Clothing for Men and Women

fitzy_b

Hi all,

My girlfriend and I like to go for an early morning run when at home. We would also like to do this when we go to India for the first time this month.

However, I am afraid that my girlfriend will attract some unwanted attention if she is running around in shorts and a singlet. Please advise.

Would it be frowned upon if I was to go running without a shirt?

I assume that different areas have different protocol, but a general response would be appreciated; or a specific one with dos and don’ts at particular places.

Thank you,

Fitz

PeakXV

Shorts are not a problem at all as long as they are in good tast(condition & lengthwise). I must admit I don't know what a "singlet" looks like and/or covers (or not ) - so can't comment on that particular issue. Is it like one of those boob-tube type things?

Shirtless is okay at the pool but is not welcomed at the Gym & Tennis courts .... and thus wouldn't be an accepted/popular practise when out for a morning jog through the town, village or city. Along the beach would be acceptable though.

Hope that helps .... feel free to post a picture of this "singlet" if you get a chance - a tad curious now.

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Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

capt_mahajan

In a big city, early morning, running without a shirt (for a male ) would be a little odd, nothing more.

A female in shorts and singlet, yes, some untoward attention, mainly appreciative or not (but avoid running in the dark, isolated places etc, the attention may be more untoward than that)

A female running in (not very short) shorts and a loose-ish tshirt, no problem. You may even meet some Indian females doing so.

Outside big cities, these rules don't apply.

Amongst the big cities, Delhi-ites may be more attentive than others.

It a male is running alongside, it will be safe enough, but avoid isolated areas anyway.


PS: And 'early morning' assumes daylight, in this post.

fitzy_b

Hi Peak,

Thanks for the info.
Where abouts are you from?

Is it generally the same view all over India?

Attached is a picture of a female in a singlet.

Attached Thumbnails

 

capt_mahajan

I think fitzy crossposted with me.

The 'attention' you speak of is given more to females with

-tight clothes
-short shorts or tshirts, lot of skin showing


Note I said more, which doesnt mean others dont get any attention

fitzy_b

So, if we were to go for a run in the morning (9-10am), will this attention be obvious if she was in short shorts and a singlet?
i'm not too concerned about looks, but I wont be happy with any touching.

capt_mahajan

Which city (or cities?)

fitzy_b

we're over there for 6 weeks and doing as much of the coutry as possible in that time. Starting in Mumbai and basiaclly doing a clockwise circle of the coutry. But roughly: mumbai, ahmedabad, udaipur, jodhpur, jaislamer, amritsar, delhi, agra, Khurajoa, Varanasi, kolkata, bangalore, kerala, goa.

capt_mahajan

Difficult to say without knowing which areas within these cities, but, generally speaking

Mumbai: ok
Ahmedabad: dont know
Rajasthan: be careful, or avoid, or stick to busy areas.
Delhi: ok in and around residential areas, preferably.
Kolkata, Bangalore, Goa: ok
Agra: avoid
Varanasi: No.
Kerala: generally ok, but I have limited knowledge
Khajuraho: avoid.

Maximum hassles on your route can be expected in Varanasi, Rajasthan and Agra

when I say ok, it means the chances of people getting physical is minimal.

Do read this in conjunction with my earlier post.

PeakXV

Heh Fitzy,

Just over yonder in Canuckistan. Got ya now, sort of a sleeveless T cum tanktop arrangement. Those would be fine ... and ideal for a trot in the Indian heat actually. Go extra early if you're in a metropolitan area to elude the traffic produced rush hour smog. And bring a milkbone or two for tossing to those "free-range" dogs in so they don't get to much of an interest going for any of your limbs! .... just kidding.

fitzy_b

What sort of hastles are we talking about?
I will be right by her side the entire time and certainly not afraid to show them that the attention is unwanted.
Like i said, if it's just looking, then that's ok... but touching is no good.
also (maybe more importantly) I dont want to offend people by disobying custom.

fitzy_b

Thanks Peak. I didnt realise the dogs would be much of a problem. I was under the impression that they are pretty placid. Are they rabid, or just "playful"?

capt_mahajan

The chances of anything physical happening are low with a male running by her side.

But you did say first trip, and most foreigners in that case would not have any cultural cues to identify a potential dangerous situation developing, and maybe will not know appropriate local ways of dealing with the situation.

So I am erring on the side of caution.

Read my first post, be more careful in the north and smaller cities..

Varanasi is the only place where the 'custom' you speak of may be a factor. And the smaller the city, the bigger the 'custom' factor, so maybe Khajuraho too.

PeakXV

Well the rabid ones I find are always a little "over-playful".


No they're not a problem but some people feel uneasy with them about .... during the mating season they tend to congregate in larger groups though and inwhich case an extra head's up & according quick change of route, where appropriate, might be prudent.

shashank.aggarwal

In all the cities you have mentioned here, I am sure you would be staying in tourist areas and there would be more foreigners along with you...

I have seen foreigners go for a jog everywhere..the point is stick to the tourist areas and you will be fine..unless you are very much sure about the area..

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