What to Wear in Summer in Lahore, Pakistan

With an average daily high in May of 100 (38), and highs sometimes hitting 122 (50), it can be difficult to figure out what to wear in such extreme heat. It starts heating up in March, which has an average high of 80 (27) and temperatures really rise in April. May and June are the hottest months, but July through September's monsoon rains turn the Punjab into a giant steaming sauna. It stays hot all the way to October, which has an average daily high of 87 (31). You can count on high electricity bills for your AC at least seven months out of the year. For anyone planning to visit or live in Lahore, here is an overview of what types of clothes can be worn comfortably during the hot season.

For male professionals, the wardrobe does not vary much from season to season. In summer, men usually wear shirts of thinner cotton, although the shirts still need to be stiff enough to hold a collar. Most offices are air-conditioned, at least when there's electricity, so going to and from places is the biggest problem for men. Short sleeve button down shirts may be acceptable in some work places, but shorts are not common except in posh areas like Defence or M.M.Alam Road. For casual outings, most men sweat it out in jeans. Cargo shorts are becoming more popular for younger men at coffee shops, upscale shopping areas, and trendy restaurants. Tank tops are thought of as underwear and seen as very inappropriate to wear in public.

Many men cope with the heat at home by wearing thin shalwar kameez. The baggy pants and thin cotton offer a welcome relief from the stickiness of business casual. The upper class prefer to wear perfectly white and ironed shalwar kameez for events or going out to eat in summer. Men may also wear shalwar kameez at the office on Fridays, which is the Muslim holy day.

Women usually stick to lawn (thin 100% cotton) and chiffon in summer. Many women go through two or three suits a day, and it's customary to put a new suit on when going out or expecting guests. This is because lawn wrinkles easily, and the more starch you add to keep it straight the hotter it will be. Those with generators and constant access to AC may still wear jeans and trendy tops, but for most women that kind of getup is just too hot in summer. Baggy shalwars and knee length kameezes (shirts) are the way to go. Thinner scarves of crinkle or chiffon are the most practical, while a lawn dupatta (scarf) allows more modesty.

For foreigners visiting Lahore, I'd definitely suggest getting some shalwar kameez made, at least for outdoor activities like visiting historical sites or shopping in outdoor bazaars. You'll blend in more and be able to deal better with the heat. Stay hydrated by bringing drinkable water with you everywhere.