Since I’ve come back from India one of the most common questions I get asked by women is about what women should pack for a trip to India.
I was expecting to be asked how to avoid Delhi Belly, how to find nice accommodation, how safe it is to travel alone and what the overnight trains are really like but it seems that what to pack is somewhat of a dilemma for us ladies.
The majority of the country is hot and humid so you need clothes that will keep you cool, but it’s also a conservative country and it isn’t safe or appropriate for women to be wearing skimpy clothing. Argh, dilemma! So what on earth do you pack?
I may have mentioned it once or twice (OK, about a billion times) that I can’t stand those ‘traveller pants’. The ones that come in khaki colours and have eight pockets on each leg and removable bits so you can make them into shorts. I know that they’re practical and perfect for travelling but I just can’t bring myself to buy them. Thankfully, there are a few alternatives that can keep you looking stylish and feeling cool.
Here’s my packing list for India and some examples of the types of clothes I think are best for female travellers.
My packing list for India
3 x pairs of loose, thin trousers
Either linen trousers or very thin cotton trousers are perfect.
I chose dark colours because the streets of India are often dusty and your clothes are nearly always filthy by lunch time. These trousers were all really thin, almost as thin as a sarong, and baggy too so they kept me cool.
I’ve also spotted some really lovely jogger style trousers which would be ideal for India as they’re cropped.
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- Closure: These women's trousers feature an elasticated waistband for an adjustable fit that suits different figures, offering relaxed comfort for everyday wear
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- Key Features: Wide legs | High waist | Adjustable drawstring waistband | Two side pockets | Solid color | Elasticated waist with ruffled detailing | Full-length draped flow
The length of these hareem style trousers are great, especially if you’ve got shorter legs because you really don’t want your trousers trailing along the floor in India. Even if you opt for quite formal trousers, you can dress them down with a casual top and sandals.
6 x plain t-shirts
I opted for 4 dark t-shirts and 2 white ones
These were just your standard t-shirts and jersey tops that you can buy from Amazon. I found in other Asian countries that your clothes get wrecked when you have them washed in your hotel so these t-shirts are almost disposable they’re so cheap.
I chose plain t-shirts because a standard black t-shirt will never look outdated. I learned this the hard way when I was backpacking in Asia in 2009-2011. I packed all the latest fashions and left home feeling like I’d stepped out of a Vogue catalogue (OK, a Primark store). I thought I looked the bee’s knees in the latest trends but when I look back on those photos they look dated already.
Fashions change too quickly to ever look good a few years later so stick to plain clothes that don’t make too much of a statement. You’ll also be wearing the same clothes over and over again so don’t pack anything that stands out in your photos.
- SLIM FIT: Close fit that hugs the body.
- COTTON MODAL MICRO RIB: Super soft cotton modal micro rib jersey with added stretch offers all-day ease and comfort, while retaining its shape for the perfect slim fit. Fabric you want to live in year...
- ESSENTIAL T-SHIRT: This versatile t-shirt is a classic wardrobe essential, perfect layered under your favorite jacket or cardigan or wear on its own styled back to Amazon Essentials Women's Denim and...
Avoid t-shirts that are really tight, cropped or low cut.
1x long black cotton dress
Every female traveller should have a long, black, cotton dress because they’re just so handy. A good quality dress that sits just above the ankle will travel with you all over the world and never look out of place.
This black maxi dress is from H&M and pretty much travels everywhere with me. They’re easy to pack, easy to wear, they’re comfy and they look sexy without showing any flesh.
- REGULAR FIT: Close but comfortable fit through chest, waist, and hips
- VISCOSE STRETCH JERSEY: Soft and drapey, lightweight jersey with a smooth, polished finish
- TANK DRESS: Maxi length tank dress cut from fluid viscose jersey for all day comfort, ease and style
- Quality Material:Our women summer dress UK are made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex,providing a soft,stretchy,and breathable fabric that makes these summer maxi dress lightweight,comfortable and...
- Details Design:Featuring a V neck and side slit,short sleeve,knee long,AUSELILY maxi dress for women are a stylish and versatile addition to your wardrobe. With two side pockets,our midi dress with...
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2 x cover ups/shirts
You’ll need something to keep warm in the evenings and also to cover your shoulders when you’re out and about. A white linen shirt and a light cardigan will work perfectly.
- Comfortable Natural Fabric: The white shirt womens is made from 70% cotton & 30% linen blend to ensures balanced breathability and softness. Lightweight structure and moisture-wicking tech adapts to...
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- Soft & Lightweight Materials: The women's open front cardigan is made of 100% Viscose which is soft knit fabric for a comfortable and cozy feel, stretchy and lightweight sweater.
- Casual Style: This cardigan for women is simple and casual design, with boyfriend slouchy style, a very loose sweater coat, charming, fashionable, it is suitable for any body shape.Dress it up or...
- Womens Knitted Sweaters Features: Open front cardigans for ladies, loose fit, v neck, long sleeve, solid color, knitted outwear, under hip length, casual sweaters,two front side pockets for your small...
1 x pair of sandals + 1 x pair of trainers
All I took was one pair of sandals and one pair of trainers. I knew I wouldn’t be doing any serious trekking and I know I’m perfectly comfortable walking around in sandals all day so why bother bulking up my bag with extra shoes? I actually didn’t wear my trainers but I think they’re worth having in case it rains.
I swear by my Birkenstock sandals and my New Balance 501 trainers. I have the New Balance in a few colours but the black ones are my go-to for travelling because they never look grubby!
- Leather, Synthetic, Synthetic, Rubber, Buckle, Mules
- Country of manufacture : Deutschland
- 1
- Contoured cork footbed with soft suede lining - all day support and comfort.
- High-quality PU upper material - Durable and easy to take care of.
- Non-slip & Lightweight EVA outsole.
- High-quality materials
- Updated toe shape
- Durable rubber outsole for optimal traction
1 x thin cardigan
It’s always nice to have a cardy for when you’re lucky enough to be in air conditioned spaces. I took a black cardigan so it matched all my outfits.
- Soft & Lightweight Materials: The women's open front cardigan is made of 100% Viscose which is soft knit fabric for a comfortable and cozy feel, stretchy and lightweight sweater.
- Casual Style: This cardigan for women is simple and casual design, with boyfriend slouchy style, a very loose sweater coat, charming, fashionable, it is suitable for any body shape.Dress it up or...
- Womens Knitted Sweaters Features: Open front cardigans for ladies, loose fit, v neck, long sleeve, solid color, knitted outwear, under hip length, casual sweaters,two front side pockets for your small...
2 x large cotton scarves
A scarf will come in so handy while you’re in India. You can use it to cover your arms, your chest, your head and your shoulders and there will be times when you’ll want to wrap your whole upper body in it to stop people staring.
I’ve put 2 scarves on the list because sometimes you’ll need to cover your head when you’re visiting religious sites. It’s also nice to have a spare one to use as a blanket or pillow during long journeys.
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- VARIOUS PLAIN COLORS: Multicolor scarves provide more choices and plain color scarf can be easily matched for any type of clothes, good adds perfection to make you more elegance and outstanding.
Small, cross-body bag
It’s best to have a small bag that goes over your shoulder that you can keep close to your body. Not only are bags like this easy to carry but it’s harder for pick-pockets to get into them.
- Smart Organization with Multiple Pockets: This small crossbody purse for women features a front zipper pocket, roomy main compartment, and a secure back pocket—perfect for keeping your phone, cards,...
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Feel free to use a normal, small handbag – just because you’re travelling, it doesn’t mean you need to carry an ugly rucksack. If you prefer the ease of a backpack, take a look at my 50 stylish backpacks perfect for travelling.
Lots of accessories
All these plain, dark clothes get boring pretty quickly so I also packed heaps of jewellry and head scarves and picked some lovely things up along the way too.
My tips for clothing in India
- Unless you’re on the beach in Goa never show your cleavage or wear skirts and shorts above the knee
- I found that showing shoulders and wearing mid-calf dresses was fine
- Pack dark clothes – you will get dirty
- Keep clothes as plain as possible so they don’t look dated when you look at your photos in years to come
- Always carry a scarf or light cardigan to cover yourself up and in case it’s required in a religious building
If you’ve travelled around India and have any other must-pack items to add to the list, let us know in the comments below.
My other blog posts from India:
My top tips for visiting the Taj Mahal – A must read if you plan to visit
What not to pack 10 unnecessary items every traveller thinks they need but I NEVER used
Are packing cubes worth it and do they really save space?
What to wear on a safari in India
How to survive sleeper trains in India
My experience taking an organised tour in India with Intrepid
Searching for tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park, India
A magical candle and flower ceremony in Varanasi
Laughing yoga in India – Definitely recommended for a giggle
Instagramming India – It’s an amazingly Instagrammable country!
https://partner.getyourguide.com/en/widget?partnerId=668Z756&localeCode=en-US¤cy=GBP&queryType=q&q=india&tourIds=&iata=&lat=&lon=&excludedTourIds=singapore&numberOfItems=&cmp=#playground
This is such a useful post. I’ll definitely be coming back to it when I pack for my trip to Cambodia and Thailand in October 🙂
Thanks Suzanne, I’m glad it’s useful for you. I think the main trick is to keep it super simple.
In Thailand you’ll see tourists wearing pretty much whatever they like but it’s always good to dress appropriately when you’re visiting historic or religious places.
I felt that it was really important to dress appropriately in India because both the men and women will stare if you’re wearing a skirt above the knee or a top that shows any cleavage.
please don’t generalize the people of this country…everyone will not stare at you for wearing revealing clothing-even if they do, they will do it for like a second…i am an indian and i wear revealing clothing and do not experience anything weird…maybe its dues to the differences in various parts of india…moreover, i got stared at in miami and new york wearing a crop top and shorts, so … u can never really generalise… :p
This is true. I did see tourists wearing revealing clothing and they did get stared at more than others but, like you say, this would happen anywhere in the world.
hi sanskriti, but yes this is advisable because foreigners always stand out in india. And people do stare (mostly because they are curious). Wearing skimpy clothes one would probably attract ‘more’ unwanted attention.
I’m not planning on going to India any time soon, but I really like posts like this. Informative and fun.
Also, yes to a black cotton dress. It’s basically all I wore for a year.
It’s the best thing ever for a backpacker!
Glad you like the post 🙂
Where can I find the trousers you had?
Hi Ally. I bought mine from River Island and they still have some very similar ones in store – especially in the summer. http://www.riverisland.com/
Another brand I’ve recently come across and love are Tahouts. I have both of the Hollywell designs and I love them https://www.tahouts.com/shop/
This is a really useful post! Storing this in favourites for when I make it to India. Also borrowed a few of my sister’s salwar kameez from when she was backpacking around India. Should be useful for blending in a little more. 🙂
Definitely, they’ll look lovely. Don’t forget to save a bit of space for shopping too!
Really helpful information! I’m hoping to go to India, and I definitely plan to bring most long skirts and scarfs.
How exciting! If you do go and would like any more advice, just let me know! I should also add mozzie repellant to the list. I got bitten to pieces.
Really useful! I am thinking of going to India next year, so this will come in very handy.
You should definitely go – you’ll love it!
Great guide! If I ever get to India, I’m totally coming back to this post. Well done!
Thanks Leah! I’m glad you found it useful 🙂
Useful and informative tips.TheTravelHack love this blog very much
great tips! my sister just moved to India and i think i just might go visit her. i can only imagine the beautiful, colorful things one could buy while over there to spruce up travel outfits!
Great tips! I love your b&w pants. Where are they from? They are just perfect. I wish could find similar ones for my trip to India next month.
They’re from River Island 🙂
Awesome!! thanks! Good to know about the scarves and length of skirts! I was in Thailand once and we had no idea skirts or showing any kind of leg was allowed (I think I was at the Grand Palace) Some friends had to go buy pants before being allowed in.
Hey, thanks for sharing brilliant information! I really appreciate with this post, Keep posting such kind of things always. Thanks again.
I’m going to India in April and this guide was a huge help! You look super cute, comfortable and appropriate for the culture. I’m in the US, any recs where to get the kinda pants you recommend? I was thinking maybe a surf/beach store?
Hey Annie, it’s great to hear this was helpful for you. I’m afraid I’m not familiar with any US stores. Do you have H&M? H&M and Zara are some of my favourites. Maybe you could look online and see if you can get them delivered to the US.
The scarves are a MUST. Not only do you need them to enter certain buildings, they are also useful to shield you from the sun and block any unpleasant smells like smoke (most trash is disposed of by burning). I also found it extremely useful to shield myself from locals at times. Although engaging with everyone was a high point on my adventure, I found it exhausting. It was nice to cover my light skin and blonde hair so I could blend in.
Hey Monica, your review is really good source of information for Women tourists who are planning for their tour to India. Thanks.
Hi, this has been the most help I’ve found! All the other pales don’t seem to say it how it is, thank you so much!!
I go away to India in a few weeks for 8 weeks, so…. One last question, baggy trousers, vest tops and kimonos? Would that be ok?? T-shirts don’t look the best on me vest tops are much better! Thank you xx
If you’re wearing vest tops I’d definitely recommend taking a light scarf or shawl to cover your chest and shoulders. you won’t be allowed in to religious buildings without one and you may attract some unwanted attention – particularly if you have any cleavage on show!
Thank you so much for this post, I have been worrying quite bit in regards to what I will need to wear while I’m there. I am flying to India on the 31st of October. Just wondering if you by any chance know what they weather is like at that time of the year?
Hi Roxana. It depends where you’re going. India is such a huge country it can vary from north to south.
hi, thanks for the great tips! Can you tell me where Yu got your black dress from please?
Thanks
No problem Alex. The dress is from H&M. I bought it years ago but it still travels with me everywhere. They have something very similar in stores every summer.
Thanks for the great tips Monica! I wanted to add my two cents, for what it’s worth, to the discussion. As a women who lived in India for three months, here’s what worked for me:
1. Dress appropriately.
While Bollywood movies continue to push the boundaries in what’s appropriate and what’s not, India remains a mostly conservative country where women usually cover their arms, shoulders, and legs, even in the fierce Delhi summers. Shorts are virtually unheard of, even among men, and you’ll rarely see an Indian woman wearing a skirt above the ankles. Add the influx of millions of uneducated laborers from villages to big cities like Delhi and Mumbai in the past decade and you’ve got a nation rife with tensions between traditional views and the more progressive ones on the rise.
That said, I suggest you leave the tight T-shirts and skinny jeans home and instead, opt for light, long-sleeved shirts and loose-fitting pants. Despite boasting over 6 million tourists annually, in India women travelers remain a curiosity more than a standard, and blond women draw the most stares. If you have blond hair, consider wearing a head scarf. And while we’re on the topic of clothing, I suggest. . .
2. Wear local clothing.
Something as simple as a long tunic over a pair of loose-fitting pants did the trick for me. I’d finally cracked and decided to purchase a Salvar Kameez after realizing how much I stuck out on the subway. Wearing local clothing helps you blend in and helps draw less attention to street solicitors and scammers who often try to single out tourists.
I wrote about some more safety tips for women travelling in India. If you are interested, you can check them out at http://continentaldriftings.com/2014/11/04/5-tips-for-women-india/
-Irina
I just got back from India, and I so agree with this. I tried to dress modestly, but I found that when I wore a regular pair of pants and a t-shirt or regular button down shirt, I got started at, a LOT. I realized that I never ever saw indian women dressing like that. I bought a couple of long knee length tunics and a scarf and work them over my long pants, and found I attracted a lot less attention. It’s really hard for westerners to imagine how differently women in India dress.
where did you go in india?!? im an indian and do not identify with your experience at all…
This was my itinerary – https://thetravelhack.com/india/my-india-itinerary/
I am a delhiite and here both girls and boys wear according to weather conditions ..you can’t generalise the things as this is not any gulf or Muslim country.
I have to strongly support monica and lilly’s advice. Perhaps it either Rishi or Sanskriti tend not to get the stares because they otherwise fit in? I’ve been to India three times, each for a friend’s wedding, and in different parts of the country. I’ve travelled fairly extensively alone as a female and have been to both Delhi and Mumbai as well as Goa, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Bangalore and loads of smaller villages/towns in between (I tend to train/bus to get around). I’m going again in another week for my last single Indian friend’s wedding (:-)). And I know for sure that dressing as much as possible like a local (however ridiculous you may feel) is best. Otherwise, long skirts, loose trousers and a simple tunic top goes a long way to averting some stares. But not all.
Only in Goa and Mumbai have I ever really escaped stares. I’ve had rickshaws almost crash on trying to get a look at me (Delhi, Hampi, Bijapur were notable for the distraction I caused) despite wearing rather dull long skirts and tshirts with a scarf.
Granted, I’m not blonde. I am Ghanaian (though lighter skinned than some South Indians), but the stares were plentiful and most people are surprised to note that I get even more “attention” than my blonde friends. Everywhere. Wearing tank tops and slim fitting jeans like my Indian friends in Bangalore, Mumbai and Ahmedebad the first time I went to India did NOT work for me. Wearing more conservative clothing (yes, like I would dress if I were in a gulf country) limited stares considerably on my second trip to India. To be honest, there are times I would’ve happily put on a niqab to be just a little bit anonymous in India…:-)
Sanskriti and Rishi please try to not take personal offense. We know that one can get stared at all over the world. I’ve never once been stared at for wearing a crop top or shorts in Miami, but it’s possible! And I’m a Londoner so I’m not used to it at all. But I get stared at all the time in some European cities because I’m just not what they’re used to. At least in India, there’s an easy way to minimise those stares – that’s a positive thing :-). And for what it’s worth, in Ghana, people get stares constantly. I don’t take people’s complaints about it as a personal offense – I know that in Ghana people just aren’t used to seeing certain complexions, fashions, dress styles in person and they stare.
It’s annoying and frustrating to be on the receiving end however, especially when it is relentless and we just want to enjoy your beautiful country (and beautiful food) as quietly as possible. So we travellers are all looking out for each other and trying to help. No offense meant.
Thank goodness I read this before I packed, as half the stuff I had planned to take would have ended up staying in my suitcase! Now have an assortment of scarves, no shorts, no tight fitting vests, and some loose fitting trousers, dresses and tops. Thanks for a great blog post.
No problem, Rachel. I’m glad you found it useful!
This is a really useful post, I’m travelling to India & SE Asia in a few weeks and still not entirely sure what clothes I’m taking!
I have this cardigan (http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Waterfall-Cardigan-In-Crochet/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3722951&r=2) that I’m considering taking for covering my shoulders in India/temples etc but I’m not sure if it’ll be appropriate because it’s a bit holey! Any idea if it’ll be okay or should my shoulders be completely covered??
Thanks 🙂
Nice cardigan! But I think you’re right, it might be too holey. You’d probably be fine but if you have something without holes I think it would be easier. If you did wear it and someone thought it was unsuitable, you’d be given a scarf to wear. Sometimes you have to rent them but they don’t cost a lot.
I’d try to limit the amount of white clothes you pack too. All hotels and guest houses have a washing service but I usually found my white clothes came back grey.
And don’t worry too much about packing for Asia. There are so many really cool markets where you’ll want to go shopping so try not to overpack so you have space for some goodies!
My best tip for India is: Pack next to nothing. Then go shopping!
It’s what I usually do – I wear nothing but Indian clothes when I am in India – and the Indians love me for it. This also ensures that I am always appropriately dressed.
What’s important:
Resist the call of the super-glittery polyester or elaborate silk dresses and stick to simple cotton clothes that you can wear all day long.
Buy the right colors for your complexion – what looks good on Indian skin might not be flattering for you.
Beware of colors bleeding when doing your laundry.
A kameez (tunic) is NOT a dress by itself! Always wear it with pants.
This is such a good tip. I’d love to have the guts to turn up in a new destination with an empty suitcase. You could have so much fun at the markets. I bet it works out cheaper too – especially if you’re the type to buy new clothes before a holiday.
Good day! Very nice article to read and you looked awesome but still appropriate 😉 One question. Is that a leather bag you brought with you? As I don’t feel comfortable taking any kind of leather with me to India. What do you think about that?
Hi Lotte, it’s not real leather, but yes, it was leather looking. I didn’t have any problems or comments about it at all. I actually hadn’t thought that leather is inappropriate but that’s a good point.
If anyone else has any experience about wearing leather products in India please do let us know.
Monica, this is perfect advice!
I’m spending 6 weeks in India, 8 weeks in Nepal and making my way back to Australia through Asia so it will definitely help. I’ve heard SO MANY negative (attempting to be helpful) comments about this area of the world so I believe you’re advice will be a great help!! Thank you again 😉
Iam an indian.loved your post.
Hi Monica,
I LOVE your travel blog. My hubby and I will be traveling to India at the end of the month. I’m really excited and looking forward to this trip. The Taj Mahal has always been on our bucket list, we can’t wait. I’m so glad you posted information on what to pack. As a westerner this was very valuable information to have…I would have packed alot of the wrong things lol. I wanted to ask you about eating the food in India. We are staying at 5 star hotels, but I wanted to know what your experience has been with the food.
Hi Kymberly,
Thanks so much for your comment, you’re going to have an amazing time!
I loved Indian food but it’s completely different to the Indian food we have over here in the UK. I’d suggest just trying as much as you can. If you’re in 5* hotels I’m pretty sure the staff will speak English so they’ll be able to help you choose. And don’t worry too much about Delhi Belly. You need to be cautious but most travellers will get a bit of an upset tum at some point – no matter how careful they are. Just make sure you have plenty of rehydration sachets!
Just a quick question, I was reading some websites and of course were not recommended to drink their water, but how do you go about brushing your teeth. I feel like this is a silly question, but i had to ask. Also, do most restaurants have bottled waters? and would you recommend me to buy a water bottle with a filter in it? sorry for all the questions, but I just feel like I need to prepare myself!
Hi Michelle. Not at all, these aren’t silly questions at all.
When it comes to brushing my teeth, I just use tap water but be really careful not to swallow it. It isn’t dirty so it’s fine to brush your teeth. Some people are really careful and use bottled water to brush their teeth.
All restaurants and hotels have bottled water. You’ll also find lots of shops selling bottled water so you won’t go without.
Personally, I wouldn’t bother with the water bottle with a filter. Some countries are really good about supplying filtered water so you can fill up your own bottle and not waste too many plastic bottles. But I didn’t see much evidence of this in India so I don’t think you’d get much use out of a water bottle.
I hope that helps!
So glad I found this! I’m headed to India the 30th of this month for 3 weeks. I had no idea on what to pack but thankfully found this.
Really glad you found it helpful Selena! Have a great trip.
Thank you! These tips are going to be such a big help 🙂
What time of the year was it that you went to India?
I went in March.
great post. I would add two things. First, what you pack depends on where you will be, and when. Northern India is coooold from mid-December to February. Second, India has some of the most beautiful and inexpensive shawls and jewelry you will ever find. Save the space in your bag for your finds, and enjoy wearing them while yoyre there.
This post has helped my anxiety about travelling to India alone in April!
I’m doing a “taj tour” for 7 days and then travelling to Kovalam for 5 nights, whilst there it’l be my 25th birthday.
I’m sure there’ll be times where I feel a bit silly on my own but I can’t wait and after reading quite a few of your posts you’ve filled me with a lot more confidence! Thank you!
This has been really useful as i am planning a trip to India shortly (if i don’t bottle it!) it will be my first time travelling alone. Any advice on the best places to stay in India – hotel wise? i appreciate it depends what area….i am thinking South/South East so Mumbai/Goa sort of areas. Thank you.
I’m afraid I haven’t been to the south so I can’t offer much help. It’s also such an enormous area! Have a great time and don’t bottle it!
Hey i really appreciate the advice! Where did you get those black pants in the last photo? I’m going to be going with a group to India for about 3 and a half weeks and it isn’t easy finding clothing for the trip.
They’re from River Island. This was a few years ago but they still have similar styles and lots of options for loose, comfortable but stylish pants.
help! I’ve read all the comments and checked the links, but I need more direction on clothing. I’m traveling to India in June!! I was thinking I could wear under armor pants that are dry fit with uv protection. not fitted but loose. I have to wear long sleeves?? ugh I want to respect the culture and wear the appropriate clothing… suggestions? websites?
I’m not sure what you mean by armor pants?
You don’t need to wear long sleeves but pack something to cover your chest and shoulders if you’ve visiting religious sites or when you’re in crowded areas – something like a lose cardigan, a shawl or a scarf is perfect.
Hi! Love that dress–what size did you get out of curiosity? I’d like to order one online but am not sure how the fit is.
I think this came in S, M and L and I’ve got the small. I’ve had it for years now and I still wear it!
This is so helpful, thank you! I just booked my trip on a group tour to India, and after doubting my decisions (reading the UK/USA governmental advisories is always a bad idea), Im glad I found this. So helpful. When did you travel to India?
It would be cheaper to to buy the kind of clothes and footwear suggested in India. It would cost you about £3 or less for a good pair of Hawaii slippers.
Agreed, you can buy a lot out there. I think it depends how long you’re out there too. If you’ve got plenty of time then it’s a lot of fun to go shopping at the markets!
Heading to India in February in a women’s group of 13, what a great post as I have had so many questions about what to pack. Thank you!
This is a really useful post.. THANK YOU!!
Wonderful piece and very helpful.
My question is about cost of clothing over there. What’s the cost of say genie pants, scarves and tops from street venders vs stores? I’m looking inexpensive material that will last.
These kinds of items barely cost anything but the quality is unlikely to be very good. The prices will be cheaper than the stores but you’ll need to haggle for them a lot. I think the price really depends on your haggling skills!
Hello,
I used to go to school with you, so it was surprise to see your face pop up at the bottom of this page. I hope you are well!! Great advice…for my GF 🙂 If you have any top top tips for India, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Cambodia and Thailand, let me know.
Hi Chris! Great to hear from you!
If you’re looking for Vietnam tips, check out Vicky Flip Flop’s blog. She has a great itinerary on there I’ve recommended to a few people and they’ve followed every word and loved it. I was in Thailand back in 2010 so I’m sure it’s changed a bit now but Koh Sok National Park was one of my favourite places. If you’re short on time, book tours to make the most of your trip – you’ll see so much more and save yourself a lot of hassle. I hope you have a great time!
Being an Indian and having lived in Bangalore all my life, I must say the policy of “staring” in India is really bad. I’ve experienced it too and I hate it. I understand it must be a lot more for all of you since you’re foreigners. I agree that dressing according to occasion/place (beach, city/town, temple etc) is the need of the hour. For you and even us locals. However, I strongly disagree with the part that Indians don’t wear anything above the knee.
I’m in my twenties. My friends, cousins and even older relatives enjoy wearing dresses, sleeveless, crop tops, skinny jeans and skirts. We’re big on international fashion and frankly, I wear “local” only when I visit a wedding or a temple. You should check out the fashion blogging scene in Indian, it’s super advanced and can match international standards.
So to give people tips on what to wear is great but please don’t generalise that all indians dress this way. All major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune etc are quite modern, fashion wise.
That said, I hope you have a great experience in our country. And also meet people like us, who love to dress up.
Namaste 🙂
Hi Nikita, thanks so much for your comment! I hadn’t seen any women in short dresses or crop tops so that’s great to know.
One thing I did not see mentioned was about feminine protection. It is very hard to buy tampons in India. It is not the custom. So if that is important to you, plan before you go. Wish I would have known.
I hadn’t thought about it this way before. Your blog made me reconsider my perspective.