Traveling to India? It is important to realize that many of the clothes that we wear at home are not suitable for India, both in terms of climate and in terms of culture. As for culture, India is simply not a country where you can dress in peace, like most of us in the West, so it’s important to be familiar with the Indian dress code and the reasons for this. Moreover, many styles of clothing that are quite acceptable in the West , completely indecent for most Indians. For this reason, it may be better for you to buy clothes as soon as you arrive. A great excuse for shopping and clothing is much cheaper than going home.
Regardless of whether you think it or not, the way you dress has a significant effect on how people react to you (this is even in India than in most other countries). Women who dress and act tend to be much more highly valued than those who violate cultural norms, and they are safer than sexual harassment. Wearing clothes that are indecent by Indian standards involves culture, and it also gives men the idea that you are available for sexual favors for anyone who wants you, even if your behavior strongly suggests otherwise.
It is true that many girls and women, especially in Mumbai and Delhi, and other places that see many tourists, as well as on campuses, began to wear jeans with short tops, etc. However, as a visitor, you are already in disadvantage due to common bias, so it is much safer to wear a little more conservative. And don't look at bollywood or fashion magazines for cues about how to dress; they have nothing to do with real life.
While it is good to wear western clothes in most places, it is necessary to wear them in such a way as to respect a very modest Indian culture. Almost every Indian, including men and women (not to mention a few foreigners), to what I mentioned in my book (“Enjoying India: Basic Guide”), told me: “I hope you tell women how to dress!” Most Indians are too polite to tell you their face if you are inadequately dressed, but they certainly notice.
Basic standards of modesty throughout India require that you cover your knees, shoulders, shoulders, cleavage and abdomen. It is acceptable for your abdomen to be exposed when wearing a sari, but not otherwise. Shorts and short skirts are unacceptable. Underwear should always be worn discretely under the clothes where it belongs, and it should not be displayed at all; besides, the bra is necessary if you are not flat, like an eight-year-old child. Tops should not show your cleavage or be too tight or open. Leave your clean blouses, shorts, spaghetti strap straps, bikinis, T-shirts, etc. Houses. While sleeveless tops are becoming more common in some large cities in India during the hot season, in general they are unacceptable; However, short sleeves are usually good.
When wearing pants, go to loose, tunic-style tops that cover your crotch and buttocks. At home, many of us love to wear our blouses, neatly tucked into jeans or pants, but here it’s better to let them hang out. One big advantage of wearing long tops is that they hide the fact that your underwear can be seen through a thin fabric so that you can wear lightweight pants in hot weather.
If you bring a swimsuit, it should be conservative, no matter where you plan to wear it; preferred is a solid piece. On the way to or from the beach or pool, or when you interact with the locals, put something modest on your swimsuit. Bikinis are unacceptable even in Goa, where many women wear them.
In certain conservative places and in many places of worship you will also need to cover your head. Watch what local women do and do the same.
Traditional Indian clothing is more comfortable than Western clothing, especially in the heat. Even in extremely hot weather, when your hands and feet are covered with a very light pop, it actually keeps you cooler than shorts and top leashes. And most Indians love it when you wear an Indian dress, because it shows your appreciation of their culture. Wearing traditional clothing also serves as an excellent icebreaker; many people will comment on it, and you will find that comments tend to be very appreciated.
If you want to try Indian clothes, you probably want to start with one of two main types of ladies. Pantsuits: salwar-kameez (aka Punjabi suit), which consist of a long tunic (kameza) over baggy trousers (salvaras) that are laid in the lower part, or churidhar-kameez, which has kamezas over lean straight pants (churidhar), which worn grouped around a calf and ankle. By the way, churidhars are mostly worn by young women and teenagers, and not so much by older women in most places. A scarf thrown over the front completes the outfit; a scarf (chunni or dupatta) is an integral part of the ensemble, without which you can be seen as an immoral woman, especially in small towns and villages.
In many parts of South India, as well as in several other places, ankle-length skirts (lehngas), worn with supercharging and a large scarf, are common. However, pay attention to what styles of clothes women of your age wear to avoid involuntarily parades around something that is considered childish or inappropriate. Long dresses are not traditional; The ankle dresses you see for sale everywhere are really nightgowns. While it is normal to wear one, say, to the corner market for some milk, or, if you have morning tea with friends on the veranda, it is not acceptable to wear one day.
Sari, which is perhaps the most beautiful dress style in the world, is the most common form of women's clothing; It is worn almost everywhere in India, although it is wrapped differently according to local custom. Sari is comfortable and easy to wear as soon as you get used to them. It is interesting to learn how to wrap one, and any Indian woman will be happy to show you how to do it.
By the way, these long, simple cotton fabrics that you see for sale are actually sari skirts. They may look like long skirts, but they are underwear worn under a sari. If you wear it like a skirt, people will look at you mercilessly. Only a very poor woman who had nothing else could wear it like a skirt.
A conservative Western-style dress or business suit (i. E. Below the knee length and not too tight or low) is suitable for doing business in India. If you prefer a trouser suit, it should cover your buttocks and crotch.
For social meetings with business partners, you can wear conservative dresses or beautiful trouser suits, both Indian and Western. Long pants and modest tops are the norm for sporting events; shorts are unacceptable, with the exception of some exclusive health clubs (but you usually change them rather than wearing shorts along the way). See that Indian women work with casual wear and follow their example - if it is reasonably modest, of course. Evening wear can be extremely fancy, depending on the occasion; A sari can be worn for many celebrations.
Even if you are traveling on a budget, you will need at least one nice outfit to dress, if the reason for this. Whenever you go somewhere that requires dress, ask your friends what is appropriate. If you are invited to a wedding or other fancy event, ask an Indian friend or acquaintance to buy you clothes. You can also take something about this. By the way, Indians are usually too polite to tell guests that they are dressed improperly, even when asked directly, so you need to find out beforehand what you need to wear.
If you are invited to the temple for an important holiday, dress beautifully; at least you should wear something clean, modest and pressed. If you decide to wear a sari, he does not need to have expensive, even plain cotton, which will often do. Fortunately, you can get a beautiful sari much less than paying for a new pair of jeans at home.
It is important to remember that your clothes must respect culture, no matter where you are. Obviously, you may be a little more relaxed in some places, such as five-star hotels, but do not overdo it. Those you meet will appreciate your cultural sensitivity if you dress according to local standards.
