I'm going to India, any advice on clothing?

[puds11isNAUGHTYnotNAICE]

Im going to Calcutta for 10 days in June.

Can anyone give some advice on clothing from a cultural but also comfort point of view.

TIA

[FrownsAndDimples]

You're gonna love it. Cottons and kaftan type tunics and linen trousers. Dresses are good so long as you keep close to knee length. Personally I wouldn't do strapless or spaghetti straps but modern India is very progressive so will probably be OK.

I'm very jealous!

[tungthai]

I have only been to North India so not sure if this is relevant. I would try to blend in as much as possible, I dressed very modestly but still received lots of unwanted attention despite traveling with husband.

From a comfort perspective I would go for loose linen trousers, long tunic tops and comfortable breathable sandals.

[LordEmsworth]

Wear tops with sleeves, and long (below knee length) trousers / skirts (or dresses). It is a bit more relaxed than it used to be, but I would not be comfortable showing my shoulders or knees in India (outside Goa).

Don't take too many clothes - get some made while you're out there. You can choose beautiful cottons/silks and the tailor can make tops as long or short as you like, made to size, in a couple of days (or less). Take any clothes you love, and ask them to make a copy; and anything that needs altering.

[puds11isNAUGHTYnotNAICE]

Do I need to cover my hair? I am a red head, and my friend reckons I might attract attention because of it.

[YNK]

Cover up in loose clothing to combat sun/heat!I echo buying when you are there!
Also bring back prescription strength Retin A Creme ( for wrinkles/ sun damage!)

[YNK]

I usually say I have just been released from prison for killing my husband, and I'm on holiday to celebrate!
They just don't get it if you say you are single because they are convinced another male family member should forbid you from travelling anyway!

[LordEmsworth]

You don't need to cover your head, but I did buy a dupatta (scarf) which I used to wrap round my head when the sun was really hot, instead of a hat, and to wrap round my face when we were in auto rickshaws / heavy traffic, to try to keep the worst of the pollution out - it was really handy.

I'm a redhead and didn't find it attracted any more attention than the fact that I'm not Indian - especially in rural areas. By the way, if you haven't been to India before then be prepared for the wide range of people who will approach you, and ask to have their photo taken with you - it freaked me out at first!

[aoife24]

Lucky you, have a fabulous time. Wear loose, cotton, linen tops, trousers, skirts etc. You can get grubby quite quickly so white maybe isn't so good. Some people suggest picking up a shalwar kameez (long top, loose trousers) and you could even get one before you go. The long scarf (dupatta) is also very handy. Bring a stout pair of sandals too, Teeva etc. Some cities can be very dirty underfoot. Bikinis might attract a lot of attention from Indian men, even in Goa.

[puds11isNAUGHTYnotNAICE]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to go to market early on to pick up some traditional clothing anyway, I just wasn't sure what western clothing I can get away with.

[chickydoo]

Have travelled in India for work & pleasure many times.
Loose cotton. Covered toe shoes.
Lots of unpleasant things to step in
Keep shoulders & knees covered.
You'll be fine. You will get attention as you are not going to a touristy area, but you will have a blast!

[puds11isNAUGHTYnotNAICE]

Can anyone recommend places to go in and around calcutta?