बदलना कपड़े

You use this phrase just like you would in English. To make it a command, say kapde badlo. To say you are currently doing it, use Main kapde badal raha hoon. It is very flexible. You can use it for yourself, your kids, or even when talking about a character in a movie. It is a standard transitive verb construction.

Use it when you get home from a long day at the office. Use it when you are getting ready for a fancy Bollywood-style wedding. It is perfect for texting a friend to say, "Give me five minutes, I just need to change." It is also common in gyms or sports clubs. Basically, any time a wardrobe change is involved, this is your phrase.

Do not use this if you are talking about 'changing' in a metaphorical sense. If you are changing your mind, use mann badalna. If you are changing a tire, use pahiya badalna. Also, avoid using it if you are just 'putting on' one item. For just wearing a hat or a coat, pehenna (to wear) is more accurate. Don't use it if you are shopping; that is usually try karna.

In India, changing clothes is often linked to hygiene and ritual. Many people kapde badalna immediately after coming home from the outside world. This is to keep the 'outside dirt' away from the living space. There is also a huge emphasis on dressing for the occasion. You might change three times a day during a festival! It is a sign of respect to change into fresh clothes for dinner with elders.

You might hear kapde change karna very often. This is the Hinglish version and is extremely common in cities. Another variation is kapde badal lena, which adds a sense of completing the action. If you are talking about laundry, you might use kapde dhona, but for the act of dressing, stick to badalna.