India: Clothing Not Optional

Indian fashion can be described as a mix of traditional Indian saris and Western styles like jeans and t-shirts. The Indian sari (or saree) dates back to 5,000 years ago and can be described as a long strip of cloth draped in various styles over a choli (short sleeve blouse). The most common way to wear a sari is around the waist with one end draped over the shoulder, but they can be worn in manifold styles depending on the region. Click here for instructions on how to wear one.

It's kind of romantic when you see women wearing vibrant saris riding their scooters around town with their silk shawls and long hair flying in the air. Although a majority of the women are donned in Indian style clothing, most men I've seen wear khakis and button down shirts. Ladies, usually the more creative dresser, often incorporate both styles into one outfit: a kameez (tunic) and a shal (shawl) paired with jeans and flip flops. But whatever you choose to wear, modesty is key so leave your mini skirts at home. Unless you're in a big city like Mumbai, then apparently anything goes...I can't wait to get myself a sari (to go with the yukata I bought in Tokyo.)

Justin's cousins - Malu and Sunil - own a clothing store called Cottons where I indulged in a shopping spree! All their clothes are made only of the softest cotton and come in a myriad of styles and colors. I picked out some loose tunics and long pyjama pants from the store so I can fit in just a little better here - although being Chinese (not Indian or brown) is enough to make me stick out like a sore (yellow) thumb.

Pictures: Scene from a Bollywood movie. Saris. Me shopping at Cottons. Various store displays.