Dupatta, Shawl or Stole? What to Wear Over a Sherwani

Your sherwani is ready. But is your look complete? Most grooms in the USA and UK know the sherwani, then get stuck on the next question: what goes over it? A dupatta, a shawl and a stole all look alike in photos, yet each one suits a different wedding. Here is a plain guide to help you choose.

The short answer

• —Dupatta: a long, light cloth worn over the shoulders. It is the classic choice for most Indian weddings. Our groom dupattas come in lengths of about 2.25 m and 2.5 m.
• —Shawl: a heavier, warmer cloth. Pick this for an autumn or winter wedding, or a cold venue.
• —Stole: a narrower, lighter piece. It works well for groomsmen and for a matching baraat look.

How to choose

1. Think about the season. Planning a December wedding in London or New York? A velvet shawl keeps you warm and looks rich in photos. A summer wedding in Texas or California suits a lighter silk or cotton silk dupatta.

2. Look at your sherwani. If the sherwani is heavily embroidered, keep the dupatta simpler, with one clean border. If the sherwani is plain, a dupatta with zari, zardozi or gota work adds the detail it needs.

3. Pick the fabric. Velvet feels rich and holds its shape. Silk is lighter and drapes softly. Cotton silk sits in between and is easier to wear for long hours.

4. Match the colour. A dupatta usually matches one colour in your outfit, or sits a shade deeper or lighter. For a full guide, read our post on choosing a colour.

How to wear it

• —Fold the dupatta in half along its length.
• —Place it over one shoulder, or over both, so the ends hang evenly in front.
• —Ask someone to fix the drape with a small pin before photos.
• —Sit and walk once in it. A good drape should not slip.

Not sure which one to pick?

Send us a photo of your sherwani and tell us your wedding date and city. We will suggest a piece and match the colour. Every piece is hand-embroidered in Mumbai and shipped worldwide.

• —Browse groom dupattas and groom shawls on Acuqstore.
• —Prefer Etsy? Visit our Etsy shop.