New Delhi - Post Report Question and Answers

What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?

Suits and ties, which is a head scratcher given that temps from April to August can be upwards of 115 degrees F. Roads melt in the late spring from the heat. Embassy attire is business, though LES can wear saris, etc. Don'f forget the most important accessory - and N95 mask for the air pollution. It's off the charts horrendous almost year round. I had four to five masks that I rotated depending on the occasion. - Sep 2020


Traditional Indian dress for women is the sari, which completely covers the legs and shoulders, but leaves your midriff bare. I think this presents a mind-bender for Westerners because a bare midriff for us is more scandalous than shorts and a tank top. Besides this seeming contradiction, Indian dress is conservative. Shorts, skimpy skirts and tops, tight-clothing, and excess exposed skin will garner you extra attention in public. So please don’t wear these clothes and then complain about being stared at! Office attire is accordingly conservative, and there are sadly a lot more suits than I expected in this hot climate. Indian clothing - for men and women, for foreigners and Indians - is very welcome in the workplace and in public. Expats have many opportunities for balls and receptions, so formal wear would come in handy. Although these are also perfect opportunities to wear Indian clothing, and get a specially-tailored outfit to take home as a souvenir! - Jul 2020


The Embassy is formal but not overly rigid due to the extreme heat in the summer months. - Jul 2019


Local formal dress for woman at the official functions, and casual at work. Men at work: mostly shirt and tie. All depends on the chief of mission. The previous ambassador had a rule that from April through September (hot months) - tie is not required. - Oct 2017


At the Embassy, the dress code is the same as the US, though often a tie and jacket is not required during the hot months.

Out and about, women should have shoulders and knees covered. I wore a lot of maxi skirts and t-shirts or local garb--especially the drawstring pants with kurtas (long loose tops). So comfy! Cheap and bright and perfect for every occasion. You can dress a bit fancier or with bare shoulders at restaurants in hotels.

Many diplomatic events are dressy at night. You can never go wrong wearing Indian clothing for formal occasions--saris or a Nehru suit. - Mar 2017


Women should generally cover shoulders and legs. You will sweat through every item of clothing you own. - Feb 2017


Often formal, more on the modest side. I feel like covering up my shoulders with a shawl if I'm wearing a tank top and walking over to our gym. - Nov 2016


Modest is best. Woman cover shoulders and knees, and men wear long pants. Adults are advised not to wear shorts when off the compound. - Jun 2016


Generally modest, especially in public, to avoid harassment. - Sep 2014


Business or business casual. - Sep 2014


If I could get a job, I might be able to answer this question. - Aug 2013


You don't need to go full on sari/shalwar kameez, but shorts won't work. Loose linens that cover shoulders and have sleeves are wise. The dress code at work is oppressively formal, given the weather in summer. - May 2013


Conservative. Eve teasing is real. - Oct 2012


Cover your shoulders and for girls, try to wear longer pants because girls are looked at more as objects than people. You don't need to walk around in full cultural garments like a sari. - Sep 2012


Modest. - Aug 2011


conservative - Aug 2011


Conservative for women. - Aug 2011


Conservative. - Jan 2011


Suit/tie for men. Pants/suit for women. Loose clothes due to cultural norms and the heat. Linen and cotton rule. - Sep 2010


Formal in winter, more flexible in summer due to the unbearable heat. - Aug 2010


Work is suit and tie (no jacket in the summer).For public, men shouldn't wear shorts and women shouldn't show legs or shoulders. - Aug 2010


Men tend to go to work in suits, although in summer they wear short-sleeve shirts. Nobody wears shorts here, so you will get stared at if you do. In shopping malls and expat areas, women can wear Western-style clothes. - Aug 2010


Men tend to go to work in suits although in summer they wear short sleeve shirts. Nobody wears shorts here and you will get stared at if you do. In shopping malls and expat areas the women can wear Western style clothes. But in the markets you get less attention if you wear the local dress. - Mar 2008


Definitely dress conservatively. Skin showing is a no-no. Dressing sloppy is too. - Feb 2008


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