Comments on: Q&A: What to Wear to India

By: katlyn bennett

katlyn bennett — Sun, 22 May 2011 15:45:57 +0000

whoi cares if you wear a bikini to india or a mini-skirt???????? wear what you like-its not as if youre ever gonna see them again anyway. when i go to india next spring, of course im bringing a bikini and several tubetops!

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:14:39 +0000

What about clothes to wear in the northeast like Assam and Nagaland during the hot summer months.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:49:49 +0000

Thanks everyone for your great comments. This has really helped me figure out what I need to bring. Thanks again!

By: Trisha

Trisha — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:21:26 +0000

Great tips, everybody!

And like Colleen and Samina suggested, leave room in your suitcase for everything that you’re going to buy — from the silks to the fabulous tunics, jackets, shirts, pants, and dresses that you can have custom made for you.

By: josie

josie — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:15:38 +0000

as samina said, when you going to city wear some thing fashionable & chic!! if u dnt people will stare at u.. but if u r going to remote villages in delhi ( even though i dont y u want got to villages when there alot of romantic places in india you could go for your honeymoon) wear conservite clothes.
don’t forget sunscreen &hat ! i heard its really hot in india know..

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:31:08 +0000

Also, I forgot to mention, definitely plan to check out the stores Fab India and Anokhi, where you can buy inexpensive clothing that is appropriate to the weather and the culture. And it even looks good back home too! They have stores in both Delhi and Jaipur.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:27:57 +0000

Having recently been to this part of India, I agree with the other posters that the clothing shown is more appropriate for fancy hotels and shopping malls in large cities.

Skirts should definitely be knee length or longer, and shoulders should be covered (t-shirts are fine). Wear slip on shoes or sandals if visiting temples and historic sites.

By: Samina

Samina — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:48:51 +0000

My recommendation as a native: as the article suggests, stay conservative. The further you move out of city centers, the more conservative you should be. I’d recommend pants or past the knee skirts if you must.

Also, things are RIDICULOUSLY cheap to have made in India: from jackets to shirts to pants, you could turn out and entire wardrobe on a dime if you can find a good “darzi” (seamstress). However if you choose this route, and really this is my recommendation in all transaction situations: try to get a native to do the bargaining for you. If you’re from the west, or are simply of Indian origin and have a western accent, you can expect to be charged nearly double. If you’re on your own and have to barter yourself, try producing 75% of the asking price (ie. “but I only have 600 rupees on me!”); you’ll probably be able to cut yourself a better deal.

Finally, this isn’t fashion related at all but: try and avoid drinking the water at all costs! Even as ice: after a weak or so, the impurities in the water will catch up with you.

Anyway, sorry for going on and on but I’ve gone ‘back home’ too many times, haha. Best of luck!

By: Suzanne Menair

Suzanne Menair — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:47:49 +0000

I agree with the previous poster. The top two outfits will invite a lot of stares. Be sure to cover your shoulders, and wear long skirts, ankle length is probably best. For visiting religious sites, bring a scarf you can wear on your head, or purchase one there. And don’t forget your sunglasses!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:17:20 +0000

As a female and having been to India and those specific places (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), I would be wary to wear many of these outfits - especially the top two. In hot weather, you pretty much sweat all day and along with the dust, you can say goodbye to keeping your nice clothes nice.

Be prepared to be stared at - a lot. As a general rule I would cover shoulders and knees and dressingly less conservatively may invite even more stares from locals. This particularly applies to visiting religious sites (e.g. mosques) that require conversative dress. You will be able to buy long sleeved light cotton tops there, it is also common to have clothes tailored there where you can choose your own materials and styles if need be. It is possible to wear loose clothing of thin cotton material that keeps you cool, protected from the sun and modestly dressed.