While plenty of young people in India walk around in the typical American casual uniform of jeans and T-shirts, India is also home to traditional clothing that is markedly different from that seen in America. Indian people dress up in traditional clothing for special occasions or ceremonies, and go out in casual wear on an everyday basis.

Clothing is a vital form of expression in India, closely tied to religious tradition. Indian culture imposes a certain dress code, which varies between regions, so it's important to know what to wear and how to wear it before embarking on an Indian journey. At the same time, clothing in India plays a huge role in protecting people from sometimes harsh weather, so dress in a way that keeps you as cool and shielded from the sun as possible.

Modesty is Key

When you're visiting India's big cities, you might be able to get away with your typical clothing, especially in bars, clubs and other cool hangouts. However, this isn't the case in most of the country, where revealing clothing is viewed as disrespectful and – particularly at holy sites – insulting. Prepare to pack clothing that reveals as little skin as possible, both out of respect for the local culture and to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes.

To blend in as much as possible, women are advised to wear long skirts that go down to the ankle, while men should wear pants. Modest T-shirts are generally acceptable, but long-sleeved shirts work even better and provide more protection from the elements. Tank tops are a no-go in most areas, especially in small towns and religious places, and both men and women should avoid skintight clothing.


When Visiting Religious Sites

If you plan to visit holy sites while in India, keep in mind that some have very specific dress codes, and pretty much all of them require particularly modest dress. Visitors to Sikh temples should cover their heads. In Hindu temples, leather is not allowed. All religious sites require visitors to remove their shoes before entering and to have their knees and shoulders covered.

Do an outfit check before heading out for a day at a religious site: Make sure your shoes are easy to slip off and your outfit covers everything that needs to be covered. If you're headed to a Hindu temple, double check your watchband, belt and shoes to make sure there's no leather on you. For Sikh sites, consider bringing a scarf to cover your head once you're there, though most temples can provide scarves for their visitors.


Traditional Clothing

Tourists in India are welcome to adopt the traditional dress while there, especially while visiting holy sites. For women, these pieces include saris, churidars and kurtas. Saris wrap around the body without stitching, so unless you have someone to teach you how to wear it, consider springing for churidars (leggings that bunch at the ankle) and a kurta (a long tunic) instead.

For men, traditional dress is simple and usually cheap: Just aim for trousers and lightweight shirts.