Leave the Shorts at Home, Dear

India is a rapidly growing country and is increasingly becoming more Westernized, however, it is important to remember that it is not a Western country.  In big cities you might see one or two Indian girls in short or tank tops, but the overwhelming majority of women do not dress like that and the ones that do stick out like a sore thumb.

As a foreigner you’re already going to attract a lot of attention.  To lessen this, you can dress in traditional Indian clothing.  And no, I do not mean a sari.  (Saris are normally saved for more formal events for younger women.)  Dressing in traditional ethnic clothing will go a long ways towards lessening the amount of attention that you’ll attract and help you earn the trust and respect of locals.

Girls and young women normally wear tunic-type shirts called kurtas and leggings called churidars or harem pants.  At first glance, all of this looks bulky and hot.  Surprisingly it’s not.  While you can get kurtas made of heavier material, most kurtas are made of very light, breathable material.  So even though your legs are completely covered and your arms are usually covered down to your arms, you aren’t going to die of a heat stroke.

So the first couple of days of your trip wear leggings or loose jeans and big t-shirts while you shop for your new wardrobe!  You’ll be able to find people selling kurtas all over the place.  And you can get really nice ones but you can also find really cheap ones for anywhere to 150 to 300 rupees ($2.50 to $5).  Within a day or two, you’ll be able to find a couple of different outfits and be set.  You’ll have plenty of gorgeous patterns to choose from and who doesn’t love to shop?  Oh, pick up a few scarves too incase your visit any temples and need to have your head covered.

Sidenote: if you’re staying in a bigger city and want to go out to clubs or parties at night, feel free to wear Western style clothes then.  Just be sure to stay smart and go with friends!

So remember, when you’re packing for your trip to India, pack light and think modest.  Save that space in your suitcase for other things that you wouldn’t be able to get while you were abroad or to bring back souvenirs for your friends instead.  You’ll thank yourself later.