Types of Salwar Suits Every Woman Should Know About

The Salwar Suit Universe You Need to Navigate

Today, let's talk about salwar suits. Not the generic "they're comfortable and ethnic" talk, but the actual types that exist, what makes each different, and which ones you actually need in your wardrobe.

Okay, so when you try to buy salwar suits online, you find yourself bombarded by endless types of salwar suits without having a clear idea of their unique characteristics, body types, and special occasions to use them, right? Let's address this problem.

In the past few decades, salwar suits have evolved beyond being a traditional attire of Punjab-Haryana into a phenomenon across India. Today, various states incorporate diverse patterns and designs of salwar suit sets to reflect their cultural traditions and regional textures and motifs. Currently, there are endless types of salwar suit sets that range from traditional designs to modern versions. Here in this blog, we will get to know more about some of the timeless array of salwar suits that you must know, being a woman

Classic Salwar Suit Styles That Never Go Out of Fashion

The following are some classic styles of salwar suits that won't go out of fashion any time soon. Why? Because they have sophistication and elegance at the core of their design.

The Traditional Straight-Cut Suit

Mridula - Off-white Pure Cotton Thread Embroidered Suit Set

This traditional style involves a straight-cut kurta along with churidar or straight pants. It is a classic salwar suit that flaunts an off-white hue in pure cotton fabric with rich thread embroidery. If you also adore quality that lasts, then this suit will work across generations. 

Tara - White & Black Pure Cotton Thread Embroidered Suit Set

A chic combination of contrasting styles in terms of design and colour is presented here. White and black colours are beautifully complementing each other in this traditional straight-cut. This is the classic style that has made mothers wear it, grandmothers wear it, and will make you wear it after 20 years because good design never goes out of fashion!

The Anarkali: Timeless Flowing Elegance

Anarkali is amongst the most beautiful dress styles ever. Having its origin traced back to the Mughal period, this dress became the epitome of timeless beauty. The name of the Anarkali style comes from a literal meaning of 'anar' (pomegranate) and 'kali' (blossoms), symbolizing the umbrella-shaped flared silhouette.

Kinnow - Tangerine Orange Paisley Thread Embroidered Mul Chanderi Anarkali Dress

This Anarkali dress is characterized by multi-coloured crocheted design of the yoke front and sleeve edges. The dress is further enhanced by intricate paisley thread embroidery while the front-layered panel showcases a beautiful jacket-style effect.

This is a classic design that has stood the test of time. The versatility of this dress is extremely commendable as anarkali suits fit every function straight from engagement to reception ceremony.

The Kurta-Pant Set with Dupatta

Lychee - Rose Pink Thread Embroidered Mul Chanderi Suit Set

Kurta, pants, and dupatta, what else can you wish for when looking for an ideal Indian suit set? The rose pink mul chanderi dress comes with a V-neckline, scallop detailing, and beautiful flower thread embroidery, creating elegance with utmost ease.

Such dress sets will always remain popular owing to its versatile nature, comfortable fit, and flattering effect on your figure. 

Straight Cut vs Anarkali Suits: Which Style Suits You Best?

This is the big question. Both are popular types of salwar suits, but they serve different purposes and flatter different needs. 

Straight Cut Suits Win When:

• You want daily-wear versatility, which is easier to style casually and works well for office/errands 

• You prefer less voluminous, minimal fabrics, which are not only lighter to wear but also easy to wash

• You're petite, since straight suits create clean vertical lines without overwhelming shorter frames

• You like traditional simplicity in clothing that represents classic designs and timeless beauty

Example: The Tara white-black cotton suit or Mridula off-white are such daily workhorses that never fail to fit the above-mentioned demands.

Anarkali Suits Win When:

• You want festive glamour with flowing flare that feels celebratory

• You need waist definition without any restriction. Here an empire waist creates shape, while the flare flows beautifully 

• You're plus-size, as the natural cut of an anarkali makes it a flattering fit for any body type

• You like twirl-worthy drama along with flared silhouette to creates magical movements

Example: The Kinnow tangerine Anarkali or any from the extensive plus size anarkali suit collection perfectly serves the purpose.

The Best Part:

Both work for plus-size women when fitted correctly. Make your choice based on occasion and personal preference, not body type anxiety.

Best Plus Size Suits for Women for Everyday Elegance

When buying plus size suits for women for daily wear, one should consider wearing comfort while maintaining elegance.

Pure Cotton Champions

Mridula - Off-white Pure Cotton Thread Embroidered Suit Set

Since the suit is made of pure cotton, it is breathable and extremely comfortable. The USP is that it is not only easy to carry but also softens with each wash. The fine thread embroidery seamlessly brings elegance into the outfit without overdoing it.

Tara - White & Black Pure Cotton Thread Embroidered Suit Set

The classic black and white combination of this set brings in visual appeal to any appearance. It is one of those very few pieces that are perfect for daily wear and doesn't look boring on repeat. 

Mul Chanderi Versatility

Lychee - Rose Pink Thread Embroidered Mul Chanderi Suit Set

Mul Chanderi fabric, made of cotton-silk blend, makes dressing elegant every day possible. It is light yet comfy and easy to wash at the same time. The rose pink color and scalloped design make it suitable for both casual and semi-formal events.

The Muslin Magic

Casper Blue Thread Embroidered Muslin Suit Set

Cadillac Pink Thread Embroidered Muslin Suit Set

Ultra-light muslin material brings together comfort and beauty, and makes these suits fit daily wear requirements. The best part is that the fabric doesn't wrinkle when packed (making it ideal for travelling), plus it washes easily, and feels light to carry.

For everyday plus size suits for women, it is recommended to prioritize breathable fabrics, moderate embellishment, and colors, you can repeat-wear without guilt. 

Trending Plus Size Party Wear Suits for Wedding Functions

Plus-size party wear suits for women must have elements of both beauty and comfort in terms of styling for a long party celebration.Shop here.

The Georgette Glam

Soft Crush - Lilac Purple Thread & Gota Embroidered Georgette Suit Set

Here, lilac purple georgette is paired with gota work embroidery to serve a touch of festive elegance. While georgette is soft and comfortable to carry, gota work, a traditional Rajasthani embroidery style, gives a touch of royalty without any weight.

Koi Mil Gaya - Navy Blue Cutdana Embroidered Georgette Suit Set

This navy blue suit set features cutdana work embroidery to add a festive shine. The light-catching cutdana work will make you look absolutely beautiful in your wedding snaps.

The Kurta-Skirt Contemporary Twist

Dekha Ek Khwab - Coffee Cutdana Embroidered Georgette Kurta Skirt Set

This coffee color georgette suit set comprises a kurta and skirt silhouette that perfectly adds contemporary elegance for wedding parties. While the cutdana embroidery makes it a festively elegant suit, the skirt gives you ease in moving and dancing at weddings.

If you’re someone looking for a perfect plus size party wear suit for women that combines tradition with modernity, it can be the right pick.

The Tissue Silk Luxury

SAHIBA - Ivory & Gold Sequin Embroidered Pure Tissue Silk Suit Set

SAHIBA stands for timeless flair of beauty. This pure tissue silk suit set comes with a stunning design of potlis, scallops, and sequin work at the hem, carrying luxurious zari and sequins all over. It further includes straight-fit pants made of satin lycra and a gorgeous tissue dupatta with rich embroidery at the hemline. 

Besides beautiful cutdana and zari borders, this pure tissue silk makes it an ideal choice for regal collections fans.

AAINA - Ivory & Gold Mirror & Cutdana Embroidered Pure Tissue Silk Suit Set

This suit set features a sweetheart neckline with mirror embroidery, along with complete zari and cutdana buttas. It comes with an elaborately embroidered hemline decorated with pearls and gold fringes. Together with straight pants and a dupatta, this is one of those exquisite plus-size party wear suits for women that mark a lasting impact on special events.

How to Style Banarasi Anarkali Suits for Festive Celebrations

Pieces of Banarasi Anarkali Suits showcase the epitome of traditional elegance with their rich Banarasi weaving.

Understanding Banarasi Silk

Wine-colored Banarasi silk anarkali exemplifies elegance like nothing else. It offers a flattering design with natural cuts, making it suitable for all kinds of bodies. An opulent anarkali dress is perfect for any formal engagement ceremony.

Classy gold-woven designs create an aura of regality on the prestigious Banarasi silk fabric.

Styling Banarasi Anarkali for Maximum Impact

Select your neckline depending on the accessories 

For women who plan to wear heavy earrings, do not opt for a neckpiece; rather, go with an embroidered neckline.

Opt for classic accessories 

Traditional Kundan or polki jewellery complements Banarasi silk beautifully 

Or 

Go modern 

Style your Banarasi suit by using modern accessories like oxidized silver jewelry, trendy handbags, or stylish clutches instead of traditional potlis.

Footwear matters 

Your footwear should be classy and comfortable. Footwear options such as embellished juttis or traditional heels look stunning here.

Dupatta draping 

Dupatta draping styles make a huge difference in Banarasi Anarkali suits. While a plated set or open flare on a single shoulder works best, drapes over both shoulders also sounds graceful. 

The contrast between traditional Banarasi fabric and fashionable styling creates a classy fusion effect.

Best Salwar Suit Designs for Pear-Shaped and Curvy Women

For pear-shaped bodies (narrower shoulders, wider hips) and curvy figures, strategic types of salwar suits create beautiful proportions.

Anarkali Suits Are Your Best Friend

The natural cut of an anarkali makes it a flattering fit for any body type. While the fitted bust creates definition, the empire waist and flowing flare skim over hips and thighs beautifully. 

Why Anarkalis work for curvy bodies:

• The Empire waist defines the narrowest point (under bust)

• Flowing flare doesn't cling to hips/thighs

• Creates vertical lines that elongate

• Kalidar panels add graceful volume without bulk

Choose Strategic Embellishment

Embellishment on upper body - Draws eye upward, balances proportions (like the AAINA mirror-embroidered sweetheart neckline)

Lighter embellishment on the lower body - Keeps focus where you want it

All-over patterns work - But ensure they're not too small (can look busy) or too large (can overwhelm)

Fabric Matters

For pear shapes and curvy women:

• Choose fabrics with good drape (georgette, Mul Chanderi, tissue silk)

• Avoid stiff fabrics that add bulk

• Cotton works, but it is advisable to ensure it's not too heavy

The Arctic Berry powder blue Mul Chanderi cape Anarkali demonstrates perfect design for curvy bodies. Here, the cape creates upper body visual interest whilst the flowing Anarkali skims beautifully below.

How to Choose the Right Salwar Suit Based on Occasion

Different types of salwar suits serve different purposes. Match your choice to the occasion. 

For Daily Wear

• Fabric: Pure cotton (Mridula, Tara) or muslin (Casper, Cadillac)

• Embellishment: Minimal to moderate thread work 

• Style: Straight cut or simple Anarkalis 

• Colors: Practical colors you can repeat-wear

For Office/Professional

• Fabric: Mul Chanderi or light georgette 

• Embellishment: Subtle, sophisticated

• Style: Straight cut suits with structured silhouettes 

• Colors: Neutrals, sophisticated tones

For Festive Occasions

• Fabric: Georgette (Soft Crush, Koi Mil Gaya) 

• Embellishment: Gota work, cutdana, moderate sequins 

• Style: Anarkalis or embellished straight cuts 

• Colors: Festive brights and jewel tones

For Wedding Functions

• Fabric: Tissue silk (SAHIBA, AAINA) or Banarasi 

• Embellishment: Sequins, mirror work, zari

• Style: Heavily embroidered Anarkalis or statement suits 

• Colors: Wedding-appropriate (ivory, gold, rich jewel tones)

Being a guest, name any wedding ceremony, and you can never go wrong with an anarkali suit set. If you are a bride, you can definitely opt for an opulent anarkali for your cocktail or engagement.

Quick Selection Guide:

• Check the fabric first. If you want a flair of royal elegance, then pure silk or pure silk tissue would be the best choice. 

• For mornings, stick to lightweight cotton or georgette. 

• Select your size very carefully with the size guide. 

• Choose the neckline carefully based on your jewellery plans.

Your Salwar Suit Journey With Meera

There is no hard and fast need for you to memorize all the different types of salwar suits in general. It is enough to know what suits work best for what purpose and what suits you the most. Because getting to know the types of salwar suits you need is the first step towards building a wardrobe that actually works.

Be it daily cotton suits (Mridula, Tara), flexible Mul Chanderi (Lychee, Arctic Berry), or special georgette suits for parties (Soft Crush, Koi Mil Gaya). Or even wedding tissue suits like SAHIBA and AAINA, there must be an occasion when any of them will become handy and your best buddy. 

Meera, the Plus-Size Store, is the brand renowned for styling women with curvy body types. We specialize in comfortable and stylish plus-size suits and anarkalis. Ensuring both comfort and elegance across all body types and occasions, all Meera products are made of premium-quality fabrics and are available in sizes XS to 10XL.

Don’t just follow outdated rules; build a wardrobe of your own choice, style, and comfort. Opt for suits that actually work for your life. 

Choose strategically. Wear confidently.