What to Wear in Delhi, India and Packing List – Tips from an Insider

Dressing to suit the culture and weather can make a big difference in your experience of Delhi. From choosing modest clothing to the right fabrics, here are my tips on what to wear in Delhi to be comfortable and respectful.

What to Wear in Delhi, India

Back in 2016, I hired a local guide to take me Indian clothes shopping on my very first day in Delhi. Now I realize she took me to the most expensive places in the city, but I did buy 4 or 5 kurtas (tunic like tops) and wore them almost every day for 3 weeks.

Indians know how to dress for the weather and culture – follow their lead and you can’t go wrong.

1. Dress Modestly

This is the most important thing to remember. Even though Delhi is the capital of India, it is a conservative city. By dressing modestly you will avoid a lot of unwanted attention and be treated with more respect.

For women shoulders, cleavage, bum and knees should be covered at all times. For men, chest and shoulders should be covered. Absolutely no tank tops, crop tops or skimpy shorts. Men can get away with shorts if they are a bit longer, but women should not wear shorts at all.

2. Consider Wearing Indian Clothes

Indians are the experts on dressing appropriately, and for the climate. Take your lead from the locals on what to wear in Delhi.

The most comfortable and easy thing to wear while sightseeing in Delhi is a kurti or kurta. These are tunic like tops with long sleeves. A kurta goes down to the knees or past, and a kurti is shorter but still covers the butt.

Both can be worn with jeans, leggings, long skirts, or loose pants. You can find these all over Delhi, but good places to shop are Fabindia (retail clothing chain with locations all over Delhi) or Central Market Lajpat Nagar.

Women should always have a dupatta (a long Indian scarf) with them. This is the most useful fashion accessory in India.

You can use it cover your head in mosques and gurudwaras, as a wrap if it gets chilly, and as coverage for your chest. Dupattas (also called chunni and chunari) are easy to buy; they are sold in all markets and neighbourhoods.

Men can kind of wear whatever they want (as long as shoulders and chest are covered), but I recommend loose, cotton clothing just to be comfortable in the hot weather. Kurta pajamas are popular for men. This is a long tunic style shirt with coordinating bottoms (not sleeping pajamas).

3. Dressing for all Seasons

Delhi has extremes in weather. Dressing for the season is important if you want to be comfortable. Here are the average temperatures and what to wear in Delhi for each season:

Season	Month	Average Temp.	Suggested Clothing
Spring	Feb – Mar	20-25° C	breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen sun hat, sunglasses
Summer	Apr – Jun	25-45° C	lightweight fabrics in cotton and linen sun hat, sunglasses
Monsoon	Jul – mid Sep	30-40° C	breathable lightweight fabrics in cotton and linen, umbrella
Autumn	mid Sep – Nov	20-30° C	breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen sun hat, sunglasses
Winter	Dec – Jan	5-20° C	layers, long sleeves, light coat closed shoes, socks

You can still wear kurtas in winter. The shops sell heavier, thicker ones for this season. In winter I usually wear a warm kurta, jeans and a shawl.

4. Wear Suitable Footwear

Sidewalks in Delhi are uneven, full of potholes and in many cases, non-existent. Leave the heels at home, and wear comfortable shoes that are good for walking.

If visiting religious sites or Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial), wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Shoes and socks must be removed at all of these places.

5. What to Wear at Temples and Religious Sites

It is especially important to dress conservatively at temples, mosques and gurudwaras.

Most religious sites require shoulders and knees to be covered. The most popular sites will have sarongs or cover ups you can borrow, like the Jama Masjid in Old Delhi or Akshardham Temple.

Women and men have to cover their heads in gurudwaras (Sikh temples), but all gurudwaras have bandanas you can borrow. In mosques women must cover their heads, but men do not.

Many Indian women cover their heads before entering Hindu temples too, but it is not mandatory.

Shoes and socks must be removed before entering all Indian religious sites, except Christian churches, but even there many locals remove their shoes. There is usually a shoe minder (a small tip is appropriate) or storage rack for shoes – if not, just put your shoes by the entrance where the locals put theirs.

6. What to Wear for Yoga Classes

If you attend a local yoga class in Delhi, wear loose comfortable clothing. Most yoga practitioners do not wear Lululemon or tight yoga clothes. Most locals wear exercise pants and a t-shirt for yoga.

Of course, if you do a class at your hotel or one of the upscale studios where a lot of expats go, you will see some tight yoga clothes – but generally speaking, Indians wear conservative clothes for exercise.

7. What to Wear if Going Out at Night

If you’re going out to a nice restaurant, lounge or dance club you can be less modest. I’ve seen some very risqué outfits in Delhi bars and lounges. But, I would keep things covered with a shawl or coat when travelling to and from your destination (and don’t use public transportation – take an Uber).

8. What to Wear for an Indian Wedding

If you’re invited to an Indian wedding in Delhi, you’re in for a great experience. Indian weddings are multi-day events, with different clothes worn for each celebration.

You don’t have to wear traditional Indian clothing, but it is the perfect time to dress up, and your hosts and other Indian guests will be thrilled. If you’re not sure what to wear, ask the bride or groom what is appropriate.

Avoid wearing red, which the bride traditionally wears. Black and white should also be avoided, as they are associated with mourning.

Here’s an idea of what to wear for different wedding events in Delhi:

• Haldi: This is a fun gathering where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom at their homes to bless them. Bright Indian two-piece outfits (like sharara or anarkali) in mustard yellow, orange or peach are perfect.
• Mehendi: This is the henna ceremony where intricate designs are applied to the bride’s hands and feet, and most female guests get henna on their hands too. Wear bright two-piece Indian outfits like a sharara or anarkali, preferably with shorter sleeves.
• Sangeet: This is the pre-wedding dance party. It’s a high energy event, so choose something stylish but comfortable for dancing. Indian clothing with beadwork or mirrorwork is a good choice.
• Shaadi (wedding) & reception: These are the fanciest events, so dress up. A silk saree or lehenga in deep jewel tones, silver or gold would be appropriate.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to buy Indian clothing for a wedding. Central Market Lajpat Nagar is a good place to shop on a budget, and a two-piece kurti or kurta set is an easy and comfortable option if you’re unsure what to wear.

Packing List for Delhi, India

Here’s what to pack for your trip to Delhi, India:

If you forget something, don’t worry – you can find practically everything in Delhi. Delhi has excellent shopping malls with lots of international and domestic brands.

The only thing I have difficulty finding in Delhi are nylons to wear with dresses in winter.

FAQs About What to Wear in Delhi, India

These are the most common questions about what to wear in Delhi:

Can girls wear shorts in Delhi?

There is no law against wearing shorts in Delhi, but shorts are not culturally appropriate. You will elicit a lot of unwanted attention. To fit in culturally and be respectful, wear bottoms that go down below the knees.

What to wear at the Taj Mahal for females?

Females should dress modestly to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. The Taj Mahal is an Islamic mausoleum with attached mosque. Make sure shoulders, chest, bum and knees are covered and you have a dupatta or scarf.

It also gets crowded and hot – wear something loose and lightweight. You’ll have to use shoe covers (provided), or remove your shoes before entering the mausoleum.

Can you wear sleeveless shirts in Delhi?

You can wear sleeveless shirts and dresses in Delhi, but I don’t recommend it unless you cover your shoulders with something (like a dupatta). Men should also keep avoid tank tops in Delhi.

Last Words on What to Wear in Delhi, India and Packing List

When travelling, the last thing you want to do is stand out – especially for wearing inappropriate clothing. Dressing modestly and incorporating some Indian clothing into your wardrobe is smart. You won’t attract the wrong kind of attention, and locals will be more friendly and patient.

Also Recommended:

• First Time in Delhi: Complete Guide and Itineraries for Delhi
• 21 Practical Things to Know Before Going to Delhi
• Is Delhi Safe for Tourists?

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