What to Wear for Holi Color Festival

Traditionally, white is the most preferred color worn while playing Holi. But you can experiment with any other color too. White is the preferred color because it allows the color pigments to stand out. Thus, your t-shirt will be turned into a technicolor canvas that you can proudly wear throughout the Holi festival and even keep as a reminder of the good time you had. Wear shorts; they are the best option due to the weather conditions during the Holi period. White is also the best option for your bottoms, though if you're a woman, you can also opt for a white dress. Choose an outfit that lets you move freely, since you may be walking, dancing, and reaching through the crowd.

However, you can choose any color you like if you want to experiment with the pigments. We recommend wearing pastel colors; with bright clothes, the paint might not look as good! Remember that what is important in Holi is the color powder, so wearing white clothes will allow it to stand out and look great.

Transparent or clingy clothes can spell havoc for you when splashed with water. Sometimes they even attract unwanted attention, especially in an open crowd. It’s best to wear sensible clothes in which you can enjoy yourself and have a good time.

If you choose white attire, take care because white becomes transparent when splashed with water. We suggest thick fabrics such as 100% cotton. Also, it's best if you wear plain underwear so that you don’t embarrass yourself in front of the crowd. A comfortable fit can make it easier to move around, while sleeves offer extra coverage if you prefer.

Playing Holi is full of fun and frolic. In such an environment, it’s best not to brandish your costly and branded items in the open. Expensive accessories like handbags, belts, or sunglasses may fall to the ground and could be crushed or damaged by the crowd. Also, someone might take advantage of the crowd and silently take off with your precious watch or phone. For the same reason, save your expensive jewelry for a different occasion. It is best to go to the Holi festival without any expensive accessories, as it is easy for them to get lost. If you need to bring a phone or keys, keep them in a secure pocket or pouch that stays close to you.

Choose your footwear sensibly during Holi. You have to run, walk, and dance for hours on end. So, select a pair of footwear in which you will be comfortable for hours. The most preferred footwear during Holi includes slippers, flip-flops, sneakers, and ballerinas. However, if you're wearing flip-flops, bear in mind that someone might step on you, and this could hurt. We recommend using comfortable footwear such as a good pair of old sneakers you don't feel like wearing for much longer. Check that the soles provide a good grip, as the ground can become wet and slippery during the celebrations.

If you want to save your hair from chemicals in the different synthetic colors, we advise you to cover your head with a bandana, hat, or cap. Also, oil your hair before going out to play Holi to safeguard it from the colors. This will make your hair easier to clean when you go home and take a shower. Tying long hair back under your covering can help keep it out of your face while you play.

Tip: Use almond or coconut oil on your skin too before you head out for the Holi festival; this will help you remove Holi color from your face and body when you're done.

If you don’t want to ruin a new dress, then wear your old clothes. Wear them, splash them with color, and then throw them away. This way you won't need to care for your clothes and can keep all your attention on having a good time at Holi. When we say wear old clothes for Holi, we are also referring to underwear. Put on some old, almost useless underwear you won't miss, or you might have to say goodbye to your favorite lingerie after it gets covered in pigment, even if it's not in direct contact with the powder. You can set these clothes aside before the festival so you don't accidentally wear something you want to keep.

Nails without nail polish absorb colors easily. So, cover your nails with nail polish to protect them. A great way to make an impression is to sport funky, colorful nail art that matches the theme of Holi. A coat of polish can also make it easier to clean off any color that gets on your nails.

Keep makeup very simple and waterproof, because at the end of the day your face will be a much more colorful version of itself. It is advisable to wear some makeup so it will protect your face from the chemicals in the color dust. Also, remember to put on sunscreen, as you will surely remain outside all day in the sun. Reapply it as needed, especially if you are sweating or getting wet.

If you want to read similar articles to What to Wear for Holi Color Festival, we recommend you visit our Festivities & Celebrations category.

Tips

• Extra tip: Make sure you either leave your camera at home or protect it from powder and water by wrapping it well in cling film or something similar if you want to try to get a shot from the heart of the festival.