India is a reservoir of design legacies and artisanal traditions that have transcended trends, seasons, and occasions. Their reverence has been lovingly preserved and passed down through generations. From traditional weaves to intricate embroideries, some of the time-honoured crafts and silhouettes continue to shape the vocabulary of global couture till date. Among these, the choga has resurfaced as a silhouette of choice, carrying the weight of regal heritage and speaking to the spirit of the modern woman.
Traditionally crafted as a long, loose-fitting, long-sleeved outer robe or coat, the choga embodies ease, fluidity and quiet luxury. Its relaxed drape and versatile structure have allowed it to transcend eras, moving from royal courts to contemporary couture. Today, it translates seamlessly as a hybrid between a kurta and a kaftan within occasion wear, pairing beautifully with churidars, palazzos or even layered over lehengas to strike a balance between comfort and sophistication.
At the forefront of this revival is designer Sheetal Batra, whose vision is to keep the soul of the choga intact and present it with a relevance that appeals to the discerning bride of today. “The choga, to me, represents grace without excess,” she explains. “It’s heritage distilled into a form you can truly live in.”
Sheetal Batra’s Choga Collections
The Delhi-based designer’s signature choga set has become synonymous with this renaissance. Her eponymous label’s collections are celebrated not only for its timelessness but also for the way it marries elegance with ease. “It’s the most effortless Indian wear you’ll ever own,” she says, describing it as a piece that “brings centuries of heritage into the present.” Brides, she adds, are increasingly drawn to ensembles that look festive yet feel breathable, and the choga set ticks both boxes. The label’s repertoire of chogas spans a diverse palette of colours and embroideries.
From Persia to the Mughal Court
The story of the choga is as layered as its fabric, she says of its storied past. With origins in Persia, the silhouette journeyed across borders, finding a home in India’s Mughal courts where it became an emblem of refinement. “When I work with the silhouette, I feel like I’m continuing a dialogue that began centuries ago,” she shares. At her hands, the choga is reimagined with “the royal appeal of the robe but tailored for today’s wardrobes. It’s about wearing history, but on your terms,” she adds.
Crafted in Pure Chanderi
At the heart of Sheetal Batra choga sets lies an uncompromising commitment to fabric. “Each piece is crafted in hand-woven Chanderi, a textile synonymous with gossamer texture and subtle sheen. On wearing, Chanderi lends a featherlight drape and natural breathability, making each piece perfect for festive occasions, travel, or simply elevating everyday wear.
The surface ornamentation on each piece is intentionally delicate. “We enhance the fabrics with fine hand-finishing and understated embroidery that celebrates Indian craftsmanship techniques and yet never weigh the wearer down. Indian craftsmanship doesn’t always need to shout. In fact, its beauty lies in both its heritage and its comfort.”
Comfort Without Compromise
One of the strongest appeals of the choga set is its wearability. Its relaxed structure allows it to flatter diverse body types, eliminating the need for complicated draping or heavy styling. “Our choga sets are cut for movement and ease. It slips on effortlessly and allows freedom of movement. Above all, each look is crafted with versatility in mind. You can style it up with heirloom jewellery for wedding celebrations or pare it back with minimal accessories for intimate gatherings.”
Sustainable & Seasonless
Equally important to Sheetal is the philosophy of mindful luxury. Her choga sets are produced in small batches using locally sourced textiles, crafted by native artisans and accentuated by embroiders, directly supporting weaving communities and minimising waste. “Luxury today isn’t just about excess,” she reflects. “It’s about knowing that what you wear uplifts others and will last beyond seasons. With its timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship, the choga set becomes more than a time-honoured style, it’s a wardrobe investment and, potentially, an heirloom.”
The New Bridal Essential
The inclusion of the choga in modern trousseaus keeps up with the evolving priorities of today’s bride. Women are embracing garments that combine heritage with versatility, that carry cultural legacy but adapt to varied occasions. “A trousseau should not be a closet of things you never wear again,” she stresses. “It should be a collection of pieces you reach for often, that remind you of who you are and where you come from. A choga makes for a perfect attire to wear for your engagement, mehndi or even the main wedding ceremony.”
