The Complete Pakistani Outfit Guide
The Complete Guide to Pakistani Outfits | For Beginners & First-Time Buyers
Everything You Need to Know About Pakistani Fashion, Explained Simply
New to Pakistani Fashion? Welcome!
Whether you've been invited to your first Pakistani wedding, want to celebrate Eid in beautiful attire, or simply fell in love with a stunning outfit online—welcome to the wonderful world of Pakistani fashion.
We know it can feel overwhelming at first. What's a lengha? Is it different from a lehenga? What on earth is a gharara vs a sharara? Don't worry—we've all been there. This guide will explain everything you need to know to shop confidently for Pakistani outfits, whether you're South Asian or completely new to this fashion tradition.
At AÏNN London, we pride ourselves on being first-timer friendly. Our team is always happy to answer questions, explain options, and help you find the perfect outfit for any occasion.
Types of Pakistani Outfits Explained
Lengha / Lehenga
What it is: A three-piece outfit consisting of a fitted blouse (choli), a long skirt, and a dupatta (scarf).
The skirt styles:
- A-Line: Gently flared from waist to hem—universally flattering
- Straight-Cut: Falls straight down—sleek and elegant
- Mermaid/Fishtail: Fitted to the knee, then flares out—dramatic and glamorous
- Circular/Flared: Very full skirt with lots of volume—princess-like
- Farshi: Floor-sweeping, slightly trailing—extremely elegant
Best for: Weddings (baraat, walima), formal celebrations, engagement parties
Formality level: Formal to very formal
Pronunciation: LENG-ah (Pakistani) / Le-HEN-ga (Indian)
Sharara
What it is: Wide-legged, flowing trousers paired with a top (kameez) and dupatta.
Key feature: The trousers are fitted at the waist/hip, then flare dramatically from the thigh down. Think 70s bell-bottoms but much more elegant and flowing.
Why people love them: Incredibly comfortable, perfect for dancing, stunning when you walk
Best for: Mehndi, parties, weddings, Eid
Formality level: Semi-formal to formal (depends on embroidery)
Pronunciation: sha-RAH-rah
Gharara
What it is: Similar to sharara, but the trousers are fitted to the KNEE, then flare out with pleats or gathers.
Key feature: The dramatic flare starts at the knee, creating a very distinctive, regal silhouette.
Cultural note: Traditional to Lucknow (India/Pakistan) and considered very elegant and heritage-rich.
Best for: Traditional weddings, formal events, nikah
Formality level: Formal
Pronunciation: gha-RAH-rah
Sharara vs Gharara—The Key Difference:
- Sharara: Flares from the THIGH down
- Gharara: Flares from the KNEE down
Shalwar Kameez / Trouser Suit
What it is: A long tunic (kameez) paired with trousers (shalwar or pants) and often a dupatta.
Variations:
- Traditional Shalwar: Wide, gathered trousers
- Straight Pants: Modern, straight-cut trousers
- Cigarette Pants: Slim, tapered trousers
- Palazzo: Wide-legged but not gathered
Best for: Eid, casual celebrations, everyday elegant wear, nikah ceremony
Formality level: Casual to formal (depends on embroidery)
Why it's great for beginners: Familiar silhouette, very comfortable, versatile
Anarkali
What it is: A fitted bodice that flares out dramatically from under the bust, creating a flowing, floor-length silhouette. Usually worn with churidar (fitted) pants and a dupatta.
Named after: The legendary courtesan from Mughal history
Best for: Parties, weddings, formal events
Formality level: Semi-formal to formal
Why it's flattering: The empire waist and flared skirt flatter most body types
Maxi Dress
What it is: A floor-length dress (one piece) with Pakistani embroidery. Similar to Western maxi dresses but with traditional embellishment.
Why it's great for beginners: Familiar silhouette, easy to wear, no draping required
Best for: Weddings, parties, Eid, graduations
Formality level: Semi-formal to formal
Saree
What it is: A long piece of fabric (5-9 metres) draped around the body, worn with a fitted blouse (choli) and petticoat underneath.
Note: While more associated with Indian fashion, sarees are also worn at Pakistani events, especially by older generations or at certain celebrations.
Beginner-friendly? Requires learning to drape—not ideal for first-timers unless you have someone to help you
Parts of Pakistani Outfits
Dupatta
A long scarf (usually 2-2.5 metres) that comes with most Pakistani outfits. It can be draped over shoulders, across the body, over the head, or pinned in various styles. There's no single "correct" way—experiment!
Choli / Blouse
The fitted top worn with lenghas. Can be cropped, hip-length, or extended. Comes in various sleeve lengths and neckline styles.
Kameez
A tunic/long top worn with trousers. Length varies from mid-thigh to below the knee or longer.
Shalwar
Traditional loose, gathered trousers. Modern alternatives include straight pants, cigarette pants, and palazzos.
Understanding Sizing
Pakistani fashion sizing can be confusing because it's often based on measurements rather than standard sizes. Here's how to navigate it:
At AÏNN London
- We offer UK sizes 6-26
- Custom sizing to your exact measurements is always available at no extra charge
- All pieces include 3-5 inches alteration allowance
Key Measurements You'll Need
- Bust: Around the fullest part of your bust
- Waist: At your natural waistline
- Hips: Around the fullest part of your hips
- Shoulder width: From shoulder point to shoulder point
- Arm length: From shoulder to wrist
- Desired lengths: How long you want the top/skirt/trousers
Our Tip
When in doubt, provide your measurements. This ensures a much better fit than guessing at sizes. We offer free video consultations to help you measure correctly.
What to Wear When: Occasion Guide
Weddings
- Mehndi: Festive, colourful—sharara, gharara, short lengha, anarkali
- Nikah: Modest, elegant—trouser suit, maxi, modest lengha
- Baraat: Most formal—lengha, formal sharara, heavy embroidery
- Walima: Elegant—lengha, sharara, maxi
Eid
- Eid ul-Fitr: Light, fresh colours—trouser suits, shararas, maxis
- Eid ul-Adha: Rich colours—formal trouser suits, lenghas, shararas
Parties & Celebrations
- Engagement: Semi-formal to formal—lengha, sharara, anarkali
- Birthday: Depends on venue—trouser suit to lengha
- Graduation: Elegant—trouser suit, maxi, simple lengha
Tips for First-Time Buyers
- Start with something familiar: A maxi dress or trouser suit has a silhouette you likely already know
- Don't stress about draping: Many modern outfits don't require complex draping
- Ask questions: Reputable sellers (like us!) are happy to explain everything
- Order based on measurements: Not just your usual size
- Give yourself time: Don't order the week before an event
- Consider comfort: If you're not used to wearing these styles, choose something you can move in
- Embrace the colours: Pakistani fashion is colourful—don't be afraid!
Quick Glossary
- Zardozi: Heavy gold/silver metallic embroidery
- Dabka: Wire-based embroidery creating textured patterns
- Tilla: Gold thread embroidery
- Sequins: Small shiny discs sewn onto fabric
- Gotta: Gold ribbon work
- Churidar: Fitted trousers that bunch at the ankle
- Organza: Sheer, crisp fabric often used for dupattas
- Net: Sheer mesh fabric
- Silk: Luxurious natural fabric with beautiful drape
- Velvet: Rich, soft pile fabric—popular for winter events
Ready to Shop?
Now that you know the basics, explore our collections with confidence:
- Wedding Guest Outfits — Perfect for your first Asian wedding
- Lengha Collection — Traditional elegance
- Sharara Collection — Comfortable and stunning
- Luxury Pret — Easy-to-wear elegant pieces
- Party Wear — For every celebration
Still have questions? Contact our team via WhatsApp, email, or book a free video consultation. We love helping first-timers find their perfect Pakistani outfit!
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Mishaal Mishaal
£475.00 GBPMishaal
£475.00 GBP -
Maryam Maryam
£375.00 GBPMaryam
£375.00 GBP -
Khadija Khadija
£300.00 GBPKhadija
£300.00 GBP -
Javeria Javeria
£300.00 GBPJaveria
£300.00 GBP -
Hina Hina
£325.00 GBPHina
£325.00 GBP -
Haleema Haleema
£500.00 GBPHaleema
£500.00 GBP -
Fatima Fatima
£300.00 GBPFatima
£300.00 GBP -
Ayesha Ayesha
£400.00 GBPAyesha
£400.00 GBP -
Anisha Anisha
£275.00 GBPAnisha
£275.00 GBP -
Amna Amna
£300.00 GBPAmna
£300.00 GBP -
Palwisha Palwisha
£250.00 GBPPalwisha
£250.00 GBP -
Perniyal Perniyal
£375.00 GBPPerniyal
£375.00 GBP -
Mariah Mariah
£250.00 GBPMariah
£250.00 GBP -
Savera Savera
£375.00 GBPSavera
£375.00 GBP -
Mirha Mirha
£200.00 GBPMirha
£200.00 GBP -
Pareesah Pareesah
£275.00 GBPPareesah
£275.00 GBP -
Tehzeeb Tehzeeb
£275.00 GBPTehzeeb
£275.00 GBP -
Romaisah Romaisah
£250.00 GBPRomaisah
£250.00 GBP -
Afsheen Afsheen
£300.00 GBPAfsheen
£300.00 GBP -
Zimal Zehra Zimal Zehra
£1,650.00 GBPZimal Zehra
£1,650.00 GBP -
Ronaq Regal Ronaq Regal
£1,100.00 GBPRonaq Regal
£1,100.00 GBP -
Rani Royal Rani Royal
£1,525.00 GBPRani Royal
£1,525.00 GBP -
Maya Maroon Maya Maroon
£1,525.00 GBPMaya Maroon
£1,525.00 GBP -
Gul Gaze Gul Gaze
£1,525.00 GBPGul Gaze
£1,525.00 GBP
Video Gallery
FAQS
Find answers to common questions about our products and services
How do I take measurements for my outfit?
We provide an indepth video on how to take measurements. Please see our page dedicated size chart page
Do the dresses/tops have zips on them?
Yes all of our bridal pieces have zips on blouse and lengha bottom. Maxis and Kameez also come with zips.
Is there any space for alterations just in case we need to amend/alter?
Yes we allow for a margin of 3-5 inches for further tweaks to be made.
Where are you guys based?
Our production takes place in Pakistan. However our customer services and operational team is based in UK, Europe and USA to enable us to serve the global customer base easily.
How long have you been in business?
We launched AÏNN London at the start of 2025, however our parent company has been producing luxury Pakistani bridal and party wear for over 12 years.
What material is the outfit made in?
Each product page provides a spec sheet which included outfit material, embroidery and type of work produced on each outfit. However we can tell you that we use only the finest silk, organza, tissue, jamawar and net materials.
Is this machine work?
No absolutely not! We only ever produce hand work, we are not a fast fashion brand. Each and every single of our bridal outfit takes over 4000 hours to complete by hand and party wear outfits take approx 800 hours of hand crafting by our skilled artisans.
Are you selling copies of high-end designers?
Not at all. At AÏNN London, we believe in inspiration, much like all leading houses in our industry. Our focus isn't to simply reinvent existing lengha styles. Instead, we're dedicated to providing an elevated seamless service and innovative solutions that address the common frustrations in Asian retail. While beautiful outfits are always guaranteed, it's this complete, elevated experience that truly defines AÏNN London.
Where do you deliver to?
You'll be pleased to know we offer FREE worldwide shipping. We deliver using express DHL shipping which can take between 2-6 days depending on your location.
Do you accept returns?
At AÏNN London, we take immense pride in the exceptional quality of our garments. Due to the unique nature of our creations, we accept returns only for faulty items. Every outfit undergoes a rigorous 8-point quality check, and we even send you a video of your specific outfit before it ships. This ensures we're confident in our high standards. However, should a genuine fault occur that's not your doing, we will, of course, accept the return and cover the postage cost. Your satisfaction is important to us.
I don't have a lot of time, how long does your delivery take?
For our in stock outfits, we take 2-5 days in stitching and shipping the outfit to you which means the outfit should be with you in under 10 days. For our custom orders we take upto 4 weeks to produce custom colours and sizes.
I love this style but its not made in my choice of colour?
No problem. We offer 35 colours for you to customise this outfit in.
How does the process work after I place my order?
Once your selection is made, our meticulous process begins. For In-Stock Selections: Your chosen garment is swiftly prepared, undergoing our rigorous 8-point quality check before dispatch. A personal quality video will be sent for your approval prior to shipping, ensuring every detail meets our exacting standards. For Custom Creations: The artistry unfolds over approximately 4 weeks. Throughout this bespoke journey, we'll keep you intimately informed, with progress updates, videos, and images available upon request. Once your unique piece is perfected and stitched, it follows the same expedited, quality-assured shipping process as our in-stock items.
Can I see pictures or a video of my outfit during the production process?
Yes absolutely. These can be provided to you on request. Simply reach out to our customer services team who will be happy to help you.
Do you have reviews or testimonials from other international clients?
Yes we do! Please see our reviews page for testimonials from our customers.
Do you offer video consultations?
Yes we do. Please book in using our booking page here and we can arrange a video call to discuss design tweaks, colours, and measurements to make your experience personal and reduce the chance of miscommunication.
What is the best way to contact you if I have a question or a problem?
We have a dedicated customer services department consisting of email, telephone, Live chat and a whatsapp team set up to support our new and existing customers. Reach out via any of these methods that you prefer and we will be happy to help you.
I am looking for more modest wear. Can you add lining to sheer sleeves or raise the neckline?
Yes we can, simply reach out to our customer services team and discuss your requirements and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We also offer free matching hijabs too, simply select this on the product page when placing an order.
What does the outfit price include? (e.g., Does it come with the dupatta, trousers, a slip/lining?)
Unlike many brands today, we do not sell items individually. Instead you will receive the full set consisting of top/blouse/kameez with matching Lengha/bottoms/trousers and a dupatta.
Will I have to pay customs, duties, or import taxes in my country?
No we take care of these for you to make this shopping experience as hassle free as possible.
What payment methods do you accept and are they secure?
Yes we use a secure payment gateway and accept payments via credit and debit cards as well as Klarna.
Do you offer payment plans or instalments, especially for large bridal orders?
Yes you can opt to pay with Klarna or Clearpay to spread your payments during checkout.
Is my parcel insured against loss or damage during shipping?
Yes we use the premium DHL shipping service which insures packages against losses and damages etc.
How do I care for my handmade outfit? (e.g., Dry clean only?)
Please see Outfit Care guide page for info on how to take care and store your outfits here
Pakistani Fashion Terms FAQs
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What is zardozi embroidery?
Zardozi is the most prestigious Pakistani/Indian embroidery using gold and silver metallic threads, beads, sequins, and stones to create raised designs. Originating in Persia, it's the hallmark of luxury bridal wear requiring hundreds to thousands of hours per piece.
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What is gota patti?
Gota patti is embroidery using gold or silver ribbon (gota) appliquéd onto fabric in patterns. Originating from Rajasthan, it creates festive, geometric designs and is particularly popular for mehndi outfits.
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What is a dupatta?
A dupatta is a long scarf or shawl essential to South Asian women's clothing. Draped over the head, shoulders, or body, dupattas come in various fabrics from sheer organza to heavy embroidered silk. A matching dupatta completes any Pakistani outfit.
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What is chikankari?
Chikankari is delicate white-on-white embroidery from Lucknow featuring subtle floral patterns with white thread on white fabric. It's popular for elegant nikah outfits and summer wear, known for its understated sophistication.
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What is dabka work?
Dabka is embroidery using coiled metallic wire (like a tiny spring) couched onto fabric. It creates dimensional, textured designs and is a key component of traditional Pakistani bridal wear, often combined with zardozi.
