Holi outfit ideas for men

Why white and old

White shows the colour best and photos look great. Old clothes mean you do not care when the colour does not wash out. Cotton absorbs colour and dries fast. Avoid new dark clothes. Dark fabric hides colour and does not photograph well. If you want the traditional look, a white kurta pyjama is classic. Wear it in the morning and treat it as a one-time outfit. Keep a clean change for the evening.

• Morning: old white cotton tee or kurta, old shorts or pyjama.
• Evening: a clean pastel kurta or a plain shirt.
• Never wear anything new, silk, or dry-clean only.

Fabric guide

Cotton is the best choice. It dries fast, washes well, and does not trap colour in the weave as badly as polyester. Avoid silk, wool, and anything delicate. Synthetic fabrics hold wet colour and feel heavy. Linen stains and wrinkles, so skip it. Choose a loose fit so you can move and breathe. Skip jeans. They get heavy when wet and chafe by noon. Wear shorts or light cotton pyjamas. Choose old cotton tees, a washed-out kurta, or a cheap white shirt from a market.

Climate note

Holi falls in March. Most of India is warm and the days are getting hot. Water fights feel good in the sun, but you can get a chill in North India in the evening. Carry a dry tee and a towel. In the hills, keep a light jacket for the evening. Wear sunscreen under the colours, because you spend hours outdoors.

Three looks by budget

Holi clothes should cost little. These looks use cheap cotton from brands you know. Prices are approximate. Buy the plain white tee on sale, or use an old one.

• Buy white tees in a three-pack. They also work for the rest of the year.
• Use shorts you already own. Do not buy new ones for Holi.

Skin and hair care

Oil your hair and skin before you go out. Coconut or almond oil on your face, arms, and hair makes colour easier to wash off. Apply sunscreen. Wear sunglasses if you have sensitive eyes. Use natural or herbal colours, and avoid ones with chemicals. After Holi, wash with a mild shampoo and apply moisturiser. Do not scrub. If your skin itches, rinse with cool water.

Pack for the day

Plan the day in two parts. Before you go out, wear the old outfit and put your phone in a zip bag. Keep your wallet and keys at home. Tie a cheap bandana over your hair to keep colour out of your scalp. Take a bag with a towel, a dry tee, clean underwear, and a bottle of water. Leave the bag with someone who stays dry. After the play, wash your face and body before you change. Do not put on clean clothes with colour still on your skin. Hang the old clothes separately and wash them alone in cold water. A few of the colours will fade over two or three washes. Some stains stay for ever, and that is fine.

What to stop buying

Stop buying a new white kurta only for Holi. Stop buying branded Holi tees at Holi prices. Stop buying dark clothes for a colour festival. Use old cotton and save your money for the evening outfit.

Grooming in one line

Oil your hair and beard first, and wash with a mild shampoo and a soft cloth afterwards.

Questions

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