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What should Tourists wear in India – Guide By Indian Expert
Many tourists, especially women travelers on their first trip visit to India often wonder ‘What to wear in India and what should I not?’ And who can blame them? India is the most diverse country in the world!
On News channels that cover Indian streets, you see Indian ladies sporting sarees, salwar kameez, burqas, hijabs, trousers, skirts, and shorts! To further confuse, Indian soap operas depict Indian women in traditional flowing skirts adorned with flashy jewellery. So, what’s the raility?
What should female travellers wear in India to be appropriate with local culture? You really don’t have to wear sarees or lehengas, but there are a few things you must know about way of dressing in India
As an Indian woman who has traveled all over India for the past 30+ years and 12+ other countries since 2018, I know exactly how to help you mainly travellers on what clothes they should take while travelling to India.
In this post, I show you what to wear in India and what not to as a female traveller – A total hack to packing and clothing for women tourists and also men visiting India by a local expert
Table of Contents
1. What do Indian women wear?
In general, you’ll find most older Indian women in traditional Indian clothing such as sarees, chaniya choli (an ankle-length skirt with a blouse and a dupatta overhead) or salwar kameez The saree draping style, fabric, and design vary across different states and communities. While adult women often opt for trousers paired with shirts or leggings paired with kurtas.
Meanwhile, millennial Indian women like me are often wear jeans paired with shirts. leggings with kurtas, sometimes sarees, knee-length skirts, ?even in rural villages.
Gen Z Indian girls living in most cities set the current fashion trend?shorts with t-shirts or baggy jeans paired with crop tops. They keep up to date with current Western fashion trends.
In rural areas, you may find ladies wearing long loose cotton gowns called “nighties” with a shawl on top. This is actually our nightwear, and many use it as daywear because it’s comfortable.
With around 15% Muslim population in India, you’ll see women in burqas or with hijabs on their heads.
Women from the Buddhist community in the Northeast states and Ladakh wear Chupa?a long gown sleeveless gown made of cotton and worn with a collared shirt inside.
Unlike what you see in Indian soap operas, where artists wear grand and flowing clothes every day, we Indian women prefer simple yet colourful clothing with minimal jewellery in our everyday lives.
Is there a dress code for married women in India?
Firstly, there is no written dress code for women in India. After marriage, what women wear depends on their choice. A few women choose to follow their family traditions and specifics, if any. Honestly, after getting married, the way I dress didn’t change much at all, except that I wear a few extra accessories.
As part of Hindu tradition, many married women in India wear a toe ring, a nuptial chain (Mangal-Sutra: black beads with a gold chain), and finger rings. This tradition is sometimes followed by many Christian and Muslim married women. Earrings, nose pins, and bangles are common for both married and unmarried women.
However, these customs may not be common among all Indian married women. For example, I don’t wear a toe ring as it’s very uncomfortable for me, and many of us occasionally take off our nuptial chain.
In the Buddhist community in Ladakh and the North East region, married women wear an extra fabric around the waist that sits on their Chupa.
If you are planning a trip to India for the first time and are clueless on where to go and how to go, check our post “India Travel Tips for first timers“. It covers everything you must know before travelling to India.
2. Do Indians wear lots of jewellery?
Jewellery is a big love for most Indian women – The amount of jewellery we, Indian women wear often depends on the occasion, like family functions or festivals, as well as personal preference.
While some women may prefer to adorn themselves with a lot of jewellery for special events, others might opt for a more minimalistic approach in their daily lives. It’s all about what makes each individual feel comfortable and confident.
One thing’s for sure – the types of jewellery and materials they’re made from come in hundreds of forms. Fashion accessories are renowned worldwide, but you can find them at the most affordable prices in India.
Hair clips, waist belts, dozens of bangles, chokers, long chains, necklaces, forehead jewellery, armlets – Indian brides are like walking jewellery stores. So if you enjoy decking up with accessories, India is the place to be!
Metals, clay, and glass jewels catch the eye, and we offer different styles and designs to complement every dressing style on a budget. For daily wear, artificial (non-gold) accessories are popular.
A lovely pair of artificial bead Jhumka earrings (the most famous type of earrings) can cost between 50 to 300 Rs. Similar design made with gold and diamonds are easily available in India costing from 1 lakh Rupees.
3.How should women travellers dress in India?
“Dressing Modestly” is the golden answer to your question “What to wear in India as a female traveller”
Female travellers dressing modestly in India doesn’t mean you have to wear Indian clothes like sarees or wear salwar kameez. It typically means skirts or pants below the knees, opaque tops, and t-shirts with or without sleeves – it’s that simple.
You don’t have to sacrifice your style, comfort and fashion sense. Layering with extra clothing and adding accessorizing with jewellery, belts, and bags can help you travel in India with style.
That is why many international travellers go for flowing yet covering free-spirited clothing with harem pants when they are in India.
The appropriate clothing for India also depends on the season – winter, summer or rain. Plus you must think of comfort and location – mountain, beach, desert or forest.
What Clothes to Take to India as a female traveller?
Below Knee Length Cotton/linen skirts
My go-to travel attire whenever I travel in India is a below-knee cotton skirt. They’re breathable, light, and comfortable, perfect for exploring diverse destinations. Their modest length also respects cultural norms. Personally, I love handblock printed or Kalamkari skirts for added style. If you want dress up in retro style, you can even wear sleeved maxi skirts.
Scarves or Dupattas
Besides my husband and mom, my best travel companion is my Cotton Dupattas.
In India, it is one of the most essential. As you can expect they come in all different colours, shades and floral to stripes, solid or patterned! Shawls must be part of your Indian travel wardrobe!
- Wearing a boring outfit? Put on a scarf to add charm
- Too sunny or dusty? Cover your face with the scarf
- Want to enter a mosque / Gurudwara? Put on the scarf on your head.
- Want to get inside a temple with your knee-length dress? Wrap the dupatta around your waist to make it look like a long dress.
- Wearing a sleeveless dress and wan to get inside a church – Cover your shoulders with the scarf
- Going to a shack by the beach? Use the shawl to wrap around your bikini.
T shirts
Regular fit t-shirts are my top choice for both streetwear and lounging at home, despite what my mom might say. I personally prefer ones without cringy quotes. They pair well with pants, especially during long bus journeys and hiking. And they are your best buddies on Indian trains where you have to make overnight or days together travelling.
Kurtis aka Tunics
Whenever you are confused about what to wear on a particular day in India, pick kurtis. A kurti is a tunic-style top worn by women in India. It comes in various lengths, styles, and fabrics, and it goes with all bottom wear – denim, palazzo, leggings, even harem pants! This is your best bet in places like Varanasi or chettinad
Palazzo
More than any other bottomwear, I recommend carrying palazzo when you travel in India. They are made of lightweight flowing fabric – that means easy movement and better breathability. Plus, some may see skinny leggings as culturally inappropriate – a few temples in India don’t allow women wearing leggings. So, palazzos should be on your India trip packing list.
Capris
Neither too short to be gawked at nor too long to irritate – if you are planning to walk a lot on India’s streets pick capris.
These knee-length bottom wear save you from the hassle of getting them dirty when you use squat toilets in Indian public toilets and trains. So wear capris when you travel by trains in India.
Leggings
Leggings are a staple among Indian women, not just for yoga but also as a versatile pairing with kurtis. While many prefer the skinny fit of leggings, I’m more of a palazzo girl. Wear leggings with T-shirts for activities like climbing or extensive walking in the mountains.
What Swimwear is appropriate in India?
Wearing a swimwear and bikini in India is a bit tricky. Politically, I’d say, “Sure, wear swimsuits and bikinis in India – it’s up to you.” But realistically, you won’t spot many Indian women on beaches or waterfalls wearing bikinis.
You might be surprised to see older Indian women in the traditional six-yard fabric, the “saree,” playing in the water at beaches and rivers! It’s a common sight, although I’m not sure how they manage it. As for us adults, we often wear a T-shirt paired with either pants or shorts when taking a dip in the sea.
Except for a few beaches like Goa, Gokarna, and Varkala, bikinis are not commonly seen.
So, here’s the trick: if you spot a beach full of foreigners, feel free to rock your bikini. But if it’s more of a local Indian crowd, stick to shorts and T-shirts for your water adventures.
And when you do wear a bikini in India, keep it confined to the beach area – even if you’re just heading to beach shacks, throw on a sarong. And remember, when you hit the streets, switch back to your regular streetwear.
Wearing make up in India as a traveller
You really don’t have to fret about putting on makeup as a foreign traveler in India – it’s absolutely okay.
Most Indians are obsessed with “fair skin,” like in many other places worldwide, so makeup is a part of many Indians’ daily lives. While Indians do wear makeup, the makeup and beauty obsession in Japan is far more prevalent..
South Indians tend to keep makeup light and subtle – with lighter shades of lipstick and minimal eye makeup like eyeliners.
In contrast, other parts of India, like Mumbai, Delhi, and Sikkim, prefer brighter colors that pop. In these places, women often wear bold makeup with lipstick, glamorous eye shadow, and perfectly done contouring. Even women selling tea at 4 am at Darjeeling’s Tiger Hills dress up beautifully, ready to face Miranda Priestly.
Dress Code for women at Religious places in India
- Hindu & Jain temples – Pants (preferably palazzo, a few temples on’t allow leggings) with knee-length tops / Salwar Kameez / Long skirt with sleeves
- Mosques – Same as above, with a scarf on the head.
- Sikh Gurudwaras – Salwar Kameez with dupatta on the head.
- Buddhist monasteries – Pants and a sleeved top.
What are the ideal shoes for traveling in India?
For traveling in India, opt for comfy and practical shoes – especially slip-on shoes with a thick sole. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and Indian streets can get pretty dusty, so make sure they cover your feet completely.
Learn from Ashrith’s mistake: he wore flip-flops to Bijapur, and while the city’s history and monuments were breathtaking, the dust and dirt on his feet made him super uncomfortable.
Avoid shoes with laces – you’ll need to remove your footwear often in India. Slip-ons are handy for quick on and off, especially when visiting temples or someone’s place.
Don’t forget to carry a pair of flip flops- a must essential at hotels and while travelling in Indian trains.
Planning a 21-day trip to India? We’ve crafted a DIY 3-week India travel itinerary with 10 options just for you. Take your time to read through, analyze, and choose how and where you’d like to spend your unforgettable 21 days in India!
4. Clothing tips to keep creeps away in India
After travelling in a handful of countries, I have arrived at the Two Laws of Creepiness which apply to most men worldwide.
- The Law of Creepiness 1 : As many men claim, “Women in short dresses and skirts distract them” (from what?). If the length of your shorts increases by 4″, their distraction reduces. So the length of your dress/bottom wear is indirectly proportionate to men’s creepiness.
- The Law of Creepiness 2 –Bare shoulders and arms with a bit of visible cleavage are meant to be gawked at. So the closed neck & sleeves length is indirectly proportional to men’s creepiness.
For hundreds of years, Indian women have been wearing conservative clothes. Some Indian men who aren’t used to seeing women in modern clothes may stare at you – a lot.
Indian men should get used to seeing women in shorts without lusting after them. This will probably take more than a decade and will be our lifelong battle. As a tourist, you are in India to explore and have new experiences in peace.
I want you to have a “Free from Creeps” experience. Already your appearance, language, accent, and excitement to click photos of poor people, cows, and kids only would have made it clear to the locals that you are a foreigner. So it is best to avoid bum-shorts, mini -shorts and deep neck tops with noodle strap tops when you are on the streets of India.
What Should Female Travellers Avoid Wearing in India?
- Sandals featuring Indian deity images
- High heels
- Super tight-body hugging dresses
- Spaghetti strap tops – Wear these only at beaches
- Tank tops outside of beach
- Sheer tops
- Bum shorts
- Mini skirts
- Anything flaunting cleavage
5. Some Myths about what tourists should wear in India
Traditional Attire : You don’t need to wear sarees or Lagra choli to dress appropriately in India. It’s optional, but Indians appreciate when travelers embrace our traditions. Wearing saree for the first time isn’t easy. Ask your “she” host – gladly they will help you in draping saree.
Covering Up While modesty is valued, tourists don’t need to cover up entirely. It’s more about dressing appropriately for the occasion and respecting local customs.
Restrictions on Western Clothing: Contrary to some beliefs, tourists can wear Western clothing in India without any issue. Just ensure it’s modest and respectful of the culture.
Bringing only summer clothing: India’s six climatic zones mean it’s not always hot. Dress according to the season and location. For example, Rajasthan can be chilly in December (10°C to 25°C) and scorching in June (up to 45°C). Sikkim, near the North east of India at the foothill of Himalayas, is cooler, with temperatures around 28-30°C. Pack for diverse conditions, not just summer. Where as it is summer or terrible summer in Mumbai. What you wear in Mumbai December won’t vary much from what you would put on in April.
Covering Your Head: While Indian women often wear scarves on their heads for heat or dust- It isn’t a mandatory dress code like it is in Iran. Scarf on head is a must only when you enter all mosques, sikh temples and a few churches in india.
No dressing for Pub: India has lots of pubs. Dressing for pub parties in cities is similar to that in any other Western country.
Overly Hippie Clothes is the only option: While personal choice matters, it’s best to look smart rather than wrapping random fabrics. Extreme mixing and matching might attract unwanted attention. For instance, I’ve seen a woman in Gokarna wearing men’s dhoti over her harem pants and some 10 chanting beads. Such extreme mix-and-match styles can attract attention.
Wear whatever you want at foreigner-friendly places: Parts of Goa, Northern Hampi, McLeod Ganj, Kasol, and Jaisalmer are foreign travelers’ hotspots. The local lifestyle has been altered to suit foreign travelers’ needs, and local residents are accustomed to non-Indian culture. Respect local culture by dressing modestly despite the place being foreigner-friendly.
6. What to bring for your trip to India
Clothes to take to India according to weather
- India Summer clothes 🙁 March to June) Opt for loose-fitting, non-transparent cotton clothing, including knee-length shorts and capris, to stay cool. Full or half-sleeve cotton shirts offer protection from the sun.
- Winterwear for Himalayas (December to February): If you’re exploring the Himalayas and are accustomed to temperate climates, bring winter clothes from your own country, as those available in India may not be as suitable for colder conditions.
- Winters in Tropical Weather ( October to February): Combat the evening chill with a light shrug or jacket layered over your outfit for warmth.
- Rainy Season (June to September): Stay dry during monsoon season with ankle-length or half-pants to prevent splashes from muddy water. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella or a lightweight raincoat. Especially if you are hitting western ghats of India.
Other items for a female India packing checklist
- Passport with valid visa
- Printed copy of travel insurance
- Small amount of USD / GBP / Euros for currency exchange
- Credit and debit card
- Electronic essentials: In India, plug types C, D, and M are commonly used. Bring power banks, plug converters, and extension cords for charging multiple gadgets simultaneously, especially during common power cuts in summer.
- Earplugs and earphones: Given the penchant for loud music, particularly on public transportation, earplugs are essential to block out noise and ensure a peaceful journey.
- Mosquito repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes with Odomos cream, readily available in Indian pharmacies, to avoid bites and potential illnesses.
- SteriPen: Since tap water is not drinkable anywhere in the country, reliance on bottled water is necessary. To avoid the expense of bottled water, consider bringing a SteriPen for convenient water purification on the go.
- Toilet paper rolls: Outside of higher-end hotel toilets, you don’t find toilet paper rolls in India. We use jet spray instead. Consider bringing your own or purchasing locally.
- 30-40 SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Personal medicine
- Skincare products including moisturiser, lip balm, and other personal essentials
- Sanitary products (You get plenty in India though)
- Daypack
- Cable locks for luggage in trains
- Money belt
- Anti-thigh chafing shorts and anti-fungal powder
- Undergarments and socks
- Flip flops
Heads up : Indian Streets are bumpy, uneven and not fit to drag your wheeled trolley bags. Carrying a backpack/rucksack with packing cubes is better when you travel in India
7. What should male travellers wear in India
What do Indian mean wear?
Indian men wear boring clothing compared to women. Those regular trousers and shirts are everyday outfits.
Traditional Indian clothing for men includes the veshti (a white cotton fabric wrapped around the waist) in southern states and the kurta-pajama in northern India.
Sikhs and a few communities cover their heads with a turban most of the time. Ashrith says that if you can manage a veshti, that airy, loose outfit is the best for the tropical sun. Though many consider it a festive dress, college-going students wear patterned veshtis in hotter states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Shorts and T-shirts are common outfits for Indian men in most cities, though most prefer trousers.
Dress code for men at religious places in India.
- Buddhist, Hindu & Jain temples – Pants with sleeved shirts. Men may be asked to remove shirts at certain Hindu temples.
- Mosques and Sikh Gurudwaras – Same as above, with a scarf on the head. Most places sell these caps or scarves outside the entrances if you have forgotten one.
Can I roam shirtless in India?
It’s not illegal to wander shirtless in India, so you can! But the question is, where and when do you want to go shirtless?
On the beaches and at the pools, you can walk shirtless. However, on hiking trails, inside cities, and in hotels, don’t be an odd by going shirtless! It may be hot, but it is inappropriate walk into restaurants barechested.
Another pro-tip for male travellers in India is not to wear vests and tanks on Indian streets – Not just because Indian dressing style is conservative, but it is odd! Restrict to your hotel rooms or beaches. Wear a sleeved shirt over it when going out. So don’t convert your gym outfits into streetwear in India.
8 What not to bring to India as a traveller?
- Don’t buy and bring Indian clothes like kurtis from abroad: Indian clothing is cheaper when purchased here, plus you get more variety, especially in handlooms.
- Forget stilettos, heels, and fancy shoes at home: Opt for comfortable footwear suitable for walking long distances.
- Don’t bring frozen food: Leave bags of frozen meat and cup noodles at home, as you’ll find tasty, hygienic and delicious food options in India at affordable price. Fresh fruits and vegetable salads are also widely available.
- Don’t overpack toiletries: Many good brands of soaps and shampoos are available in India. Unless you are super specific about some brands or it is medically necessary, don’t hoard your luggage with all possible shampoos and soaps.
- Rethink photography accessories: India is colourful and offers travellers tons of opportunities to capture good frames. But not every traveller is a photographer. Unless you plan to sell or utilize the photos for your own blog, don’t bring giant DSLR cameras, Go-Pros, and other accessories like tripods. Good phones are enough.
9. FAQ
What are the clothing rules in India?
There is no strict clothing rule in India in general. Dress modestly and follow dress code while visiting religious places
Is it okay to wear black in India?
Yes! Wearing black is fine in India. Locals avoid black for festivals and auspicious days as it is considered to bring bad luck. As a tourist visiting India, you can wear black.
Can women wear shorts in India?
Yes-Women can wear shorts in India. There is no moral policing. But it might be frowned upon in rural areas. You’ll see Indian women sporting shorts and skirts a lot in many state capitals. So, if you’re strolling around a capital city, go ahead and rock those shorts. Just be mindful to avoid them in smaller towns and rural areas.
Is sleeveless ok in india?
Sleeveless tops are totally cool in India. Indian women often sport sleeveless tops, kurtis, and t-shirts. Just avoid those super skinny noodle straps, and you’re good to go. Keep in mind, though, you might need to cover your shoulders when entering religious places.
What should you wear when doing Yoga in India
For the most part, yoga classes in India recommend loose-fitting cotton attire. However, it’s also common to find students wearing leggings and a t-shirt. As a yoga student myself, I stick to cotton pants and a T-shirt. As a female traveller attending yoga workshops in India, wear leggings. Whether you can wear yoga bras or not depends on the specific workshop. If the classes are conducted in a holy place, you may need to opt for t-shirts over activewear.
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