cotton vests, skirts, women's clothes

lucienicole

Hey!
i know this sounds really silly, but what to bring?
Myself and my friend are visiting Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and then up to Ladakh in August. obviously, i know that it is going to be a very hot time of year. Will it be ok to wear cotton vests? and what about knee length cotton skirts? and what about knee length shorts? i have not bought many clothes in UK cos i don't want to carry much, and also because i have heard its cheaper in India. Can anyone reccomend somewhere to get cheap and suitable clothing in Delhi?
I have travelled quite a lot before, and realise that as a western woman with blonde hair i will attract attention. i don't mind this, but i don't want to be the object of leering, or to offend anyone with an innapropriate choice of clothin.
Also, should i buy a pair of walking boots for trekking around Ladakh? At the moment i have a really sturdy pair of Merrell sandals which have backs in them- ie not slip ons. don't really want the added weight of walking boots too!!
Thanks for helping!
Panicking big stylee now!

devonlasses

OOOH nonono lucienicole, not been myself yet but off in october but have been reading this site for a few months and have learnt that you need to cover up shoulders upper arms and legs if you want to avoid pestering and leering, especially being blonde. Check the site further there are lots of recommendations here including that the lovley long full skirts are just sari petticoats and it would be much like going to church in the uk topless to dress like that in india! everyone seems to suggest wearing salwar kameez, good luck have fun!

MissTee

Hello Lucienicole...
By vest im guessing that u mean singles... As Devonlasse said singlets are a big NO No... Im about to heading off in 5 weeks and Im just taking 3 pair of cago pants, and 6 t-shirts. 2 pair are 3/4 lenght. I will have singles but I'm going to wear a cotton 3/4 sleeve shirt over the top as a jacket type of thing... Any thing else i need i will buy ... But read some of the forums on here they have heaps of info...

LuAnnandJawahar

vests would not be appropriate. A short sleeve T-shirt would be good and would protect your shoulders from the sun as well. A skirt below the knees would be a better idea that one at the knees--just make sure you can't see through it. Trekking is a slightly different thing and you have more leeway with clothing.

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lulabell

What's all this about knee length skirts? I thought we were just going in pants and vests. Isn't that what we concluded in the pub?

davey

spot on Lulabell, best things to wear, and you can but them much cheaper in Delhi a fraction of the price of the UK, the clothes probably came from India in the first place. cargo pants are great we bought light weight travel onbes that we washed out in the shower and were dry within 20 mins of being in the sun. Only trouble we had with sandals is that we got cracked heels with all the dirt and shit around so last time we wore joggers or light casula shoes and found them much better.

Clare Turland

Definitely no uncovered shoulders and I would highly, highly advise against any clothes that show your legs. Salwar kameez is the best for women and the most comfortable too, but as a blonde you will not escape the attention anyway, just minimise it with the clothes you wear. I am also fair, so I usually always wear a salwar, great for overnight trains as it feels like pyjamas! I can give you a tailor's number and address in Varanasi who I always go to and has the most beautifully coloured array of cotton available. The style of clothes are a mix between Indian and Western styles and the girls I take there always love it...plus they are made better than the crap you can get in places like Pushkar and Dharamsala. If you get measured up when you arrive, he'll have what you want in a couple of days. He is so reliable and trustworthy, not easy to find in India and the clothes are perfect for the Indian climate. I still have stuff I got made by him a couple of years ago!
I've just emailed him now to get his number as I don't have it on me know, will post it soon!

OzThumper

You might consider some of the new nylon fabrics that are available. Benefits are they are light, have moisture-wicking where it gets the ol' sweat away from your body and allows it to evaporate.

Most have PSFs of 15 - 30 to guard against the sun. The added benfits are they dry very quicky, and scrunch up in your luggage, then the creases drop out magically one subjected to a bit of steam or body heat.

Not only can you get tops of all descriptions, but pants (full and 3/4) as well as shorts and skirts.

Dave

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woodlouse

From what I've read, definitely no legs, neck or shoulders on show. I've bought some 3/4 length zip-off walking trousers for trekking as even in the hills I don't want to excite unnecessary attention. While we're on the subject - anyone know of a good tailor in Kandy, Sri Lanka that could make me a cool salwar kameez?

Clare Turland

This is the address of my tailor in Varanasi, Sunil, say hi to him from Felicity when you are there and I'll see him soon!

SUNIL GUPTA
C/O GANGA HANDLOOMS
D 10/18 KOHLI-KATRA,VISHWANATH-GALI
VARANASI (INDIA)

gangahandlooms@sify.com

SHOP----2417445
Mobile--9839339452

Its a very complicated set of directions to get here, but as you enter the silk/sari bazaar on GOLDEN TEMPLE main road (through the archway) that runs off Dasaswamedh Road close to the ghats end, you keep going straight along the laneway and about 100 metres or so there is a small dead end lane leading off to the left up a couple of steps and flanked by two sari shops on either side. He has a small outlet that opens onto this laneway on the right hand side but his main shop is up this grey nondescript flight of stairs a couple of doors down from this...just look for the name GANGA HANDLOOMS. His stuff its fixed price and good quality and the colous are gorgeous. He also has reams of material you can buy and bed spreads too.

Its best to call Sunil on his mobile and he will send one of his boys to come and get you.

lucienicole

excellent. cheers clare.