Preloved Sharara Suits

The flare starts in a different place. A sharara is flared from the waist down, falling in one continuous widening line to the floor, rather like very wide palazzo trousers. A gharara is fitted to the knee and then flares dramatically outwards from a decorative joint at the knee, usually marked with gota work. Ghararas use considerably more fabric and are heavier, and are traditionally associated with Lucknow and with nikkah wear. Shararas are lighter, easier to move in and far more common as everyday party wear.

A high-street or unbranded sharara set usually sells between £40 and £100. Designer shararas from labels like Maria B, Sana Safinaz or Elan typically sit between £100 and £300 depending on how recent the collection is. Heavily embellished bridal-weight shararas can go higher. As a three-piece set, a sharara generally holds its value better than a single-piece outfit.

Only up to a point, and it is the main thing to get right before buying. Almost every sharara carries embroidery or a border along the hem, so taking length off means cutting through the design. A skilled tailor can sometimes shorten from the waist instead, but that is more involved and not always possible with a fitted waistband. Buy as close to your correct length as you can, and remember to account for heels.

It is one of the most versatile pieces in an Asian wardrobe. A light cotton or lawn sharara works for an Eid lunch or a casual gathering; a worked georgette one suits an engagement, a mehndi or a sangeet; and a heavily embellished sharara is entirely appropriate for a nikkah or as a guest at a wedding. The fabric and the density of the work decide the formality far more than the cut does.

Judge it on two numbers rather than a size label. The kurta measurements — bust, waist and length — determine whether the fitted part works, and the waist-to-hem measurement of the sharara itself determines whether the length works. If the sharara has an elastic or drawstring waist, you have several inches of tolerance and can size up comfortably. With a fitted hooked waistband, buy to your actual waist.

Listing is free. Photograph the sharara held out or worn rather than folded, because the flare is the whole appeal and it disappears entirely in a flat photo. Give the waist-to-hem length and say whether the waist is elastic or fitted, since that decides who can wear it. Confirm all three pieces are included, and say so clearly if the dupatta is missing.