originating from Rajasthan and Sindh, it creates eye-catching sparkle and is associated with folk traditions and mehndi outfits.
Mukesh
A Lucknowi technique combining metallic thread work with chikankari, adding subtle sparkle to delicate white embroidery for an elegant combination of techniques.
N
Nath
A nose ring traditionally worn by brides, from a simple stud to an elaborate piece with chains connecting to the hair or ear. Wearing a nath is optional and varies by regional and family tradition.
Nikah
The Islamic marriage ceremony, which can be small and intimate or a larger formal event. Brides often wear white, ivory or pastel shades for the nikah (rather than red for the baraat), though this varies by family.
Net
A sheer mesh fabric used for dupattas, sleeves and overlays in Pakistani formal wear. Plain or embroidered, it adds lightness and an ethereal quality; embroidered net dupattas are a wedding-fashion staple.
O
Organza
A thin, sheer fabric with a slight stiffness that holds its shape beautifully. Popular for voluminous dupattas and overlay layers, it catches the light elegantly and is a favourite for bridal and formal garments.
P
Pajama
Loose-fitting trousers worn as the bottom half of traditional outfits — everyday clothing, quite different from Western sleepwear. Variants include straight-cut, tulip and cigarette styles.
Peplum
A fitted top with a flared ruffle or “skirt” attached at the waist, creating an hourglass silhouette. Peplum blouses pair well with lehengas and shararas, adding dimension and flattering the waist.
Phulkari
Literally “flower work,” a traditional Punjabi embroidery of bright, geometric floral patterns in silk thread on cotton. Authentic phulkari uses long satin stitches in vibrant colours and is associated with Punjabi heritage and celebrations.
R
Resham
Embroidery using silk thread (resham means silk), creating smooth, lustrous designs often combined with zardozi for added dimension. The silk threads add colour and softness to embroidered pieces.
Rukhsati
The emotional send-off when the bride leaves her family home with the groom after the ceremony — a significant cultural moment, often featuring traditional songs and prayers.
S
Shalwar
Traditional loose-fitting trousers, wide at the top and narrow at the ankle. Worn with a kameez (shalwar kameez), it's everyday attire across Pakistan, comfortable in the climate and easy to move in.
Sharara
Wide-legged trousers that flare from the hip or waist (unlike gharara, which flares from the knee). Shararas create a dramatic silhouette and are popular for weddings, being flattering and comfortable for dancing.
Sequin work
Embellishment using small, flat, shiny discs (sequins) for sparkle and movement. In Pakistani fashion, sequin work usually complements other embroidery rather than appearing alone.
Silk
Common silks include raw silk (matte, textured), pure silk (smooth, lustrous), jamawar silk (patterned) and banarasi silk (brocade). Silk is prized for formal wear for its drape, sheen and ability to hold embroidery.
Sozni
A fine Kashmiri embroidery using tiny needle stitches to create intricate patterns, often on shawls. Time-intensive and highly detailed, it represents some of Kashmir's finest craftsmanship.
T
Tilla
Embroidery using gold or silver metallic thread, particularly associated with Kashmiri tradition. Tilla work on pherans and formal wear creates rich, ornate designs; “tilla” refers to the metallic thread itself.
Tissue
A sheer, lightweight fabric with metallic threads woven in for subtle shimmer. Popular for dupattas and overlays, it adds luminosity without weight and photographs beautifully — a favourite for bridal wear.
Tulip pants
A trouser style with overlapping front panels that create a tulip shape at the hem, adding feminine detail to both casual and formal outfits.
W
Walima
The reception hosted by the groom's family after the wedding, typically held the day after the baraat. Often a large, celebratory event with formal dress, traditionally slightly less heavy than baraat attire.
Z
Zardozi
One of the most prestigious forms of Pakistani and Indian embroidery, using gold and silver metallic threads, beads, sequins and stones to create elaborate raised designs. Originating in Persia and flourishing under Mughal patronage, it's the hallmark of luxury bridal wear and can require many hundreds of hours for heavily embroidered pieces.
Zari
Metallic thread (gold or silver toned) used in weaving and embroidery, either pure metal thread or metallic-coated synthetic. “Zari work” is a general term for any embroidery using metallic thread, while “zardozi” refers specifically to the raised, dimensional technique.
Frequently asked questions
What is a lehenga?
A long, full skirt worn with a fitted blouse (choli) and a dupatta — the classic Pakistani and Indian bridal garment, usually heavily embroidered for bridal wear.
What's the difference between a gharara and a sharara?
Both are flared trousers, but a gharara flares from the knee (with distinctive ruching there), while a sharara flares from the hip or waist.
What is zardozi?
A prestigious raised metallic embroidery using gold and silver threads, beads and stones — the hallmark of luxury bridal wear, requiring many hundreds of hours for heavy pieces.
What colour do Pakistani brides wear?
Traditionally red for the baraat (the main ceremony), and often white, ivory or pastels for the nikah — though this varies by family and region.
Last updated: June 2026
