The key differences — length, formality and construction
Length: The sherwani is a long coat, typically falling to the knee or below — sometimes to the mid-calf. It is worn over the churidar and kameez (the inner layer). The bandhgala is a short jacket, finishing at the hip — similar in length to a Western suit jacket. This single difference in length is the most immediately visible distinction between the two garments and determines a great deal about when each is appropriate.
Formality: The sherwani is the more formal garment. Its length, its typically richer fabric, and its association with the groom's outfit and the very formal Indian occasion makes it the higher-register choice. The bandhgala is formal but more versatile — appropriate in professional as well as ceremonial contexts, in suiting wool as well as silk, for a client meeting as well as a wedding reception.
Construction: The sherwani's long coat structure requires a specific construction — the body must be shaped to fall correctly from the shoulder, the collar and closure must align perfectly along the full length of the garment, and the flare at the hem (where present) must be carefully built into the pattern. The bandhgala's shorter jacket construction is closer to a Western suit jacket and can be constructed with the same technical approach.
When to choose a sherwani versus a bandhgala
Choose a sherwani when you are the groom or when you want to dress at the highest register of Indian formal occasion — a very formal wedding as a primary family member, a state or diplomatic occasion in Indian formal dress, a Dasa-Navaratra or similar formal religious occasion. The sherwani's length and richness signal that this is the most important occasion in the wearer's schedule.
Choose a bandhgala when you want Indian formal dress for a range of contexts — from the professional boardroom to the wedding reception as a guest, from a formal dinner to a political event. The bandhgala is the more versatile of the two garments and covers a wider range of occasions correctly. A client who wants only one formal Indian jacket should choose the bandhgala over the sherwani for this versatility.