Female going to India, what clothes to bring?

Glowing

Hi there,
I'm off to northern India for 2 weeks in October, and I'm stumped as to what clothes to bring.

I've read all the advice about covering your arms and legs, dressing modestly etc, but some websites are advising wearing only baggy, figure hiding clothes to avoid stares and groping etc. I know it's going to be hot and humid so I don't want to be dying of the heat in layers of clothes either.

Would love to get some advice from any women who have travelled through India - and could help me formulate some sort of wardrobe for the 2 week trip!!

Thanks a mil

lonestargirl

3/4 length trousers/combats and loose fitting t-shirts. You don't need layers, just things that aren't too form fitting. I got stared at a lot but nobody came anywhere near me. Two things contributed to this: I'm 5 10" so taller that most Indians (male or female); we were staying with our friend's parents in a residential area where tourists are rare. Enjoy your trip, India is a fabulous country and we will definetly return in the future.

Blueskye

lonestargirl wrote: »

3/4 length trousers/combats and loose fitting t-shirts. You don't need layers, just things that aren't too form fitting. I got stared at a lot but nobody came anywhere near me. Two things contributed to this: I'm 5 10" so taller that most Indians (male or female); we were staying with our friend's parents in a residential area where tourists we rare. Enjoy your trip, India is a faulous country and we will definetly return in the future.

+1 Northern India is pretty conservative. When I was there I mostly wore 3/4 length trousers and t-shirts. Just as long as they aren't vests they're fine. And go with baggy rather than fitted. You'll get stared at whatever you wear but you'll feel more comfortable with less skin on show. Have a great time!

donkk

Glowing wrote: »

Hi there,
I'm off to northern India for 2 weeks in October, and I'm stumped as to what clothes to bring.

I've read all the advice about covering your arms and legs, dressing modestly etc, but some websites are advising wearing only baggy, figure hiding clothes to avoid stares and groping etc. I know it's going to be hot and humid so I don't want to be dying of the heat in layers of clothes either.

Would love to get some advice from any women who have travelled through India - and could help me formulate some sort of wardrobe for the 2 week trip!!

Thanks a mil

Depends where you are going though...there is not hard and fast rule as what to wear...avoid fancy clothes, cotton would be ideal as it could be hot & humid...like mentioned above 3/4 and t-shirts would be ideal. Dont be surprised if you attract lot of attention...you will stand out no matter what you do. It helps if you know anyone in India...ask some of your Indian friends if you have any...I'm by the way from South India, but i have only been to few places in North India, like Delhi..Rajastan etcc...but if you are commig down to south, i will help with any info u need...as india is quite big and every state is different.

RATM

Glowing, you'll be stared at a lot in India, be sure of that and get used to it.

But if any bloke oversteps the mark don't be afraid to shout out loud and embarrass him. The Hindu and Muslim religions, just like Catholicism teach sexual guilt. So use that to your advantage- it is socially unacceptable to grope women but some local men think western women are 'up for it'. But if you shout out he'll be embarrassed and any women present will be tut tuting him. I've seen it happen and its a dam good way of getting respect and putting him back in his box.

picorette

Prepare to receive stares, hassle and be groped once or twice. It is almost unavoidable.

Having said that, covering up your hair can be quite effective to reduce attention from the opposite sex. A friend shaved her head, and said that there was a noticeable difference in the proximity and hassle from men. That is extreme, another friend just wore a head scarf, and reported the same effect.

Anything that disguises your femininity and sexuality will reduce attention and help you enjoy it more. And it is worth it, because it is such an amazing country with such a richness of culture.