PACKING FOR CONSERVATIVE COUNTRIES: A LOOKBOOK
When visiting conservative countries like India, Dubai, Bhutan – you might want to stay on the safer side when it comes to your sartorial sense. As most of the countries are in the throes of great change, it is best to remain cautious and dress according to their respective cultures.
Some areas might just be tough to navigate through when it comes to what you’re wearing since some people can be super prudish, especially in some of the less metropolitan areas, which also happen to be more touristy.
Like for a recent road trip to Uttar Pradesh, I made sure loads of kurtas and traditional tunics were packed in. And that was the best decision of my life. Moving around in 45 degrees temperature in a pair of tight-fit jeans can be the most horrendous solution! So you don’t really have to stuff yourself into a pair of jeans.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING AT A QUICK AND EASY CHECKLIST TO KEEP YOU SAFE ON YOUR VISIT, HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AND ADHERE TO WHEN IT COMES TO PACKING FOR CONSERVATIVE COUNTRIES!
FOR WOMEN:
Try to keep most of your chest covered. Cleavage isn’t welcome and is often stared at, which will make you extremely uncomfortable in crowded areas. Divert unwanted attention by taking cues from my visit to Uttar Pradesh, India.
# KURTAS/KURTIS (WITH LEGGINGS, SKIRTS, ETC)
Just PERFECT for your conservative country escapades! These are cool; these are comfy; these are extremely stylish! Team up your kurta/kurti with anything comfortable on the bottom and put your best step foot forward.
This was the easiest look to put together! Hail Kurtis!
#TUNIC AND LOOSE PANTS
A long shirt paired with a nice short jacket or a belt can work wonders as well! I am a big lover of loose pants – I swear by them for summers in India.
Most of the times I pick the ones made of natural fabrics and do not hesitate to wear them during long hour flights as well.
I found the tunic to be a bit boring so added a funky jacket over it
#SALWAR KAMEEZ
An Indian woman staple, salwar kameez can keep you cool and comfortable on the go. Just pair your salwar kameez with a nice dupatta or stole and you are good to travel around carefree.
Or if you do not wish to invest in a salwar kameez, just put together a boho look like me (a Kurti teamed up with loose pajamas and a colorful dupatta I picked up from Jaipur).
Put a boho look together and you are good to go
#GHAGRAS (WHEN VISITING CITIES LIKE VARANASI & LUCKNOW, HECK YES! )
They look and feel every bit of a skirt but have added ghera (girth) to them.
I personally love prancing around in ghagras as they make for one of the comfiest yet stylish Indian traditional attires – just perfect for the conservative societies!
Sitting pretty in a Ladakhi kitchen in a ghaghra
Just perfect for exploring conservative places
# LONG SKIRTS (WITH TOPS, TEES, SHIRTS)
Don’t wear mini skirts or teeny tiny shorts on an excursion in a conservative country! Especially when you’re going around the city, be it any city at that, wearing something that exposes a little too much is not a good option since you’ll be taking it rough and tough while traveling.
Do wear cotton skirts that are long and flowy! Not only do they look uber cool and modest, but they also keep the heat away.
Just perfect for exploring conservative places
# LONG SKIRTS (WITH TOPS, TEES, SHIRTS)
Don’t wear mini skirts or teeny tiny shorts on an excursion in a conservative country! Especially when you’re going around the city, be it any city at that, wearing something that exposes a little too much is not a good option since you’ll be taking it rough and tough while traveling.
Do wear cotton skirts that are long and flowy! Not only do they look uber cool and modest, but they also keep the heat away.
You may pair your long skirt with a chic Shirt to keep it stylish! So don’t forget to add that to your list of travel clothes for women for conservative countries.
Paired my traditional skirt with a Shirt! Couldn’t have felt cooler
#ACCESSORIZE
Sarongs, scarves, and handkerchiefs can be your saviors so make sure you pack those colorful beauties in abundance.
Colorful scarves would surely make you look amazing
FOR MEN:
Men do not necessarily have to conform to a general dress code in conservative countries. But it is still favorable to dress in a relaxed fashion so as no one gets offended. As a general rule of thumb, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered at most of the times. Of course, you can carry separate party clothes for enjoying the bars and night parties. But when it comes to exploring the countries during the day time, the picture is completely different. Here are our recommendations:
#SHIRTS WITH LOOSE PANTS
Keep it light and stylish. Ditch jeans for loose pants and add a touch of style with stylish men’s shirts, you’ll be able to make the most of your travels in conservative countries. This is most recommended during the summery days when the sun shines bright and loose clothes let you wander around comfortably nevertheless.
Loose pants can be your ideal pick for conservative countries
You could even wear them with your shirts
#PRINTED COTTON PAJAMAS
Colorful printed pajamas never go wrong
ADDITIONAL TIPS ON PACKING FOR CONSERVATIVE COUNTRIES:
- Don’t wear clothes that fit too tightly – although this goes for the women as well. Men, leave those super tight skinny jeans back home and spare people the sight of those ill-fitting parts. Besides, most places are too hot for wearing jeans in the summer.
- Don’t wear shirts or T-shirts made out of flimsy, transparent cloth that makes your insides all too visible to the naked eye.
- Do remember to carry a handkerchief when visiting holy places, to cover your head. Also, avoid wearing shorts to such places, and go for cotton pants instead.
This all might seem too overwhelming for the travelers as adhering to these ‘rules’ while keeping it stylish can be tough. But there are SO many gorgeous destinations which are way too conservative that it’s not worth missing out on them all because of a dress code.
Just a little bit effort and a tinge of kitschy and quirky travel clothes for women with colorful accessories can add life to your packing for the conservative countries. So put your most adventurous and boho foot forward, go get exploring without anything to worry in the world.
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HAVE YOU BEEN TO A COUNTRY WHERE DRESSING MODESTLY WAS EXTREMELY ESSENTIAL?
You two look so stylish! These are really great tips. I ALWAYS hear people ask about what’s appropriate to wear to fit in well with the culture, and I love that you also chose pieces that will keep you cool.
Thank you so much, Miranda. You made our day! 🙂
This is super helpful! It’s always hard to know what to wear in different countries. You make each outfit look so pretty and comfy!
Thank you so much, Melanie! 🙂
I think it is important to dress appropriately for these countries, I think I would feel really uncomfortable if I didn’t follow these rules. I have only done this when I visited southern Egypt and it was not a problem at all. Definitely using something loose because of the heat. I love using long skirts. The Kurtas looks super nice too 😀
Besides being nice, kurtas will keep you cool as well! And yes, it’s really important to respect the culture of other countries!
Thanks for this. Everyone should observe and respect other country’s culture especially when it comes to what needs to be worn. On a lighter note, you guys can get into traditional clothes but manage to make it look so chic.
Hey, Ricci – so good to hear from you! You made our day! 🙂
For conservative places, a designer scarf or stole is always a good idea. Love all your outfits and you have completely nailed it!
You both look great and I love the idea of loose outfit on a bright sunny day. Very vibrant and nicely done!
Thank you, Sona! 🙂
All those clothes make you look like a princess 🙂 so beautiful! My favourite are of course shirts and dresses but I also love those tunic and loose pants! I remember I had to had proper dress code when I was visiting temples in Thailand. Good to know the fashion, I am sure ill need it again one day 🙂
Your comment made us smile from ear to ear. Thank you, Ada! 🙂
You guys look super cool and trendy in those vibrant outfits. And it is the best way to beat the heat in India at least. And yes,every country does have their restrictions, especially at the spiritual places, and India is no different.
In any case, Indian traditionals are unbeatably stylish! You guys have brought it out well!! Kudos!!
I would actually say, there are more conservative countries where modest dress is more appropriate than short shorts and tank tops. But to me flowing clothes covering shoulders and knees come with an added advantage in Asia: They protect you from the scorching heat! With that, I am though trying to avoid cliched or folkloristic clothes as I find that something like a sari can easily look ridiculous on a Western European, blond woman…
Happy continued travels!
C
Thanks for all the great info. I plan to visit India soon and need to keep it cool 😉
Happy to help, Gina. Happy travels to you! 🙂
We are two like your (girl and boy) so we love the fact that you covered the outfits for both genres. The photos make everything so easy so you can create an opinion, thanks!!
This is definitely super helpful, since it’s hard to ever find a guide explaining everything so you don’t make a mistake. It’s all about respect tho.
Yes, it’s all about respect! 🙂
These are actually some great tips! I often come across people asking what should they wear in particular countries and regions in the world. This blog would be really helpful 🙂
Most of the travelers often have questions in regards to what to wear/what not wear when visiting certain countries, hence the article! Thanks for your kind words, Madhurima 🙂
I absolutely love your OOTD photos here! I love that you chose bold colors even while keeping a modest type of clothing. Who says one cannot be fashionable even with reserved clothing?! I always take the culture of the place I am going to in consideration when I pack my clothes. The last thing that I want is to attract unnecessary attention to myself or offend the locals.