What is a sherwani? A Complete Guide to This Regal Indian Outfit

“What is a sherwani?” Ananya murmured to herself as she sipped tea and scrolled through wedding invitations on her tablet. Her younger brother had no idea what to wear to her cousin’s royal-themed wedding, which was just a month away. She accepted the challenge of dressing up her little brother for this upcoming family gathering as an older sister.

Instead of browsing Google for the same monotonous articles, Ananya asked her AI, “Can you explain sherwanis to me like a story?Something that also makes it easier to shop?”

She then began her journey into the complex world of “What is a sherwani?”, which encompassed fashion, history, and a few shopping tabs.

What is a sherwani? A Complete Guide to This Regal Indian Outfit

A sherwani is an Indian man’s idea of formal elegance, and it’s more than just a traditional clothing.Often worn with a churidar or pajama, this long coat-like garment is buttoned at the front and is worn at weddings, festivals, or cultural events.

Ananya’s AI responded: “A sherwani is to Indian men what a tuxedo is to the West but Sherwani comes with centuries of art, stories, and heritage.”

In fact, Cbazaar, one of Ananya’s favorite ethnic apparel platforms, featured an entire curated section dedicated to regal sherwanis.It was a one-stop sherwani showcase, with everything from basic gold embroidered pieces to highly adorned wedding ensembles.

History and Origin of the Sherwani

Sherwani Origin: Tracing Its Royal Mughal Roots

Ananya’s AI continued to generate more stunning images of Lucknow gardens, silk gowns, and Mughal emperors relating to the culture around Sherwani along with the history of it. The sherwani was brought to India during the Mughal Empire from Persia. It developed from the Turkic chokha and the Persian chapkan.

Although it was first connected to Mughal aristocracy, it eventually gained popularity as a clothing throughout India’s many socioeconomic groups. Another notable aspect of Lucknow is its influence on the development of the contemporary sherwani style. 

Evolution of Sherwani in Modern Indian Fashion

And now, sherwanis are no longer reserved for royalty. Designers have redesigned them for today’s groom, trendy groomsmen, and even red carpet events.

Ananya saw that Cbazaar’s collection also includes Indo-western sherwanis, complete with asymmetrical cuts, cape sleeves, and trendy fabrics. The regal style is being maintained, but with a modern twist

Types of Sherwanis for Different Occasions

Ananya began to search more on this and her AI broke it down visually, providing her wardrobe ideas for several occasions:

• Wedding sherwanis: Heavy zardozi, velvet fabric, and intricate buttons. Ideal for the groom.
• Reception Sherwanis: Sleek cuts in silk and velvet mixes, generally in rich colors such as emerald, navy, and maroon.
• Indo-Western Sherwanis: Fusion styles featuring minimal embroidery, modern collars, and creative layering.

Ananya bookmarked a golden ivory sherwani from Cbazaar’s exclusive designer picks because it was exquisite, breathable, and photogenic. 

What to Wear Under a Sherwani

“With what can we pair it?” is the current query. Straight pants or churidar pants are usually worn with a sherwani for a more contemporary or traditional style. Consider wearing cigarette pants or dhoti pants for a more distinctive Indo-western look. To complete the look, add a stole, a turban, mojari shoes, and a kurta.

The bottoms

Churidar pants: These provide a classic, form-fitting silhouette around the calves.Wearing straight trousers gives you a more laid-back and contemporary vibe.Chic choices for an Indo-western style include cigarette pants or dhoti pants.

Kurta: A long, typically contrasting or matching colored tunic worn beneath the sherwani.A loose-fitting pair of trousers, usually in a contrasting or matching hue, is called a pajama and is worn with kurtas.

Avoid wearing pants that are overly tight, rigid, or poorly fitted.

What Shoes to Wear with Sherwani

Traditional Options: Mojaris and Juttis

Ananya recalls another dilemma: “What shoes to wear with sherwani?”

The style you want to achieve greatly influences your choice of footwear. Handmade, exquisitely embroidered, and steeped in tradition, juttis or mojaris are an obvious choice if you want to keep it traditional and royal.

However, loafers are a good choice if you prefer a sleek, contemporary style because they’re easy to wear, fashionable, and comfy. Feeling a bit ahead of the curve? Brogues add a sophisticated touch and are excellent for subtly expressing your style. 

Oxford shoes are, of course, a classic option; they’re sophisticated, well-made, and ideal for when you want your ethnic fit to say “I’ve arrived” without making an effort.

How can we forget Prada’s Kolhapuri? A luxury flex disguised as heritage: Italian leather meets Indian memories. Because sometimes your shoes have to communicate, “Old money, global taste.

Western Footwear Alternatives That Still Look Stylish

If you prefer Indo-western style, consider velvet or brocade loafers.

• Suede boots for winter weddings.
• Leather slip-ons in gold, ivory, or beige colors.

Let’s talk about styling a sherwani now!

How to Style a Sherwani: Accessories & Grooming

When her AI displayed a checklist with the title “Let’s Turn Heads at the Wedding,” Ananya enthusiastically embraced it.

Extras? A pocket square, a sharp brooch (or sarpech), and perhaps a hat if the groom felt very daring. Jewels? The perfect amount of drama was imparted by the old cufflinks, antique rings, and layered chain.

The dupatta followed, since, sure, grooms also receive one. She selected a Bandhej stole that was hand-dyed with traditional vegetable dyes and adorned with intricate mirrorwork. 

It was the ideal fusion of style and tradition. And personal hygiene? Simple: lots of confidence, a little oud, and a neat fade.

Final Thoughts: Why the Sherwani is Timeless and Versatile

Ananya leaned back, astounded at how much she had learned in one evening. From wondering, “What is a sherwani?” to become an unintentional stylist for her brother, she realized why this clothing had endured the test of time.

It was more than just a garment. It was storytelling, braided with strands of legacy, sculpted over ages, and ready to evolve with each generation.

With Cbazaar’s current collection, her brother wasn’t just going to the wedding; he was going to steal the show.

But Ananya understood something more important: AI may recommend, compare, and even drop a few designer names, but it cannot define style. That is personal. That is human. True style isn’t just about what you wear it’s about curiosity, confidence, and having the guts to go with what feels right.