What is the season like?
The monsoon usually reaches Mumbai in June and leaves by early October. July is usually the wettest month.
It stays warm the whole time. The air is sticky even when it is not raining. In heavy rain, roads flood fast, and trains and traffic slow down.
So you dress for three things: getting wet, feeling warm and sticky, and then sitting in cold AC.
Fabrics
| Wear | Do not wear |
|---|---|
| Fabrics that dry fast, like polyester mixes | Denim and thick cotton |
| Thin cotton | Silk. Water leaves marks on it. |
| Nylon rain jackets | Suede and leather |
| Georgette and crepe for Indian clothes | Linen, if wrinkles bother you |
This is the one season when a polyester mix is better than pure cotton. Cotton soaks up water and stays wet. A light mix lets water run off. It is dry by the time you reach your desk.
Length and color
- Keep clothes above the ankle. Wear short pants, knee-length skirts and dresses. Anything that touches the ground will be wet and dirty by noon.
- Wear dark colors below the knee. Navy, black, olive and prints hide mud. Keep white pants for October.
- Check thin, light fabrics. Thin white clothes can become see-through in the rain.
Shoes
Shoes matter most. Pick a pair that can go under water and does not slip on wet floors and station steps.
- Rubber or plastic sandals and floaters with a back strap.
- Waterproof slip-on shoes or clogs.
- Plastic flat shoes, if you want to look smarter.
Flip-flops splash mud up the back of your legs, and they slip. Leather and canvas shoes soak up water.
Does your office want formal shoes? Wear rain shoes on the way. Change when you arrive.
What to carry
- A strong umbrella. Wind breaks cheap ones.
- A light rain jacket for very heavy rain, when an umbrella is not enough.
- A waterproof bag, or a rain cover for your bag.
- A zip pouch for your phone and wallet.
- A small towel and spare socks.
Outfits that work
For the office
Dark short pants in a fast-drying fabric, with a short-sleeved shirt or blouse. Wear rain sandals on the way and loafers at your desk. Or wear a short cotton kurta over slim pants. Keep a light cardigan at work for the AC.
For the weekend
A knee-length dress, or shorts with a T-shirt. Add floaters and a rain jacket.
For an evening out
A dark dress, or dark pants with a printed shirt. Wear waterproof flat shoes. Carry your good shoes and change at the door.
Looking after your clothes
Damp clothes start to smell if you leave them. Hang wet clothes as soon as you get home. Wash them the same day. Dry them near a fan if there is no sun. Put newspaper in wet shoes at night.
Choosing on a wet morning
In the monsoon you can only wear some of your clothes. That makes mornings easier if you plan. Put your rain-safe clothes in one place. Dress only from those until October.
Ukti is our app. Every morning it picks one outfit from your own clothes. It can read the weather where you are and pick the outfit for it. Sharing your location is optional.
You can also tell it about your day, by voice or by typing. For example: "I am taking the train to work today."
