Clothing Tips for Women Traveling in India
May 26th, 2009
Submitted by: Ashley Breneman
As the days go by, and we get closer and closer to our departure to India, there are some important tips that the women must remember. This is not to say that the guys have nothing to take precautions about, but the large cultural differences between Western women and Indian women should be noted. All year we have been educated on the culture in India. The most obvious difference we as Americans will need to adapt to is the conservative style of dress for women. By now, we should all understand this difference, but what we may consider conservative here in California, may be extremely provocative in India. Here are some tips for women that I found on numerous websites.
1. Avoid low cut, tight-fitting shirts, tank tops, skirts that fall above the knees, and shorts.
2. Short sleeve cotton shirts can be worn in warmer climates, but they should be loose fitting and not revealing.
3. Observe the locals, and dress a bit more conservatively than the most liberally dressed woman.
Some of us have talked about buying a sari once we get there. I know some of us wondered if the Indian women would be offended if we were to wear the saris. From the research I did, it is a treat for most Indian women to see Americans open-minded enough to immerse themselves in another culture or tradition. However, you may/will be stared at if you wrap the sari wrong. For those who plan on buying a sari, this LINK link shows a demonstration on how to wrap a sari.
The other option for Indian dress is the salwar kameez. This is the slightly less dressy outfit that consists of a loose-fitting blouse that comes down past the waist, and loose-fitting pajama-like pants that are very wide at the top and very narrow at the ankles.
Now how does all this relate to the business aspect of the trip? Lets put it this way, how many of you would walk into an interview wearing just a bathing suit? I know this sounds extreme, but revealing clothing can come across just as offensive to the men and women in India. While in India, I plan on buying at least one of these outfits to try and blend in as much as possible. Dressing appropriately will not only help to avoid lewd comments and glares, but we will be much more respected by those we encounter. Besides, there is little knowledge to gain if we enter India assuming the same cultural bias that we experience here in the United States.
For more clothing tips and some extra safety tips, see the below article written by Beth Whitman, an American writer who spent a month traveling through India.
For Women Traveling to India: Preparing for Safe and Culturally Respectful Immersion
Entry Filed under: China, India, Misc., Pre-Departure
6 Comments Add your own
1. Andrea Muntzel | May 31st, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I really liked the article you posted, Ashley. I’m also thinking about reading the author’s book on the plane to India. It seems fitting. Besides just the clothing issue, though, the article had a lot of other good advice for women. It’s difficult to change the way you’ve been dressing for your entire life to fit in with another culture, even if you generally dress conservatively.
On another note, though, I’m really excited to buy and wear traditional Indian clothes! It definitely seems like a good way to fit in with the culture and keep your suitcase light. Thanks for researching whether this is offensive to women in India. I was happy to find out that it isn’t!
2. Cece Reyes | June 8th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Always good to have some insights on local culture. Our society is very open to differences in dress, and modesty is not a huge issue here with regard to respect. However, think about when you have seen tourists walk around in their traditional clothing in the U.S., I know that I have been compelled to look and wonder where they may be from - something that I would prefer not to experience. We will look different, so there will still be plenty of “sticking out”.
Women in particular have to be sensitive to local customs and modesty regarding dress because in addition to being an insult, it can be a safety concern. And, dressing appropriately also shows respect for the local people who are sharing their culture.
3. Victoria Rodriguez | June 9th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Ashley, I appreciate this post - you had some tips and names I didn’t learn. One other item that someone mentioned is that if your ankles are showing you may not be able to enter some temples, so even some longer shorts or skirts may be too short.
I definitely care more about comfort - weather wise and in a fitting-in sense, so I will probably be buying one of those salwar kameez (thanks for the name).
4. Shuchita Jain | February 19th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Ashley, It was good to read about your perspective on how to dress for business occasions in India. I’m an Indian and i completely agree with you. Although i must tell you that a formal wear comprising of shirt, trousers and suit with elegantly paired accessory is always acceptable in business setting. Salwar kameez are a very good option for working in India as its a warm country and this dress not only looks very elegant and gives you scope for a little experimentation with your look but is also very comfortable and completely professional and acceptable. Apart from that sari is good choice however I would not recommend it to someone trying it out for first time as it takes some time getting used to it. all the best.
5. Kamya | May 18th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
hey I really like your article. It is something which reaches the real facts which should be remembered by a girl every time. You are absolutely right that in India people’s respect woman in a sophisticated and Indian dresses.
6. Women’s Clothing | June 2nd, 2010 at 1:12 am
I am really excited for the purchase and use of traditional Indian clothes! It certainly seems a good way to keep fit and culture with a suitcase full of light. Thanks to examine whether this is an insult to women in India. I was pleased to discover that
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