What to Wear in India as a Tourist
When I traveled to India for the first time, the biggest concern I had was what to wear. Most Americans or European tourists have been labeled disrespectful when traveling because they don't research a country's customs. This is the one thing I wanted to avoid when I started to travel to more modest places. In India, there are places that are more modern with clothing, such as Mumbai, Delhi, or Calangute. However, a good rule of thumb is to always dress more modestly than you are used to, which can be challenging if you wear crop tops daily like me. Here are some basic tips and outfit ideas to make your life easier!
*Keep in mind these tips are for women as men can pretty much wear whatever they would like*
Southern India
When traveling to the southern part of the country, it is HOT. I didn't realize how hot it would be combined with the humidity. I had brought some tighter clothes and man do I regret that! No matter the time of year, it is definitely warm. If you go in the rainy season, be prepared with a rain jacket and boots. Here is what I would advise you to bring.
Let's start with tops! You can get away with crop tops here as long as they aren't super short. If you can pair them with a high-waisted skirt or pants, and you only have an inch or two showing, you'll be fine! Flowy shirts, such as buttons ups will be a lifesaver. They are modest but also don't cling to your body. If you wear a white or light-colored button-up, you'll be able to feel the breeze while not worrying about stares! Tank tops without spaghetti straps are also great. I wore a lot of racerback tank tops with skirts and no one said anything.
Next up is bottoms! If you're a woman, skirts will be your best friend. They are flowy, modest, cute, and easy to move in. You won't have to worry about sweating through your jeans or being uncomfortable while in a skirt. I prefer maxi skirts, as they're versatile and don't take up much space in your suitcase! Light and comfortable trousers were also a must-have for me. They can be styled in so many ways and are a much better option than jeans when it's hot out.
Onto dresses! I think dresses are the best option when it comes to traveling somewhere warm. You can easily dress them up or down, which is so helpful if you're traveling for a while. Both short and long dresses work really well because they're loose and comfortable. Now, if you're planning on doing hiking or any physical activities, opt for something else. However, when it comes to exploring the city, visiting churches/temples, eating at restaurants, and more they work well! Plus, every girl loves a simple outfit like a cute dress and sneakers.
Northern India
Northern India is a little more modest and conservative in my opinion. You'll get more stares and comments if you dress like you do back home. I found myself visiting a lot of small towns that were very traditional and religious, so dressing appropriately was important. If you're going in the spring/summer, it'll be hot! Many tourist cities are in the desert, so it's hot during the day and can get a tad chilly at night. If you go in the fall/winter, it depends on where you're at, but you'll definitely want some warmer options.
Starting off with tops! Lightweight turtlenecks are great for when it gets chillier. They are easy to wear alone when it's warm, and super cute when layered for cold weather. Once again, tank tops are a good option for when it comes super hot out. I always carried a light cardigan with me in case I needed to cover up, but for the most part, no one minded tank tops. I would stay away from crop tops and just opt for normal blouses. Doesn't matter if they're long-sleeved or not, but they look a little nicer and you won't feel judged. I brought a few cropped sweaters to layer over skirts or dresses, and it saved me a few times when I felt like I had nothing appropriate to wear!
Onto bottom options! Bottoms for the north and south are pretty much the same. Trousers will be your best friend if you're active or lounging around. Have a nice dinner after a day of being on the streets? You don't have to change pants as you can just throw on heels and the outfit has transformed! I also love skirts for any weather type as they always have a fun and playful feel, while being able to be classy as well. They're lightweight and comfy, which is something to keep in mind for traveling. I would say bringing jeans to the north isn't a bad option either. You'll have some more casual activities and having jeans and a blouse is perfect for when it's both 50 degrees or 75 degrees!
Finally is dresses! I wore maxi dresses all the time while in Delhi. They are both modest and flattering while being easy to walk in. I could visit museums, temples, and go to the markets without having to change my outfit once. It made it so easy to enjoy my day exploring without worrying if I would get denied entry because of what I was wearing. I had a few long-sleeved dresses, which were great for when it got colder out. I would recommend packing more dresses than you think you would usually take!