A lehenga is often the most special outfit in your wardrobe, so it’s worth taking a bit of time to choose well. This lehenga buying guide walks through the four things we talk about most with customers: style, fabric weight, fit and budget. Get those right and you’ll have something you feel great in and will want to wear again.
Lehenga buying guide: choosing a style
The shape of the skirt changes the whole look. Here are the most common styles and who they tend to suit.
- A-line: fitted at the waist and gently flaring out. It suits almost every body shape and is easy to walk in.
- Flared or circular: lots of volume and a lovely twirl. Great for sangeet and Garba nights.
- Panelled: made from several panels stitched together, often in contrasting colours. It adds movement without too much bulk.
- Mermaid or fishtail: fitted through the hips and flaring near the knee. It looks dramatic but is harder to dance or sit in.
- Straight or sharara-style: less volume, more relaxed, and easy for long events.
Think about the blouse and dupatta too. A longer blouse or a jacket-style top gives more coverage, while a short blouse shows off the skirt. The dupatta can be draped over one shoulder, both shoulders, or over the head for religious ceremonies.
Fabric weight: heavy or light?
This is the part people often forget. A heavily embroidered lehenga can be quite heavy to wear for six hours. Before you fall in love with one, ask yourself how long you’ll be wearing it and how much you’ll be moving.
- Light lehengas in fabrics like georgette, chinon or organza are great for dancing, daytime events and warmer months.
- Medium-weight lehengas with some embroidery suit most weddings and receptions.
- Heavy lehengas with dense work or velvet look rich in photos and are warmer for winter, but they’re tiring for long nights.
Many lehengas have a can-can (a stiff net layer) inside the skirt to give it volume. It looks beautiful but adds some bulk, so try sitting down in it before you buy. Have a look at our lehenga collection and ask us about weight when you message.
Getting the fit right
A well-fitting lehenga makes a huge difference. Here’s what to check:
- Waist: the skirt should sit comfortably at your natural waist, not dig in. Most have a drawstring or hook, which gives a little room.
- Length: it should just skim the floor with the shoes you plan to wear. Too long and you’ll trip, too short and it looks unfinished.
- Blouse: check the bust, shoulders and armholes. A blouse that is too tight is the most common reason people feel uncomfortable on the day.
Use our size guide to check your measurements, and leave yourself time for any alterations. If you can, message us to book a time and use the trial room at our Aintree store, since the drape and length are much easier to judge in person.
Setting a sensible budget
Lehengas range widely in price depending on fabric, work and detail. A few tips to spend wisely:
- Decide on your budget before you start looking, and tell us, so we can show you the right pieces.
- Think about re-wearing. Between weddings, engagements and festivals, most Melbourne families have plenty of chances to wear a lehenga again. A lehenga skirt can be paired with a different blouse later, and the dupatta can go with a suit.
- Put more money into the outfit for the main event, and choose lighter, cheaper looks for smaller functions.
- Leave some budget for alterations, jewellery and footwear.
If you’re still deciding whether a lehenga is the right choice at all, our article on choosing between a saree, lehenga or suit lays out the pros and cons. For something simpler, a long gown can give a similar look; see our kurtis and gowns.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Is the blouse stitched, or will it need tailoring?
- Does it come with a dupatta?
- Can I wash it at home, or should it be dry cleaned?
- Is this colour available in my size?
Let us help you choose
Many of our lehenga designs are our own, and there are many more colours and sizes in store than you’ll see online. WhatsApp us on 0450 649 304 with your event, colour ideas and budget, and we’ll send photos. Then book a time to try them on at our Aintree store in Melbourne’s west, arrange a free pickup, or get delivery Australia-wide for $16.