My boyfriend travels all over India and wears his swim trunks (swear) and has never had one issue. in Varanasi its ok to wear anything sleeveless or which shows shoulders. I will of course were trousers, shirt when visiting religious buildings etc, but for travelling on trains. What to wear in India to the wedding and other functions? Its only imperative to cover head in temples. It depends on what you mean by “acceptable”… Are you going to the gym? But for every hairy leg liberated by a pair of cargo shorts, vocal anti-shorters abound, including Tom Ford and Fran Lebowitz, who said men in shorts are "disgusting" and "repulsive," and they look "ridiculous, like children" in them. you can wear shorts and sandos. If you can find some light and airy pants, so much the better. And you could say The Awl loves shorts like Marie Kondo loves a cluttered house. When packing for a trip to India, be sure to leave your tank tops, shorts and miniskirts at home. As an Indian woman I would recommend you to wear whatever makes you comfortable. Answer 1 of 5: I've read somewhere men should not wear shorts in India is this true.. At the hotels you can wear whatever pleases you. Only during special occasions like weddings or festivals you will be able to find male section of the Indian society in traditional Indian dresses.But yes, in rural parts of India and countable number of senior citizens can be seen in traditional dress as part of their daily life. Denims, formals or don't wear anything we won't mind(pun intended). I would say if you were in urban centers, knee length / bermuda / cargo shorts should be fine, if you're a foreigner, no one will come up to you and tell you to "cover up". I will of course were trousers, shirt when visiting religious buildings etc, but for travelling on trains. Foreign female tourist at the Red Fort in Delhi Here’s my guide to a female student travelling in India. So the alternative could be cotton pants or trousers for the ladies. I read somewhere that men wearing shorts is frowned upon. Traveling perhaps? Please not shorts for you..Men shorts not too short would be fine.