Almost every volunteer asks what to wear in India, and with good reason. Dress here is more conservative than in much of Europe, North America or Australia, and an outfit that works on a beach vacation can feel out of place at a school in Delhi or a women’s center in Jaipur. The good news: the rules are simple, and the clothes that suit the climate best are also the most appropriate.
The basic rule: cover shoulders and knees
Wherever you volunteer, cover your shoulders and knees, and choose loose clothes that aren’t see-through or low-cut. Leave sleeveless tops, shorts, short skirts and ripped jeans for another trip. The rule applies to men, too: shorts are fine for the gym, but at a project, trousers are the norm. Rajasthan is more conservative than Delhi, so in Jaipur lean toward the modest side.
Indian clothes are the easy answer
For women, a salwar kameez or kurta, a long tunic over loose trousers, often worn with a light scarf called a dupatta, is cool, modest and comfortable for a full day on your feet. Men can wear a cotton kurta, but a T-shirt or collared shirt with trousers is just as acceptable. Both are cheap at local markets, and buying a few pieces when you arrive saves space in your bag. The sari is beautiful, but it takes practice to wear and isn’t practical for a day of games with children, so save it for a festival or a special day out.
What to wear at your project
- Schools, shelters and children’s centers: modest, comfortable clothes you can sit on the floor in. You will often leave your shoes at the door, so slip-ons help.
- Women’s centers: the same, and the women often appreciate it when a volunteer turns up in a salwar kameez.
- The medical internship: smart, modest professional clothes and closed shoes, with your own scrubs or lab coat.
- Construction and renovation in Jaipur: old clothes and closed shoes you don’t mind spoiling, and a hat. Paint gets everywhere, but choose a T-shirt over a tank top.
Your coordinator explains the dress code for your project at orientation, so if you’re unsure, ask then.
Temples, mosques and gurdwaras
At any place of worship, cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you go in. At a gurdwara, such as Bangla Sahib in Delhi or the Golden Temple in Amritsar, everyone covers their head, men included, and removes socks as well as shoes; the larger gurdwaras lend head coverings at the entrance. Some mosques also ask women to cover their hair, so a long scarf in your day pack covers every situation.
Dressing for the season
- December to February: pleasant days but cold mornings and nights, and few buildings are heated. Bring layers, a warm jacket and socks.
- March, October and November: warm and mostly dry. Light cotton, with a warmer layer for the evenings.
- April to June: very hot, often above 40°C. Loose, light-colored cotton or linen, a hat and a scarf for the sun.
- July to September: the monsoon brings heavy showers and humidity. Quick-drying fabrics, sandals that can get wet and a light rain jacket or umbrella.
Whatever the season, pack one pair of comfortable closed shoes for project days, and make your everyday footwear easy to slip off: between temples, homes and classrooms, you will do it several times a day. Our summer packing list and winter packing guide have the full lists.
Modest clothes are a small thing that people notice. They show respect for the communities you work in, and they make everyday life easier, too. Questions about what to bring? Email info@volunteeringindia.com, or find more answers in our FAQ.