Blouse, choli, bodice, ravika, kanchuka… the upper garment worn with a sari or lehenga is known by various aliases. My core memory of blouses thumbs back to my childhood days admiring my nani’s collection of backless cholis fastened by doris—a style that has been part of Gujarati sartorial history for thousands of years. Fast forward to 2025, the conventional blouse, which was once nothing but a stanapatta to cover the chest, has come a long way, from being a modesty and complementary piece of an ensemble to evolving as the fundamental one.
Today, designers have given this ethnic staple a refresh to suit modern day occasions. I spoke to eight couturiers about the new routes to these familiar ends, from pretty to punk, day to night, minimal to more than enough.
Karan Torani on the classic bride
“You can consider repurposing your mom’s old handwoven sari or odhani fabric into a blouse. Another winning choice for the bride who favours all things classic is a completely skimpy Kasani choli tied up with hundereds of laced doris at the back. Speaking of trends, I don’t believe in them, instead invest in a classic style. Comfort and personal style should be key. I like my blouses to be sexy in a humble Torani language. Think a sheer back with a single boota or a retro khidki (window) design with lace cutwork,” says Karan Torani.
Monica Shah on the bride who wants to make a statement
“Organza wrap tops with a glamorous trail, butterfly blouses with romantic sleeves, organza and lace blouses with sheer sleeves and intricate kasab detailing – these are some unique ways to transform your blouse into a scene-stealer piece. Brides today want blouses that they can wear – be it under a blazer, or as a crop top with a skirt or trousers. I definitely see lace bralettes and sheer organza blouses becoming popular. Summer is a season for light and airy fabrics, and these breathable, slinky blouses echo the mood of the season,” says Monica Shah of JADE by Monica and Karishma.
Abhinav Mishra on the free-spirited bride
“Over the years, brides have become more experimental with their wedding attire. The best way for a bride to go bohemian with her blouse would be to opt for fun colours with prints and embellishments. Our latest couture line ‘Mehbooba 2024’ features a cornucopia of textures and artistry, rendering itself as sequinned tassels, chawal dana, cutwork resham as well as sheesha. The blouse design trends for summer 2025 would be more vibrant palettes with low necklines, cap sleeves and narrow waistlines,” says Abhinav Mishra.
Tarun Tahiliani on the boho-chic bride
“Our latest couture collection features blouses with under bust fringes and bajuband sleeves with scalloped edges and the use of light and breezy fabrics. We have also experimented with body corsets that seem as if they are almost moulded into one’s skin. Crafted in beige gold and bound corsetry with jersey, these are further accentuated with winking Swarovski crystals and have an unparalleled exuberance about them. For 2025, I’m absolutely in favour of brides getting rid of all those extra kilos of heavy bridal wear,” says Tarun Tahiliani.
Varun Bahl on the sexy bride
“Going for silhouettes such as bra tops, bralettes and big sleeves will definitely help in making the blouse look more sexy and modern. Brides can also opt for more creative and experimental silhouettes consisting of feathers or ruffles, along with danglers and tassels on the waistline for a trendier look. I believe plunging necklines, in place of more covered and reserved blouses, is the trend for all brides of 2025. In our latest collection ‘Summer Bloom’, we have several bralettes and bra tops as bridal blouses,” says Varun Bahl.
Pankaj & Nidhi on the sensual bride
“Blouses have evolved from being a mere fabric draped to cover to being the most innovative garment. For a sensual look, brides can go for a scooping neckline, sheer details or choose a sexy back that can add a charming appeal to her outfit. Dramatic blouses with hand embroidered intricate floral detailing on sleeves or a V-neck organza blouse embellished with pearls and tassels, frills and exaggerated sleeves is the raging trend that will resonate with the ladies this year,” say Pankaj & Nidhi.
Manish Malhotra on the bride who wants tradition with modernity
“Alia Bhatt made headlines when she wore our customary ensemble for her mehndi. Her blouse was the bridal version of the infinity blouse with an in-cut open back with real gold and silver nakshi and kora flowers. There were a lot of personal touches. For brides, it’s the little details that matter. There has to be a trace of her personality to showcase its relevance throughout her marital journey. A lot of brides have been breaking free from common designs. There’s our signature infinity blouse, corset blouses, cris cross, asymmetrical, cape attached blouses, halter plunge, halter cross, bandeau and leaf neck blouses,” says Manish Malhotra.
Rimzim Dadu on the avant-garde bride
“It’s important to be comfortable even when going avant-garde. Instead of going for trends, better to go with what works on your body. And always remember if your blouse is statement enough to go minimal with jewellery. Our signature blouse designs are an off shoulder metal blouse that sculpts around the body and bandeau style. In 2025, bridal blouses will go beyond the generic to become more statement-making. Regular embellishments have been ditched for minimal accents this season. Innovative sculptural forms and shapes will also be big this year,” says Rimzim Dadu.
