If you’re thinking about travelling to India, you might be wondering how to dress and wondering what Indian women visitors wear. The success of your vacation might significantly depend on what you wear when travelling in India.
One of the benefits of dressing modestly in India is that it demonstrates respect for local customs. Additionally, I believe it to be safer. Wearing tight, tiny Western attire may be conveying the incorrect message. For advice on how to dress and what to wear in India, continue reading.
How to dress in India: Some advice
Women travelling to India must exercise greater humility than they are likely accustomed to. You may get away with wearing western apparel in select areas of Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa as long as it is not too tight, skimpy, or exposing. But aside from that, you should always make sure your cleavage, legs, and, in many situations, shoulders are covered. In India, loose-fitting, flowing cotton clothing is preferred. It is inexpensive to purchase in shops or markets, cool and comfortable, demonstrates respect for cultural traditions, and satisfies the need for modesty.
Kurtahs (tunics) and pants made of loose, flowing cotton are available practically everywhere and in a variety of price ranges. The lower end of the pricing range (clothing between 100 and 200 rupees) won’t endure more than a few washes, so beware!
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In India, are shorts permitted?
It’s not very common or usual to wear shorts in India, and I wouldn’t suggest it if you’re going sightseeing or out and about in the city. Shorts are allowed in renowned beach destinations like Goa, but err on the side of modesty and stay away from short-shorts and anything too exposing.
Can you wear jeans in India?
Everyone wears jeans in India because they are so fashionable. They are very appropriate for pairing with a kurtah (long tunic shirt). However, it’s frequently too hot for jeans, and they also take a long time to dry after washing and take up a lot of space in luggage. If you know you will be travelling somewhere with cool or cold weather, I would only advise you to bring them.
Are leggings acceptable In India?
Yes! In India, leggings are highly popular; all ladies wear them with a kurtah (length tunic shirt) on top. To get this appearance, your top should cover your butt.
What to dress when conducting business in India
You should be aware that India is more formal than the west if you plan to conduct business there. Put on 1970s-style attire. both stylish and conventional. A blazer and a skirt that isn’t too short would be ideal.
Where should I wear Indian style clothes?
If you are travelling outside of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Goa — to any region that is isolated, off the usual tourist trail, or traditional — it is a good idea to wear Indian clothing. For instance, Rajasthan is one of the most traditional and conservative Indian states while being the one that receives the most tourists. Personally, I believe it is wise to follow local customs when in Rajasthan.
Additionally, if you attend any social events, such as weddings, festivals (like Diwali or Holi), or religious meetings, such as temples, gurdwaras, and mosques, wear Indian clothing or at the very least something modest that covers your shoulders and legs. Additionally, this is a smart move in tourist hotspots. Wherever there are a lot of visitors, there are also a lot of individuals who prey on them. I’ve discovered that these predators prefer to target backpackers over well-dressed tourists.
Follow the crowd and blend in.
There are several benefits to dressing in Indian attire. You will blend in a little better, be less of a target for touts and beggars, and it is appropriate for the temperature and the requirement for humility. In India, you are free to embrace your inner hippy or traveller, but you will incur far more troubles as a result. People in the area prefer to treat you with greater warmth, honesty, and openness if you are dressed in Indian attire. See what I mean by trying it.
Bring appropriate footwear
In India, you need to wear sturdy, supportive shoes. Because to poor infrastructure, there are often cracks in the pavement, a lot of potholes, and even open sewage in the streets. You should bring sturdy walking boots and sandals with you because it’s not always simple to find them in India. (However, extremely cute, blingy sandals are all over the place!) I enjoy Crocs and Skechers.
Keep an eye on your feet. Speaking of shoes, India views both feet and shoes as impure. To enter someone’s home, you could be asked to take off your shoes, and you must unquestionably leave your shoes at the door to mosques, gurdwaras, and temples. Usually, someone will keep them there for 10 rupees.
Cover up and wear modest attire.
Always keep your legs and shoulders covered, especially at places of worship or other revered sites. Indian women are extremely self-conscious of their breasts. They cover their chests with their dupattas after donning bras that resemble armour. You won’t likely feel at ease wearing a light, thin bra or apparel that exposes your bra. In India, this style is frowned upon yet fashionable in the west.
Spend plenty of money on jewels. When it comes to jewellery, the modesty rule is irrelevant. The more you layer it on, the better. But if it’s priceless, take care. Unless you are in a posh neighborhood or at a private social function, avoid walking around flashing expensive rings, watches, and other valuables.
Pack one or two shawls and scarves.
You must cover your head at gurdwaras and mosques, therefore it’s a good idea to carry a long scarf (such as a dupatta or chunni) at all times. Shawls are useful as well. Everyone adores Indian shawls, also known as pashminas, which may be quite useful for modesty and warmth. I typically carry one unless it’s meltingly hot outside. It may be chilly indoors, especially in restaurants and on trains, and India loves to blast the air conditioning.
Have a wonderful time!
Traveling in India is enjoyable in part because you may purchase and wear Indian clothing, shoes, and jewellery. So don’t be afraid to have fun, experiment with different appearances, and indulge occasionally.
