Indian Clothing for Tourists: What to Wear and How to Respect Local Traditions

When you think of Indian clothing for tourists, traditional garments worn across India that blend identity, climate, and deep cultural meaning. Also known as Indian traditional wear, it’s not just fashion—it’s a way of moving through space with respect. Many visitors assume wearing a sari or kurta is just a photo op. But if you’re going to wear it, you owe it to the culture to understand why it matters.

Sari, a six-yard draped garment worn by women across India, with regional styles from Tamil Nadu’s Kanjeevaram to Bengal’s Baluchari. Also known as Indian drape, it’s worn daily by millions—not just for festivals or tourists. Then there’s the kurta, a loose tunic worn by men and women, often paired with churidar or pyjamas, common from Punjab to Kerala. Also known as Indian tunic, it’s the most practical, comfortable, and widely accepted outfit for travelers. These aren’t costumes. They’re living traditions tied to climate, religion, and community. Wearing them the wrong way—like a sari as a scarf or a kurta with flip-flops to a temple—can come off as disrespectful, even if that’s not your intent.

Indian clothing for tourists isn’t about buying something exotic. It’s about choosing wisely. Cotton and linen work best in India’s heat. Avoid silk in temples unless you know the local rules—some places ban it for men. In rural areas, covering shoulders and knees matters more than in cities. And never wear a sari if you don’t know how to drape it properly—there are videos, local tailors, and even free workshops in places like Varanasi and Chennai. The goal isn’t to look like a local. It’s to move through the culture without stepping on its toes.

There’s a difference between appreciation and appropriation. Wearing a handwoven Banarasi sari bought from a local artisan? That’s honoring the craft. Buying a cheap polyester version from a tourist stall that copies sacred patterns? That’s hurting the people who made it. The same goes for turbans, odhnis, and chaniya cholis. These aren’t accessories—they’re part of identity. When you wear them, you’re stepping into someone else’s story. Do it with care.

Below, you’ll find real stories from travelers who got it right—and wrong. You’ll see what locals actually think about tourists in traditional clothes, which fabrics are worth the investment, and where to buy authentic pieces without being overcharged. This isn’t a guide to dressing up. It’s a guide to dressing right.