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Delhi is an amazing city, but it can be challenging for visitors. Dressing to suit the culture and weather can make a big difference in your Delhi experience. My wardrobe has changed a lot since I moved to Delhi in 2020! 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 place in the city, but I bought 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 and very class conscious. 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 could get away with shorts if they are a bit longer, but women should not wear shorts at all.
2. Wear Traditional 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. 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. Some more 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. Women must cover their head in mosques, but men do not. Many Indian women cover their heads before entering Hindu temples, but it is not mandatory.
You’ll have to take off your shoes 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.
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 (Ghandi Memorial), wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Shoes must be removed at all of these places.
5. 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 | February – March | 20-25° C | breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen sun hat, sunglasses |
| Summer | April – June | 25-45° C | lightweight fabrics in cotton and linen sun hat, sunglasses |
| Monsoon | July – mid September | 30-40° C | breathable lightweight fabrics in cotton and linen, umbrella |
| Autumn | mid September – November | 20-30° C | breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen sun hat, sunglasses |
| Winter | December – January | 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.
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).
Packing List for Delhi, India
Here’s what to pack for your trip to Delhi, India:
- Loose, breathable clothing
- Scarf
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flip flops/sandals
- Reusable water bottle
- Toiletries and cosmetics
- Hand sanitizer
- Medications (in original containers)
- Camera
- Electronics
- Chargers
- Travel plug adapters (India uses C, D, M sockets)
- Mosquito repellent (this is readily available in Delhi if you forget yours)
- Travel documents (passport/visa)
- light coat, sweater or umbrella, depending on the season
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
These are the most common questions about what to wear in Delhi:
What is appropriate to wear in Delhi?
Very modest clothing is appropriate to wear in Delhi. Clothing should cover shoulders, cleavage, butt and knees, and not be too tight or revealing. Kurtas or kurtis with leggings, jeans, a long skirt or loose trousers work well.
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.
The Wrap-up on What to Wear in Delhi, India and Packing List – Tips from an Insider
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 to do. You won’t attract the wrong kind of attention, and locals will be more friendly and patient.
Looking for More? You Might Also Like…
- First Time in Delhi: Complete Guide and Itineraries for Delhi
- 21 Practical Things to Know Before Going to Delhi
- Is Delhi Safe for Tourists?
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
