Clothes for India next month - hot hot hot!

[AskMeHow]

Going to India for two weeks in April, the forecast looks like 33-35 degrees

I don't historically do that well in hot weather, but I have lost a lot of weight which I think will help.

So, what sort of clothes should I take? I was thinking cropped trousers and light shirts. I don't wear skirts and I'm wary of showing too much flesh. I'd like a cute bikini too as we're spending 5 days in a super posh beach hotel after the sightseeing.

I have literally no hot weather clothes, as everything I own is far too big. Help!

Can you shop once you arrive? Ask where you are staying for recommendations about the best shops/areas for European sizes. At least what you buy would be appropriate for the hot weather. For the bikini, I'd look online here and in the High Street. You will want to swim soon after arrival (I would, anyway).

Second getting some clothes made or off the peg when you get there! Whenever I've travelled in India I've worn loose cotton tops and trousers. If you look for salwar kameez / churidars you will be able to see the range of styles and necklines etc, then pick what works best for you. Whereabouts will you be going and how will you be travelling - that also affects the type of clothing you'll want I would say....

Cotton or cotton linen mix items such as the trousers and shirts you wanted. Light colours. Definitely pick up a cotton shalwar kameez in a bright hue there. Lightweight kaftans would be good too. Take a fan with you, keep applying cold water to your wrists and feet. Can your hotel freeze any ice packs there?

Wait till you get there. If you are near a big city, Fab India have lovely cotton tops, skirts and dresses. Department stores in malls also sell both ‘western’ and more traditional clothing.

Women tend to wear cotton leggings with long or short kurtis (tunic tops) and a dupatta (long stole) draped over shoulders to cover up where necessary.

I went over Xmas and mainly wore midi dresses, chinos and tops. Just stick to loose cotton clothes and you’ll be fine!

People will stare at you regardless of what you wear so just wear what is comfortable. You’ll be fine in a bikini round a hotel pool/private beach, but if you go to a public beach, Indian ladies do cover up a lot (think burkini type garments). I wore a bikini (I’m Indian) and did get stared at, but it doesn’t bother me! It’s not malicious or threatening, just curiousity if you look a bit ‘different’!

Very thing leggings with a loose top or shirt and sandals. Or wide airy trousers and loose tops. Wouldn't wear shorts or tank tops.

I wouldn't wear leggings! I've just been on a hot hot holiday and lived in either bikini or little dresses through the daytimes. Had a couple of sarong type things to cover shoulders etc when necessary.

Evening I wore shorts & a vest top or shorts jumpsuits as it didn't get much below 30 in the evenings either

You will definitely find plenty of cheap clothing at market stalls in India harem pants & maxi dresses especially in the tourist areas. T-shirts might come up small though.

Wear things that you can easily wash out yourself nightly in your hotel room and that won't look like they need ironing. I'd wear long sleeves and long trousers for some protection from the sun. Remember a hat.

Definitely agree with the Fab India recommendation. Lovely things and it’s so much easier being in India when you fit in a bit more.

Cotton but full length sleeves and loose trousers are your friend to protect from the uv and because outside of the hotels it's a pretty conservative society dress wise. However only take a bit as it will be cheaper to shop there!

@LMBad that's if you can put up with the hassle you are going to get when you are interested in buying stuff.

My daughter went out last July, she bought a load of patterned harem pants and T-shirt’s with highish necklines from primark

I always think Fat face has a good range of lightweight 'travelling' clothes.
Good walking sandals are a must, they will get trashed so don't spend too much.
Also a lightweight scarf/cover-up for Temples etc and places with the AC ramped up.
You don't need much.

Sod spending your holiday time shopping for holiday clothes (plus if it's your first time in India you might find it - together with the heat - too overwhelming) plus you might get ill if you're unlucky

I just wore cotton shirts and loose chinos and a couple of elbow length sleeve Maxi dresses. You can buy really nice tunics for cheap prices but it's not something I would wear. The jewellery and scarves are amazing. Bungalow 8 is great for accessories.

Cotton trousers and tops with short sleeves will be fine. Think about shoes. I took some walking sandals and I was glad to have them.

Personally I would not rely on buying once you get there. I found it took me a while to feel confident. We went to big towns but don't think I ever saw a shop where I could stroll in and buy a couple of outfits off the peg. I thoroughly enjoyed clothes shopping after a week or so but it could be stressful if you rely on being able to shop as soon as you get there.

Have fun!

I live in 30-50° heat for most of the year; I wear loose, natural fibre clothes.- linen trousers, linen or cotton tops, with a v thin cardigan over the top if I need coverage from the UV light (or if the top is too skimpy)
I also wear a kurta (cotton tunic) over fitted Capri-type trousers or leggings.

Have a great time. I'm hoping to go to myself for a weekend at Easter and will be hitting the clothes shops big time

Good tips here, thank you! Bought a hat, some dressy sandals, cotton trousers and a cotton dress so far. I need some more practical footwear I think but I couldn't resist. I might buy some stuff when I'm out there, but I'll need clothes at least for a few days I imagine.

Second the FabIndia recommendation - also check out Anokhi if there's one near where you're going. Really beautiful printed cotton clothes, as well as gorgeous homewares.