What to wear to Holi

Wear old white clothes you do not mind ruining, since coloured powder and water will stain everything. Cover your arms and legs for comfort, add sunglasses and sunscreen, and choose old shoes you can leave behind.

Dress code 1 · Relaxed
Spring. Around March, following the lunar calendar. In 2027 it is expected around 22 March: cool in Central Europe, so bring a warm layer for after.

Two outfits that work

Women’s

Old white top, trousers and scarf

  • old white long-sleeved top
  • white cotton trousers
  • white cotton scarf
  • old flat shoes

White shows the colour best and old cotton does not matter if it is stained; a scarf protects your hair and neck.

Men’s

White T-shirt, cotton trousers and old trainers

  • old white T-shirt
  • white kurta
  • white cotton trousers
  • old trainers

Cotton breathes, and old trainers are comfortable for running and dancing; you can leave them behind afterwards.

By weather

Hot22° and up A light cotton T-shirt, shorts or thin trousers, old sandals, sunscreen and a hat.
Mild10° to 21° Old cotton top and trousers, with a warm dry layer in a bag for afterwards.
ColdBelow 10° Old waterproof layers over a fleece, a spare dry outfit and a towel; water on cold days is chilly.

Do and don’t

Do
  • Wear old clothes you are happy to lose
  • Use oil or a thick moisturiser on skin and hair first
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from powder
  • Bring a dry outfit, a towel and a bag for wet clothes
Don’t
  • Wear anything you want to keep, even if it is white
  • Wear contact lenses if you can avoid it, since powder irritates eyes
  • Bring your phone without a waterproof case
  • Throw powder on someone who has not agreed

Check the night before

  • Pack a dry outfit, towel and plastic bags
  • Put oil or moisturiser on skin and hair before you leave
  • Wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses
  • Put your phone in a waterproof case
  • Choose shoes you are happy to throw away

Questions people ask

Why do people wear white for Holi?

White shows the colours best. It is a common practice, but there is no rule and any old clothes work.

What should I do about my hair and skin?

Put oil or a thick moisturiser on skin and hair before the festival, so the colour washes off more easily. Cover your hair with a scarf if you like.

Can I wear my normal clothes to Holi?

It is best not to. Colour powder and water stain fabric, so wear old clothes you do not need again.

What should I bring to a Holi event?

A change of clothes, a towel, sunglasses, a waterproof case for your phone and a bag for wet clothes.

FeinLens

Pick Holi in FeinLens and see what you already own

FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.

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