How do you pull off floaty but practical?

[TreacherousPissFlap]

Admittedly it's over a year away but we have a holiday booked to India. It's a reasonably active trip, many bases and modes of transport rather than relaxing by a pool.

Normally I would be in shorts, T-shirt's and trainers or flip flops for a holiday like this, but this time there will be a cultural consideration.

I believe I would be expected to at least have my knees and shoulders covered, and also my head when in certain areas. This will actually necessitate a new wardrobe as I simply don't own items that fulfil the criteria and would be suitable for the heat.

I figured floaty items, linen etc but actually don't know how to pull this off (without looking like an 80yo on a Saga cruise) Items also need to be practical for walking, cycling etc, as well as being easy enough to launder.

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated

We are hoping to go in late January and I'm beginning to think about what to pack. I planning to take a number of linen jumpsuits and linen dresses plus a linen wrap to use to cover my shoulders/head as and when necessary. I find converse great as they look good with most things and are really comfortable.
I wore similar outfits when we went to Vietnam and Cambodia earlier this year and they worked really well.

Thank you missfritton , I've looked at some blogs online but they seem too "curated" for me IYSWIM, and seemed to focus on looking good in holiday photos first and practicality second.

I go for midi skirts (like the Hush Santana) with t shirts. Or culottes in an airy fabric. I’ve a great Sweaty Betty dress that covers knees and shoulders and is super easy to wash and hang dry on a hanger, though laundry services are usually efficient. Yes to a big scarf or wrap in a really thin fabric. Converse/Superga etc for footwear.

Not sure what your budget is but go on h&m and search Kaftans, they have loads of long/ knee length ones like this www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0853805002.html

I would also get some cropped linen trousers to wear with a vest and an oversized white linen shirt over the top.

Uniqlo airism range is great, these trousers would look fab with birkenstocks

oops forgot the link to the airism trousers www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-airism-wide-leg-trousers-422836.html?dwvar_422836_color=COL09&dwvar_422836_size=SMA00

I'd take enough Western clothes, underwear and swimwear for the trip, and would shop locally on the first day for stuff for the weather. Ask the concierge in the hotel where to buy what you will need for the locations you'll be visiting. In my experience of tropical travel, you are usually better wearing a version of local clothing for comfort. If it's not available in your size, then a local tailor will make your clothing in less than 24 hours in most places, and it will fit you beautifully, which will make it more comfortable to wear. I do hope this helps: it's miserable trying to wear European styles and fashion in the tropics..

You don't say what time of year but India can be pretty chilly in winter in the North.

That's my soul practical advice. Sorry.

Hi OP, when are you going? If north, it can get chilly so you may need some warmer layers.

I’m of Indian origin OP and visit every few years. I tend to stick to loose cotton trousers, T-shirt’s and a loose long sleeve linen or cotton shirt on top (worn like a jacket almost). I always carry a thin scarf also, useful for covering up head or décolleté if necessary.

Local ladies mainly wear shalwar/churidar and kameez (long tunic over loose or leggings type bottoms). These can be bought very cheaply out there (and tailored to fit within hours) so don’t be afraid to venture into the local shops or market!

Fab India is a great chain that sells gorgeous cotton hand loom clothing and home textiles.

Ooh lovely, thank you!

We're going next August and it's a round trip, starting in Delhi and taking in Jaipur, Alipura and Varanasi then back to Delhi.

I love the idea of shopping locally and I think (unsure until I am able to book flights) that we will have a good stretch before we meet up with our group and get on the move.

I just wore midi culottes or a chino type knee length skirt. I didn't particularly worry about shoulders because if I wore something that bared them, I just wore either a cotton wrap or a half sleeved, unlined, cropped linen jacket over it. The cotton wrap served to cover my head when necessary as well. I took a couple of long skirts too, but that was just because they were comfortable rather than practical. Most of my stuff is either cotton, linen or silk anyway so it made very little difference to me. This was in Southern India

I bought a few lovely outfits from Fab India within the first couple of days of arriving, it worked really well and I found I got less harassment than when I wore (modest) Western clothes.

The last time i was in India - some time ago - I realised that women never showed their armpits - i do not know if this is still the case.

@ruthieness

The last time i was in India - some time ago - I realised that women never showed their armpits - i do not know if this is still the case.

I’ve seen sleeveless tops worn in big cities (and then it’s mainly tourist spots/beaches or certain evening events)

Most women do however prefer to wear sleeves - I think it’s a modesty thing again.

I wore linen trousers with a tapered leg, palazzo pants in the evening. Loose cotton tee’s and a pashmina style scarf with leather sandals. H&M was great for that kind of stuff.

I’m jealous we talk about going back all the time! Amazing country x

Thank you all, I literally can't wait but having had 2 holidays cancelled this year I'm trying and failing not to get too excited about it

Definitely go to Fab India and get some salwar kameez - easiest all round and perfect for the weather.

August is in monsoon season, so be prepared for hot + torrential downpours.

There used to be a really good Fab India in N Block market (fancy-pants shopping area), no idea if it's still open!

August will be hot and humid - sorry! Less so nearer the desert eg Jaipur. Short sleeve t shirts and midi skirts or cropped trousers/culottes as a pp says. Flip flops - platform ones are good for grubby streets.

I would go for cotton rather than linen as it creases less and hangs better. Cotton linen or silk linen mixes are fab if you can find them. Avoid man made.

Take a lightweight scarf everywhere, it is so useful to provide extra cover, shade, etc.

If your hair is long, wear it up, this also helps with modesty as well as heat.

oh yes, Umbrella!

Yes, it's a shame about the weather but it's actually the only tour running that fits with sixth form holidays (DS has relaxed his "holidaying with parents is boring" stance specifically for this trip )

That's a really good point about an umbrella as well, I actually don't own one as we have really decent waterproofs (as we have dogs and live in England) I'm guessing it would be far too hot for them so an umbrella will be a really useful addition.