What to Wear in Goa- The Complete Guide for Men & Women

What to wear in Goa? This is a valid question to ask if you are visiting Goa for the first time. There are a lot of places that can be visited in Goa and all these places have different requirements when it comes to suitable outfits.

Most places in Goa do not have a dress code as such. However, that doesn’t mean you can wear anything and everything here. The main things that you need to keep in mind while choosing what to wear in Goa are the month, the destination, and the level of comfort.

Goa is one of my favourite travel destinations. I love to visit the place whenever I can, sometimes for shorter visits and other times for a longer stretch of time. In this blog, I will help you with finding the right kind of outfits for your Goa visit.

Beaches are the most popular attractions in Goa. But, did you know, there are over 50 beaches in Goa! While it may not be possible to visit all, try to visit at least the best beaches of Goa. There are many outfits that you can wear on the beaches in Goa including dresses, skirts, swimsuits, and shorts. Choose the option that you are most comfortable with.

What to wear in Goa – An Overview

It is important to keep in mind that Goa is not a small city or town. It’s a whole state. Goa is not only about beaches, but it also offers many things to its visitors. There are temples, churches, waterfalls, and many small villages that can be visited.

You cannot have the same set of clothes for all the places in Goa. While some places are very liberal when it comes to dressing up, other places need you to be a little conservative. Therefore, you need to pack your bag for Goa trip keeping in mind what places are on your itinerary.

Before I go into the details of what to wear in Goa in details, here is a quick overview:

What not to wear in Goa?

Before I go into the details of what to wear in Goa, I would like to delve into the opposite- What not to wear in Goa. While we focus all our attention on what to wear, we pay little attention to what to avoid.

Here are a few pointers:

Jeans – I love my pairs of denim. However, when visiting Goa, I don’t pack these. Reason being – the Goa heat. Goa gets hot during the day and if you are going around monsoons, it’s going to be humid too. In this scenario, you don’t want to be wearing jeans. They trap the heat and get sticky, which makes them really uncomfortable.

Leather – Wearing leather clothing in Goa is a really bad idea. Goa is hot and the leather is just going to make it worse. Avoid any leather jackets, boots or skirts.

Makeup – You don’t need too much makeup, especially at the beaches. You are going to sweat and the makeup will smudge. If needed, just carry the essentials.

Innerwear as Swimwear – Please get proper swimwear if you plan to take a dip in the ocean. Wearing innerwear for swimwear is really cringe-worthy for the onlookers.

Too much Jewellery – Keep your accessories and jewellery to a bare minimum.

High Heels – Keep those heels back at home. You don’t need heels for Goa. Even if you plan to go to clubs, no one expects you to be in stilettos.

Boots – Boots might look cool and go great with a lot of things, but for Goa, they are not a good choice. Doesn’t matter what kind of boots you have, keep them away from the beaches and from Goa.

What to wear in Goa for Women?

Goa is one of India’s most liberal destinations when it comes to clothing choices. However, that in no way means that you can wear whatever you want, wherever you want. Keeping in mind the cultural sensibilities of people, you might need to follow an unspoken dress code in Goa at some places.

Outfit Ideas for Goa Beaches

Goa has close to 50 beaches. However, it might not be possible to visit all of these on a short visit, make sure you visit at least some of the best beaches in Goa in your itinerary. Here’s what to wear in Goa beaches for women:

Dresses– Depending on the length of your stay in Goa, pack as many dresses as you can. The best options are Boho dresses, sundresses, and maxi dresses. Dresses are the most comfortable and stylish piece of clothing. The best part about these are that you can wear them when you are out exploring around Goa.

Shorts – Shorts are a must-have for your Goa trip. No piece of clothing is as useful as shorts. You can pair them up with tank tops, crop tops or spaghetti tops. They are not only comfortable but they also give you the ease of movement. So, whether you wish to indulge in some water sports, go to a club, or just want to visit the forts of Goa, they are a perfect choice.

Skirts – Skirts are a pretty good choice too. Not only do they look stylish but they are also airy and comfortable Again, these can be paired with tank tops, spaghetti tops, t-shirts, etc.

T-Shirts and Tank Tops – T-shirts are a must carry. Pair your favourite t-shirts with shorts, pants or skirts. My personal favourite are boyfriend T-shirts. They are not only comfortable but also look really cool with almost everything- skirts, shorts, trousers. Another advantage is that they suit all body types. Other than T-shirts, you could also carry some tank tops and other kinds of tops. Carry the ones that are light and preferably cotton.

Swim Wear – If you plan to go swimming in the sea, make sure you carry your swimsuits. You can wear any type of swimsuit at the beaches in Goa, be it monokinis, bikinis or the really cool tankinis for the shy ones.  If you are not comfortable, go in for some good old shorts and a tank top. Note that cotton shorts are not a good option for the sea. Choose a polyester or nylon blended material.

Sarong/kaftan/ Cover-up Dress – If you are planning to wear a swimsuit, carry a Sarong, kaftan or a cover-up dress.  Wear them over your swimsuits and you are good to chill on the beach. I personally recommend the tasselled cover-up dresses. They are light, airy, comfortable, and look really nice.

Tip: Instead of buying them beforehand, you can pick up a few at the beach markets in Goa. Bargain to get the best price

Flip Flops/ Sandals – Pair your favourite dresses, shorts or swimsuits with a pair of flip flops or open sandals. Avoid wearing leather or suede flip flops, as the sand and water can stain them.

Sun Hats- Get one of the straw hats from the beaches in Goa. They don’t only look cool but they also protect your face from the sun.

Sunscreen lotion- This is an absolute must-have for your entire Goa trip. The afternoon sun can get really harsh in Goa; therefore, you need protection. Get a good sunscreen with an SPF of at least 40 or more. Of all the sunscreen lotions I have used, I like the VLCC Sunscreen gel and this one by Lotus.

Lip Balm – Just like your skin, your lips need sun protection too. Make sure you apply a lip balm. Of all the balms, I have tried over the years, I like the Nivea lip balm. It has an SPF 15 and a light tint.

Make sure that the footwear you carry for your Goa trip is comfortable. Sandals and flip flops are a good choice for the beaches.

What to wear while exploring Goa?

Although beaches are the best attractions of Goa, there is much more to this place than just these. There are some beautiful forts, hiking trails, villages, etc that are waiting to be explored.

Below are my recommendations for what to wear while exploring Goa:

Palazzos – I think there is nothing more comfortable than these. You can wear them anywhere. You can wear them to the beaches, for churches, when you go shopping around Goa, basically everywhere. These are a very comfortable option for exploring Goa. They are airy and light and look great too. The best part is that you can wear them with t-shirts, crop tops or tank tops.

Loose Pants – You can also choose to wear some loose cotton pants. There are a number of options available- from classic baggy pants to dhoti pants. Pick the style that suits you the best and you are the most comfortable with.

Shorts – As I said before, nothing is more useful in Goa than a pair of shorts. You can choose to wear cotton shorts paired with T-shirts for exploring Goa. However, make sure the shorts are of decent length. By decent, I mean at least mid-thigh. Booty shorts or hot pants is not really a good idea. Also, avoid wearing shorts when visiting churches and temples.

Dresses – Dresses are a good option as well.  However, if you are planning to go hiking or want to indulge in some adventure sports, stick to pants or shorts. Also, make sure that the dresses are not too revealing or inappropriate. The “knee rule” is a go-to rule while packing bags for Goa.

Scarf – Carry a couple of scarves. These really come handy in all weather conditions. You can use them to protect yourself from the sun and also use it to cover up if you visit some religious places.

Sneakers/ Comfortable Shoes – Other than slippers carry a pair of comfortable shoes or sneakers. These are needed if you plan to indulge in some local sightseeing or wish to go for some hikes. Walking around in flip flops gets tiring at times. So, you need comfortable footwear.

Light Zipper/ Shrug- Goa doesn’t get as cold as northern India, not even close. Therefore, you need not carry any sweaters or jackets to Goa even in January. However, I always make it a point to carry a thin shrug or zipper. Keeping a thin zipper or shrug will protect you from the harsh sun during your day expeditions.

Sneakers/ Comfortable footwear- While flip flops are a must for beaches, you should carry a pair of sneakers or comfortable footwear. This is especially true if you plan to go for hikes or treks around Goa.

Dress Code for Goa Churches & Temples

Goa is famous for some of the oldest churches in the country. Some of these like the Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, are a must-visit for their rich history and architecture.

Similarly, Goa also has some important Hindu temples such as the Shanta Durga Temple, Mangueshi Temple etc. While visiting such places you need to make sure that you are dressed modestly.

Here are my recommendations for what to wear in churches & temples in Goa-

Dresses – Long Dresses are a good option for visiting religious places. Choose dresses that are at least knee-length or more. Also, make sure that the dresses are not too revealing or inappropriate. If the dresses don’t have sleeves you can use a scarf to cover them.

Skirts – You can also wear knee-length or long skirts for visiting the places of worship in Goa. Wear them with decent t-shirts or tops.

Pants/ Palazzos – Full length and 3/4^th pants can also be worn to visit such places. You can wear them with full-length t-shirts and tops

T-shirts/ Tops – Wear Them with your pants or skirts. Make sure they are a decent length and are not too revealing.

Scarf – Carry a scarf or a stole. ` They will not only protect you against the sun but will also allow you to use it as a cover if needed at places of worship.

What to Wear In Goa at night – for Clubs and Casinos?

Nightlife in Goa is something that most visitors are looking forward to exploring on their Goa visit.  While there is no defined definite dress code for night clubs in Goa, some casinos, require you to wear smart casuals which for women means no shorts and slippers.

However, these recommendations will come handy for women:

Dresses– Wear one of your favourite dresses to clubs and casinos. Pair them with some chunky jewellery and comfortable sandals and you are good to go. My personal favourites are maxi dresses with slits.

Skirts– Skirts are also good party wear for Goa. You can wear them with tops and add a few pieces of jewellery to give it a glam look.

Trousers/ Pants -While you can wear any kind of pants to the clubs in Goa, for casinos you need to choose carefully.

Sandals- Wear smart sandals or shoes for the clubs and casinos. While the clubs won’t mind the slippers, casinos will definitely not allow it.

For the beaches in Goa, make sure you carry at least one pair of shorts. You can wear them with t-shirts, shirts or tank tops.

What to wear in Goa for Men?

Everybody wants great pictures from their Goa vacation. So, why should the men be behind? Goa is a place to experiment a little with your clothing. No one will judge you for what you wear as long as they are decent.

What to wear at Goa Beaches?

We all love beaches and Goa is primarily known for having some of the most wonderful beaches. So, if you plan to spend some days on the beaches in Goa, I would recommend the following outfits:

Shorts – It can get annoying to constantly pull your trousers up at the beach. Shorts are a pretty great option. Therefore, get a pair or two of shorts. Wear them with tank tops, shirts or t-shirts. Go for lighter colours since they look the best on the beaches.

Shirts – Shirts go pretty well with shorts. Choose shirts that are a little loose. Printed shirts look the best with plain Bermuda shorts. Choose natural fabrics like linen, cotton, etc.

T-shirts & Tank Tops – Along with the shirts, take along a few T-shirts and tank tops. Cotton and linen fabric are the best and most comfortable option.

Swimming Trunks/ Shorts –If you plan to do so, make sure you carry proper swimwear i.e. swimming shorts or swimming trunks. These are usually made up of nylon or polyester and therefore dry up quickly.

Flip Flops/ Sandals – Avoid wearing any kind of closed shoes such as sneakers or boat shoes at the beaches. Flip flops and sandals are the best options for footwear at the beaches in Goa. They go well with all your attire. Avoid wearing leather or suede flip flops, as the sand and saltwater can stain them.

Goa has some wonderful hiking trails. If you are interested, you need to wear sneakers or some kind of comfortable footwear.

What to wear while exploring Goa?

There is much more to Goa than the beaches. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, forts, villages, etc. waiting to be explored. Here are a few pointers on how to dress for exploring Goa:

Loose fitted Pants – Get some loose-fitting pants. You can wear these for exploring Goa. There are a number of offbeat options available as well- from classic baggy pants to dhoti pants. Goa is the place to experiment. Pick the style that suits you the best.

Shorts – Shorts are possibly the best piece of clothing that you must have for Goa. You can wear cotton shorts paired with T-shirts or shirts for exploring Goa. Avoid wearing shorts to temples and churches.

Shirts – Shirts make for a comfortable choice when travelling around Goa. I would recommend cotton shirts over synthetic fibres.

T-shirts & Tank Tops – Along with the shirts, take along a few T-shirts and tank tops. Cotton and linen fabrics are the best and most comfortable options.

Sneakers/ Comfortable Shoes – Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers if you plan to indulge in some local sightseeing or wish to go for a hike. Walking around in flip flops gets tiring, so you need comfortable footwear.

Dress Code for Goa churches & Temples

Goa has several important places of worship. There are historical churches and beautiful temples. While some have a dress code, others don’t. Whatever may be the case, you should dress up modestly in such places.

Here are some ideas:

Trousers – You can wear full-length trousers for visiting Goan churches. Wear them with shirts or T-shirts. Wearing tank tops is not allowed in many such places.

T-shirts – You can wear t-shirts with trousers. They are a comfortable option. However, sleeveless T-shirts are not allowed.

Shirts– Shirts Re also a great option for men. You can wear a half sleeve or full sleeve shirt, depending o your level of comfort and taste.

What to wear In Goa at night – for parties, casinos and clubs?

Goa is well known for its nightlife. The clubs in Goa are host to some of the most amazing parties. While there is no dress code for most clubs in Goa, for casinos you need to dress up in smart casuals.

Trousers – While you can wear shorts for the clubs, for casinos you need to wear full-length trousers. Wearing a pair of jeans is also acceptable. Wear full-length trousers. Pair them with your favourite t-shirts or shirts.

T-shirts – You can wear t-shirts with trousers. They are a comfortable option. You can wear them for clubs as well as casinos. However, sleeveless T-shirts are not allowed in casinos.

Shirts– Shirts are also a great option for men. It is a good choice for both clubs and casinos.

Shoes– Men are not allowed to wear flip flops or sandals at the casinos in Goa. Make sure you are wearing some casual footwear like sneakers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Goa Dress Code

Although I have tried to answer all the questions, here are a few others which are commonly asked by travellers:

I hope I have covered the most important aspects of what to wear in Goa in the current blog. I hope you find it useful. In case you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to drop them in the comment section below.

Happy Wayfaring 🙂