Who
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Style
  • Health
  • Beauty
  • Sexiest People
  • The Travel List
  • Podcasts
  • Video
Who
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Style
  • Health
  • Beauty
  • Sexiest People
  • The Travel List
  • Podcasts
  • Video
Subscribe
Louis Tomlinson Calls James Corden Out
Watch 0:36

Louis Tomlinson Calls James Corden Out

{headline}

{headline}

The 10 Best Family Holiday Destinations Overseas

The 10 Best Family Holiday Destinations Overseas

Attention passengers: Here are the best half price flights in Australia

Attention passengers: Here are the best half price flights in Australia

Country chic! The best underrated road trip locations in NSW

Country chic! The best underrated road trip locations in NSW

How to stay financially fit during a pandemic

How to stay financially fit during a pandemic

{headline}

{headline}

Inside Australia's Best Holiday Homes

Inside Australia's Best Holiday Homes

How to be a conscious traveller

How To Be A Conscious Traveller

The Best Travel Movies Of All Time

Top 10 films to inspire wanderlust

{headline}

{headline}

Best Bucket List Experiences

Bucket List Breaks To Plan Now

Top Five Travel Podcasts

Five Travel Podcasts For Self-Isolation

What travellers can do....while they can't travel

What travellers can do....while they can't travel

A luxe rural retreat

A luxe rural retreat

Shopping Duty Free in Perth

Shopping Duty Free in Perth

10 Blood-Curdling Ghost Tours In Melbourne You’ll Never Forget

10 Blood-Curdling Ghost Tours In Melbourne You’ll Never Forget

Urban Exploration: The 10 Best Abandoned Locations in Brisbane

Urban Exploration: The 10 Best Abandoned Locations in Brisbane

  1. Home
  2. Travel

A Guide To What Clothes To Bring To India

When travelling, it’s important to respect the country’s culture and customs. - by Rhys McKay
  • 11 Dec 2019
A Guide To What Clothes To Bring To India
Getty

While travelling; it’s important that you respect the culture, religion, and environment of the country you’re visiting. After all, the locals are welcoming you into their home. The least you can do is show your respect by following their customs and dressing appropriately while you’re there.

To help you adjust to Indian culture, we put together this guide of what you can and cannot wear. As a bonus, we’ve also included a few tips on general Indian customs.

RELATED: What to Wear to a Graduation: 10 Best Graduation Dresses

How To Dress In India: A Quick Guide For Tourists

What To Wear In India

Unless you come from a similar background, it can be difficult to figure out what to wear, especially for females. When packing for your trip, it’s important to keep in mind that India is a religious country and therefore expect both men and women to dress modestly.

Stick to shirts with sleeves, pants, leggings, and similar ‘covered’ clothing items. It’s not very cold in India, even during the winter, so make sure to wear light and breezy fabrics so you don’t get too warm. If you’re walking around, bring a sturdy pair of walking shoes, flats, or sandals. Also, pack a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the hot Indian sun.

Of course, there are exceptions. If you’re going to the beach, then you can definitely wear shorts and swimsuits. Plus, some areas of India are actually quite flexible, so you may be able to get away with sleeveless tops or knee-length bottoms as long as you’re not visiting a religious place. Just carry a scarf around in case you need to cover up.

Most importantly, you must be comfortable! That’s just tourist 101.

A customer talking to a store clerk at a clothing shop
Getty

What NOT To Wear In India

Both women and men need to be careful about baring too much skin while in India. While it is hot, especially for tourists who aren’t used to warm weather, a lot of Western ‘summer clothes’ are much too revealing for the conservative country.

Women, stay away from tank tops, spaghetti straps, crop tops, and anything that shows off your cleavage or back too much. Avoid skirts that show off your knees or thighs. Too-tight clothing is also frowned upon, so use this as an opportunity to wear loose-fitting ensembles instead.

Men have a bit more leeway, but it is still relatively unacceptable to wear tank tops or short shorts. When in doubt, a sleeved shirt and jeans are a safe go-to outfit.\

What Do People Wear In India? Clothing Suggestions

Afghani Pants

Also known as genie pants, cotton harem pants, or simply ‘baggy pants’, this is perhaps the most comfortable and safe option for both men and women.

vee3rdeye View Profile
4,444 likes - View Post on Instagram
After a month of work, the hemp tie dye harems are now on the store! Link in bio 💙💚@frac.tals (even if you don't decide to get anything please take a look anyway & give us some feedback or colour combos that you're interested in for next time) much appreciated ✨

Scarves

Scarves are the ultimate Indian fashion accessory. Not only does it add to your overall look, but it’s also a great way to keep warm or cover your shoulders and head (as is required in most temples and religious places).

Indian women praying with head scarves
Getty

Long Skirts

For women, skirts are the most common clothing item you see on the street. They’re breezy, light, fashionable, and work well with almost any top.

Saree

You can wear sarees for any reason, including no reason at all. But just make sure that the saree you’re wearing isn’t a ‘special occasion’ saree, or else you might look a tad overdressed or out of place. There are more than 80 ways to wear a saree, so ask a friendly local to help you out!

A woman wearing a patterned saree
Getty

Other Cultural Norms You Should Follow

  • If you’re a woman visiting India, try not to travel alone. This isn’t so much a cultural norm as a safety measure – travel with a friend or significant other, even better if it’s a member of the opposite sex. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is common on the streets of India.
  • Never ever eat or pass items with your left hand. The left hand is considered ‘unclean’ in Indian culture because it’s the hand that’s used to clean your body, remove your shoes, etc.
  • Feet are also unclean, so don’t point your soles at anyone or touch someone else with your feet. Apologise if you do it accidentally!
  • Remove your shoes before entering a place of worship. Some places are even stricter and don’t allow leather goods or women who are menstruating into the temple.
  • Avoid any kind of PDA, including kissing and hugging. This is considered much too intimate for public display.
  • The hand gesture for ‘hello’ in Western cultures may be interpreted as ‘go away’ in India. You should also avoid pointing at anything because it’s rude.
  • Be respectful of the fact that English is not the first language of most Indian locals. Don’t demand that they speak English well, and be patient with them during conversation.

Jai Ho!

Whether you’re on a business trip or travelling for pleasure, it’s important to dress appropriately while you’re in India. This is just a basic guide, so do some more research before packing!

RELATED: Interview Attire 101

Rhys McKay

Subscribe to Who for your chance to win a share of $25,000-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Who for your chance to win a share of $25,000

Subscribe to Who for your chance to win a share of $25,000-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Who for your chance to win a share of $25,000

Recommended to you

Louis Tomlinson Calls James Corden Out
Watch 0:36

Louis Tomlinson Calls James Corden Out

{headline}

{headline}

The 10 Best Family Holiday Destinations Overseas

The 10 Best Family Holiday Destinations Overseas

Attention passengers: Here are the best half price flights in Australia

Attention passengers: Here are the best half price flights in Australia

Country chic! The best underrated road trip locations in NSW

Country chic! The best underrated road trip locations in NSW

How to stay financially fit during a pandemic

How to stay financially fit during a pandemic

{headline}

{headline}

Inside Australia's Best Holiday Homes

Inside Australia's Best Holiday Homes

How to be a conscious traveller

How To Be A Conscious Traveller

The Best Travel Movies Of All Time

Top 10 films to inspire wanderlust

{headline}

{headline}

Best Bucket List Experiences

Bucket List Breaks To Plan Now

Top Five Travel Podcasts

Five Travel Podcasts For Self-Isolation

What travellers can do....while they can't travel

What travellers can do....while they can't travel

A luxe rural retreat

A luxe rural retreat

Shopping Duty Free in Perth

Shopping Duty Free in Perth

10 Blood-Curdling Ghost Tours In Melbourne You’ll Never Forget

10 Blood-Curdling Ghost Tours In Melbourne You’ll Never Forget

Urban Exploration: The 10 Best Abandoned Locations in Brisbane

Urban Exploration: The 10 Best Abandoned Locations in Brisbane

Who
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
Who Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • marie claire
  • Bounty Parents

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • All Recipes
  • Practical Parenting
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • Airtasker
  • Society One
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Who

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Who for your chance to win a share of $25,000-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Who for your chance to win a share of $25,000