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Travellers Guide To What To Wear in India 2022

What to wear in India on your trip there is a topic that provokes a lot of thought, discussion and debate! And so… I’m here to help . Over the years, what is appropriate for travellers to wear to India has changed a lot – so read on for plenty of tips for how to dress in India – and have a few myths dispelled along the way!

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What to Wear while Travelling in India?

Knowing what to wear in India for travelling can feel confusing – and it’s not helped by the fact that there are many nuanced answers to this question – especially if you’re wondering how to dress in India as a female tourist – which let’s face it is a lot less straight forward than it is for men!

But fear not, I’m here to help. After 8 years of travelling to India for extended periods, I’ve had plenty of chances to test out what does – and doesn’t – work when it comes to picking what to wear to India.

As a woman, the reality of what to wear while travelling India has changed a lot in the last few years (for the better) but it’s still not a place you can just turn up to in micro-shorts and a singlet/spaghetti strapped-tops.

Fashion, dress-standards and what is considered ‘appropriate’ for clothing for female travellers to India is rapidly changing here – even in the last couple of years what might not have been ok is now fine – in some places.

When you’re mulling over what to pack for your trip to India, remember this: India is a sub-continent, populated by over 1.2 billion people. In cities like Mumbai, you’re just as likely to see local girls in hot pants getting out of Ubers on a saturday night out going clubbing as women in sarees – but that doesn’t mean you’d feel comfortable wearing yours wandering around the sights of Agra or even riding around on the Mumbai local trains.

There is no one answer to the question “what to wear in India”. Rather there are as many answers as there are times of day – such are the nuances of this rapidly changing country and culture.

So – what can you wear as a traveller to India? Let’s get stuck in!

Dressing for Safe Travel in India

I’m guessing what brought you to this post is your desire to a) be safe travelling in India and b) be culturally appropriate and respectful while travelling in India. So firstly: Thank you for reading! The world needs many more sensitive travellers like you.

Secondly: Despite the warnings and cautionary tales, India is an incredibly rewarding place to travel, and the vast majority of female (and male) travellers who venture here do not experience any trouble. If you follow your common sense, keep an eye on your surroundings, and are aware of how you are perceived when deciding how to dress for travelling India, then it will increase your safety, too!

Rightly or wrongly – know that what clothes for India travel you choose does have an impact on how you may be perceived while travelling around India – especially if you’re venturing off the beaten path. Which is why how to dress in India as a tourist is an often debated topic.

Whatever you wear in India, if you don’t look Indian, you will stand out, and you can expect to be stared at and get attention. But wearing revealing clothes on top of that, can add some masala to the attention. Which you probably don’t want! Foreign women are sometimes perceived as “exotic” and naturally attract increased interest in what is still a male dominated society – so to mitigate that you will probably want to cover up more than you might at home (while staying cool).

Do’s and Don’ts of dressing in India

Based on my experiences of travelling in India, usually solo:

Do look around you: Take note of what local women are wearing, what areas of the body they are covering, and take your cues from them (I’m not saying you have to buy a saree but if everyone around you is in shorts, you’re probably fine in the same).
Do ask if you’re not sure: Ask local friends if you have them, ask other hotel/hostel guests, or ask tour guides for feedback on what you’re wearing if you’re really not sure.
If you’re at the beach, don’t wear swimwear off the beach, even just to cross the road to get your coconut water. Many of India’s beautiful beaches are actually in more conservative communities (depending where in the country you are) and not dressing properly causes offence. In Goa or at resort beaches, bikinis are fine, but on local beaches or waterfalls etc it’s better to swim partially clothed (a loose t-shirt over your swimsuit is a good idea).
Don’t ever sunbathe topless or skinny-dip. Even if you think no-one can see you, they probably can. And do you really want your chest going viral on WhatsApp?
Legs are bared more and more compared to a few years back. In places like Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh, wearing knee-length skirts are just fine. In Central/North India you’ll still find most women covering their legs with long skirts/trousers (pants)
Don’t show off your cleavage. Although sleeves are getting shorter and shorter, Indian women don’t like to display their assets publicly and the ‘dupatta’ (long scarf worn backwards across the chest) is primarily used as a ‘boob defender’ ;-).
Don’t wear spaghetti or thin straps unless you’re on the beach – but short sleeves / sleeveless tops (thick straps) are generally fine.
Do wear bright colours: Not only will they make your feel more cheerful, you’ll blend in to India’s rainbow of colour!

What Not to Wear in India

In general, unless you’re in a beach area, here are some things to avoid wearing in India as a female traveller:

Strappy tops & vests
Anything that shows cleavage
Short shorts or dresses (knee length and longer dresses are best, shorts should not expose your butt and are a no-go in more conservative cities/areas, like Agra & Varanasi)
High Heels! You will not need them unless you’re planning to go clubbing in Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore
Super tight, figure hugging clothes (but normal tight jeans are just fine, especially if worn with a loose top)

Dispelling a Few Myths

Given that India has been portrayed in a certain light in the media, travel advice tends so err on the cautious and a limited view of what it is like to live and travel in India has developed. Let’s be clear on a few things.

It’s not always hot in India. Depending on when and where you travel, you may need warmer layers too.
You don’t need to cover your hair in India (unless you’re entering a Sikh or Muslim religious shrine/temple/mosque)
You don’t need to wear Indian clothing – see more below!
Younger and city-dwelling Indians are just as likely to be sporting t-shirts and skinny jeans than traditional Indian dress. It all depends on where you are.
You don’t have to wear elephant or harem pants. India is loved as a hippy, backpacking destination but it is perfectly possible to travel here and look smart, too!
You can wear jewellery -maybe leave your diamond collection / family jewels at home 😉 but many Indians wear a lot of jewellery, so don’t be afraid to get some local jewellery for yourself, too (negotiate!).

Should you Wear Indian Clothes?

For my first solo trips to India, I followed the advice that wearing local clothing would earn me more respect and be safer as a solo female traveller. I headed out shopping and got myself a few kurtas (tunic style long tops with splits below the waist – they vary in length from waist length to below the knee), as well as a custom made salwaar kameez.

All of this was great fun and very inexpensive, but I found myself attracting plenty of attention and comments for my Indian-style attire, particularly in the big cities. I found myself wondering: Would I just have blended in better if I had been wearing western clothes?

The answer is probably yes, in some situations – and I’m definitely not advocating wandering around India in a saree. Here’s what I suggest:

In ALL of India you are just fine in western clothes – as long as you cover up in more conservative areas – t-shirts/shirts and jeans are always fine.
The main reason to buy & wear Indian clothes is because a) they’re beautiful and b) they can help with staying cool in the heat.
In rural areas and villages (where you’ll need to dress more conservatively), wearing a kurta top over your trousers can be a great way to fit in, dress respectfully and keep cool.
Some parts of India are more conservative than others – e.g. Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan are more traditional than Maharashtra, so local clothing as above for rural India can be helpful, especially if you’re going off the beaten path.
If in doubt: Look at what the local women of your age around you are wearing and use that as a barometer. In general, Sarees are the worn by married, Indian women, or for special occasions – and I don’t recommend wearing them out and about on your travels unless you are invited to wear one to a special occasion or event (such as a wedding) to avoid cultural appropriation. If you are gifted one or want to buy one as a souvenir, that’s fine!

What to Wear in India: The Essentials

Here are my recommended essential items for dressing in India for Women. Go for natural fibres / fabrics whereever you can as these keep you cooler and are more comfortable (plus they are better for the environment).

Accessories

Sunglasses – not only for keeping the sun out, but great for avoiding any stares from would be Romeo’s. I love ethical brand Pala Eyewear .
A secure handbag / purse. I love crossbody bags as you can keep them in front of you and on your person at all times (i’ve always used crossbody bags when travelling in India). A basic leather one is good, or for added security you can use a Travelon one which has additional security measures built in!
Jacket – If you’re travelling to northern India in Winter, then pack a compact light down jacket or windproof layer to keep you warm on cold winter mornings and evenings. I have been so grateful for my one like this many a time. A jacket is a must for wearing on Safaris in India too as it’s chilly before the sun comes up.
Scarves, Scarves, Scarves. Drape them across your chest, backwards like a dupatta (Indian Style), wrap them over your head in the heat, as a sarong on the beach, or around your shoulders to keep warm in AC. You will find so many uses for your scarf! We recommend 1 x Thin / light Linen, Cotton or Hemp Scarf and 1 x Thicker Shawl (which you can also use a blanket on AC trains etc)
Tunic tops / loose shirts or blouses – we love this one and this one
T-shirts – preferably made from organic cotton, hemp or bamboo such as these ones
Kurta tops – you can buy them online if you just can’t wait until you get to India 😉
Warmer Layer such as a fleece or hoodie and a light jacket if travelling to North India in winter (always take one warmer layer for air conditioned transport regardless of where you’re travelling in India)
High quality organic cotton/bamboo vest tops are useful for wearing under a blouse / kurta if it’s really hot and you don’t want to wear a bra – (personally I find they really dig in in the heat). Cotton layers actually help to keep you cool…

Bottom Half

Loose fitting harem pants or Linen trousers like these
Leggings (only wear under a long top that covers your bottom)
Jeans – skinny or regular (we suggest 1 pair is enough)
Modest shorts for the beach (not ones that expose your ‘cheeks!)
A long, loose skirt or Linen trousers like these – skirts are great for bus travel in case you have to go to the bathroom in nature! Make sure your long skirt is not too tight and doesn’t have tall slits in the side. (I saw a girl wearing a long skirt with thigh-high slits in at the Taj Mahal – and every man in sight was gaping at her.)
Maxi and Midi dresses are a great idea, to help stay cool and look stylish – get ones with sleeves if you can find them. Vibrant colours are much more practical than white ones which will get dirty super quickly.

Swimwear for India

A loose fitting kaftan or maxi dress can be handy if you’ll be hitting the beach
A bikini or swimsuit is fine for resorts or the touristy beaches of Goa and Kerala. On local beaches, waterfalls or in the countryside I suggest swimming with a t-shirt & shorts on as locals swim fully clothed.
Don’t ever walk around off the beach in your swimwear
I suggest taking a pair of sandals / flip flops for chilling out in (I love Reef who contribute to cleaning up beaches around the world). These are also super useful for visiting temples where you need to remove shoes.
A pair of covered pumps / canvas shoes such as Toms for travel and walking around cities to avoid your feet being filthy the whole time – light, neutral colours like grey / tan are best for not showing the dust and dirt
Hiking shoes if you’re going to be trekking (breathable ones are recommended and make sure you wear them in beforehand)
You can buy cheap “chuppels” in India (pretty decorated sandals) so leave plenty of space in your bag!

What to Wear for Yoga in India

Leave your tight leggings, racerbacks and spandex at home!
Loose fitting cool t-shirts
Baggy yoga trousers / harem pants

Yoga in India is a modest affair and you won’t see the tight yoga clothes that have become a staple of “western” yoga much. Try to bring tops you can tuck into your trousers to avoid flashing during your downward dogs!

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Knowing What to Wear and When

As you’ll see in my “should I dress in local clothing” section – I recommend adapting what you wear depending on where you are in India. The easiest way to judge this is to look at what people your age are wearing around you. In general, in cities and touristy areas you are fine in western clothing (but do stick to the rules of not showing your shoulders, chest or legs above the shin).

Even in some more touristic areas – notably Agra, Varanasi and other parts of central India, these regions are more conservative and you will want to cover more than you’d need to on the beaches of Goa. In other specific situations such as going on Tiger or other Wildlife Safaris in India you’ll want to be covered and wearing neutral tones – leave that beautiful bright red top at home.

ⓘ TIP: Travel Insurance is a must for India – we use and recommend World Nomads – Get your quote here !

What to Wear in India for Men

Ah, guys, you have it so easy! Much of the debate around how to dress as a traveller to India is related to women because of the traditional society that exists there. As a man you can wear pretty much what you would at home, although a few things to bear in mind:

Shorts are now much more popular in metro- India (the cities) as well as on the beach, and knee-length shorts are just fine.
Don’t walk around topless unless you’re on the beach
You don’t need to wear local clothing – even in villages. You’ll get a few odd looks if you wander India in a Salwar Kameez!
The best bet? Jeans / Chinos and t-shirts / shirts. We recommend light jeans and cotton t-shirts or polo shirts for a slightly smarter look.

Final Words of Advice

If you research in advance (like reading this post!) and do your packing right, you won’t have to worry about what to wear in India when you’re there! Job done!

Try not to pack too much – no-one likes lugging a heavy bag around while travelling – flexibility and items you can mix/match are the key. Last but not least save some space for shopping in India because there are so many beautiful clothes, scarves and accessories you’ll want to buy once you’re here!

Next step: Have an amazing time in India!

Plan Your Trip to India with Soul Travel India:

How to Plan your Dream Trip to India – Complete Guide

The 21 Best Places for Solo Female Travel in India

The Best Places to Visit in India – For Every Month of the Year

Can I Wear Shorts in India?

In touristy beach areas like Goa, shorts are perfectly fine, and in cities like Mumbai shorts are commonly worn too (by women as well as men). In other cities and in more conservative parts of India, shorts are to be avoided – and in any case make sure they are modest shorts rather than ones that leave your ‘cheeks hanging out!

Should I Buy Indian clothes for travel in India?

Only if you want to! Indian clothes are beautiful and you may find the colourful Kurta tunics hard to resist… but wherever you are travelling, western clothes are just fine as long as you dress respectfully. Out of respect for Indian culture, wandering around India in a Saree is not suggested.

What Swimwear is appropriate in India?

On touristy beaches (like in Goa & Kerala) and at resorts and luxury hotels, bikinis are just fine. A sarong is handy to cover up a bit while walking up and down the beach – and make sure to cover up as soon as you leave the beach/pool. In rural areas and for swimming in rivers & waterfalls you may feel more comfortable doing as the locals do and swimming in shorts and t-shirt.

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What to wear when travelling in India

Table of Contents

IF YOU ARE PLANNING to visit India, you may be wondering how to dress, you may want to know: What do female tourists wear in India? Knowing what to wear when travelling in India can really make a difference to the success of your trip. Before I left for my first trip to India, I found a great piece of travel advice on the Journeywoman website for women. Someone said, wear Indian clothes in India. So I did. From the start of my travels in 2005, I have largely worn modest, comfortable Indian outfits such as kurtahs (tunics), scarves, pashmina shawls, salwar kameez, Indian dresses, and even sarees. Yes, you can wear a saree (sari) in India!

I have been travelling extensively in India over the past 13 years and have had very few really negative incidents, so I think wearing Indian clothes has really helped. In spite of what you see in Bollywood movies , India is still largely a traditional society, and most Indians still favour modest, traditional clothing – and you may find that you enjoy your time in India more if you do, too.

Wearing modest clothing in India is a good idea for many reasons, and one of them is that it shows cultural respect. I also think it’s actually safer. If you wear skimpy, tight, western clothing, you could be sending the wrong signal. Read on for tips on how to dress and what to wear in India.

Tips on how to dress in India

What should tourists wear in India?

Women tourists to India have to pay more attention to modesty than they’re probably used to. If you are in some parts of Delhi , Mumbai, and Goa, you can get away with wearing western clothing, as long as it is not tight, skimpy, or revealing. But otherwise, you should always make sure your legs and cleavage are covered, and in many cases, also that your shoulders are covered. Flowing, loose, cotton clothing is ideal in India. It’s affordable to buy in stores or markets, it’s cool and comfortable, it shows cultural respect and it suits the need for modesty.

You can buy loose, flowing, cotton kurtahs (tunics) and trousers almost everywhere, and in every price range. Be warned, though: clothes at the lower end of the price spectrum (100 to 200 rupees) won’t last for more than a few washings!

If you are planning to travel in India, let us help you! We offer itinerary planning, India for Beginners custom tours , and much more to make sure your trip to India is filled with more magic … and less madness.

Can you wear shorts in India?

Shorts are not really worn in India, they’re not popular or traditional, and I would not recommend wearing them for sight seeing or in the city. However, if you are in a popular beach destination like Goa, shorts are acceptable — but please err on the side of modesty and avoid short-shorts or anything too revealing.

Can you wear jeans in India?

Jeans are super popular in India and everyone wears them. They are particularly suitable for wearing with a kurtah (long tunic shirt). However, a lot of the time it’s too hot for jeans, plus they take forever to dry after washing, and take up a lot of suitcase room. I would only recommend them if you know you will be travelling somewhere with cool or cold weather.

Can you wear leggings in India?

Yes! Leggings are huge in India, everyone (women) wear leggings with a kurtah (long tunic shirt) over top. Your butt should be covered by your top to pull off this look.

What should you wear in India for business

If you are going to do business in India, be aware that India is more formal than the west. Dress as if it’s the 1970s. Conservative and tasteful. A jacket and skirt (not too short) would work very well.

What should you wear when doing Yoga in India?

Yoga in India is different than Yoga in the west. People tend to wear loose, comfortable clothing rather than tight spandex. Read my Complete Guide to Yoga in India and What life is like in an Indian Ashram for detailed ideas of what to wear. You can buy inexpensive clothes in India that are perfect.

Where should I wear Indian clothes?

Wearing Indian clothes is a good idea if you are travelling out of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Goa — to any place that is remote, off the beaten tourist path, or traditional. For example, though Rajasthan is the Indian state most visited by tourists, it is still one of the most traditional and conservative. Personally, I think it is wise when in Rajasthan to do as the Rajasthanis do.

Also, wear Indian clothes, or at least something modest that covers your shoulders and legs, if you go to any social occasions, such as weddings, festivals (such as Diwali or Holi ) or to religious gatherings, temples, gurdwaras and mosques. This is also a good idea in places frequented by lots of tourists. Wherever there are a lot of tourists, there are also a lot of people who prey on tourists … and I have noticed they tend to go after people dressed like backpackers rather than the well-dressed.

For more tips on what to wear in India, check out my post Shopping in India: What to buy in India and the 24 Best places to visit in India .

Kurtah: How to dress when travelling in India

Try wearing three piece “suits”

Bring underwear and comfortable shoes and sandals to India, but not a lot of other clothes. Go shopping in India for three-piece salwar kameez sets (also known as suits). These consist of a long or short tunic, tight or loose pants and a long scarf, called a dupatta or chunni. Wear all three pieces together or mix and match. It’s common to wear a kurtah with jeans, for example. Buy cotton in summer and silk / cotton blend in winter. Stores like Fabindia , Anokhi, Cottons Jaipur, Killol are some of my favourite stores for buying wearable, affordable Indian clothes.

Go with the flow and fit in

Wearing Indian clothes has several advantages. It suits the climate and the need for modesty, plus you will fit in a bit better, and be less of a target for beggars and touts. You can get in touch with your inner hippie or backpacker in India if you like, but you will pay the price with a lot more hassles. If you are wearing Indian clothes, local people tend to respect you more and also treat you with more warmth, honesty, and openness. Try it and see what I mean.

Pack sensible shoes

You need good solid, comfortable shoes in India. The infrastructure is not always good so pavement is broken, potholes are everywhere and sewage sometimes runs freely in the streets. Bring good walking shoes and walking sandals with you, as they are not always easy to find in India. (On the other hand, very fun, blingy sandals are everywhere!) I like Skechers and Crocs.

TIP: Watch your feet. Speaking of shoes, feet and shoes are considered “unclean” in India. You may be asked to remove your shoes to enter people’s homes and you definitely have to leave your shoes at the entrance to temples, gurdwaras and mosques. There is usually someone there who will store them for 10 rupees. Also, never point or touch anything with your foot.

Cover up and dress modestly

As a general rule, make sure your legs and shoulders are covered, especially in religious or sacred places. Women in India are very modest about their breasts. They wear armour-like bras and then drape their dupattas over their chests. You will probably not feel comfortable in a thin, light bra; or in clothing that reveals your bra. This look is trendy in the west, but a taboo in India.

TIP: Splash out on jewelry. The modesty rule goes out the window for jewelry. Layer it on and the bigger the better. But be careful if it’s valuable. Don’t wander around displaying valuable rings, watches and other jewelry unless you are in an upscale neighbourhood or at a private social event, hotel or nice restaurant.

Pack a scarf and shawl … or two

In gurdwaras and mosques you have to cover your head, so it’s a good idea to always have a long scarf (such as a dupatta or chunni) with you. Shawls are also handy. Everyone loves Indian shawls – inaccurately called pashminas – and they can really come in handy for both modesty and warmth. Unless it’s meltingly hot, I usually carry one. India likes to blast AC and it can be cold inside, especially in restaurants and on trains.

Tip: Real pashminas, by the way, are very expensive: if someone tries to sell you one for the equivalent of $5, $20, $50 or even $100, guaranteed it’s not pure pashmina.

Try wearing a sari in India

Don’t be afraid to try a sari , especially if you are going to a wedding or other special event. You might want to get some help from a local for buying a sari. They are a bit complicated. For one thing, there is a mind boggling array of sari fabrics and styles, and also regional variations. Buying the right sari for the right occasion takes a lot of expertise and insider knowledge!

You will also need a sari blouse — these can be bought ready made or stitched from fabric that comes with the sari — and a petticoat. Plus, you will probably need some help wrapping the sari. It takes years of practise to master wrapping a sari. I go to a beauty parlour to get my sari wrapped when I go to a wedding (and get my hair done at the same time).

Buying and wearing Indian clothes, shoes, and jewelry is part of the fun of travel in India. So don’t be afraid to have fun, try some new looks, and splash out a little.

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Professional travel writer Mariellen Ward is the founder of award-winning Breathedreamgo. Mariellen has a BA in Journalism and has been travel writing and blogging since 2005. She has won many awards, including a National Tourism Award from Incredible India Tourism, and writes for some of the world’s leading publications including BBC Travel and NatGeo Traveller India.

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What to Wear in India – The ultimate guide for travelling in India

Last Updated on November 23, 2023

Whether it’s your first time travelling to India or your first time leaving your hometown to travel within India, what to pack has always been a challenging question. One of the most common doubts is what to wear in India. This subcontinent has various cultural traditions and norms, and it is essential to respect these norms. Besides that, India is a vast, diverse country, with different weather conditions across the region at the same time of the year. Taking culture and weather into account, dressing styles vary across different regions. What you wear in the South, in the month of June. would be entirely different from what you would wear in the Northeast. So, if you’re wondering how to dress for travelling in India, look no further.

what to wear in India - Packing essentials

Table of Contents

WHAT TO WEAR IN INDIA – REGIONAL BREAKDOWN

Urban india.

Every region in India has it’s own distinct cultural norms and traditions. Not to mention, terrain and weather conditions. So when you plan your trip, decide which parts of India you wish to visit. Metropolitan cities like Mumbai are certainly a good place to start, where the clothing can include jeans or loose pants and a light cotton shirt. You’ll find places like Mumbai, New Delhi or Goa to be less conservative. Being metropolitan cities, the locals are open minded and well versed with international trends. So your usual wardrobe won’t attract much attention in these regions.

Must Read: Street shopping in Mumbai – Dress like a local!

TOURIST TOWNS AND TEMPLES

As you travel into the interiors of the country, the attire becomes more traditional and modest. In order to blend in, it would be best to dress in a slightly more conservative manner. Women are expected to abide by several more cultural norms as opposed to men. This would include wearing clothing that is loose, with tops that cover the shoulders and bottoms that are knee length or below. As for men, shorts should be avoided, especially while visiting places of religious significance. One of the most handy tips is to keep a scarf along with you at all times. If you’re travelling up North, it’ll be cooler and less humid, so make sure you layer up with a thermal, jacket, and a scarf.

See Also: Navigating the Best of North India

One of the most comfortable attires to resort to, for women travelling in India, is light cotton pants paired with a long kurti. No matter which part of the country you are in, this is one outfit that will always be an appropriate choice of clothing. It’s comfortable, light and will help you blend in just right, thus avoiding any unwanted attention. At religious sights the dress code is more conservative. Men and women are expected to have their legs and shoulders covered and sometimes even their head, thus the scarf! If you’re uncertain as to what to wear in India, travel light and simply purchase a few outfits from local stores once you arrive in the country.

Must Read: Tips for solo female travellers in India

TRAVEL TIPS on how to dress in india

Seasonal clothing requirements.

The time of the year you decide to visit is paramount while determining what to wear in India. If you are travelling to India during the winter season, be sure to carry a warm jacket. Don’t be fooled by the sunny brochures. The temperatures drop considerably in December, especially in the Northern region. Fleece jackets are a good bet. However, if it’s summer you’re looking at, you want to carry breathable, lightweight shirts, long dresses and loose pants. Cottons are best for summer heat in India. Beach destinations like Goa, Gokarna, Pondicherry, are fairly relaxed when it comes to attire. Here, you can freely walk around in shorts, and wear swimsuits to the beach. One season to watch out for is the monsoon. It’ll be wet, soggy and humid for the most part. So you’ll need clothes that dry quickly, a pair of sturdy anti-slip shoes, less-maintenance outfits and a raincoat.

Explore More: Tips for US Travelers Visiting India

PACK FOR THE WEATHER

Being a tropical country, India experiences a mix of rainy, hot and humid, and cold and dry weather. Since it is such a large country, with weather varies depending on the region. Be sure to check the weather conditions while deciding what to wear in India and pack accordingly. Some monsoons can be exceptionally heavier than others and some hilly regions can turn out to be warm. A quick weather forecast around your travel dates will help you decide which clothes and accessories to pack. In any case, pack a hat, dupatta or scarf, walking shoes, a pair of shades, a light jacket and a good moisturiser, wherever you go.

Must Read: Best Time to Visit India

BLENDING IN CULTURALLY

India is a land of all kinds of festivals, whether they’re religious, food-related, seasonal, musical and even matrimonial! An Indian wedding is a sight to behold. So it’s a good idea to pack for at least one such occasion, should you be invited or inclined to attend! It’s important to wear modest clothing at such events out of respect for the locals, i.e. clothes that cover your body from neck to below the knees. A kurta-churidar set (loose collarless long shirt, with ankle-length leggingS) for men and salwar-kurtis for women should do just fine. But if you really want to dive into it, men can try dhotis (long unstitched piece of cloth wrapped around legs) in West Bengal or mundus (the southern equivalent) in Kerala. And women can try the popular saree (which has different styles of its own depending on the state of visit).

Also Read: Tips for UK Tourists Travelling to India

If you want to really blend in, buy these at a local shop:

Kolhapuri Chappals (slippers)
Dupatta (Lightweight Indian scarf)
Kurtas/Kurtis
Pajama (loose-fitting pants for daily wear)
Chudis and jhumkas (traditional bangles and drop earrings)

Plan Your Adventure: Best Time to Explore Kerala

It can take more than one trip to truly absorb and experience the vibrant culture of this subcontinent. At least you’ll know how to dress and impress the locals! Don’t hesitate to try on different traditional attire, it’s not only beautiful but also extremely comfortable. The memories you create here will last a lifetime, so don’t forget to carry your camera.

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What to Wear in India: 5 Tips + Outfit Ideas (2024)

Are you wondering what to wear in India as a woman? Then you have come to the right place! I spent over 8 months travelling in India so far and will share everything I know about what to wear here in this post.

Knowing how to dress in India as a female tourist can be a little challenging. India is a huge country, and when it comes to making your packing list , there are a couple of things to take into account, both regarding the weather as well as Indian culture.

This post covers the most important things to know about what to wear in India, and you will find inspiration to put together your perfect Indian travel outfit here too.

What to Wear When Travelling in India? 5 Essential Tips

1. Cover up

Even though there might not be an official dress code for tourists in India, this is a conservative country with a patriarchal society. It’s important to keep this in mind when you’re travelling here and to dress modestly .

This doesn’t mean you have to wear Indian clothes, though, unless you want to. The best way to dress respectfully is by covering your shoulders, cleavage and knees , and wearing loose-fitting clothes . Avoid spaghetti tops, short skirts, shorts and tight clothes (jeans are okay).

You may see women wearing spaghetti tops and shorts in Goa and in more liberal cities like Mumbai , Kolkata , Bangalore and Delhi , but this is definitely not the norm in the majority of the country. Most Indian women wear colourful saris.

It’s extra important to dress modestly in holy cities like Pushkar and Varanasi or when you’re visiting smaller towns and villages in the countryside.

As a foreigner, you will already stand out a lot and be asked to pose for thousands of selfies, so it’s better to dress appropriately.

2. Know where it’s okay to wear a bikini (and where it’s not)

The only places in India where you can wear a bikini are in Varkala and Kovalam – in the South of India – and the state of Goa – which is very different from the rest of the country. In Goa, bikinis are widely accepted and you will find plenty of bikini beaches .

This being said, the people of Goa, Varkala and Kovalam may be used to seeing women wearing bikinis, but this is not the case for local Indian tourists . This means that you might get some stares or people taking your picture when you’re wearing a bikini. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to let them know.

Do make sure to only wear your bikini at the beach, though, and not in the streets. Here, a beach cover-up or a sarong is your best friend.

In the rest of India, wearing a bikini is not acceptable (except maybe in 5-star hotels or resorts). Most Indians swim with a t-shirt and shorts on top of their bathing suit, and I would advise doing the same.

3. Keep the weather into account

India is an insanely varied country, with beaches, deserts and mountains, and the weather will vary depending on the places you visit and the time of the year. This is an important factor to take into consideration when deciding what to wear in India.

Although the seasons vary depending on where you are, India has four general seasons:

Winter (December to February): Winter is the best time to visit a big part of the country. The mountains are the only exception.
Summer (March to May): This time of the year will be scorching hot in most of India, but it is a good time to visit the mountains and hill stations.
Monsoon (June to September): The monsoon season is also a good time to visit the mountains. Many other parts of the country will be hot, wet and humid, though. I visited Rajasthan during the Monsoon and even though it was hot and humid, it didn’t rain too much and had its advantages too (cheaper prices, fewer tourists).
Post-monsoon (October to November): This is not the best time to go to the mountains, as it will start to get cold. However, the post-monsoon is the second-best time to visit the rest of the country. This being said, this season is not the best time to visit Varanasi, as the ghats will probably be flooded.

When the weather is hot, breathable, quick-dry fabrics like cotton and linen are the best choice. If you’re visiting the Himalayas or hill stations, however, you will want to pack warmer fabrics too.

Additionally, packing a raincoat and umbrella is a good idea if you’re visiting India during the monsoon .

You can find a complete packing list for India in the following post: India Packing List for Females .

4. Know what’s a no-go on religious sites

When you’re visiting temples, you won’t be allowed inside if you’re not dressed conservatively (shoulders and knees covered and not too much cleavage). It’s always a good idea to carry a scarf with you , as some temple guards are stricter than others.

Although I had my legs and shoulders covered when I was visiting the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, the guards asked me to cover up my arms with a scarf too, so I was happy to have one. You will also have to cover your head when you’re visiting Sikh temples or mosques, so your scarf will come in handy here too.

Besides dressing conservatively, you will also have to take off your shoes before entering a temple. For this reason, I find it easy to wear flip-flops or sandals when I’m visiting temples in India.

5. Always carry a scarf with you

Although I touched on this in the previous point, I think bringing a scarf is a tip that’s worth its own bullet point.

Scarves are one of these multi-functional items that are useful to bring on any trip, particularly when you’re travelling in countries like India. You can use it to cover up while visiting temples, as a blanket, as a sarong or even as a pillow when you’re travelling on the bus.

>> Read: South India VS North India: 9 Differences

What to Wear in India: Travel Outfit Ideas

The following outfits are ideal for most of the destinations in India. This includes Rajasthan , Goa, the Golden Triangle and the South of India , all year round.

If you’re going to hill stations or to the mountains , however, you will need to pack something warmer too. I’ve included a separate paragraph about that later in his post.

>> Read: Groping in India: How Common Is It?

White top | Blue top | Red top | Yellow top

When it comes to tops, loose shirts or blouses that cover your shoulders are the best things to wear in India. I would leave tank tops and spaghetti tops at home unless you can cover up by wearing a scarf or cardigan on top.

Although I love wearing black (and I did when I was in India), I would recommend bringing lighter colours to beat the heat.

Maxi skirts

Red skirt | Brown skirt | Blue skirt | Multicolored skirt

Maxi skirts are my favourite clothes to wear in India. These are comfortable, breathable and beautiful. You can opt for slightly shorter skirts as well, but make sure that they cover at least half of your calf.

You will find plenty of beautiful maxi skirts in India too, but it can be challenging to find skirts that are long enough if you’re taller than the average Indian woman (I’m 173 cm / 5’8″ and couldn’t find skirts that are long enough for me).

Loose pants

Beige pants | Striped pants | Red pants | Salmon pants

Loose pants are another essential when travelling in India. Not only are these comfortable in hot weather, but they’re also more conservative than skinny jeans, which makes them perfect to wear here.

It’s okay to wear jeans too in India. However, I’m not a big fan of bringing jeans on vacation. The reason is that they’re not very comfortable when it’s hot, weigh more, take up more space in your luggage and take ages to dry after washing.

Leggings , on the other hand, are also fine to wear in India, as long as you wear something on top (like a kurti , which is a long tunic, for example) that covers your but.

Maxi dresses

Blue dress | Pink dress | Green dress | Brown dress

Maxi dresses are a great Indian vacation outfit that will help you stay cool too. When picking one, make sure that it covers your legs at least mid-calf and that it covers your shoulders too.

If you can’t find a suitable dress that covers your shoulders, you can always wear a scarf on top of it, though.

Indian clothes

If you would like to blend in more, you can consider buying a shalwar kameez, this is a traditional outfit that’s widely worn in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh .

A shalwar kameez consists of three pieces: a top piece (kameez), pants (shalwar) and a scarf (dupatta). It’s super comfortable and the locals will love the fact that you’re wearing a local outfit (although this is not mandatory at all).

Although you can buy a shalwar kameez online, I would recommend getting one in India . This won’t only be cheaper, but it will make for a nice Indian souveni r too. However, if you can’t wait until you go to India, you can find them online too .

Alternatively, you could buy a sari too, but I don’t think these are as comfortable as a shalwar kameez, especially for travelling.

Beige cardigan | Green cardigan | Orange sweatshirt

If you’re visiting India during the winter , it can get colder during the evening. Therefore, it’s good to bring some layers too. The same goes if you’re going to visit hill stations or are heading to the mountains .

Even though you probably won’t need a cardigan during the summer in most parts of the country, I think it’s always a good idea to pack one just in case. When you’re travelling by AC train or bus, for example, it can get pretty cold on the way.

>> Read next: The Cost of Travel in India: How Much Does it Cost?

Shoes and accessories

Besides clothes, you will need comfy shoes and some useful accessories for your trip to India.

When it comes to shoes, I would recommend bringing flip-flops and/or walking sandals and sneakers . These are the best type of shoes to wear in India. If you’re planning on hiking or trekking, hiking boots can come in handy too.

Other essential accessories for India are scarves and sunglasses . I personally like bringing a small backpack too. I travelled with the one in the picture above all over Asia and love it. The only downside is that it doesn’t fit my big camera (in fact it does, but I can’t put anything else in it then), but apart from that, it’s perfect to bring with you while exploring.

What to wear on the beach in India (only for Goa, Kovalam & Varkala)

Sunglasses | Sun hat | Sarong | Bikini | Beach cover-up

If you’re planning on heading to the beaches (the best time to go is during the winter), then you will need to bring some swimwear too. Note that bikinis are only suitable for Goa , Kovalam and Varkala , however.

In the rest of India, wearing a bikini is not acceptable . Indians wear shorts and T-shirts to swim, and it’s good to do the same in other places.

It’s good to know that if you stay in luxury hotels or resorts that have a pool, swimwear is allowed too.

I won’t get into detail about this in this section because I mentioned everything you should know about wearing a bikini in India earlier in this post .

Outfits for the Indian mountains

If you’re going to the mountains, you will want to pack warm clothes and hiking boots as well. How warm these clothes need to be, depends on the season and places you will visit.

The best time to go to the mountains is during summer (March to May) and in the monsoon season (June to September). During the winter, it gets extremely cold there (-5°C to -30°C or 23°F to -22°F). So, make sure to research what to wear in the mountains in the winter if you plan on going there at this time of the year.

What to Wear in India: FAQs

Is it okay to wear shorts in india.

It depends on where you are. It’s okay to wear shorts in Goa or in touristy areas of more liberal cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. However, it’s not appropriate to wear shorts in most parts of India. That’s why I would avoid packing shorts for a trip to India.

Can you wear sleeveless tops in India?

Yes, it’s fine to wear sleeveless tops in India as long as they’re loose-fitting and cover your shoulders. If they don’t cover your shoulders, you could also wear a scarf on top, though.

What type of clothing do people wear in India?

Although in cities, many people wear Western pants and t-shirts, the majority of Indian women wear sarees or kurtis (a long tunic), while many men wear lungis or kurtis. Indian traditional wear differs from state to state, though.

Can you wear jewellery in India?

Yes, it’s totally okay to wear jewellery in India. You will see that Indian women love wearing lots of jewellery too. This being said, I wouldn’t bring my most expensive bijous if I were you.

>> Read next: How to AVOID Getting Sick in India: 10 Tips You Need

What to Wear in India: Final Thoughts

I hope you have found an answer to all of your questions concerning what to wear in India in this post. Do let me know in the comments if I have forgotten something.

One final tip I can give you is to pack light when travelling to India. It’s a huge country so you will likely move around a lot and, on top of that, there are many beautiful clothes and accessories that you can buy in India too. This is a great way to find something original and support the local economy at the same time.

In conclusion, India is a conservative country and it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and dress accordingly. I hope these tips and outfit ideas will help you do just that.

Enjoy your travels in India!

Are you travelling to India soon? Check out my Indian travel itineraries next:

India Travel Planning Guide

🛫 Find the cheapest flights to India on Skyscanner . 🏨 Find the best accommodation via Booking or Hostelworld . 🛺 Download the Ola app to order a rickshaw or a taxi. 🚃 Use 12GoAsia to book trains and buses in India. 🚗 Rent a car with Discover Cars to get the best rates. 💰 Get travel insurance via VisitorsCoverage , one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies. 👘 Check out my complete India packing list for females . 📋 Don’t forget to check if you need a visa to visit India.

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

What to wear in India: A packing guide for women

After booking a trip to India and the planning gets underway, most people’s first question is “but what should I wear?” Fortunately it’s actually pretty easy for women to pack a slim suitcase for the average sightseeing trip, since India isn’t the type of place you’ll need to be dressed to the nines in.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that it’s a conservative country, which means avoiding bare shoulders, cleavage and lots of leg. Here’s a complete packing list for what to wear in India.

What to Wear in India: Clothes

Flowy dresses and skirts: Pack dresses and skirts that are loose, and long enough to cover the leg to at least mid-calf. Dresses that cover the shoulders are best, but if you’re having trouble tracking one down then simply cover up with a light scarf.

Pants: One pair of jeans and a couple pairs of pants should be enough, and you can buy colourful, flowy bottoms in the markets which are great in hot weather.

Shirts: Leave the tank tops at home, and instead pack a handful of breathable t-shirts and a couple of light sweaters.

What to wear in India: woman walking in Jaisalmer

Leggings: Bring along a pair to wear with the tunic or saree you’ll inevitably end up buying once you get to India.

Jacket: Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool, so pack a cute bomber or thin down jacket.

What women should pack for a trip to India

India Packing List: Accessories

Shoes: Unless you’re there for a fancy event such as an Indian wedding, leave the heels behind and only pack comfy, sturdy shoes.

A couple pairs of closed-toe shoes such as Converse sneakers or ballet flats will keep your soles happy during long days of sightseeing, and you’ll want one pair of sandals as well. Those planning on trekking in areas like Ladakh should pack a pair of hiking boots.

Bathing suit: India isn’t much of a beach spot, but those heading to areas like Goa will want to bring one along. Leave the thong bikini at home though, in lieu of a more conservative one-piece.

Scarves: Scarves are one of the travel essentials for India, as they’re so versatile. Pack at least a couple of pashminas (or buy a few while you’re there—they’re everywhere!) as these come in handy in many situations. Most women end up draping them over bare shoulders, over their head when entering a mosque, or pairing with a t-shirt. Scarves also add a nice pop of colour in photos—hello Instagram!

Travel hack: Wear one scarf and keep another tucked in your day bag. That way, you can swap them throughout the day so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing the same outfit in all your photos.

RELATED: Globe Guide’s tried and tested, all-time favourite travel accessories

Travel Essentials for India: Miscellaneous

Visa: A visa is the most important thing on your traveling to India checklist, as all foreign visitors are required to get a visa—unfortunately the process is notoriously painful. The online e-VISA program is a welcome change from when you used to have to submit an application in person, but can be quite buggy so be sure to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure there’s enough time to submit it and get approval (which usually at least a few days).

It’s extremely important to print off a copy of the visa form once it shows as “granted”, since most airlines won’t allow passengers to board the plane to India without seeing confirmation of a valid visa.

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: Hand-washing is key to keeping away germs, especially in a country of more than one billion people.

Insect repellent: As there are many areas throughout the country where malaria is present, protection is crucial.

Vaccinations: Depending on what country you’re arriving to India from, certain vaccinations such as yellow fever may be required. Check out this list of recommended vaccines.

Kleenex: Keep a packet in your bag, since chances are you’ll find yourself in a washroom without any toilet paper at some point.

About The Author

Tamara Elliott

8 thoughts on “what to wear in india: a packing guide for women”.

This is just awesome. Thanks for putting them all in one place. Great effort.

Thank you. This information was very helpful. Time to shop!

Hi Deborah, so glad you found this helpful! Where in India are you heading?

Both men and women should wear pants and avoid tank tops when visiting India. In India, women should wear long skirts that reach the ankle instead of pants if they want to look like a local. While T-shirts are permissible, err on the side of modesty. The country has a bad reputation for being a dangerous place for solo female travelers. Among the tumult of impressions, large population, heat, dust, and noise that new visitors to India must contend with, solo female travelers must also contend with safety concerns.

@Tamara Elliot I’m heading to Manali India in March 2023 trying to see what I can pack as don’t want to spend much do you know that area? I’m thinking jeans & boots plus long coat plus something nice if I go to dinner any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Thanks for your information about clothes. i am read your article i am very impressive.

Are sweatpants acceptable on women tourists or frowned upon ?

Depends- a nice fitting pair of black leggings would totally work!

What to Wear in India: Unveiling the Cultural Kaleidoscope

Embarking on a journey to India presents a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences and vibrant landscapes. As you prepare for your adventure, choosing the right outfits can enhance your comfort and style while immersing yourself in the beauty of this diverse country. In this guide, we’ll explore the best India outfit ideas for travelers, along with recommendations for where to find the perfect attire.

Discover the best India travel ideas and pack your bags for an unforgettable adventure!Choosing the Right Attire:

Comfortable and Breathable Fabrics:

India’s climate varies widely, from the hot and humid plains to the cool mountain regions. Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to stay comfortable throughout your journey.

Modest Clothing:

Respect for local customs and traditions is essential when selecting your outfits. Choose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites.

Versatile Pieces:

Pack items that can be mixed and matched to create different looks, saving space in your luggage and ensuring you’re prepared for any occasion.

Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring India’s bustling cities and historic sites. Consider bringing a pair of sturdy walking shoes for long days of sightseeing, as well as sandals or flip-flops for hot weather.

Local Attire:

Kurtas and Salwar Kameez: These traditional Indian outfits are widely worn by women for their comfort, elegance, and variety in fabrics and designs.
Dhoti and Kurta for Men: In some regions, men wear traditional attire like dhotis with kurtas, though this is more common in rural areas.

Juttis or Kolhapuris: These traditional Indian shoes are comfortable for walking.
Flip-flops or Sandals: Useful in hot and humid weather and easy to slip on and off.

Accessories:

Light Scarves or Dupattas: Apart from covering your shoulders, they can add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
Bangles and Bindis: Depending on the region and occasion, you might find these accessories interesting to explore.

Colors and Fabrics:

Bright Colors: India is known for its love of vibrant colors, so don’t be afraid to embrace them in your clothing choices.
Cotton and Silk: These fabrics are breathable and suitable for the varying climates in different parts of the country.

Weather Considerations:

Monsoon Season: If you’re visiting during the monsoon season, a lightweight rain jacket or poncho can be helpful, along with quick-drying clothes.
Winter Wear: In the colder regions or during winter months, a light jacket or sweater might be necessary.

Hygiene and Laundry:

Quick-Dry Undergarments: In humid conditions, clothes may take longer to dry. Quick-dry fabrics can be convenient.
Laundry Services: Most hotels and guesthouses offer laundry services, and in larger cities, you can find local laundromats.

Best Places to Shop for Outfits:

Local Markets: India’s markets are a treasure trove of unique clothing items, from colorful textiles to handcrafted accessories. Explore markets like Delhi’s Chandni Chowk and Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar for an authentic shopping experience.
Boutique Stores: Many cities in India boast boutique stores offering a curated selection of clothing and accessories. Look for boutique stores in trendy neighborhoods or upscale shopping districts for stylish finds. For yoga clothes, the best place to go is Rishikesh.
Ethnic Wear Showrooms: For traditional Indian attire like sarees, kurtas, and lehengas, visit ethnic wear showrooms in major cities. Brands like Fabindia and Biba offer a wide range of options for both men and women.In Vrindavan, the best clothing shop is Gangotri .

Incorporating the best India outfit ideas into your travel wardrobe allows you to embrace the beauty and diversity of this captivating country while staying comfortable and stylish. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, bustling markets, or serene countryside landscapes, choosing the right attire enhances your travel experience and ensures you’re ready for every adventure that awaits. So, there you’ll find information about the best India outfit ideas. Pack your bags with versatile and respectful clothing choices, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through India’s rich cultural tapestry.

What to Wear in India: Mumbai, Goa, and Kerala

Asia Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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India is a magical country and each of it’s Indian States is quite diverse. The south was entirely different than the north so much so that it requires it’s own packing list. Find out what to wear in India if you’re traveling to the South!

I have to be honest with you. India is the country that changed my life back in 2007 and while I’ve been yearning to come back ever since I’ve also been a bit hesitant. It’s a magical country but it’s also a tough one to travel for various reasons I won’t touch on too much in this post.

Seven years later, I finally returned to this magical country and this time to the Southern West Coast and WOW – this was nothing like the north.

Minimalist South India Packing List

includes 2 Tops + 2 Bottoms + 1 Dress + 2 Layers + 2 Pajamas

For my 2015 travels to India, I packed slightly differently. Instead of packing everything I needed I took less clothes with five core pieces which formed my travel capsule wardrobe for 3-4 months travel: two tops, two bottoms, and one dress.

I traveled to Mumbai, Goa , and Kerala so my plan on what to pack for india was slightly different than my first trip with clothing from the above tips on what to pack for india.

Take a look at my complete India packing list !

While many women travel India alone and are perfectly safe I know there are also others that would love to come here but are a bit hesitant. If that’s you, come to the South first!

It is like night and day to the north!

Shop this outfit here .

Mumbai is a major cosmopolitan city and is super chilled out in comparison to Delhi . It’s the gateway to the Southwest of India so make sure to spend a few days here on a self-guided walking tour, local food tasting, and don’t miss the Dharavi Slum Tour by Reality Travels .

Treat yourself to a good night’s rest after your long flight by staying at the Taj Majal Palace Hotel. You can read my review here!

Local women in the city are fashion forward but I’d say the majority I saw during the day wore a long sleeve cotton tunic paired with jeans and nice sandals. I did see some women wear sleeveless tops with jeans but not as many as those that wore longer sleeves.

You may not be used to the heat so wearing jeans depends on your ability to withstand the heat and humidity. When planning what to wear in India, airy cotton or rayon tops of any sleeve length paired with breezy pants or long skirt would work well. You can also buy harem style pants upon arrival if you prefer.

TFG suggests: harem style pants plus Nike trainers isn’t the most stylish look so always remember to pack comfortable sandals as well and don’t count on your trainers as your main comfort shoe. Read these guidelines for more tips on how to choose travel shoes .

Goa shopping is amazing while totally impractical for travel. If you’re only here for a short time then go crazy and stock up on beautiful boho chic threads especially at the Saturday Night Market in Ampora.

North Goa is filled with European and North American expats and the girls all look like models heading to a music festival in the desert. Think festival fashion or buy it here . This is totally not at all what you expect when you plan what to wear in India. Skin is in.

There seems to be one common uniform amongst the expats: strappy tank tops with long flowy skirts and leather biker boots. Super cute but a total surprise.

You can pretty much wear anything in the beach cities of Goa so standard beach attire (or even less) works. For partying head to Anjuna and Baga; for more chilled out beach time try Morjim and Ashwem.

I didn’t go to the South but I understand it’s more chilled out and the beaches are more beautiful. I’d say Northern Goa beaches were pretty but the more South I traveled the more picturesque they seemed.

Want to pack light, use packing cubes to compress your clothing as shown in this video!

Fort Cochin is the gateway to Kerala and one or two days here suffice. Hire a rickshaw for a city tour or do it yourself. The ferry is a fun and cheap local way to cross from the train station to the fort area.

For Cochin (Kochi) a maxi skirt or harem pants plus tank top or short sleeve would work. This is also probably a good look for the train rides as well.

Most travelers make their way to Allepey to do one of the famous houseboat tours and this is definitely NOT to be missed! They average around 5000-10,000 rupees. I managed to get a “luxury” option for 8500 rupees and I was happy with my splurge. Don’t expect luxury to western standards unless you’re dropping double or triple the cash.

For budget options you can also do a canoe tour instead for about 1000 rupees; or alternatively ride the local ferry up to Kottayam (or down to Allepey from Kottayam) for less than one US dollar. I did all three and they were each unique and enjoyable.

When planning what to wear in this part of India I’d suggest a similar look to Cochin, comfortable airy clothes to keep you cool as the humidity rises.

If you’re heading South to Varkala stock up on airy cotton tops plus shorts or sundresses and prepare to enjoy the sunshine Cliffside. It’s absolutely stunning and you can easily find beachside accommodation. If your palette needs a break from the curries check out Temple Coffee for the best burritos outside of Mexico (okay maybe outside the States).

Varkala was one of my favorite places to hang out but if you’re in the mood for a retreat, I highly recommend Mundax where I spent one blissful week. It’s a small and intimate homestay so if you’re looking for an intense yogi ashram experience this is not it. I loved it so much more. It was absolutely perfect for what I needed. Read my review on Trip Advisor !

It is very important to plan conservative yet light, airy clothing for trips to India. While cities like Mumbai and beach destinations like Goa may have a more relaxed “dress code”, it is still imperative to respect the local culture and dress accordingly.

Even if you’re planning a beach vacation, bring a pair of long pants and long sleeve top you can wear to venture outside of the beach.

General Travel Info

Make sure to book any trains well in advance using cleartrip.com and if you don’t, head to a local travel agency. I learned they have a stash of train tickets even when it says their sold out on the website.

The trains are a pleasant way to make your way down to Goa and Kerala. 2nd class is comfortable but don’t be surprised if there’s trash everywhere.

More Travel Outfit Ideas

Please keep in mind that these tips on what to wear in India are specific to Mumbai, Goa, and Kerala. One of the best tips I’ve ever heard when planning your clothing is to “travel to see not be seen”. Once you’ve arrived take the lead from the locals and dress according to your comfort level (and theirs).

What are your tips on what to wear in India? Please comment!

For more Asia packing tips, please read:

10 Step Packing Guide for Southeast Asia
What to Pack for India + Packing List
Do’s and Don’ts of Women’s Travel Clothing in South East Asia
Thailand Packing List: Islands, Beaches, and Buckets

Suggested Travel Resources:

Hope you liked this post on what to wear in India. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Thank you for this. My husband and I are traveling to Mumbai in February and this will be very helpful!!

Hey… Nice article.

I want to go to Goa with my husband and I love to flaunt in Goa by wearing Bikini 😉 but my hubby won’t allow me to do this. 🙁 What should I do now?

Please give me some ideas… 😀

Hi Tisha, most travelers wear bikinis in Goa on the beach. You should have no problem. I fact, the fashion in Goa is pretty fun! Take a look: https://travelfashiongirl.com/goa-shopping-in-india/

I would recommend that for most months of the year, to wear light cotton khakis with tunic tops if possible. Dress conservatively in most parts of India (not show too much skins, low cuts, shorts etc – capris or long pants but in light fabrics will be perfect). If you can dress as local women do in long tunics and salvars you will remain cool and not stand out too much. India is a fascinating country but respect the local culture.

Thank you for your helpful tips Mala!

I hope you enjoyed your trip to Mumbai. Its an interesting article but i beg to differ about what to wear in Mumbai. Mumbai is just like any other cosmo city in the world whether it is Milan, New York or London and you can wear just about anything you want from shorts to micro minis. Yes of course if you are visiting the slum area its better to stay more conservative, but other than that whether you are going to the mall, party, shopping, eating out or the famous beaches, you can wear just about anything. Everyone is Mumbai is out and about in their stylish best from shorts to overalls and mini skirts.

Hi Style Destino, totally agree! Yes you can definitely wear anything. As mentioned above “Mumbai is a major cosmopolitan city” and “local women in the city are fashion forward”. The items mentioned were based on what was the most common type of clothing observed while walking around sightseeing during the day. What’s your favorite sightseeing outfit?

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What To Wear In India - Essential Packing List

As a traveler, the clothes you will pack for a trip should be your best ally in the face of intense or unexpected experiences you can have in an exotic place, and that is exactly what it is all about when we choose distant lands as a travel destination, most likely we will find ourselves with a reality totally different from ours.

So, you should take into account what kind of clothes you should bring and what you simply should leave at home, since it is not enough knowing that is a tropical place to be suitable and above all comfortable. For this reason, the best decision is to take some time to read this India packing list. The first thing you need to take into account about choosing what clothes you should pack to travel to India is:

Describing the general idea about ??a clothing list for visiting the places of India would be a difficult task to achieve, owing to its extensive territory, which is diversified among its places, climate and customs. Understanding these facts, we have designed a summary according to these aspects details.

1. Weather and Places

Indian climate of each city varies according to weather and distance between them. In this sense, a key for determining your packing clothing list is a previous knowledge about which weather will exist during the trip dates. Indian climate can be classified into three seasons, such as:

Summer or Pre-monsoon Season (lasting from April/May to late of June) - May usually is the hottest month for northern regions of India whereas April is the hottest month reaching temperatures average around 45°C in western and southern regions. Big cities with urban increase are usually the places with the most suffocating temperatures in contrast the mountainous areas of northern India. There is usually a dry climate with a moderate heat temperature thanks to the near location with Himalayas (cold zone) . Also Read : 35 Best Places to Visit in Summer in India
Monsoon or Rainy Season (lasting from July to November) - This season begins after the summer, starting in the country’s southwest which gradually sweeps across the country through heavy rainfall followed by storm clouds. This rainy period is characterized by developing a lot of humidity and heat. The most affected is southern zone because it is nearby to the coast where rains can flood the cities. Frequently, the state of Tamil Nadu which touches the extreme southern tip of Indian peninsula can extend the monsoon period until December. Also Read : Top Ten Places to Visit During Monsoons in India
Winter (occurring from beginning of December to end of February) - This period presents a very cold temperature by northern where the snow dominates it, especially in territories which are closer to Himalayas as is the case of Dharamshala or Leh. On the other hand, in the northern plains (Rajasthan) is dominated by a tropical arid and semi-arid climate, although it is usually a dry and very cold weather. In the rest of the territory keeps much warmer than corresponding temperate regions. In fact it is the highest tourist season.

With this classification, you can identify clearly under what climate class you will be according to your travel date . In this way you are able to choose correctly what kind of clothing is suitable for the travel season. But these facts solves only half doubts. Because context, it means, certain places and traditions can demand some clothing conditions, mainly in women’s case (mostly occidental ones), who usually catch most Indians eyes (women, men or children).

This territory was established by a monarchy quite a few rich and ancient where currently is the epicenter of four of the most influential religions in the world as they are: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism which play a central and definitive role in the life of this nation and most people presenting in their philosophy, current affair, speak and clothing. Although, most Indian major cities are more tolerant of Western clothing such as shorts, mini-skirts or shirts with bare shoulders. It would be great you should adapt some clothes to Indian context as a sign of respect for their culture.

3. About Temples

In all temples (although some temples do not demand it to you directly) it is advisable to cover your shoulders and head with a Dupatta or any clothes (in the case of the woman) and to walk barefoot in temples (both for men and women). However, it is important to follow the etiquette requirements for entering temples as those of Sikhs and Tamil Nadu, for example- To enter Sikh temples it is necessary to have your legs fully covered, also shoulders and head. But in the case of Tamil Nadu temples, it is imperative to wear traditional clothing such as: Dhoti with traditional top or formal trousers and shirt (for men) and Saree, half Saree or Churidar with top (for women).

India’s Top 5 Hindu Temples
Top Places for a Temples Experience in South India
Top 10 Temples in Rajasthan you Must Visit

Once read all these facts, bellow we present the following packing clothing list option. So it besides being very useful, you will look very adequate when you get there.

Clothes you Must Pack for India

For any of seasons or places.

Pashmina or scarf (you can buy it there but better be sure to bring one)
Long loose pajamas
Cotton underwear
Sandals or shoes easy to doff (to go to the temples)
Rubber or hiking shoes (for rural areas)
T-shirts or light sweaters (not necklines nor transparencies)
Baggy and long pants made of cotton or linen

For Northern Zone in Cold Season

If you are heading to the mountainous areas of northern India , it is advisable to pack:

Thermal shirt
Long-sleeved shirts in cotton or a material that retains heat
Polar fleece
Warm sweater
Winter boots
Hat or balaclava to warm head and ears

For Northern Plains, Central and Southern Zone

If you are going to the sand and camels territory , stay in the capital or you will make a tour of all India in summer or even monsoon time it is advisable to pack:

Loose shirts (or sweatshirts) short sleeves or ¾
Baggy pants or ¾
Baggy churidar (Cotton or linen )
Raincoats (for rainy weather)
Waterproof boots (for rainy weather)

For Coastal Areas

If you are heading to south for enjoying beaches , it is convenient to take :

Dresses or skirts (preferably long)
Swimsuit (one piece preferably)
Pareos beach
Hats or caps

Other Essentials to Pack

Scarf or hat ( something to protect the head of the sun )
Sheet or fabric to cover ( as a precaution )
Mosquito net ( as a precaution )
A handkerchief or small towel (as a precaution)

What to Buy in India

Although you are already super equipped for traveling, India will always surprise you. The traditional Indian dresses are part of this magnificent magical place. For this reason, if you want to be into the whole experience of this wonderful destination and also capture spectacular photos dressed as a maharani or a maharaja, we suggest you buy:

Saree - There is a great diversity for being practically an Indian cultural symbol. There are Sarees made of cotton, chiffon or linen with hand embroidery on the tips and glassware, as well as spectacular Sarees made on looms.
Pashmina - Soft with hand-printed prints by wood blocks stamps.
Dupatta - It is a kind of veil which can also put it on the neck as if it were a scarf.
Jewelry - Beautiful costumes of large stones with vibrant colors. The Indian jewelry is characterized by very striking designs, as a symbol of abundance and wealth.
Dhoti - It is a long rectangular garment made of cotton that men commonly wear, it worms around the waist and to join it passes between the legs, forming a wide and fresh pants, which is very consistent with the warm climate of the area.
Kurta - It is a kind of ethnic long tunic of cotton that is usually combined with the Dhoti. This dress can be found in two styles; Angrakha, which is tied in a cross style and jodhpuri, which is the kurta simple style, it is distinguished by its embroidery and patterns. Currently, Kurta is usually worn by both women and men.
Salwar kameez - It is a baggy pants (wide) that is tight to ankles, this pants is used mostly in the north mountainous areas. It is commonly worn by both men or women too.
15 Best Things to Buy in Varanasi
Famous Handicrafts to Purchase in Taj Mahal, Agra
The Best Places to Purchase Handicrafts in India

Taking into account all these suggestions, you will be ready to pack the right and essential in your suitcase or traveling backpack. Remember that each place is a completely different world and the interesting thing about traveling to each one of them is all they can teach you from a different perspective than your own reality.

What Do I Need To Travel To India ?
15 Essential Tips to Know Before You Travel To India
Top Things That First-Time Indian Visitors Should Know
22 Interesting Things To Do In India Before You Die
How to Get India Tourist Visa – A Complete Guide
Is India Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
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Look Like a Local: What to Wear in India

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India is an incredibly diverse and vibrant country that is continuously changing and growing as the years go by. From the Himalayan mountains to the Indian ocean’s coastline, the weather and the climate vary from region to region. No matter if you’re planning on studying , interning , working , or adventuring abroad in India , it is important to be aware of the local dress code and what to wear in India.

Look Like A Local: What to Wear in India

What visitors in India are expected to wear differs depending on the location, but Indian culture values modesty—so trust that the dress code in India for tourists and meaningful travelers follows suit. If you travel to a large city, you may be able to get away with slight variations on how to dress in India. However, it’s best to always err on the side of caution (and research), so take a look at the following advice on what to wear in India :

Tips to dress to look more like a local in India

1. cover yourself.

Parts of India, especially small or religious towns, feel that showing skin is provocative. Both men and women travelers should have pants and avoid tank tops as clothes to wear in India. In India, attire for women (if you really want to look like a local) includes long skirts that go down to the ankle instead of pants. While T-shirts are acceptable, always err on the side of modesty. Pack plenty of long-sleeved shirts; not only will you be showing respect, but you’ll also be protecting yourself from the sun and those pesky mosquitoes.

Woman in traditional Indian dance costume with her hands painted in henna

Dressing modestly (and colorfully) is in India’s dresscode!

2. Pack Light

Since the temperatures can soar during the summer months in India, be sure to pack light-weight cotton shirts and trousers. Just because it’s recommended you wear pants and long sleeves doesn’t mean you need to be uncomfortable. Speaking of packing light, India is one country that you shouldn’t overpack for. Laundry and clothes are cheap, so plan on washing and re-wearing your duds often and you’ll be able to buy new clothes if what you packed isn’t acceptable for what to wear in India.

Traveler in front of a temple in New Delhi, India

Pack lightly to save some room for clothes you’ll buy on your adventure in India!

3. Traditional Can Be Good

Yes, you are trying to look like a local, but this doesn’t always mean wearing traditional clothing in your country of choice. However, in India, buying and wearing traditional pieces is a good idea, especially if you plan on visiting temples and other religious sites. For women, saris, churidars, and kurtas are all good options. A sari is unstitched cloth that is wrapped around your body. Unless you’re living with a host family that can teach you how this works, you might be better off purchasing a kurta and churidar. A kurta is a long tunic that can be worn with churidar, or leggings that bunch at the ankle. For men, light-weight shirts and trousers can be found at a bargain in most cities.

Traditional is colorful in India

4. Loosen Up

When in India, you shouldn’t only aim to cover your skin, but you should also be sure that your clothes aren’t clinging to your skin. The dress code in India for tourists and meaningful travelers plays fast and loose. Dressing modestly means not showing all of your curves or muscles. To be respectful and ward off any unwanted attention, pack loose-fitting clothes. This doesn’t mean you need to travel in a shirt twice your size; just leave the skin-tight stuff at home.

Loose-fitting clothes are the norm here!

5. Heads up on Religious Sites

This tip is an important one in regards to how to dress in India. Some religious sites have specific requirements on what visitors can wear upon entering. For example, in Sikh temples, it is disrespectful to enter with an uncovered head. Luckily, many sites have scarves for visitors to borrow, but you can bring your own if you have one. In some Hindu temples, leather is prohibited. This includes belts, so do your research ahead of time and prepare accordingly. All religious sites require shoes to be left outside and knees and shoulders to be covered.

Incredible sites like the Taj Mahal are not to be missed – Make sure you’re prepared!

Suggested travel programs in India

If you’re looking into how to dress in India because you want to gain some meaningful travel insight, consider jumping into one of these programs and making your dream adventure come true:

AIFS - Study abroad in the modern city of Hyderabad and dive right into life in India. While earning up to 16 credits for school, participants also get to go on excursions to incredible cultural locations including Delhi, Agra, and Mumbai.
Volunteering Solutions - Volunteer in Delhi, India, and really get immersed in the local culture. With this program, participants work at a children’s orphanage where they exchange cultural views and offer love, support, compassion, and education.

Be “In” with India

Like with any new country, it is important to research and know the ins and the outs ahead of time, so that you’re fully prepared to immerse yourself in the new culture (and so you know what to wear in India). As long as you remember that modesty is the hottest key to success when figuring out how to dress in India, you’re golden. Pack these clothes to wear in India in your carry-on and adventure to the Burj Khalifa and beyond!

Review Your India Travel Program Now

Explore Programs on GoAbroad.com

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By GoAbroad Writing Team | 5 days ago

By Raquel Thoesen | 5 days ago

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34 Top India Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Asher and I have studied meditation and spiritual practices for over 20 years and have been to India a combined 11 times.

Packing for India is the major leagues of travel. Staying healthy and safe requires research and first-hand intel — and we’ve done our best to help prepare you. While the chaos of the city is not for the faint of heart, the land of the Vedas will be sure to awaken your mind, body, and soul.

Below are my top “must-have” items to help you stay safe and healthy, plus what to wear in India , what NOT to bring, and FAQs to make your trip even more incredible!

34 Top India Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

What to Pack for India – 34 Essentials

1. water bottle with built-in filter.

Finding good drinking water in India is paramount, and we DO NOT recommend drinking unfiltered water under any circumstance. Keep in mind “filtered water” at a hotel or hostel can also be dodgy, and I’d only drink bottled water from one of these three reputable companies: Bisleri, Kinley, and Aquafina.

Any other water source, I would run through a Grayl water bottle . It removes all bacteria, viruses, chlorine, and other pollutants from the water and is essential if you get stuck in a sticky situation with no bottled water nearby. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s an investment in your health and will give you peace of mind.

India is known for Delhi Belly, parasites, and waterborne illness that affects almost 40-million locals each year… Don’t gamble with giardia, E. Coli, or typhoid.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. India Power Adapter

After trying countless different brands, I decided to take matters into my own hands. My company, Hero Travel Supply, sources and sells these quality power adapters that are individually tested in the USA. Every order also comes with a corresponding free ebook that teaches you how to avoid frying your electronics in India. I wrote this comprehensive guide based on years of experience dealing with India’s unpredictable power supply, which can ruin your devices (I know because my $2,000 Macbook got fried)!

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

India is the most targeted country for cyberattacks in the world, with the U.S. ranking far behind it. There have been major data breaches, and you do not want to risk your bank account being drained or your identity being stolen in India. You may not realize it, but when you join unsecured Wi-Fi networks, such as at hotels, cafés, or airports – you are putting your passwords and credit card details at risk of being hacked. The good news is a VPN will protect you with just one click! You don’t want your information compromised like ours was at an Airbnb in Paris.

Additionally, India’s Internet censorship is a massive problem and is still on the rise. To ensure you won’t get blocked from certain websites that you require access to while traveling (Netflix, Hulu, Paypal, work applications, etc.), I recommend using NordVPN . It is surprisingly affordable and too crucial to forgo.

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Neck Wallet

You obviously need a passport and visa for India travel, but I also recommend you get a neck wallet. You can conceal money, credit cards, and travel documents under your shirt so you don’t risk losing them or being robbed. Many times I’ve had beggars put their hands in my pockets, and you must be prepared for real poverty in some areas. But since my valuables are tucked out of sight, I’ve never had anything stolen. This one also has RFID-blocking material to prevent e-thieves from scanning your bag at popular, crowded attractions.

5. Charcoal Tablets (Food Poisoning Remedy)

Activated charcoal is an incredibly effective way of stopping diarrhea and dysentery (Delhi Belly). India is known for common food poisoning, parasites, and waterborne illness that affects almost 40-million locals each year… No matter how careful you are, there is a good chance you will experience some tummy upset while there. This supplement works as a magnet in your body to quickly absorb the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem. Whenever I have any sign of diarrhea, I take 2-4 tablets, and typically within 1 or 2 hours, I am back to normal – they are literally lifesavers!

PRO TIP: We suggest only eating food that is piping hot, fresh, and from reputable busy restaurants with high turnover. Steer clear of uncooked foods like salads and cut fruit as they may be teeming with bacteria. If you still end up getting Delhi Belly, make sure you have adequate support. Ask your hotel or tour company to organize a doctor. Bacteria in India is no joke and killing it sooner rather than later is crucial.

Charcoal Tablets (Food Poisoning Remedy)

6. Travel Insurance for India

Don’t gamble with your coverage while overseas. Your domestic provider will not follow you across your at-home borders, and travel insurance is a non-negotiable for issues like flight cancellations, baggage loss, theft, medical emergencies, transit issues, etc. The last problem you want to face is paying out-of-pocket for an international hospital bill, and India is not the most predictable place to visit. I would personally not visit this fast-paced (at times chaotic) country without protecting my travel investment through comprehensive coverage.

Faye is the best provider we’ve used because you can custom-create a policy based on each trip. Using factors like your destinations, trip budget, and preferences – Faye personalizes your coverage with protection like emergency medical care and even the ability to “cancel for any reason,” (which is rarely offered by affordable insurance companies and offers a whole lot of flexibility!) It’s inexpensive and you won’t regret having it.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

7. Cooling Towels

India can get humid and HOT, and air-conditioning is hard to find when you are out and about. It is not even available in some accommodations, so traveling with this cooling towel is essential. I don’t enjoy feeling overheated, and this chemical-free towel provides instant relief. I simply wet it, wring it out, and place it around my neck for 30-60 minutes of reprise. To continue feeling cool, I just repeat the process. It even comes in its own case so my other belongings don’t get damp when I pack it away.

8. Anti-Pollution Disposable Mask (KN95)

In major cities like Delhi, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Agra – pollution levels are very high. What most people don’t know is that air pollution is worse during the tourist season, from October through March. Farmers are burning stubble to clear harvests, locals burn plastics and oils to stay warm, and more. You don’t want to breathe that in, so we recommend having a breathing mask at all times. This KN95 mask filters out 95% of particles. Wear these in the mornings and evenings when vehicle smog is heightened due to traffic.

9. Hanging Toiletry Bag

India’s bathrooms can offer a wide range of experiences. You may have a luxury stay, or you may encounter some private and public bathrooms that lack storage space and adequate sanitation… and some toilets will literally be a hole in the ground… Just keeping it real guys! Regardless, you’ll appreciate having this hanging toiletry bag that hooks onto any door, wall, hook, pole, etc. We’re obsessed with the sustainable design that offers 4 large compartments on the inside and 3 external pockets for smaller items like floss, medicine, and jewelry.

You’ll feel like a master of organization since it creates a shelf-like system in any room, helping you maintain your skincare, haircare, and hygiene routines (as well as your sanity). You’re welcome!

10. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

Between the number of trains, auto-rickshaws, and taxis you’re bound to take in India, it’s important to secure your bags with luggage locks. You’d be surprised just how quickly a thief can get into an unattended bag, often working in teams or distracting you with street shows, falls, and using children as diversions. With your luggage securely locked, you won’t have to stress about keeping an eye on it every minute of the day. I’ve been there, and it’s no fun.

11. Female Urination Device

Okay, don’t get weirded out by this one. India is a place with limited toilets, and when you do find a toilet, they are often absolutely disgusting. For guys, this is not a problem because we can stand at the side of the road to pee, but for women, that’s not possible. Indian ladies have mastered the art of squatting discreetly without mooning curious onlookers. This little device enables Western women to stand and pee with no mess and no embarrassment.

12. Luggage Straps

These lightweight luggage straps are an easy addition to your packing list. This extra layer of protection centralizes the weight and takes the pressure off of your delicate zippers. The last thing you need when you arrive to India is for your suitcase to explode open due to overpacking or rough mishandling (which happens to more than 25 million bags each year!) And sadly, it’s way more likely for your bag to get damaged or lost during an international journey vs. domestic, due to the potential for more layovers.

Use these adjustable belts that can withstand 700+ pounds of force tension. They will take the brunt of any roughness and fit nearly any sized-bag, remaining lightweight despite the heavy-duty belts. They’re also TSA-friendly in case of a random inspection. My favorite perk is the identification factor – brightly-colored straps that allow me to instantly recognize my bags in the chaos of baggage claim, and the built-in ID card means someone can contact you if your belongings get lost.

13. Packing Cubes

Adjusting to the new environment requires a cultural recalibration period, and you’ll be seriously jet-lagged after 24+ hours of travel. All of this can make your mind a bit hazy, but packing cubes make it so much easier to stay organized. You’ll know exactly where everything is because you can label each organizer (tops, bottoms, essentials, excursion items, etc.). Spare yourself from digging through a messy suitcase or throwing things around the room to find them!

Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO”.

Or view them on Amazon.com ➜

When traveling to India, we love to wear the local garments! There will be plenty of opportunities to buy pieces on your journey, but having some from the jump is important to ensure you don’t show off too much skin or draw eager eyes. One thing to expect is that the locals will observe and often want to take pictures with you because you look so exotic! So it’s best to do what you can to blend in and respect the culture. Bring along 2-3 tunic-style tops that will get you started on your travels (here is one for men ).

15. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Indian hotels may (or may not) have towels – and a guest house or lodge usually will not – so bringing your own is a thoughtful provision. Indian bath towels are also thin and not very absorbent, but this travel towel is made with microfiber material that dries 10x faster than cotton. It’s very lightweight and multi-functional, I use them for basic needs like drying off and wiping away sweat, but also for more creative endeavors like seat covers, picnic blankets, beach towels, etc.

16. Travel Backpack

Remaining hands-free will be the key to exploring with all necessities on hand. This backpack is super lightweight (weighing less than 1 pound) and is made for travel. It was a serious discovery for us because others were three times the cost at half the quality! When it’s not in use, you can fold it up compactly into its own zippered compartment. It’s truly exceeded our expectations.

17. Windproof Travel Umbrella

Face the monsoon-prone weather of India head-on with a windproof umbrella. From spring to summer months, you’ll find the pre-monsoon storms that can blow in the famous Loo winds. By summer, downpours and floods are common. And by autumn, many areas are still experiencing bouts of loitering rainfall. Basically, you’ll need it year-round! This umbrella also comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

18. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

The last thing you want is a dead battery during long days of adventuring, and power grids aren’t always reliable throughout India. This charger has seriously saved us when we were far from the hotel, didn’t have the address, or needed to call for a ride (or India’s version of Uber, an ‘Ola’). Not to mention, this charger can be powered on a foreign electricity grid with dual voltage, so it’s a safe bet for India.

19. Discounted Tickets to India’s Attractions

Get Your Guide is our favorite booking service for excursions that will add a breath of life to your trip. They even offer skip-the-line tickets so you don’t have to stand in a line for hours or risk being turned away from fully-booked attractions.

For your time in India, you MUST visit 1/7 of the world’s wonders, the Taj Mahal , and there are many temples and palaces to explore, like Swaminarayan Akshardham and Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple .

Beyond the grand sights, we recommend making time for down-to-earth activities that will show you the authentic India – things like food tours , the elephant caves of Mumbai, and a cooking class with a local chef. There are also fantastic day trips to cities like artistic Jaipur , upscale Hyderabad , and historical Bangalore .

Discounted Tickets to India’s Attractions

See all India attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

20. Waterproof Picnic Blanket

From the beaches of Goa to the ruins of Hampa, there are so many amazing spots to hang out and marvel at India’s beauty. But to be direct, India can also be quite dirty, so bring along a waterproof picnic blanket to ensure you always have a clean surface to sit on. This material repels moisture and will prevent any muddy grounds from seeping through and creating clothing stains. Most tarp-like blankets are stiff and crinkly, but this one is soft and cozy!

21. Shawl / Modesty Cover-Up

A beautiful shawl is a must for India. The culture is very modest, with influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Islamic faith. Even if you are dressing like a local (in a Kurta or a Punjabi), women keep shawls around their necks and cover their heads as an additional layer of modesty. Keep in mind that men aren’t used to seeing women who show skin, and it’s important not to attract unwanted attention. You will also need a shawl to enter many sacred sites as they do not allow uncovered heads or shoulders. This wrap will hide any plunging necklines or bare arms, displaying a sign of respect that the locals will appreciate.

22. Electrolytes

Electrolytes save lives on a daily basis. When someone has dysentery or diarrhea, they get very dehydrated, and in extreme cases, this can lead to death. I’m not trying to scare you, but this highlights the value and importance of having electrolytes if you get sick. Even if you don’t get sick, it is important to stay well-hydrated in India’s extreme heat. These satchels can easily be added to your bottled water for an extra boost of hydration.

Pro Tip: You can get electrolytes cheaply in India, but in my experience, they are low-quality and taste horrible.

23. Immunity-Boosting Kit

Your health is only as strong as your immune system. Support your immunity with these key products that naturally strengthen the body:

Elderberry Gummies – These delicious little gummies deliver a powerful punch of elderberry extract (vitamin C and Zinc), packed with regenerative antioxidants.
Echinacea Goldenseal Pills – These combat inflammation in the body, reducing the risk of a cold, flu, or sinus infection.
Probiotics – Your gut is directly related to your immune system. Probiotics are a proven way to support the healthy bacteria that your body uses to kill harmful bacteria. Strengthening your gut will make you less vulnerable to the common plague of traveler’s diarrhea.
Zinc Spray – Zinc is a very underrated nutrient. As a key treatment for anemia, diabetes, diarrhea, and other common ailments – it can be used to mitigate flu symptoms. We’ve found that this spray particularly soothes an itchy throat (which you may experience due to India’s air pollution).

24. Beautiful Long Skirt

Known as a Sari wrap skirt, this vivid piece is another perfect way to honor the conservative fashion of Indian culture. Jeans are becoming increasingly common here, but absolutely zero women show their legs. This said, India is hot! So wearing something modest but breathable is a wise choice. Also, for many sacred palaces and monasteries, your legs need to be covered below the knee.

25. Walking Shoes

In India, you will constantly be taking your shoes on and off. You will want something durable and comfortable to protect your toes from street debris — which there is A LOT of. We actually had monkeys throw poop at us once on our way to a temple, and the floor was also covered… Yikes! I recommend these water-resistant Crocs that are easily washable in case you get anything nasty on them (I prefer these over flip-flops because of the protective element). Here’s a pair for men .

26. Water-Resistant Shoe Bags

Speaking of kicks, you’ll want these water-resistant shoe bags to prevent your dirty footwear from touching your clean items. The streets in India are extremely dirty, and who wants street-funk all over their beautiful wardrobe?! Asher took these on his recent trip to India, and they came in very handy after his shoes were soaked during a hike along the coast. They keep the grimy things separate and the material doesn’t cling to dirt so you can easily shake it out.

27. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

This cell phone case is a great little, affordable invention that will save your iPhone or Android from the dust, dirt, and grime of India. Additionally, if you’re going for a boat ride on the Ganges or the Keralan backwaters, it will save your device from accidental water damage. It even makes it possible to take underwater photos. It’s a small investment with a big pay-off!

28. Deet-Free Mosquito Wristbands

India is known to have cases of malaria, but the problem is that malaria medication has horrible side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. I personally prefer to take all the measures to not get bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. In my experience, these mosquito repellent bracelets, in addition to using insect repellent and wearing long pants at dawn and dusk, provide the best natural protection.

29. Packable Sun Hat

The sun is brutal in India, and UV rays can be harsh year-round, so be sure to pack a reliable sun hat. Most travelers find that their hat looks like a disheveled hot mess once pulled out of a suitcase. BUT! This one is made to be collapsable and foldable, which means once unpacked, it will return to its original bouncy shape. It’s a great find and also has a wide-brim hat for shade and a built-in sweatband.

30. Aloe Vera

Enhance your sun protection routine with this organic aloe vera. It’s a desert plant that contains antibacterial properties known to speed up the healing process. On Asher’s most recent trip to India, he was at a ceremony on the Ganges and got super burned, even during the winter time. There was no easy way for him to get Aloe Vera, so we knew this needed to be added to our list. Put it in a cooler for an even more relaxing sensation!

31. Travel First-Aid Kit

It’s inevitable that you’ll get a cut or scrape or some little thing that would need a first-aid kit. The item I use most is band-aids to help prevent infection in a wound. I also like to put honey on the cut before I place the band-aid because it acts as an antibacterial shield. There are drug stores (chemists) all over India, but it’s nice to come prepared with basic, lightweight, quality first-aid equipment.

32. Travel Toilet Paper

Believe it or not, toilet paper is still mostly unused in India. Only the more expensive hotels carry it. When you’re out and about, you will be hard-pressed to find a place that has any at all! This compact travel toilet paper is more practical than the TP you use at home, which is thick and bulky. Travel TP goes further because it’s more absorbent and also has no core in the roll for thinness. Plus, this brand is biodegradable.

33. Compression Flight Socks

I seriously regretted not having compression flight socks on my last 15+ hour flight… As a young, fit person, I underestimated how much pain my legs could be in at such drastic elevations in a pressurized cabin. These socks are worn by flight attendants and passengers alike to maintain a healthy blood flow and prevent swelling. It’s a valuable preventative measure that you’ll be happy to have. Don’t forget the jet lag relief for lengthy international flight days.

34. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

One of the first things I do in India is visit a local dress shop and buy some traditional Kurtas or Punjabis in order to stay respectful and flow seamlessly in and out of temples. You’ll also be doing plenty of shopping for Sarees, Pashmina Shawls, Ayurvedic products, spices, and other local Indian goods – so be sure to pack this “just in case” bag for those unforeseeable purchases. It’s an easy addition to any suitcase and counts as your personal item on the return flight home.

Other India Packing List Items

India travel insurance
Homeopathic medicines
Motion sickness patches
Hand sanitizer
Jet lag relief
Feminine items
Dried fruit
Almond butter
Thermal underwear
Dental Floss
Lock for door (cheap hotels)
Lock for suitcase
Mosquito net
Travel backpack
Baby travel accessories
Mini tripod
SD cards for camera
Rechargeable AA batteries
Small cheap computer
India Power Adapter
Transformer/converter
Gifts for India
Best personal item bag

I also recommend you bring digital copies of all your important documents , including passport, visa, driver’s license, bank info, and credit cards. Just in case. A simple way to do this is scan or photograph them and then email them to yourself.

What to wear in India?

For both men and women, the main rule in this very conservative country is to avoid flaunting bare skin as much as possible. Of course, things are more lax in tourist hotspots like Goa and Varkala, but it’s still more respectful to tend toward modesty.

Expectations are less strict for men, and Indian men now commonly wear casual Western clothes, but it still pays to be modest. Interestingly though, I’ve rarely seen an Indian man wearing shorts.

City wear/everyday wear: In Mumbai and Delhi, Western dress is perfectly acceptable. You’ll see as many Indian women wearing jeans and t-shirts as saris. The case for covering up is the same, though – it’s best not to wear clothes that are tight or revealing. Go for light, comfortable clothing.

Temple Wear: Covering up is not just recommended here – it’s essential. Many temples have a dress code, and won’t allow you entry unless your head AND shoulders are covered. In 2016, Madras actually enforced a ban on all western clothing in temples, refusing entry to anyone wearing jeans, shorts, skirts, short sleeves or tight leggings.

Your best bet is a long, loose skirt (calf or ankle length) and a plain, long-sleeved top or shirt. If you don’t have long sleeves, a long scarf draped over your shoulders should be fine. Wear shoes that can be easily removed, as you’ll be leaving them at the door anyway.

If you want to be really respectful, then a Kameez top or a full Sari will be the best received. This is what Lyric (my wife) wears when in India.

Going Out: The same applies: cover up. India’s cultural and tourism minister issued a statement last year imploring foreign female tourists to refrain from ‘skimpy’ clothes, particularly short skirts and dresses. It’s actually a matter of personal safety.

City wear: Dress is less strict for men, but it still pays to be modest. Dress according to the season.

Temple wear: Covering your arms and legs is just as important for men as it is for women. Don’t wear jeans or other western items such as leather belts. Loose cotton pants paired with a respectable shirt should be sufficient but if you really want to be respectful, wear a white Indian kurta/pajama set. I like to wear a dhoti (cloth wrapped around waist extending to ankles) when I go to temples.

Packing for the Seasons in India

Winter – december, january, february, (partially) march:.

Winter is, logically, the coldest and best time of year to visit most parts of India (though temperatures are much warmer in South India). Dress according to how comfortable you’ll be in the temperatures, and plan to bring appropriate cold weather gear if you’re in the North ( hats , gloves , light jacket or fleece ) as appropriate for the activities and elevations you’ll be experiencing. Temperatures in the north (Delhi) average between 45°F to 75°F (7°C to 24°C), and in the south (Kochi) between 73°F to 90°F (23°C to 32°C).

SUMMER – (Pre-Monsoon Season) April, May, June:

This is by far the hottest time to visit India, and believe it or not it can be a dangerous time. April and May are the hottest months, and can bring some interesting weather.

The north can get intense pre-monsoon storms which carry hail, and the famous Loo winds blow in the north during the summer.

When packing for India during the summer, be very sure to do your research about the specific regions you’ll be visiting and staying in. Pack light, quick-drying clothes and items that can cover you for sun protection while keeping you cooler – think long-sleeved linen shirts , quality sun hats , linen pants , sunglasses , etc. Temperatures in the north (Delhi) average between 80°F to 102°F (27°C to 39°C), and in the south (Kochi) between 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C).

MONSOON – July, August, September:

As you might guess, Monsoon season is very wet. Monsoon rains are what drive India’s agriculture-based economy, so it’s a very important, albeit soggy, time of year for the country and its inhabitants.

FALL – (Post-Monsoon Season) October, November:

During Indian autumn, drier and cooler air spills across the Himalayas and clears the skies, bringing the sun back into the picture. This is a windy season, so layers are important, as the wind can bring uncertain temps in some parts of India. Many areas experience lingering, dwindling precipitation, so you should absolutely plan to have rain gear and a windproof umbrella on-hand. Temperatures in the north (Delhi) average between 60°F to 90°F (16°C to 32°C), and in the south (Kochi) between 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C).

Check out this helpful guide from Mariellen Ward on the 24 best places to visit in India by month

What NOT to bring to India

1. don't bring too many clothes..

You can buy clothes cheaply in India and can get the local dress so that you fit in better and feel more comfortable 🙂

2. DON'T PACK valuables in general.

Unless it’s absolutely necessary, why risk it? Valuables such as: passport, credit cards & cash I carry concealed under my shirt in my passport pouch.

3. DON'T BRING bulky towels.

Instead bring a simple travel towel.

4. DON'T TAKE too much cash.

ATMs are the safest way to get local cash and they are everywhere across India.

5. DON'T BRING expensive jewelry.

It’s just not worth risking losing it or getting it stolen.

6. DON'T TAKE other unnecessary electronics.

Again because of the chance of it getting ruined by the power supply and the excess bulk.

7. DON'T BRING too many books.

An e-reader like the Amazon Kindle can be a great option because it’s light weight and has a 3 week battery life.

8. ON'T PACK too many toiletries but do bring your favorites.

Your special products are probably not available in India but generic soap, shampoo and toothpaste etc is widely available.

9. DON'T TAKE nice shoes.

They will get dirty no matter what. Sandals or Crocs are best.

10. DON'T PACK your computer.

Unless you really need it and it’s a lightweight, cheap one (such as a Chromebook ) that you don’t mind getting fried by the irregular power supply or stolen.

11. DON'T PACK more than one set of warm clothes.

India is a hot country (unless you’re in the Himalayas) and it’s rare to be too cold. I only bring one good, lightweight fleece and one pair of long pants plus a scarf or shawl.

12. DON'T TAKE anything that isn't suitable for your destination.

Do your research on weather and location specific needs before you go to India so that you are prepared without having too much bulk in your luggage.

FAQs about travel in India

1. how do i avoid getting delhi belly.

The most likely cause of Delhi Belly always comes down to contaminated food or water .

Therefore, the best way to avoid getting a bout of diarrhea is to be extra diligent with hygiene around meals and with any beverage. I highly recommend you only eat freshly cooked, piping hot food. Avoid all salads or fruits that have been washed with tap water. Only drink quality bottled water and never have ice in your drinks. Avoid street food or anything that doesn’t look clean. Always wash your hands with sanitizing wipes before meals. Trust me, you don’t want to get Delhi Belly. I know from experience, it can cause you to be bed ridden for a week! 🙁

2. What items are NOT readily available in India?

While many pharmaceutical drugs are available in India, you may prefer to bring the items you’re used to. Other miscellaneous items that are most likely best to bring from home include your preferred brands of contact lens solution, dental floss, shampoo/conditioner, feminine hygiene products, makeup, underwear, supplements and energy bars… etc!

Body lotions and sunscreens that don’t contain skin-bleaching formula are sometimes difficult to find. Pale skin is highly coveted in India and most Asian countries, so many skin care products contain some form of “whitening”. This may or may not be what you want!

Clothing and other gear made from 100% cotton or wool is sometimes pricey and/or difficult to find. Much of the clothing available in tourist areas is made of rayon or polyester or other synthetics, which isn’t so comfortable in hot weather and not warm enough in cold weather.

Quality sunglasses and shoes that aren’t knock offs can be hard to find. Also, I’ve found that almost always, electronics such as camera or computer equipment is both hard to find and way more expensive than in the US.

3. What’s the best way to deal with pollution in India?

India has some of the worst pollution levels in the world, worse than China. I’ve found that the #1 way to deal with the extreme pollution is to get out of the big cities like Delhi and Mumbai as soon as possible. This means finding places to visit that are less populated and more in the countryside or coastal areas. For example, small towns in Kerala generally have way less pollution than anywhere in Northern India near Delhi. See this map for live Indian pollution levels.

Additionally, I highly recommend you bring a quality dust mask like the Cambridge Mask . This will allow you to breathe without inhaling as much toxic fumes, pollution, smoke and dust.

4. How do I avoid getting scammed?

There is no question, India is full of scam artists from street beggars to tricky taxi drivers and even the Mafia. The biggest advice I have is to simply say “no thank you” when approached by someone selling something. Don’t give money to beggars (who are typically scammers in disguise). And know where you’re going, what your hotels name is and the address when getting in a taxi or rickshaw. Read my full list of the top 27 scams in India for all the details.

5. What are some good souvenirs to bring home from India?

Handwoven scarves, pashminas or tapestries are quintessential “Indian” pieces that can be easily packed into a suitcase. Scarves and pashminas make a great conversation piece when you return home, and tapestries can become bedspreads or wall-hangings. Try to find out the back story of items you purchase – you don’t want to be supporting an industry of slave labour. Also, be hyper of aware of fake pashminas. The best way to test if they are real is to take a thread and light it on fire to see if it melts (synthetic) or burns like a candle, turns to ash and smells like hair burning (this is likely real pashmina). You may also like to check out “fixed rate” shops that are recommended by a high end hotel to find the authentic dealers.

Spices such as masala, turmeric and cardamom are the perfect way to bring the tastes and smells of India home with you! They should stay fresh for months.

Indian musical instruments such as the flute and sitar make a fantastic gift – and could encourage you to get more musical!

Jewellery is available everywhere in all forms – wooden, bone, leather and sterling silver. Easy to wear and carry. Again, make sure these items are real and fairtrade.

6. What kind of bag and suitcase should you bring to India?

Backpacks are definitely the easiest to move around with – and India requires a lot of moving around! Backpacks can be squeezed into train/bus luggage racks or under seats, and obviously, they go where you go. The size of your backpack depends on the bulkiness of your gear, but it’s a good idea to choose one with lots of zip compartments and pockets, so you can find stuff quickly.

Suitcases are less suitable (especially the four-wheeled spinners) for India’s rugged road surfaces and tight spaces, but they do make life easier if you’re staying in a place for a long period of time. I personally like this Samsonite wheeled duffle for the best of both worlds.

7. I'm healthy, do I really need to get Travel Insurance?

YES. Travel insurance is a must. You never know what, where or when something could go wrong – and in India, anything can go wrong. Losing your wallet or tripping down a flight of stairs can ruin your entire trip – not to mention swallow up a hefty portion of your funds. Consider also that things can go wrong back home, which may mean an unexpected flight back. Travel insurance covers all the things that you don’t want to happen but CAN happen.

Even if nothing goes wrong, having a good travel insurance provider takes care of the “what if?” worry that’s bound to niggle away at the back of your mind – which means you can enjoy your trip more! Use this widget to get an instant quote.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

8. Do cruise-lines stop at ports in India?

There are several companies such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Princess that all make stops in India. The itineraries often also include the Middle East and/or Southeast Asia and are typically around 2-weeks in length. We’ve heard reports that even if you don’t get off the boat when at an Indian port, you still need a visa. Also, see our cruise packing checklist for cruise specific packing ideas.

9. What about vaccines? Should I get all the ones that they recommend?

Vaccines and medications for India are a very personal choice and some of them do have negative side effects such as Malaria medication. Talk to your doctor about what vaccinations you may or may not need. Chances are you have already had most recommended vaccinations as a child. Otherwise, the CDC website provides a comprehensive list of vaccines recommended for India at any particular time. Remember that outbreaks do occur from time to time, so it’s important to do your research.

Asher Fergusson

Huge India Packing List (Everything in One Checklist)

03 February, 2022

Priscila Moscoso

36037 Views

This page may contain compensated links. For more information read our disclaimer .

This post helps both men and women choose what items to include in their India packing list. Comes with an awesome free printable so you won’t forget a thing!

CONTENTS OF PACKING LIST FOR INDIA

❶ Safety in India ❷ India Packing Essentials ❸ Clothing (Women) ❹ Clothing (Men)

❺ Shoes for India ❻ India Weather ❼ Got Any Questions?

There are very few things anyone can say to truly prepare you for India . The only thing I can tell you is to be ready for an adventure of a lifetime .

Putting some thought and attention to detail into your packing will make sure you are able to enjoy all that India has to offer. Read on and take notes of our India travel checklist below.

We also have HUGE packing list for general round the world travel which includes literally every item you could think of. Be sure to have a read of the post so you know you’re prepared and have thought of everything before you set off on your trip to incredible India!

What to Know Before You Go to India

Whilst putting together your packing checklist for India, make sure you have the vital things such as travel insurance, have a valid visa, and have looked at communication options (SIM cards are difficult to get in India).

Have the contact information for the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country, and always carry a copy of your passport and entry stamp. Remember to leave your actual passport securely in your hotel.

Also, everyone you talk to about India will tell you to protect yourself against malaria. However, malaria tablets have some undesirable side effects, so it will be up to you to look into taking those before going to India.

I recommend you check the CDC website to see if you need other vaccines before travelling.

Are you here for the FREE checklist? Download it here . 😄

Safety in India

Whilst ticking off your ‘packing for India travel list’ you should also do some extra reading and research on being street smart.

Don’t let scam artists take advantage of you as an unsuspecting and unprepared tourist. Know where you are going, address, and hotel name, when getting into a taxi or rickshaw. Don’t give money to beggars, and say a firm “no, thank you” to street vendors.

I recommend you only eat freshly cooked hot food, avoid fresh vegetables or fruits, especially if you don’t know how they’ve been washed. Avoid street food if it looks questionable or if you only have a short time in India (so as not to ruin your short trip).

Finally, if you are a solo woman, take a read of my experience of Varanasi for Holi for some tips on how to stay safe! Now read on and enjoy my travel to India checklist below!

India Packing List Essentials

Wondering how to pack for India? This is our ultimate India packing checklist to ensure you won’t forget a thing!

✔ Passport

Your passport! Obviously the first thing on our India backpacking list. With AT LEAST 6 months validity from the time you plan to return to your home country.

✔ Drivers License

If you intend to hire motorbikes, rickshaws or cars.

✔ Travel Printouts

Of flight itineraries, scans of your passport, etc. In India, you will need to prove your exit. Or you could use a cool app called TripIt to store all your itineraries and bookings.

✔ Indian Visa

Another absolute essential on our India travel packing list! Citizens of almost all countries need to secure a visa BEFORE coming to India. Use this website to find out the requirements for your Indian visa.

✔ Lifestraw Water Bottle

In India, drinking bottled water is a must (double-check the seal on the bottle you buy is unaltered). But if you find yourself in a situation where there are no water bottles available, I suggest you take this rather than just the straw as it is more convenient. Be careful of ice! You won’t know if it was made with sanitised water. This is a must on the packing list for India!

✔ Anti-Theft Backpack

A secure backpack makes our India travel list. Travelling through airports, trains, and big crowds, you need a backpack that will keep all your valuables safe. We recommend this backpack. For more info, check out this post: the best anti-theft backpack for travel .

Choose the ones that you feel most comfortable with. Noise levels in India are really high because of festivals, music, and honking. Carry the ones you wouldn’t mind sleeping with every night.

✔ Hand Sanitiser

Pack one that contains at least 60% alcohol. You will be exposed to a lot of germs in India, so a travel size one is a must in the bag you will take everywhere. I also suggest that you carry one that smells nice. The smells all around can be overwhelming, so putting a bit on your hands or a cloth handkerchief and covering your nose and mouth will help you avoid those smells.

✔ Wet Wipes

Sometimes hand sanitiser is not enough. You want to wipe your hands and maybe a couple of surfaces around you. Especially during monsoon season, when the rain may cause a lot of mud splatter, make sure you carry some with you.

✔ SPF 15+ Lip Balm

It protects against every extreme weather type AND the harsh Indian sun. It’s also great for smoothening dry skin on the hands, elbows, knees and face.

✔ SHEWEE

You might find yourself alarmed at all the seriously public toilets found around India. Men literally wee against walls with just a small wall separating them from you seeing their bits. The public toilets are ALWAYS disgusting and you will probably never want to sit close to any of them. That’s where this product comes in handy.

It’s a female urination device that enables the ladies to FINALLY pee standing up. Although we have not used them ourselves, we have heard people swear by them.

✔ Cloth Handkerchief

Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth as you are being exposed to new germs and bacteria all around you. If you need to touch your face, and wipe off sweat due to the heat and humidity, carry some clean cloth handkerchiefs that you can wash easily by hand.

✔ BUFF Scarf

They can replace the handkerchiefs mentioned before, but they’d also be multifunctional as scarves, headbands, sleep masks, etc.

✔ Toilet Paper

Most Indian toilets won’t have toilet paper. Make sure you take some or a pack of tissues every time you go in. Nicer hotels will have it, but if you are going to a budget hotel, keep in mind that it is not usual.

✔ Waterproof Phone Case

Dust, water, and humidity are normal in most of India. Covering your phone, in this case, would ensure you don’t run the risk of it being damaged by the elements.

✔ Power Adapter, Voltage Converter, and Surge protector

The voltage in India is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. Make sure you check on your devices to see what they can withstand depending on where you come from. Also, if you are going to be using laptops or charging camera batteries, I recommend a surge protector since power in India is not always at constant current.

✔ Passport Pouch or Money Belt

More than which pouch is the best, it is the one that you can carry comfortably in a place pickpockets can’t get to it. Look into one that you can take under your shirt and not in your pocket.

✔ Basic First Aid Kit

Always important to carry around, even more so if you are going trekking and are going to be outside cities. Most Indian pharmacies will have everything you need, but the comfort of carrying what you are used to in case of an emergency will be helpful.

✔ Probiotics

Food in India is likely going to be very different from what you are used to, so this will help you be prepared. However, if you do get Delhi Belly, make sure you keep yourself hydrated with electrolytes and fresh coconut water and seek medical attention.

✔ Rehydration Packets

You can pick these up in most pharmacies around the world, but when you need them most you may not feel like popping out to the shops to get them. Bring a decent supply of rehydration sachets wherever you’re going to keep on top of your health and fitness. But there’s no substitute for drinking plenty of water, so remember to drink at least two litres of water each day. The sachets give your body the minerals it needs to absorb the water.

✔ Insect Repellent

Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching if you get bit. You can get some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets, but they usually don’t have DEET. This is essential in the most humid weather and regions of India.

✔ Sunscreen

Chose something that fits your skin type and the weather you’ll be in, especially if it is going to be very humid. I recommend nothing under 30 SPF and biodegradable.

✔ Tampons or Moon Cup

While sanitary towels are generally available in most places worldwide, tampons are much rarer and can be eye-wateringly expensive. You will not believe how difficult it is to find tampons in many countries! (Yep… India is one of those countries). It’s utterly crazy. So you can either bring a huge backup of tampons…

OR you can bring one tiny little Moon Cup . These are reusable orb cups you put up your hoo-ha to catch your unfertilised baby bag. They are a little weird/uncomfortable to use at first but after a couple of go’s, you won’t even notice them! And if you’re wondering how to clean them, it’s easy. Just boil them at the end of the period cycle or wash them with soapy water.

✔ Sleeping Bag Liner

A sleeping bag liner or travel sheet will be essential if you are staying in budget hotels. Do some research into one that can be easily washed and dries fast. Avoid cotton and look for a microfiber blend. This one from Friendly Swede has a lifetime warranty and you can try it out and return it if it doesn’t suit your needs.

✔ Travel Pocket Knife

You’ll really never know when this item will come in handy. You may need it for cutting up some supermarket food or tightening up a loose screw on your camera. At the very least, carry it around in your daypack for a bit of protection on the streets (fingers crossed you’ll never need it).

✔ Cable Locks

An essential for the India checklist! Bring some good-quality steel cable locks to secure your luggage if you are travelling in trains and have overnight trips.

✔ VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN can save your ass in so many ways. If you ever use a public access WiFi while travelling (like an airport, restaurant, Airbnb or hotel) then you’re potentially putting your online security at risk by hackers.

It also helps out in other ways too. Can’t access your Gmail because it thinks you’re in a less-secure country? (Which you ARE, but still). Just connect to your home country using the VPN. PayPal payment won’t go through because you aren’t in your home country? VPN.

With a quality VPN such as Nord VPN , you instantly protect your sensitive data on all different devices with just one click. Also, Nord is really affordable, super easy to turn on and we use it daily.

Also, don’t forget to pack these essential things for travel:

✔ Microfibre Towel

✔ Head Torch (Water Resistant)

✔ Chapstick

✔ Other Personal Items

✔ Malaria Protection

✔ Small Locks (TSA Approved)

✔ Power Adaptor

✔ Earphones

✔ Portable Charger Pack

✔ GoPro + Attachments

✔ DSLR Camera + Lenses and Attachments

Clothing to Pack for India

India is a conservative society, so travellers need to take care of how they dress. It is important you don’t pack skimpy clothes and, more than covering your shoulders, it is important to cover your bum. Avoid wearing tight tops and shorts. Men need to also watch that they wear non-revealing clothes, as well.

In bars, clubs and five-star hotels in big cities, (like Mumbai and Delhi) people dress as they might in less conservative countries. So pack according to your travel itinerary and activities.

Cotton scarves, or dupattas as they are called in India, are useful for covering the head at holy sites, and for covering up generally.

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Where to buy clothing for India

You can shop in local markets in India for versatile, cool and inexpensive clothes, especially loose clothing for the heat.

Depending on where you go you’ll easily find cheap to expensive outfits that will enable you to lend in a little more while travelling in India.

Shopping at the local markets is fun and means on your flight to India you can carry less baggage with the intention of buying most outfits in India. The cities like Delhi have huge markets with Punjabi dresses as cheap as $3 USD.

Indian Clothing Outfits for Women

You’ll have loads of fun shopping in the markets for nice dresses and loose pants in India. For an idea of the outfits you’ll find in the markets – see below. Or click on the picture to buy if you can’t stand to fly there without one or two gorgeous outfits.

The dress style that proved the coolest and most functional while travelling in India is called Punjabi dress which you can see in the first image above. They have a split up the side of each leg for movability, however, the split means that you will probably have to wear tights or loose pants under the dress to cover your upper legs and knees.

The stylish loose Indian-style pants in the third picture are called dhoti while the pants in the fifth picture are called harem pants . Use these terms while searching around the internet if you decide to buy online.

Girl jumps on roof in Punjabi dress in Rajasthan for India Packing List

Indian Clothing Outfits for Men

There’s loads of information about women, but where is the India packing list for males? What should men wear in India? The answer is; almost anything… As long as it’s modest.

Though you technically CAN wear shorts in India – the general consensus is that shorts should only be worn by children, so you may look funny to the locals in them. It’s also a good idea to wear shorts that cover your knees for modesty if you do decide to wear them. However, you are NOT allowed to wear shorts or singlet tops in temples or religious places.

The dhoti pants can also be worn by men in India, but mainly you will see Indian mean in jeans and t-shirts. You might also like to buy yourself a loose cotton shirt at an Indian market for the heat and to get into the dhoti outfit groove.

READ: Amazing Jaipur Itinerary: 3 Days!

Essential Clothing for India

✔ thin sweater.

It is important to layer in India. Whether there is hot or cold weather, a light thin sweater will be helpful when going inside to places that have the AC in full blast.

✔ Yoga Pants

Some sweat-reducing yoga pants are great under the Punjabi dresses that you can buy in India. You’ll also find yourself doing yoga a lot so they’ll be sure to get loads of use.

✔ SPF Sunglasses

The sun in India is bright and piercing. Make sure you protect your eyes and get SPF and/or polarized sunglasses.

✔ Waterproof Rain Coat with a Nice Big Hood

Use it as a top layer in cold weather and always keep it in your daypack for emergency downpours (prevalent in the monsoon season of Southern India).

What Shoes to Wear in India

✔ chaco sandals.

They are sturdy and reliable. Make sure you get some with the backstrap and you feel comfortable walking in them for long periods of time. I suggest rinsing them off every day.

✔ Flip flops

If you don’t want to bring two sets, bring some that can be used for the shower, especially if you are going to be staying at an accommodation with shared bathrooms. Also great as casual wear.

✔ Hiking Shoes or Boots

Depending on where you are going, like if you are trekking in the north, have gear that will make sure you are safe and comfortable. Nothing is worse than not being to enjoy the beautiful scenery because of inappropriate shoes that cause blisters.

✔ Walking Shoes

An absolute must if you decide against bringing hiking shoes. You’ll be doing loads of walking around India on uneven grounds so you’ll need something covered and comfortable.

Seasons and Weather in India

India is a vast country, therefore the weather of each region will change, even during the same season. Getting to know the weather and seasons will help shape your travelling to India checklist.

Happens during December, January, February, and some of March. Since it is the coldest time of the year, this is the best time to visit most parts of India.

Temperatures will still be warm in the south (in Kochi, for example) averaging between 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F) and in the north (in Delhi ) between 7°C to 24°C (45°F to 75°F). If you are going even further north, to Manali, Leh, or Dharamshala , make sure you pack cold-weather gear.

Also known as the pre-monsoon season, it occurs from April to June and it is the hottest time of the year. Heat during this time is pretty intense. In the south, it is accompanied by stifling humidity and temperatures averaging 27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F) and in the north, the dry heat can cause sunstrokes, with temperatures at 27°C to 39°C (80°F to 102°F).

If you are travelling during this time, research the weather of the places you’ll be visiting and pack accordingly.

The Monsoon Season ⛈

This season is generally from July to September, so if you are travelling during this time, pack rain gear and quick-dry clothes. Waterproof shoes are a must. Temperatures will range from 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 94°F) all around India, with some variation depending on the region.

Humidity will be at its highest point, especially in the south. (Don’t forget to pack your insect repellent ).

Also known as the post-monsoon season, it happens in October and November, bringing cooler temperatures. Some areas might still have some rainfall and a lot of wind, so research the weather of where you’ll be specifically going to make sure you are weather-ready.

Layers and rain gear will be essential. Temperatures will average around 28°C and 34°C (82°F and 93°F), depending on the region.

READ: Holi in Varanasi: A Complete Guide

Have any questions about any of these India packing list items?

If you have a question about packing for India or the products I recommend, just let me know and I’ll try my best to answer them! The writer and publisher have experience with most of the products listed and veto them if we don’t have first-hand experience.

India Travel Checklist FAQs

While you might not necessarily need a sim card in India, they are extremely affordable. Both calls and internet prices are some of the lowest in the world, and the service is surprisingly quite good. There are multiple cellphone service providers in India, but the ones with the best reputation are Airtel and Vodafone-Idea. The process is not too difficult, but sometimes it might take more than one try to get your sim card activated and working!

India is a very unique country and there are certain items you shouldn’t take with you on your travel. We don’t recommend taking too many things you can buy there such as clothing and toiletries (unless you have favourites). Avoid taking too much cash with you simply because ATMs are abundant and offer the best exchange rate. Lastly, don’t bring unnecessary valuables because you will simply put a target for thieves behind your back.

If you are backpacking India, you will likely spend a prolonged period of time in the country. For that reason, these are the best items to pack for India: a good backpacking backpack, hiking boots, a water filter system, enough clothes for hot and cold, probiotics, and more! Be sure to read the entirety of this post so you don’t forget a thing!

Generally, the best time to visit India is from November to March. During this time, the temperature is warm and precipitation is at its minimum. However, this isn’t true for every place in India, so we recommend you to look deep into the places you want to visit before deciding the items to pack for India.

Written by Priscila Moscoso Meiller. Edited and pictures by Crystal Egan.

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What women should pack when travelling to India

By: Author Monica

Categories Asia , India , Packing Tips , Travel Tips

What women should pack when travelling to India

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.

The high street stores are still full of loose, printed trousers. Some of them have bold and bright patterns and some are completely plain. I had one bright pair, one navy blue pair and one black pair. 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.

Update: You’ll find more tailored, printed trousers in high street stores and these are perfect for India too.

Topshop have a great selection of loose and printed trousers . The different leg lengths are really handy 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 H&M or TopShop. 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. They also look really nice with printed trousers. 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.

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.

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. Some kind of kimono/poncho style top or a loose shirt will work perfectly.

1 x pair of Havaiana flip flops + 1 x pair of Converse

All I took was one pair of Havi’s and a pair of Converse. I knew I wouldn’t be doing any serious trekking and I know I’m perfectly comfortable walking around in flip flops all day so why bother bulking up my bag with extra shoes? I actually didn’t wear my Converse but I think they’re worth having in case it rains.

It’s so worth investing in one pair of shoes that are suitable for evenings but a pair that you’re comfortable driving in, cycling in and walking long distances in.

I opt for skinny fit Havaianas in black with a gold tag. That gold tag somehow makes them seem a bit fancier.

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.

2 x large cotton scarves

A scarf will be your biggest lifesaver 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.

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.

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 jewelry 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

Highlights from 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!

Here are some ideas for tours you can take in India to make the experience as simple and stress-free as possible. These are all bookable through GetYourGuide who offer affordable tours with local guides.

https://partner.getyourguide.com/en/widget?partnerId=668Z756&localeCode=en-US&currency=GBP&queryType=q&q=india&tourIds=&iata=&lat=&lon=&excludedTourIds=singapore&numberOfItems=&cmp=#playground

India: Tips for planning your holiday to Kerala

Monday 15th of June 2020

[…] What women should pack when travelling to India […]

Queen Bubbles

Saturday 6th of June 2020

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.

Saturday 22nd of June 2019

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.

TheTravelHack

Sunday 23rd of June 2019

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.

Chris Hatton

Monday 6th of August 2018

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.

Tuesday 7th of August 2018

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!

Wednesday 26th of April 2017

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.

Thursday 27th of April 2017

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!

What to wear in India? A guide for Men & Women

What to wear in india women & men .

A question lingering on your mind since you booked your flight to India or even before, well India is a democracy and you have the freedom to wear yourself as do many Indians, who are more obsessed with Western outfits than the traditional. To be honest, traditional clothing is limited to festivals, ceremonies, or marriages and almost everyone in the cities could be found sporting a pair of denim jeans and a nice T-shirt or top on a casual outing, when it comes to the workforce men wear as western clothes as you do, Shirt, pants and sometimes the added on tie and blazer. When it comes to working women in some places they wear traditional Salwar-suit or Sarees and or Tops/Shirts as they prefer the image of the modern working Indian women dressing up in smart formals or casuals, which as per them are more comfortable and easy to handle than the traditional.

Most married women wear a saree (a long piece of cloth with a blouse), Rajputi Poshak in Rajasthan, and other traditional outfits depending on the region, but when they are on holiday even they shift to modern outfits as they are away from their home, society and are no more bounded by the social norms and tend to enjoy their purchases and get dressed in funky jeans, trousers with beautiful tops and or party dress, so it’s not that they don’t wear western outfits. The upcoming generation is open to fashion and trends across the globe and is not far behind to follow.

Connect with our India Travel Specialist

Are you still confused about how to dress up when in India, here is an insight that is my personal observation been born and brought up in an Indian City. I rarely see young unmarried women in traditional unless you’re in a rural area or it’s an occasion well India is a country of festivals and festivities so the chances of seeing a woman dressed up in traditional Indian attire are good, but you can make out with the sparkling and heavy dresses. But the dressing culture in India is so vast and varied which changes from city to city, region to region, and from person to person that you cant catch up with it, here is a pic of a saint in his maximum clothing whereas many roam around naked as well so it’s difficult to say what’s the best outfit for you.

Saint is almost naked.

The best way to do this is to pack a few pairs of clothing and try to go shopping before you actually begin your India tours , this way you would be aware of the way people dress up in India as you observe them walking past you, and also to your surprise you would be amused by the pricing, Indian clothing is cheaper and you would be delighted to wear them as people are more amused watching a foreigner dressed up like an Indian out of surprise, curiosity they would be glad to have a conversation with you so pack light for India with some extra space in your baggage for clothes you buy from India since they are cheaper and colorful and you would not like to pay extra baggage when you return, keep this in mind. Well, you can pass India in a couple of outfits and slippers, and when you return you will be carrying all the good memories and heavier bags back home.

Guests clothed in India

You are free to dress as you would back at your home. Well, keep in mind the places you will visit for the day, keeping your modesty in the places you visit. If you are out sightseeing monuments, you can enjoy whatever dress you have packed up as there would be many tourists as well as Indians visiting the place and mostly all dressed up to their will, from shorts to crop tops and anything in between. But when it comes to temples you need to show some respect to the Gods, as some religious places have a code of conduct –

What to wear in India depending on the places you visit –

While visiting a temple keep your shoulder and knee covered at almost all religious places.
When visiting a Gurudwara the Sikh place of worship – you need a cloth over your head and don’t worry you can find one at the Gurudwara.
When going to a Mosque – you must wear a long skirt till your toes and shoulders are covered as the Jama Masjid, Delhi – the largest mosque doesn’t entertain showing off of skin and it’s always better to wear one beforehand than to rent a wrap-on probably used by many.
Dress and you will be amused to know you certainly are impressing others without the extra effort put in cause you are white and brighter than most in the country.
Strolling the markets it’s better to wear loose comfortable clothes the length isn’t a factor here, just be mindful of the people around you and dress accordingly.
Feeling hot you can wear shorts and a top, especially at major tourist attractions and cities as most Indian women adorn Western clothes too. But more short the dress be prepared for some extra stares which you would be getting anyway.

Also no matter what you wear in India or how your looks are you would be asked for a selfie or a chat at places, don’t take that personally and feel good about the unexpected stardom you are receiving which you would never get back home. You can respond to them in a polite manner by saying “NO” in English or “NAHI” in Hindi and ignore them and move on keeping in mind if once you get yourself clicked with one person there would be a queue of people who would try to get a picture of themselves, their spouse or kids and get them pictured with you, so if you have the time go ahead and enjoy the paparazzi’s or stick to the No in Hindi “Nahi” and continue to move on.

Best India Tours

The best time to visit India is during the winter which begins at the end of September and lasts till mid-march the weather is cooler and pleasant and you would enjoy the most during this time of the year as compared to harsh and hot summers, keep in mind even during the winters the mercury can be high, especially for people coming from colder countries. So it is advisable to wear cotton, linen, and or silk at all times, rather than wearing fancy synthetics which can make you feel uncomfortable. Well above the cotton you must sport some warm clothes or at least keep a jacket or sweater handy, especially at dusk and dawn, and you can wear a nice tee, or shirt with trousers, jeans, or shorts (if you aren’t feeling cold) and PAJAMA (it is truly Indian) as your on holidays aren’t you.

Dressed up for Holy Place

What to Wear in India for Women –

P.S: The writer of this blog is a man so don’t be offended, ladies.

Well, you will be looked upon cause staring is not awkward in Indian Culture and we tend to stare freely when we find something different someone fairer than our tone. Being fair is a blessing in India and you can find various beauty products claiming to make you fair for men and women equally alike. Since you have that extra edge it’s just out of curiosity that people will turn back to take another look at you, but that’s okay in Indian Culture and you must admit it too. Whatever you dress in – you will be amused to know you certainly are impressing others without the extra efforts put in cause you are whiter and brighter than most in the country.

In general, wearing loose clothes is favorable when in India, especially down south where the weather is more humid. You can wear what you prefer as long as it ain’t too revealing from shorts to crop tops all are okay to be worn in India.

General dressing up Do’s & Don’t for women –

Deep cleavage is a no-no cause that would get you a lot more stares.
Wearing Synthetic clothing
Too tight clothing, as sightseeing, can be tough if you are uncomfortable
When visiting a temple or a holy place of worship, wear sober clothing.
Ignore the requests made for selfies if you are low on time as it could result in a queue of people trying to get a selfie.
Shorts are fine in most cities and tourist attractions.
When visiting a small town and or village, it’s advisable to cover yourself up to your knees and shoulders.
It is advisable to wear full sleeves and pants/jeans at dusk and dawn or a mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito bites.
It’s great to carry a long scarf which comes in handy to your rescue if you need to cover up, so a scarf can be wrapped around like a cloth covering you up.
Staring is common in Indian culture and doesn’t think of it as rude or be uncomfortable.
Dress with confidence and in comfort.

Well, some decency in clothing is expected but not demanded.

Traditional Rajasthan clothes.

What to Wear in India for Men –

Men in Indian society are not looked upon seriously when it comes to their dressing sense and have the upper edge to wear anything they would usually wear back home. But keeping in mind the geography and weather here are some recommendations which could help you pack light and make your journey easier through the Indian terrains. Explore Our Thar Desert Tours

Dress Code India

Shirt – Cotton or linen shirts during the day can be fine if you feel good in shirts.
T-Shirt – Yes always easy to live in t-shirts are a good choice.
Vest – Yes a sleeveless vest can be your companion on a hot day or especially during summer.
Jeans – As long as you are comfortable it does a great job.
Trousers – Yes.
Shorts – Cool, comfortable, and breathable shorts are a nice choice but be sure to carry PJs for the night as mosquitoes can be active by the evening and you might not like them.
Blazer – Yes in winter one might need to cover up at night and can be handy for dinner at some fine dining restaurant if you are single.
Jacket – Only during winter do you need warm clothing.
Men can sport traditional attire like Kurta – Payjama which come in all colors and sizes and different pieces of work, so if you’re invited to an occasion it might come in handy and you can buy them here itself.

What To Wear In India? 15 Best Outfits & Packing Tips for Men

What to Wear in India. India with its whimsical moods and weathers, various foods, and culture is a hip and popular traveling destination that should be on everyone’s ‘must-visit list.’ With its unique colors and charm, India in itself is an experience. As popular it is for its beautiful culture and food, its moody weather has a reputation to reckon with.

From the scorching heat of Rajasthan to the teeth-chattering winters of Ladakh, if you are not considerate of the season and careful with what you pack, your very exciting trip to India can very easily turn into a nightmare. Don’t fret, we’ve got your back. We have curated an exclusive packing checklist and guide for men, that will prepare you for your next exotic vacation to India.

What to Pack for Traveling to India?

Consider the season before packing your bags for your India trip. Check the current temperatures of the cities you’ll be travelling to as the temperature in India varies from city to city.
If you are visiting India in the summers, pack clothes in light and breathable fabrics like cotton.
Pack comfortable footwear. India with its usual hustle bustle and busy streets, is best explored on foot.

Now, let’s look at some of the best clothes to wear in India:

What to wear in india, packing checklist and guide for men

15. What to Wear in Goa?

If you’re going to India, then traveling to Goa is a must and for this, you have to check out our post on What To Wear In Goa.

Summer Travel Outfits for India:

Want to avoid shivering the whole time? Visit India during the tropical summer season. From beautiful fauna to an amazingly huge variety of delish dishes and cuisines, summers are a great time to explore the subcontinent.

14. Cotton Kurta

Easy-breezy and super high on style, a cotton kurta is super comfortable and would also keep you cool in the Indian summers. For a casual look pair your kurta with jeans and comfortable shoes, or dress it up with a contrasting dupatta/scarf to look more put together and stylish. You can get more styling ideas from our previous post on Best Kurta Pajama Styles From Indian Male Celebrities .

13. Joggers

A comfortable pair of joggers is a stylish wardrobe essential and a must-have on your packing list. Pack a comfortable pair of joggers in neutral shades so you can easily mix and match to make multiple outfits and avoid overpacking. Perfect for Indian heat, joggers in breathable fabrics are your best bet to survive your vacation to India during summers. Pair it with a casual t-shirt and shoes and you are ready to explore the ever so famous, street markets of India.

12. Casual Tees

Comfortable yet trendy, casual t-shirts are every man’s favorite staple. Match it with your trusty jeans for a stroll to the Taj Mahal or pair it up with a blazer for a fun night out, when it comes to styling a t-shirt, the options are endless. Opt for an uber-stylish monochromatic look and pair it with chunky white shoes for a comfortable and trendy high street look.

What’s a vacation without comfortable shorts paired with casual shirts in tropical prints and some comfy slippers? Pick out cotton shorts in various colors and you’re ready to explore the streets of India. From classic whites to colorful pinks, shorts are a great way to keep your cool during the scorching heat and look stylish while at it.

Winter Travel Outfits for India

If you love all things wintery and cold, this is the perfect weather for you to make a trip to the subcontinent. India usually doesn’t get that cold in winters. South Indian and some north Indian cities experience some to no snow. So pack your jackets and get ready to check out the beautiful architecture, monuments, and gorge on chole bhatoore and hot Tikki without any worry.

10. Jackets

Be it uber-cool biker jackets or stylish puffer jackets, don’t forget to pack some warm and comfortable jackets for your winter vacation. Winters in India are a lot windier than it is snowy. So a comfortable jacket will protect you from the harsh winds while also looking super stylish. Pick a jacket in subtle tones of browns and black and mix well with the Indian crowd. Here’s a complete list of all the Types of Jackets for Men & How to Wear Them.

9. Woolen Pants

A pair of smart yet warm woolen pants can change your whole vacay style game in a hot minute. India, though cold doesn’t get as cold as Europe, so a pair or two of fashionable woolen pants can easily cover your next winter vacation to India. Pair it with a casual shirt, throw on a denim jacket and you are ready to explore the hidden gems of Amritsar or perhaps the streets of Chandni Chowk.

8. Cardigans

Pack some trendy cardigans to tackle the sweet cold of Delhi while you’re on your way to explore the Qutub Minar. A fashionable staple, Cardigans are easy to pack and super versatile in nature. From casual tees, buttons ups to kurta, cardigans can make any outfit turn into an influencer-approved fit in a minute. Pair it with your favorite pair of pants or jeans for a dapper yet casual look.

7. Turtleneck

Nothing exudes classy sexiness as a turtleneck. A versatile piece, turtlenecks can be both dressed down or oomph up as per the occasion. Opt for a classic black turtleneck pair it with checkered trousers, and a silver neckpiece for a semi-formal, dapper look, and you are ready to rock that uber-stylish vacay outfit. Here are some more Men’s Turtleneck Outfits.

6. Winter Coat

A sophisticated staple, woolen coats are your best bet to keep yourself warm and look fashionable on your next winter vacation to India. Pair it with a kurta, button-up, or a cardigan, when it comes to styling a coat, the options are endless. You can never go wrong with a monochromatic look for an effortless yet put-together appeal.

Pack beanies to protect your head from the harsh winds during the winter nights. Pick out some comfortable beanies in neutral shades like black and brown and add a tint of oomph to your otherwise basic vacay outfit. Super high on trend, beanies are an excellent way to keep your head warm and protected in the winter seasons. You can also pick out some in bold shades and wear them as a statement piece.

Spring Outfits for Traveling in India

One of the best times to visit India is during the spring season. Pleasantly warm and effectively cool, this easy breezy weather is perfect to explore the busy streets of India, brimming with culture, street shopping for some drool-worthy spices, and bagging some great deals on exotic art pieces.

India during its springtime is neither too hot nor too cold, so a cotton or linen blazer is just the right amount of layering to keep you comfortably warm during chilly evenings. Spring season is all about growth, with beautiful flowers ready to blossom, and trees getting back to their luscious greens, its the perfect time to spruce up your vacay outfit by adding a pop of color and drama by pairing your blazer with casual shirts in bold prints and grab all the attention.

3. Button Up Shirt

A couple of pairs of classic buttons ups in different shades and patterns and half your vacation packing is done. Effortless, classy, and fun, spruce up your outfit with a button-up shirt in bold prints and grab attention at your next vacation. If you like it subtle and sophisticated, opt for a classic white shirt and rule the street fashion looks. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to have fun.

Pack some colorful scarves to add a dash of vibrancy and drama to your outfit and mix well with the crowd of this colorful subcontinent. Elevate a classic or monochromatic outfit by adding a scarf in bold prints and your high street springtime vacay outfit is ready!

No holiday packing is complete without a good pair of jeans. Be it straight cut or skinny fit, whatever your style is don’t forget to pack comfortable, sturdy jeans in blue and black for your spring vacation. A super-versatile option, pair it with a casual tee, formal blazer, or even a linen kurta, jeans with their comfortability and versatility will spoil you for choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what do men typically wear in india.

Traditional clothes like sherwani, dhoti, kurta paired with jeans or pajama are very popular amongst Indian men. In addition to that western clothing items like shirts, tees and jeans are also widely accepted and worn by the Indian crowd. Here’s our complete Winter Travel Guide For Men.

Q. What should you not wear in India?

India is quite open and accepting when it comes to clothing, but anything too short or revealing is a big no. If you would like to gel well with the crowd, you can also choose to wear a traditional kurta in comfortable fabric and look like a local.

Q. What should you bring from India?

Alongside beautiful culture and practices, India also has a prominent legacy in paintings and art. A lot of local and tribal paintings are sold in the streets of India which you should definitely purchase. In addition to that, delish local Indian spices are also something that you can take back home to satiate the cook in you and give your dishes an Indian spin.

If you are a tea lover, get your hands on some traditional teas like Assam tea, masala tea, or even Darjeeling tea and host a tea party for your friends at home.

Q. What to pack for a trip to India as a female?

Long skirts, fashionable scarves, casual tees, jeans, and kurtis are some of the basic essentials that you should pack for your next trip to India. If you wish to try traditional outfits and look like a local, you can also get your hands on traditional suits, sarees or even lehengas. Whatever you choose, stay comfortable and have fun! For a more detailed answer, check out our exclusive post Stylish Indian Street style Fashion Ideas For Women

Q. Is there a dress code in India for tourists?

No, you can pretty much dress as you like. Unless you’re attending a religious ceremony or cultural event where you might be expected to dress respectively.

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Lover of sunrise, tea, mountains and flowers. When not reading or writing, Mansi is often found cafe-hopping around Delhi.

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DETAILED Female Packing List For India! What To Pack For India!

Categories Asia , India , Packing

‘What to pack for a trip to India as a woman?’ This is by far one of the biggest questions and worries females to India are going to face and ask before going to the colourful, crazy country of India!

I have spent over 1 year in India over the last 2 years on multiple solo trips and running my group tours for women in India , so I’ve had a lot of experience as to what to pack for India as a woman !

Female India Packing List

In this India travel blog post and India packing list for females , I detail a practical packing list for India of what is needed to travel to India which will cover you for all the must-see places in India like Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kerala, Goa and even the mountains of Himachal Pradesh.

Basically, the places you’re likely to visit on your first time in India so you will feel comfortable as a woman travelling India because of the correct clothes you take!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Best time to visit India

Before we get into this India travel blog, it’s worth thinking about the best time to visit India as the country gets very hot and wet in the middle of the year. November to March are the best times to visit both North & South India .

South India will be warmer than North India in the winter months of December and January, Delhi and further North actually get cold in these months but are still enjoyable to visit with the right clothing.

Outside these months, you can still visit but you’ll find that the heat and humidity will be much higher, especially as you go further South.

SIM CARD FOR INDIA

I really recommend having a sim card in India as it makes travel in India so much easier! You may have heard that it’s hard to get a sim card in India but you can get a sim card in Delhi Airport, read this post to see how to buy a sim card in Delhi Airport or if you fly in elsewhere 3 ways to buy a sim card in India and you’ll be connected in just a few hours!

WHAT TO WEAR IN INDIA

If you are a woman, here’s what I recommend you pack and wear in India . Technically you can wear what you like in India in most places but to get fewer stares and feel more comfortable, read my post!

DON’T GET SCAMMED IN DELHI

Most people arrive for the first time into Delhi and get scammed within a few hours! Read my Delhi Travel Tips to help you enjoy Delhi, and the best places to stay in Delhi which is so important!

Best Clothes to Pack for India

Below is my female India packing list detailing all the things I recommend packing for India.

If you’re wondering what to wear in India around the India dress code, read this post of mine to help you on that afterwards!

3 – 4 x Pairs of baggy trousers – full length or 3/4 length

Personally, I prefer 3/4 length pants when I pack for India to let some breeze in rather than full length but I do pack at least one pair of full-length trousers for overnight journeys and in places where it may get chilly, especially in the evenings, because India does get cold!

When it comes to what to wear in India as a female, my main advice is to ensure these trousers for India are light, airy and baggy . Firstly, to keep you as cool as possible, India isn’t always hot but generally, in many places like Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan it is hot and / or humid for a lot of the year.

Secondly, baggy trousers are much more modest. Skintight trousers will attract a lot more male attention to you as a foreign woman in India and I personally only wear skintight gym pants in certain parts of the country like Rishikesh , Dharamshala and Goa where a lot of foreigners visit and where yoga in India is popular.

Thirdly when visiting religious monuments you will need to have your knees covered and if you only have long pants for India or 3/4 length ones then you’ll never need to worry that you are not appropriately dressed .

Baggy trousers are pretty easy to find in the markets and shops in India so if you can’t find suitable ones at home you can go shopping in India. Many travellers will also wear the iconic South East Asia Elephant pants which make up the perfect outfit in India due to the light material and how baggy they are.

I really like H&M for their baggy and 3/4 length trousers and they are such a good price. Have a look at some options here!

4 – 5 x T-Shirts

T-shirts are great for India, you know that your shoulders are covered and your chest which is what I recommend for a woman travelling to India. They can keep you cool in the hot weather but still covered and modest.

1 – 2 x Tank Tops

I say that t-shirts are your best friend in India . Like needing to cover your knees, in India, you need to cover your shoulders to enter religious monuments and they are much more modest than tank tops which not only show your shoulders but may show more back and chest too.

Although there is nothing wrong with wearing tank tops in India so if you’re thinking what to pack for India in Summer, you can always take a shawl in your bag for when you need to cover your shoulders, I find that in hot places although having a tank top on is a bit cooler, with a shawl on top, it becomes hotter than just a t-shirt which is why on my second trip to India when deciding what to pack for India as a female, I opted to carry way more t-shirts this time.

Modesty-wise again, I notice that I feel much more comfortable in a t-shirt in India as the best tops to wear in India with short capped sleeves and a baggy fit so I know my shoulders are covered and probably, most importantly, that all of my chest is covered too and the t-shirts are not too tight over my boobs.

That said, 1-2 tank tops should also be on your packing list for India too in case it is very hot somewhere and in some places, it’s totally ok to wear them. Tank tops like this from H&M are good!

Related Post: Are you still working out where to visit in India? Here are 24 places in India perfect for your first trip and a Golden Triangle India Itinerary for 1 Week in India!

1 – 2 x Dresses

If you’re a woman who likes to wear dresses and skirts instead of trousers then put these in your bag when packing for India, as long as they aren’t too short, or pack some cheap simple black leggings to wear under them if they are short.

I find that it’s possible to wear a nice dress with leggings and / or a t-shirt underneath which looks nice but is modest too and perfect for female travel to India.

Bright, modest dresses are perfect for wearing to the Taj Mahal!

I really like H&M for their long and modest dresses to wear in India. Click here to have a look at options!

India packing list female, female tourists at Taj Mahal

A jumper/sweatshirt/hoodie is needed for India because it does get cold! You might need it for overnight journeys or in the mornings when it’s still cold.

1 x Long-sleeved thin top

Some days you’ll be sweating in India and wondering why you’re carrying a jumper and long-sleeved warm top because ‘does it get cold in India??’ yes it does and it’s likely you’ll need them. People love air-con in India which is understandable but what’s not is how cold it can get.

Night buses and night trains, which are are the best way to travel around India can get particularly cold in the middle of the night with the air con on, and so can some cafes.

A long sleeved top like this is a good idea!

If you decide to head North into the mountains or even to Varanasi in the late Autumn / Winter months the mornings will be pretty chilly before it heats up for the day and in some cases, these Northern places will remain cold all day in Winter, sometimes with snow!

india packing list female, female tourists in pushier in coats

1 x Packable Coat

When you’re thinking of what to pack for India, a coat may not be on your travel essentials for India list but for the same reasons as above I recommend taking a coat to India too, I know it might sound crazy but I have taken a Uniqlo Packable Ultra Light Down Coat like this twice to India with me.

I’ve worn it multiple times and always thanked myself for packing it, it’s light, doesn’t take up much room and is warm when I need it. So add this to your India packing list!

1 x Packable Rain Jacket

This will depend on when you visit India, if you are visiting during the summer monsoon seasons then pack a waterproof rain jacket as you’ll probably need it.

I have a packable rain jacket like this , to be fair I’ve barely used my rain jacket in India but I hold onto it because of the other places I’ll visit in Asia and it’s very small and lightweight, so unless you know it will be wet when you visit India, you could risk going without this.

Gym Clothes

If you think you’ll do yoga in India, do a lot of hiking in India or just want to work out in your room (something I’m trying to do but tend to fail at) then pack some activewear because you can wear gym pants, a sports bra and gym top to a yoga class in India in most places so pack this as you please but I’d say 1-2 outfits max is enough because I would not recommend wearing tight sportswear in India unless you are hiking or going to a yoga class. This is not an outfit to wear in the cities of India as a female.

Doing yoga in India can get hot and sweaty so to help with the heat, especially in Goa, I’d recommend taking custom bandanas and face masks for your classes as well as taking a small towel to put down on your mat.

india packing list female, yoga class in india

Look for the best flights to India here!

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price!

Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

1 – 2 x Shawls

At least one shawl is a must-pack item for India to cover yourself up, in some areas you’ll feel like you need it more than in others. If you like to mix up the colours then two shawls are a good idea to add to your travel checklist for India but if you’re trying to pack minimally for India, one is enough. Just make sure these are light materials and will be comfortable in the heat.

If you can’t find appropriate ones at home, wait until you get to India and go shopping in the best markets in India. These are also great if you go somewhere colder as they then act as a scarf!

2 – 3 x Pairs of Socks

I live in sandals in India, more on that below, so socks are only needed when I wear shoes, for the odd overnight journey to keep my feet warm or if I suddenly end up in a cold place and need them which is why I only pack a few pairs.

10 x Underwear

I usually pack about 10 pairs of underwear as this means I don’t need to do washing too often but the amount you pack is up to you and may change whether you’re on holiday in India for a short time or backpacking India for a longer time.

I find black underwear the best when travelling long term as often things can get stained and dyed in the wash so you’re safe with black!

BOOKING TRAINS IN INDIA

India is best travelled by train because its the quickest, cheapest and best way of getting to know the country. For an EASY option of booking trains in India use 12GO to search and book trains really easily. If you’ll be in India for awhile, you can use the local booking system, it’s a bit tricker but possible, here’s my post on how to book trains in India as a tourist .

BEST ACCOMMODATION IN INDIA

I always use Booking.com to book my hotels in India and Hostelworld to book my hostels . India has a great range of accommodation with brilliant hostel chains like Moustache, Zostel and Backpacker Panda as well as homestays to luxury hotels.

GUIDED TOURS IN INDIA

Many cities in India are best seen with a guide , even if it’s just a half day tour on your first day . Cities in India are chaotic and complex and what better way to taste the food and get to know the city than with a local. I recommend Get Your Guide & Viator for the best tours in India!

For me, my PJs in India are a tank top and shorts which does me well. If I go somewhere colder then I have many T-shirts, a long-sleeved top and long trousers I can wear. I don’t pack extras for pj’s as this takes up too much room!

Beach Clothes for Goa or Kerala

I know this is general but if you are going to the beaches of Goa or Kerala on your trip to India and you’re wondering what to wear in Goa? Well, you can wear the same clothes as you would wear on a beach in Thailand or Sri Lanka . Bikinis are fine, dresses are fine and shorts are fine. You may get more looks on the beaches in Goa than in Thailand from the Indian people who are also on holiday there and may not be used to seeing women with as much skin on show, but it is very normal to wear normal beach clothes in Goa so add these to your Goa Packing List. The same with the beaches in Kerala, for example, Varkala.

Unless you are going to Goa or the beaches in Kerala it’s unlikely you’ll need shorts or more than one piece of swimwear elsewhere in India so to help you pack light for India, leave these at home!

Best Shoes to Pack for India

Thr right shoes in India are key! Don’t go bringing fashion sandals or trainers to India because you’ll walk so far and its so dusty in places, they won’t be good for you at all!

1 x Sturdy Sandals

These are the best shoes to pack for India ! Unless you go somewhere that is cold in India, it’s likely you will want your feet out, but the traffic is crazy in India, there’s always people overtaking, there’s mostly no pavements and your feet can feel very vulnerable. Not only that, but you also need to watch where you step as there’s a lot of cow dung around!

I never wear flip flops to walk around outside in India whereas I always do in South East Asia. In India, you need sandals with a thick sturdy base, a good grip and straps so they don’t fall off or cause you to trip as you rush across the road. Birkenstock Sandals are a good idea. I personally live in Keen Sandals like this which have survived over 1 year of full-time travel and full-time use.

I also recommend packing good travel sandals on an India packing list for males as well as on an India packing list for females.

female packing list India, Keen Brown Sandals on rock with sand

1 x Flip Flops

I always take a pair of flip flops with me and I’m a Haviana’s girl even when packing for India. I like to wear them around my accommodation, and into the bathroom, if its a shared or questionably clean bathroom, but this item is of course up to you whether you pack them or not.

1 x Trainers / Walking Shoes

A pair of covered shoes which you can walk far in is a must-pack item for India . There are so many opportunities to hike in India and if this is what you want to do here then walking shoes will probably be best. I again live in Keen walking shoes .

If hiking isn’t on your radar I’d still recommend packing a pair of trainers, but leave your fancy white converse at home! A packing tip for you is that black trainers are the best colour trainers to take backpacking as they go with every outfit and don’t show the dirt!

Toiletries to Pack for India

The important thing to note when thinking about what toiletries to pack for India is that you can buy all toiletries in India . In fact, I prefer buying my toiletries in India because I love their Himalaya Wellness Brand which is made from Ayurvedic herbs.

I personally pack shampoo, conditioner and soap bars rather than bottles as a way to pack sustainably for India because the bars reduce my waste, they last much longer and are much smaller to carry. I carry all 3 bars in a lunchbox like this which keeps them together.

I use this hanging toiletry bag which is so helpful and my top backpacking essential as in most bathrooms you don’t have much space to put toiletries, it’s also really good quality. In here I pack facewash, toothpaste, toothbrush, eye contact solution, face and body moisturiser .

Again, all of these things you can easily buy in India so don’t pack huge bottles as they will take up too much space.

Regarding travelling on your period, I use a Menstrual cup which I love, you can get sanitary towels in India and I think you can get tampons but they’re harder to find. I just love menstrual cups for helping us reduce our one use waste, and you can keep them in for so much longer than a pad or tampon which is great if you end up on a long journey on your period in India. If you’re not yet a menstrual cup convert, here’s the travel menstrual cup I use and recommend !

I do carry a small bottle of suncream but apart from when I’m on the beach I don’t wear it much in India, it often feels like the sun doesn’t get through the polluted city skies! But that’s just my personal preference.

Mosquitos can be bad in some parts of India and during certain times of the year so strong mosquito spray like this is good but you can just get it in the shops in India if you need it.

I pack a very small bag of makeup when I’m backpacking. The 3 make up items I use the most are foundation, eyebrow pencil and blusher.

Related Post? Are you still working out where to visit in India? Here are 24 places in India perfect for your first trip !

Travel Essentials for India

Other helpful items I pack for India are a reusable water bottle as many hotels and hostels in India provide filtered water which is great meaning you don’t have to buy bottled water, and packing some metal straws is also a good idea so you can say ‘no straw please’ when you order a drink.

I did use a filtered lifestraw bottle in India on my first trip so I didn’t have to buy any plastic bottles. I have seen many other travellers use these in India too.

Personally, after I got a bad stomach in India which lasted a long time, I decided to stop using it to be on the totally safe side, but if you want to reduce your plastic use, a filtered water bottle like Lifestraw is good. Here’s my full review on the bottle .

All hotels in India will give you a towel, some hostels will too but I always take a quick-dry, foldable towel with me as part of my ultralight backpacking gear, so add this to your India packing list for backpacking.

I also pack all of these 18 Backpacking Essential Items which are things like a washing line, portable charger, good locks etc so check this list out too I pack all 18 items for India!

I pack a few medical items for India like sickness and diarrhoea tablets, charcoal tablets (also for a bad tummy but are not as strong as the likes of Imodium) plasters and paracetamol.

Keep in mind though that in the cities and the tourist towns there are pharmacies everywhere and the tablets are much cheaper than buying them at home so I don’t carry too many as I know I can stock up in the pharmacies in India when I need to.

Additionally, because I got rather ill with Delhi Belly during my first visit to India I now take probiotic tablets daily. I started taking them before I got to India and still take them in India and I think they are travel essentials for India.

They are great because they do not need to be refrigerated (like most probiotics do) and are really good for general gut health which is important for staying healthy in India.

You don’t really need to think about food to pack for India as the food in India is so good, but if I’m visiting a country from home I always like to take some cereal bars to snack on whilst I get used to where to buy food in a new country and what to eat!

Electronics to Pack for India

One big misconception is that’s it’s not safe to pack technology and electronics for a trip to India incase they get stolen because I can tell you that it is safe! Theft is not in the culture in India and once you’ve been here for a while you’ll think it was crazy you ever doubted whether your phone, camera and laptop would be safe.

I remember thinking maybe I shouldn’t carry a fancy camera in busy places in India like markets but in reality, no one cares, nearly everyone here has a smartphone and you’re totally safe with a laptop in India and getting it out in a cafe or hostel in India.

So what electronics to bring to India? Well, pack all the technology for India you usually would for another trip . Don’t leave anything because you’re worried it might be stolen. Drones can also be used in many places in India if you’re into photography or videography and want to get another look at the country!

For your technology, an important India packing tip to know is that plugs in India do not always fit the usual Asia plug type, although many will in hotels and will also accept the two-pin European plugs. This is the type of plug adapter you need in India .

HELP WITH YOUR INDIA ITINERARY

I’ve spent many months travelling India in the last few years visiting over 50 places around the country, here are my recommended itinerary posts for India to help you plan your trip!

2 WEEK INDIA ITINERARY, PERFECT FOR YOUR FIRST TRIP!

2 WEEK SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY – GOA & KERELA

1 MONTH NORTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

1 MONTH SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY IDEAS!

2 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY IN THE NORTH & SOUTH

MY 4 MONTH INDIA ITINERARY!

24 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIA!

Backpack or Suitcase for travelling to India?

Should I take a backpack or suitcase to India? That’s the question many will have, and my answer is a backpack .

I mean, you can travel to India with a suitcase and most Indian people that are travelling the country themselves take a suitcase which means there is plenty of room for them on trains and tourist buses (not so much public buses) but depending on the type of accommodation you stay in you may need to walk upstairs with no lift or down small tracks and in my opinion, a backpack is best for this.

I use the Osprey Farpoint 70L Backpack and have done for over a year and I’m happy with it (it says it’s a mens backpack but it’s fine for me!). I particularly love the attached day pack which I use as my general day pack all the time so I recommend this as the best travel backpack for India.

If you want to take a smaller backpack to India, Osprey does a Women’s 40L Backpack which will be great as you can take it on the plane as hand luggage only too which is another recommended backpacks for women India.

I also love this 45L Pacsafe Carry On Backpack which has extra security but is also just a great size and design for backpacking India with!

female packing list India, osprey farpoint backpack

I use this waterproof cover over my backpack in India which fits the Osprey backpack perfectly and I actually use it more so that the bag doesn’t get too dirty or ruined in transit.

One of the all round top packing tips to help keep your clothes to pack for India tidy and keep all of your backpacking gear together, is to use packing cubes like this .

I also carry a canvas bag and a bum bag in case I need to take a smaller bag out for the day or evening, these really don’t take much space and come in handy when I need them.

Related Post: What To Look For When Choosing and Buying A Backpack For Travelling!

female packing list India, blue packing cubes

And that’s your packing guide for India and travelling to India checklist.

I hope this list helps you understand what to pack for a trip to India and what to take to India.

If you’re still looking for inspiration on where to visit in India, here’s my recommended 2 week India itinerary , 2 month India itinerary and where I went during my first 4 months in India .

HERE ARE ALL MY INDIA BLOG POSTS.

More of my Must Read India Posts to Help You See India in the Best Way!
24 Places to Visit in India Perfect For Your First Trip to India!
Golden Triangle India Itinerary for 1 Week in India!
A 2 Week India Itinerary For Your First Trip To India!
2 Month India Itinerary Visiting North & South India!
Top Tourist Scams In India & How To Avoid Them!
How To Get a Sim Card in India as a Tourist. 3 Easy Ways!
How to Apply for E-Visa for India!

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Thursday 31st of August 2023

Hi Ellie, I'm just prepping for a 3/4 month trip around India so this packing list is extremely helpful, thank you!! I just had a question, we're booking trains in at the moment. Which class of train do you find you feel most comfortable travelling in as a woman. I've heard second AC class is fine, but just wondered what your insight was! I'm not travelling solo, it will be me and my sister, but still two young women. Thanks!

TheWanderingQuinn

Friday 1st of September 2023

Hello, I'm so glad you found my post helpful. I have lots more content on here too for India. Second Class a/c is totally fine. I think it's better than 1st Class as they'll be more families in there whereas it's more business men in 1st Class. I trust you'll be fine in 1st class too but I think the atmosphere of 2nd class a/c is comfortable.

Enjoy your trip! :)

The Wicked Soul

Coffee, Food & Product Photographer

Travel Outfits- A girl must carry while travelling in India

As much as I love traveling, I freak-out when I have to pack my travel outfits for a trip. There were days when I would pack too many clothes even for a short trip. Eventually, most of them would return unused.

2016 was a pleasant travel year for me. Over the course of the year, I travelled to over 13 destinations across different climate zones, cities and villages of India. All that Solo travel gave me insights into smart packing being a woman.

Now, while travelling seems so much fun and enjoyable you need to be comfortable with what you wear too, right ladies? Flaunting a comfortable yet stylish outfit against a beautiful backdrop screaming for a photoshoot is such a win win!

After years of overpacking I have finally managed to master the art of packing for trips of up to two weeks. My Mantra is : less is more

Travel outfits which are ideal for a country like India and can be used multiple ways. They are so basic and easily available in your wardrobe or fit the bill of a Budget traveler.

I’ve listed below some smart Travel outfits every girl should carry without getting bogged down with extra baggage. By smart I mean you can pair it in different ways without getting the same look.

Lets get started, shall we?

A post shared by Food | Travel | Lifestyle (@thewickedsoul) on Aug 2, 2017 at 9:54pm PDT

Ripped Denims: The most basic piece of clothing on any trip is a pair of denims.

I am a denim girl and like to run errands in a good comfy pair. Ripped denims are so much in vogue and look very hip. Strolling on the streets of Mumbai or sipping your fave cuppa at a chic café in Bengaluru. There is no need to worry about getting them dirty, it’ll just add to the look. Denims are just one of those no-brainers every girl should carry. Pair it up with a white Tee and sneakers and it makes a good Airport outfit look too, no?

Maxi Dresses: The next necessity would be a maxi dress. Maxi dresses are easy to walk in. Whether you are strolling on the beaches of Goa or the colorful streets of Pondicherry, it is easy to waltz around in a bright colored maxi dress. I prefer printed dresses for the trip so even if I do spill a coffee on it, my pictures are not ruined.

Pro Tip: You can layer the dress with a scarf/ belt or a denim shirt to add a different look for another day.

Shirt dress: Shirt dresses make a good outfit if you are running late to explore a new place or going shopping. They are cozy, airy and not much of a fuss to dress up. They are perfect for a lazy day. Or even when you are running late for your flight.

A post shared by Food | Travel | Lifestyle (@thewickedsoul) on Aug 4, 2017 at 4:09am PDT

buy this one here

Pro tip: A slightly longer kurta can be worn as a dress. I ditched the leggings on this Anarkali kurta to make a great looking dress 🙂 find a similar Kurta here .

Joggers: As much as I love dresses I always feel good in a pair of Joggers. They are cool and versatile. Just as the ripped denims, joggers are great for doing fun activities on a trip or trekking to a vantage point to get a view of the city. It keeps you comfy even in a long flight journeys. It keeps you comfy even during long flight journey. You can pair Joggers with a crop top and maybe a Jacket and flaunt that Swag, yeah!

Buying Joggers is the best outfit related decision I have ever made. You can buy this one here

Long flared skirts: Long flared skirts are so easy and simply fun. And if they are long enough, you can also flaunt it as a dress. Fashion gets functional :).I picked this black maxi skirt some time last year and it has been travelling with me almost everywhere.Being black, it pairs well with most of my tops seamlessly.Do look out for my next blog and see how I styled this skirt differently to avoid a monotonous look each time.

Do you feel I have missed something here? Name one travel outfit which you cannot do without. The one that is your absolute must have.

Until then,

TheWickedSoul

Ashfina Charania

7 thoughts on “ Travel Outfits- A girl must carry while travelling in India ”

Pingback: Beauty Travel Tips- Skin and Hair care with VLCC - The Wicked Soul

I always prefer to read magazines, blogs on my free time. I got a well maintained content in each article you are posting. You have a very good skill in writing. Keep writing greater and sharing it with us to get more. Thanks.

I loveeee this post! So much to learn and adapt and i am gonna use your suggestions in my next trip 🙂

I hope someone had told me this before I took on an adventure like traveling alone in India! It would have made it a lot easier for me,,, Thanks for this amazing post, it’s going to be extremely useful when I go back 🙂 And hello again from http://www.thetraveltattle,com !

Love all your outfits! Such cute style!! I’ll make sure to look at this post if I ever go to India! 🙂

Awesome list of must haves for India! I haven’t been back to that awesome country in 6 years, but most of what you’ve listed – I’ve taken on the trip! So it’s good to know that I wasn’t way off when packing for India. =)

Maxi skirts and dresses were my go to in India, plus a couple of nice scarfs to wrap around my shoulders or tie up to use as bags! Love your wanderlust bag – so cool!

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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

32 Pieces Of Travel Clothing For Anyone Who Doesn’t Want To Have To Struggle With What To Wear On Their Trip

You'll be able to focus on more important things like your fun plans for the day.

BuzzFeed Staff

Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women’s.

1. A sweater loungewear set for an effortlessly cool look that everyone in the airport will be obsessed with. Not only is this set so chic, but you can also wear each piece separately, which is great if you're only traveling with a carryon and have limited space.

Promising review : "First of all, it is a really nice, well-made outfit. Secondly, it fit perfectly and looks great. It is very comfortable and stylish. It is my second outfit from this company as I ordered it immediately after receiving the first one. They will be perfect for an upcoming travel." — gemgirl

Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and 20 color combos).

2. A knee-length halter dress available in a variety of colors and prints, so you'll for sure be able to find one (or two) that fit the vibe of your vacation. Whatever you pick, you'll have a great option that'll keep you feeling cool, comfortable, and stylish the whole time.

Woman in a patterned dress and sandals stands smiling by a fountain, holding a white purse

Promising review: "A friend of mine got this dress, and it looked gorgeous on her, so I went ahead and ordered it. I love this dress, and I am so glad I ordered it. It’s lined and has a removable matching belt. I washed mine separately and hung it to dry, and it looks like new. This dress is easy for travel and pretty wrinkle-free. I have ordered 3 more prints, and I can’t wait to get them. Highly recommend." — sherrie

Get it from Amazon for $38.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 38 styles).

3. A bodysuit capable of being one of the best base layers you have in your suitcase. Reviewers call this a must-have because it's extremely soft and feels (and looks) expensive.

Promising review: "Obsessed with this piece!! It is made of a comfy and stretchy material, perfect for any occasion. I purchased it for a trip to a theme park since I wanted something comfortable that would still be cute." — Alejandra Mendez

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 29 colors).

4. A lightweight striped lounge set you can wear as a beach coverup or even just a cute exploring outfit. Plus, since it's two pieces, you can mix and match both to create so many outfits.

Reviewer in oversize button up blue and white striped top with matching high waist elastic shorts

Promising review : " I bought this for vacation but also just a cute summer set, and I love it! The shorts fit great, and the top is oversized just like I wanted. I wore it with a white cropped shirt and kept the top unbuttoned." — Jessica

Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 23 colors and styles).

5. Slouchy overalls made with lightweight fabric and deep pockets, which are both essential while traveling. And the fact that you can wear these with so many different shirts underneath (we're talking tank tops, T-shirt, long-sleeved, turtlenecks), means this is a versatile piece you'll wear several times during the trip.

reviewer wearing the overalls in light green

Some reviewers recommend sizing down, unless you're tall!

Promising review: "The pocket in front is very handy. It feels like I'm wearing nothing. The overalls are light and flow-y. The fabric quality could be better — it may not last long, but it's inexpensive. I get so many compliments when I wear them. I wore them for plane travel and on the beach in Maui and Mexico and were perfect for all. Would I purchase again? Hell yeah. Size down possibly; they are slightly large." — Jamie Pauluk

Get them from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and in 17 colors and prints).

6. A stretchy drawstring jumpsuit so comfortable yet stylish, you won't mind staying in it for the rest of the day after the flight lands. Plus, it can totally double as a swimsuit cover-up when you head to the pool!

Promising review : "I absolutely love this romper. The stretch is amazing! I originally ordered a large based on reviews and it was way too big so I decided to order the medium and even that was big so I decided to order one more time and did the small and that fit perfectly! This romper is sooo comfy, perfect for traveling, running errands or just lounging in. " — Yvonne

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 18 colors/prints).

7. A two-piece tank top and shorts set that's super darling and pretty much guaranteed to get you a TON of compliments. And the best part is that you don't even have to put thought into putting an outfit together — just throw on the top and bottom, and you're G2G.

Woman in a casual orange romper smiles on a boat with rocky landscape in background

Promising review : "I got so many compliments when wearing this set on vacation in Hawaii! The top is very comfortable and cropped at just the right length. The shorts were a little see through, but for the price, they were very comfortable." — Courtney Smith

Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 13 colors/patterns).

8. An abstract-print bodycon midi for a show-stopping look that will require you to post at least one picture in it with an epic background of your travels. I can already see all the likes and comments rolling in asking where you got this beauty of a dress.

reviewer wearing the brown and white dress with a jacket over it

Promising review: "This product is very thick and good quality for the price . I bought it from seeing someone on TikTok wear it and it looks exactly the same. You could even wear this in fall with the right layering pieces." — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 16 styles).

9. A ruched top and flare pants set that screams "F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S." It comes in a variety of different colors, patterns, and also pant and short options because once you own one of the sets, you'll be racing back to the listing to grab more. Reviewers have worn the set on vacations , as a swimsuit coverup , and even worn the top and bottom separately .

A reviewer posing in the light green set

Promising reviews: " I just bought this for my trip to Barbados. I received more compliments in one night than I could count! I just got home, washed on delicate, cold and hung to dry, came out perfectly. So cute! Highly recommend." — Eileen Levy

Get them from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 27 colors, patterns, and styles).

10. A pair of paper bag belted pants reviewers swear are comfy enough to travel in because sometimes you don't want to wear leggings on the flight (yes, it does happen.) And if you're traveling for work, these are perfect to wear while you give that big presentation you've been working so hard on.

Woman in a green cardigan, black top, and black trousers, smiling with hand in hair. Ideal for a casual style article

Promising review: "I wore them for five hours of travel plus lots of movement, and they were great. I thought they looked reasonably polished with a tucked-in blouse and a cardigan. I don't need them in different colors, but if I did, I'd buy another pair." — Amy

Get them from Amazon for $29.99 (available in sizes 16–24 and six prints, also in two-pair sets).

11. A long-sleeve boho dress about to be your new favorite because it's super fun yet easy to wear. It's perfect for a nice dinner out or even a day of exploring. And as a bonus — it doesn't wrinkle so you don't have to worry about ironing during your trip.

Promising review: "LOVE THIS DRESS. I was hesitant to buy this because it was for a vacation. Because it's made of rayon, I was concerned about how well it would travel. I shouldn’t have worried. I iron a LOT of our clothes, but I can honestly say that this dress came out of the suitcase really nicely. I just hung it in the closet and the few wrinkles fell away. I wore this dress more on our vacay than any other one because it’s so diverse. Even when it got wet, it dried nicely and quickly. It’s a winner! Will be ordering more soon." — Sheri Terrell

Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 19 color combos).

12. A button-down A-line skirt for a cute style that will still keep you covered enough that you don't have to add a scarf over your outfit when you go into a European church with a dress code.

Reviewer wearing the maxi skirt in gray with brown buttons

Promising review : "This skirt is so versatile. I usually have a hard time finding skirts because I have wider hips so skirts that are longer create a weird silhouette. This skirt is not that. I have been able to wear it to work and feel super comfortable. The fabric is sturdy, and it has a little of a wrinkled look so it is great to travel with. I would recommend this skirt to anyone who is looking for some flare in their wardrobe but doesn't want to break the bank. I got this skirt in red and plan on getting it in a few more colors. Also, it was true to size." — Christina

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in sizes S–XL and five colors).

13. A two-piece midi dress outfit you'll be ~dying~ to wear as soon as you get to your destination — as a beach coverup or just a great dinner outfit. You're bound to have a great time when you wear this amazing outfit.

Another reviewer wearing the same set but in orange and purple tie-dye

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this outfit!! It is cute, sexy, and comfortable to wear. I bought this outfit as a 'travel outfit' to wear while going to the beach!! I should have bought two at the same time, but I didn't! I definitely will be ordering more colors next time."— Moni

Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in sizes XL–5X and in 31 colors and patterns).

14. A two-piece crop top and wide-leg pants set that will be the first thing you put into your suitcase when it's time to start packing and then the first thing you pull out when you get to your destination. Reviewers love this set so much and say it's a vacation outfit that they wear again and again , even after they return home.

Promising review: "I bought this outfit for a summer vacation in Italy, and it was perfect. I have since worn it a number of times and wear the pieces separately as well. The pants are a little long, but wearing a shoe with even a slight heel worked well." — Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 29 colors and styles).

15. A bright and beautiful tassel-detail dress because nobody and nothing is going to ~rain on your parade~ when you wear this on the trip (even if it does actually rain). And with 30+ color and print options, you'll for sure find a style that fits your vibe.

reviewer in the long sleeve aqua, yellow, and pink print maxi dress with tassel detail

Reviewer's recommend sizing up if you're busty!

Promising review: "Absolutely adore this dress!! The CUTEST! I bought it in the white/tan color and the really colorful turquoise. Love them both! I feel like they are cute multi-seasonal dresses. You can wear them with sandals in the summer or boots and a cute vest/jacket for fall. Fits perfectly!" — GEM

Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 33 prints).

16. An off-the-shoulder maxi for an effortless look you can quickly grab when you spend too much time at the pool and have approximately five minutes to get ready before your dinner reservation. Reviewers confirm this maxi is stretchy, easy to wear, and (one of the best parts), has pockets!!

Reviewer wearing the off-the-shoulder ruffle maxi dress in navy blue with a slit up the side.

Promising review: "I bought this dress for my trip to Hawaii. It was my favorite dress I wore on this trip!! I bought a large thinking the medium may be too tight, but I could have been fine with a medium because of how stretchy and comfortable the material is. Buying more colors for sure!!!"— Maria E. Montoya

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 16 colors and patterns).

17. A high-waisted palazzo trouser to ~widen~ your wardrobe selection without having to pack several pairs of pants. This style can be worn with so many different tops and in so many different settings — from a tropical island to a European tour. Be warned though, these might just become your favorite pants .

Promising review: "I have these in two colors, and they are now my favorite pants ever. They are very comfortable. I wore them on a 9-hour international flight, and they go with everything. Easy to dress up." — BVanDyke

Get them from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes XS–2X, short and 21 colors).

18. A flow-y tank dress that's essentially made with the same material as pajamas. This means you can wear it on the flight with your favorite jean jacket and be comfortable the whole time, but still be ready to go as soon as you step off the plane. Vacation starts N-O-W.

Promising review: "This dress has adjustable straps. It hugs you but isn't bodycon, which I liked. I paired it with a denim jacket for versatile temps of the airport, and it was great for travel." — Keeli

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 33 colors and patterns).

19. A sleek satin midi skirt perfect to add to your suitcase because you'll be able to wear it several times on the trip and not feel like you're wearing the same outfit over and over again. Just look at home many cute ways the reviewer styled it below! The possibilities are endless.

reviewer wearing navy version styled with long sleeve top belt and boots

Promising reviews: "This skirt is absolutely stunning! The quality is amazing for the price. I’ve bought similar skirts at other stores that are at least $60 plus but this one is the best one I’ve owned. You won’t regret it!" — Abby

"The rich color of the skirt is what sells it for me. Wear it with several colors, different styles and you will be the hit at work or at dinner." — Jennifer Olvera

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 20 colors). And get a similar version also from Amazon that goes up to size 5X.

20. A Levi's denim jacket about to be your go-to layer on your trip. Seriously, this is such a closet staple that you'll never go wrong with it, no matter where you take it. And as a little bonus, I know personally that it looks great with pins on it, so wouldn't it be so cute if you added a pin from each city you take it to?

I've had a Levi's denim jacket for years now and still love it so much and wear it all the time. I've taken it on many trips with me and always find it a great layer to have. Plus, you can totally wrap it around your waist if it get a little warm. I currently only have two pins on it, but I love the look it adds and think it would be a great way to remember your travels!

Promising review: "This jacket has been one that I reach for constantly. It was the slightest bit smaller than I expected, but honestly, after I wore it a few times it definitely fit better. Really worth the price." — Cassandra Griffiths

Get it from Amazon for $44.90+ (available in sizes XS–4X and 11 colors).

21. A pair of drawstring lounge pants one reviewer confirms are the " perfect travel pants ." They're lightweight, comfortable, and can be worn for everything from hiking to a nice dinner.

Reviewer in high waist faded red drawstring lounge pants

Promising review: "Perfect travel pants! These pants are lightweight, really comfortable, and the perfect length. I'm planning to make these part of my travel capsule wardrobe and wear them for activities such as yoga and hiking, and they can even go from day to night with a cute shoe and top. The drawstring can be tucked inside the waistband to make the look more polished. Very happy!" — Randy

Get it from Amazon for $35 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and 23 colors).

22. A flowing maxi dress with one great feature – it has pockets! You'll be able to keep your essentials on you (lip balm, gum, etc...) without having to drag a huge purse with you everywhere you go. And it looks great with a jean jacket for those cooler nights!

Promising review: "I purchased this for vacation, and I'm glad I did. I wore it more than once. It's very comfortable, cute, and can be styled in different ways with knots, belts, etc. It can be used for casual dress or even a beach cover up. It washed up well no shrinkage or fading." — Autumn T

Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 38 colors).

23. A pair of Levi's Ribcage jeans here to make you feel so on trend without compromising on your comfort. And the best part about these jeans? They'll instantly elevate any top you already have packed in your suitcase.

reviewer wearing the jeans in medium blue wash

FYI, if you have Amazon Prime you can try before you buy!

Promising review : "I was on the hunt for that perfect 'French girl' jean for my trip to Paris to wear with a white button-up and trench coat. and I’m shocked that these fit. I’m 5’0 and have short legs, long torso, and these are the perfect length, just brushing the top of my shoes. So comfortable with stretch stretch but also enough structure. I may buy another pair when I get home from France! " — Melanie Abrams

Get them from Amazon for $55.60+ (available in sizes 22–32 Standard and 35–39 Plus and in 15 washes).

24. A printed cover-up that will be the pop of color your travel wardrobe needs. Throw it on over your swimsuit, put it over a dress with a belt, or even with just a plain T-shirt and jeans. The possibilities are endless.

reviewer wearing yellow coverup over a dress

Promising review: "I love a good coverup that can make my travel wardrobe versatile. I took this on vacation and was able to wear it with cotton Capri leggings, shorts and even over the top of a black dress for a little extra coverage in a cold restaurant." — Janna

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in one size fits most and in 44 colors and patterns).

25. A cami jumper one reviewer calls the "best travel outfit of all time." You can wear this on its own, or with a bralette, tank, T-shirt, or even long-sleeved shirt. Think about all those possible outfits!

Reviewer wearing the jumper in black with a long-sleeved white shirt under it

Pssst! Reviewers also say this is a great option during pregnancy because it's bump-friendly and works long after baby is born!

Promising review: "This romper is so comfy. It is the best travel outfit of all time. You can dress it up or down. Wear it out for dinner or just to get groceries. I’m buying more in other colors!" — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes XS–3X and in 18 colors, prints, and styles).

26. A tiered maxi dress that comes in numerous solid colors that will always be a ~solid~ choice. Pair it with sneakers to explore or with heels and an evening bag for dinner. We love a dress that can basically do it all.

Promising review: "Very comfortable and cool (great in hot weather), cute enough to dress up for wine tastings, and it has pockets large enough to hold your phone, keys, snacks (shrimp? You do you) . A stranger even complimented me on it, so 10/10 all around." — Mira

Get it from Amazon for $41.93+ (available in sizes XXS–5X and in 20 colors and patterns).

27. A open-front blazer you'll want to have in your suitcase if you're traveling for work and don't want to show up in a wrinkled jacket. Plus, you can totally wear it with a pair of jeans and feel comfortable enough to hit the highlights of the city during your small chunk of free time.

Reviewer wearing the 3/4-sleeve open blazer in red

Promising review: "I love this jacket! It's lightweight and can travel very well! I didn't have to worry about it getting wrinkled when shoving it into a bag on my last work trip." — Erica Robyn

Get it from Amazon for $28.95 (available in sizes 4–22 and 31 colors).

28. A tie-front midi dress you can wear all day long in even the hottest of places and feel comfortable. Just be prepared for random people to stop you and compliment you in this number.

Reviewer wearing the spaghetti strap dress with a tie in the front and cut-out below it in red.

Promising review: "I got this dress in two colors. They are made from different materials, but I love them both. It feels like your favorite comfy t-shirt. I wore it to travel in, and I was very happy. It looks great, too — the little peekaboo under the bust is just perfect. It stays tied if you knot it well. I like tying it in a bow, but a double knot would be cute. This also means you can adjust the fit for your bust. 10/10 on this one; I want to get more colors/patterns." — Kellyann B

Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes S–XL and in 20 colors and patterns).

29. A pair of buttery soft leggings so great that more than 33,500 people gave them a 5-star rating. If you're an adventure seeker on vacation, these leggings will take you anywhere you want to go and back again.

a reviewer wearing the leggings while rock climbing

Promising review: "These leggings are so worth it for the price!! Super buttery soft and squat-proof. I wore them rock climbing, and they held up well. I lift in them, and they stay up. I will be ordering more pairs in more colors." — The Real Slim Shani

Get them from Amazon for $22.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 23 colors).

30. A Hackwith Design House shirt actually made to be worn six different ways. This fact alone makes it a great shirt to travel with. But you're going to like the styles so much, I can pretty much guarantee you'll wear it more than once during your trip.

a model wearing the black long-sleeved wrap top in three ways: off the shoulder, tied in the front with a square neck, and tied in the back with a V-neck in front

Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business that creates made-to-order apparel. This shirt can be worn as a V-neck, off-the-shoulder, boatneck, V-back, and even open as a jacket. And the color is simple, which means it can be paired well with many different bottoms.

BuzzFeed Shopping Editor Chelsea Stuart says: "I have this shirt and I *love* it. All credit for its discovery goes to TikToker @jennifer.bianca who I happened to stumble across on my FYP. It checks all my boxes: black, comfortable, versatile, and durable. My initial worry was that I wouldn't feel secure in it (I have a 38DDD chest and most wrap tops/dresses I've tried haven't stayed where they're supposed to), but I haven't had an issue with this! I've worn it tied in the front giving me a square neck (like the middle picture) and tied in the back giving me a V-neck up front (just like the photo on the right) — both were super comfortable, and I didn't have to adjust myself at all. As someone whose weight fluctuates, I also appreciate that this piece can handle pounds gained and lost. The fabric is medium weight, so I'll be wearing it season to season, and there's just enough elasticity in the arms that if you roll up your sleeves, they won't fall back down. All that is to say trust that I will be buying additional colors!"

Get it from Hackwith Design House for $145 (available in sizes XS–4X and in five colors).

31. A stretchy mid-length pencil skirt reviewers confirm is as comfortable as wearing leggings but looks so much nicer. If you travel a lot for work, or just need a nice bottom option for dinner, this will be your go-to.

A customer review photo of them wearing the skirt in green with booties and a white T-shirt

Promising reviews: "I really like this skirt. Great quality…I ordered it twice just because I wear it so much for work and travel. It fits true to size. The color, material, fit, and style did not disappoint. I highly recommend!" — Dione

"Love, love, love this skirt!! I would normally wear a medium, but after reading some reviews about how small it ran, I ordered one size up. When I took it out of the bag today and looked at the waist, it looked so small I thought, NO WAY! But, the fabric is so soft and has so much give that it was fine. In minutes, I felt like I was walking around in my PJs! Yes, it’s THAT comfortable! From the side the fit is very close; it looks like I’m wearing leggings. If you think this would feel or look too tight for you, I would try two sizes up rather than one, although the thigh and leg area is the part of the skirt that fits the closest. But, I’m fine with it, and my husband said I look 'great' in it — sleek and well-dressed but not too sexy which was what I was going for since I’ll be wearing it to church! Came back online just now to order more in different colors but decided to write this review first!" — Lisa S.

Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in seven colors).

32. A rib-knit ruched crop top that has a drawstring down the middle that's adjustable, meaning you can customize it to show as much (or as little) skin as you want. Combine this feature with the soft fabric and trendy style, and you've got yourself a winner of a top.

a reviewer wearing the crop top in light blue

Promising reviews: "I bought this top for my trip to Paris, and it fit perfectly! The material is very soft and comfortable. Would definitely recommend." — Manee Her

"I love this shirt. You can wear it at several different lengths. It is a soft stretchy material. Not see-through at all. Very comfortable for wearing all day and night. Pair this with a skirt or cute pair of jeans!" — Katrina

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and in six colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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COMMENTS

Travellers Guide To What To Wear in India 2022
The main reason to buy & wear Indian clothes is because a) they're beautiful and b) they can help with staying cool in the heat. In rural areas and villages (where you'll need to dress more conservatively), wearing a kurta top over your trousers can be a great way to fit in, dress respectfully and keep cool.
What to wear when travelling in India
Try wearing three piece "suits". Bring underwear and comfortable shoes and sandals to India, but not a lot of other clothes. Go shopping in India for three-piece salwar kameez sets (also known as suits). These consist of a long or short tunic, tight or loose pants and a long scarf, called a dupatta or chunni.
What to Wear in India
It's important to wear modest clothing at such events out of respect for the locals, i.e. clothes that cover your body from neck to below the knees. A kurta-churidar set (loose collarless long shirt, with ankle-length leggingS) for men and salwar-kurtis for women should do just fine.
What to Wear in India: 5 Tips + Outfit Ideas (2024)
What to Wear in India: Travel Outfit Ideas. The following outfits are ideal for most of the destinations in India. This includes Rajasthan, Goa, the Golden Triangle and the South of India, all year round. If you're going to hill stations or to the mountains, however, you will need to pack something warmer too. I've included a separate ...
What to Pack for India
Add a scarf or shawl for style and shoulder coverage. Respecting the local culture should always be priority when choosing travel clothes. 2 Pants. You should have a pair or two of light weight pants. Some travelers like to pack a pair of jeans if traveling to colder areas and also to go out in places like Mumbai.
What to Wear in India as a Tourist to Feel Comfortable & Safe!
In India, you need sandals with a thick sturdy base, a good grip and straps so they don't fall off or cause you to trip as you rush across the road. Birkenstock Sandals are a good idea. I personally live in Keen Sandals like this which have survived over 1 year of full-time travel and full-time use. 1 x Flip Flops.
What to wear in India: A packing guide for women
What to Wear in India: Clothes. Flowy dresses and skirts: Pack dresses and skirts that are loose, and long enough to cover the leg to at least mid-calf. Dresses that cover the shoulders are best, but if you're having trouble tracking one down then simply cover up with a light scarf. Pants: One pair of jeans and a couple pairs of pants should ...
What To Wear In India
Scarves & Shawls to wear in India. Possibly, the two most versatile items you could bring, scarves and shawls are a must-have when travelling to India, as they double up as many things. When visiting local temples and religious buildings, it is necessary for both men and women to be respectful.
What to Wear in India: Unveiling the Cultural Kaleidoscope
Embark on a journey through India's rich cultural tapestry with this comprehensive guide on what to wear in India. Discover the best outfit ideas for travelers, incorporating comfortable fabrics, modest attire, and traditional local wear. From lightweight cotton kurtas to vibrant silk scarves, this guide provides insights into India's diverse fashion landscape.
What to Wear in India: Mumbai, Goa, and Kerala
Shop this outfit here.. Mumbai is a major cosmopolitan city and is super chilled out in comparison to Delhi.. It's the gateway to the Southwest of India so make sure to spend a few days here on a self-guided walking tour, local food tasting, and don't miss the Dharavi Slum Tour by Reality Travels.. Treat yourself to a good night's rest after your long flight by staying at the Taj Majal ...
What To Wear In India
Pashmina or scarf (you can buy it there but better be sure to bring one) Long loose pajamas. Cotton underwear. Socks. Sandals or shoes easy to doff (to go to the temples) Rubber or hiking shoes (for rural areas) T-shirts or light sweaters (not necklines nor transparencies) Baggy and long pants made of cotton or linen.
5 Tips on How to Dress Like the Locals in India
Loose-fitting clothes are the norm here! 5. Heads up on Religious Sites. This tip is an important one in regards to how to dress in India. Some religious sites have specific requirements on what visitors can wear upon entering. For example, in Sikh temples, it is disrespectful to enter with an uncovered head.
34 Top India Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring
27. Universal Waterproof Phone Case. This cell phone case is a great little, affordable invention that will save your iPhone or Android from the dust, dirt, and grime of India. Additionally, if you're going for a boat ride on the Ganges or the Keralan backwaters, it will save your device from accidental water damage.
What to Wear in India? 20 Outfits & Packing Tips for Women
India Travel Outfits for Monsoon/Spring/Autumn. As far as monsoons are concerned, it largely depends on the part of the country you're in. The monsoons present themselves during the months of July-September in India. While they're heavy and flood some parts on a daily during this time, others receive scattered showers.
What to Wear in India for Women
Wear loose-fitting clothing in India. Generally speaking, for women, it is best to wear loose-fitting clothing that does not reveal your shape, particularly in more rural areas. You should cover your shoulders, as it is seen as somewhat scandalous in India to bear them. You will notice that many of the locals may wear jeans, have their midriff ...
Huge India Packing List (Everything in One Checklist)
Clothing to Pack for India. India is a conservative society, so travellers need to take care of how they dress. It is important you don't pack skimpy clothes and, more than covering your shoulders, it is important to cover your bum. Avoid wearing tight tops and shorts. Men need to also watch that they wear non-revealing clothes, as well.
What women should pack when travelling to India
2 x large cotton scarves. A scarf will be your biggest lifesaver 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 ...
What to wear in India? A guide for Men & Women
Dress Code India. Shirt - Cotton or linen shirts during the day can be fine if you feel good in shirts. T-Shirt - Yes always easy to live in t-shirts are a good choice. Vest - Yes a sleeveless vest can be your companion on a hot day or especially during summer. Jeans - As long as you are comfortable it does a great job.
What To Wear In India? 15 Best Outfits & Packing Tips for Men
A fashionable staple, Cardigans are easy to pack and super versatile in nature. From casual tees, buttons ups to kurta, cardigans can make any outfit turn into an influencer-approved fit in a minute. Pair it with your favorite pair of pants or jeans for a dapper yet casual look. 7. Turtleneck.
Clothing for Traveling in India
Women's Clothing. Low-cut and tight-fitting tops, short skirts and shorts, bare waists and halter tops raise eyebrows when traveling in India, particularly outside of the major cities.
DETAILED Female Packing List For India! What To Pack For India!
When it comes to what to wear in India as a female, my main advice is to ensure these trousers for India are light, airy and baggy. Firstly, to keep you as cool as possible, India isn't always hot but generally, in many places like Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan it is hot and / or humid for a lot of the year. Secondly, baggy trousers are much more ...
30 Perfect Travel Outfits: What to Wear When Traveling
3. Biker Shorts. Shorts | Sweatshirt | Shoes. Biker shorts are a great option for summer travel. Wear bike shorts with a crop sweater or sweatshirt if you're traveling between locations with different temperatures. Biker shorts will keep you comfortable during the process of waiting in lines and sitting in the terminal.
Travel Outfits- A girl must carry while travelling in India
buy this one here. Cotton Ethnic Kurta:Travelling in India is a bit tricky for us girls. A cotton kurta is safe for travels. Paying a visit to India's largest mosque Jama Masjid in Delhi or wandering around in Bangalore Palace or the pristine Golden Temple in Amritsar or a quaint Village in Tamil Nadu; there is no outfit safe and comfy for ...
32 Pieces Of Travel Clothing To Wear On Your Trip
11. A long-sleeve boho dress about to be your new favorite because it's super fun yet easy to wear. It's perfect for a nice dinner out or even a day of exploring. And as a bonus — it doesn't ...