While preparing for our recent trip to Italy,we did our research to try to understand what we should wear. I looked at several websites and the overall consensus was that wearing shorts would make you stand out as a tourist because Italians do not wear shorts unless it is in the middle of the summer or they are going swimming. Also, apparently, some cathedrals will not let you enter wearing shorts.
I am here to tell you, that this is incorrect. You can wear shorts in Italy and look perfectly normal.
Here are a few examples of Italians we saw wearing shorts in Italy when it was in the mid-80s in September.
We knew the temperature was expected to be in the mid-80s and 90s, but we also wanted to fit in with the local attire. I went ahead and packed three pairs of pants and three pairs of shorts. I am so glad I decided to pack some shorts!
On the first day, I wore some light khakis. We went to the Vatican and found that there were plenty of men wearing shorts. They were all allowed into all the chapels and museums.
On the second day, we went to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. This time I opted for shorts and once again I was surrounded by people wearing shorts. On the last day in Rome we did a lot of walking, went to Campo de’ Fiori, the Trevi fountain, Pantheon, and a few other sites and once again found the majority of people were wearing shorts.
In fact, I think you would stand out more if you went to the Colosseum in pants on a hot day than sticking with shorts. Also, remember that Rome is full of tourists, so even if you were “dressed like a tourist” you wouldn’t stick out anyway unless you are dressed horribly.
So why the misconception that Italians do not wear shorts?
There are plenty of men wearing suits or slacks, but they are working. This is how they dress to go to work. When they are not at work, they wear shorts too. I saw plenty of Italian men on the Metro, at the market, going out to eat, all wearing shorts.
You can wear shorts in Cathedrals, they just have to cover your knees. Below is a sign going into a cathedral. It is very clear you can wear shorts, they just have to cover the knees.
Now that we know we can wear shorts, here are a few other tips for clothing to wear in the summer in Italy:
What to Wear When Sightseeing in Italy in the Summer
So yes, wear shorts. You also want to make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes or sandals because you will be walking and on your feet all day long.
What to WearWhen Going in Churches
Some sites online say you will be asked to leave if you wear shorts in churches in Italy. This is incorrect. Some will not allow short shorts, and you must cover your shoulders. If your shoulders are not covered, you will have to buy something at the Cathedral that looks kind of like a poncho, so just dress accordingly.
Here is a picture of a lady who was not covering her shoulders and short shorts and is now wearing a poncho-looking cover-up. To the right is a picture of men wearing long shorts in a cathedral.
Pantheon Dress Code
If you are deciding what to wear at the Patheon keep in mind that short skirts, short shorts, andbare shoulders are not permitted. When we went, Dan wore longish shorts and t-shirts and Michelle wore a dress that went just past the knees and covered her shoulders.
Vatican Dress Code
On the website for the Vatican museum, it says “Low cut or sleeveless clothing, shorts, miniskirts, and hats are not allowed.” If you go in the summer, you can wear shorts in the Vatican or a skirt, but make sure they cover your knees.
What to WearWhen Eating Out
Once again, a lot of websites say you should not wear shorts and should wear nice shoes. I think this is also misleading. Just likeanywhere I have traveled, it depends on the restaurant, location and time. If you are going to be in a very touristy part of town, wear what you feel comfortable in for that restaurant. Regardless of where the restaurant is, if it is a casual restaurant, then dress casually. If it is a really nice restaurant you need to dress up more.
Overall, during your trip to Italy, dress comfortablyandput together and you will be just fine. I hope you enjoy your trip! Let me know if you have any tips yourself below.
You can wear shorts in Italy and look perfectly normal.
Here are a few examples of Italians we saw wearing shorts in Italy when it was in the mid-80s in September. We knew the temperature was expected to be in the mid-80s and 90s, but we also wanted to fit in with the local attire.
When deciding how to dress in Italy in the summer, dress comfortably with loose and light clothes. Light dresses might be the most comfortable this time of year, particularly in places such as Rome where the heat can feel unbearable.
You won't see a lot of Roman women wearing shorts in the city–at the beach yes, in Rome itself no–but so many tourists will be wearing shorts in Rome during the summer that if you absolutely want to bring a pair or two, you won't stick out like a sore thumb. Personally, I very rarely, if ever, wear shorts in Rome.
Pack sunscreen, sun hats and maxi dresses to protect yourself from the heat and don't let the nice breeze catch you unprepared: the sun is scorching! If planning on city sightseeing, make sure you include items to cover up legs and shoulders for church visits.
Italians love a nice pair of short shorts, and not just for women . Guys, girls, grandmas; everybody wears shorts, and they're probably a lot smaller than you're used to. If you're traveling to Italy during the summer, get ready to wear shorts that show a little thigh.
However where Italian wear shorts is normally reserved. You don't see many Italian wearing shorts to work or to a nice restaurant but at tourist attractions and sightseeing shorts are fine to wear. However there is a caveat. If you are going to churches in Italian or to the Vatican be aware there is a dress code.
Although summer in Italy can be rather hot, you'll rarely see Italian women wearing shorts. The best way to fit in would be to stay away from revealing too much skin, but still look stylish at the same time- try a flowy skirt instead.
The best ones to pack are those that come with a rubber sole and cushioning for walking. If you prefer to keep your feet covered, closed-toe sandals light summer sneakers are also a good choice; however, make sure they are truly breathable as the temperatures in Italy can be scorching!
In religious places it is considered immoral to dress too revealingly and they will not let women in with their arms showing or a short skirt. Skirts must be ankle length, or wear pants.
Layers are key: As with any flights, layers are particularly important on long flights. It's impossible to tell if the AC will be stalled while you sit on the runway, so start with a simple cotton shirt, and be sure to bring a more stylish cardigan or sweater to layer on top.
Skinny jeans or capri trousers are stylish spring options for women. But remember, Italians tend to go high-end even with their denim - so keep 'em rip-free! Men should typically avoid anything they might wear to the beach, gym, or football game, and instead opt for stylish loose linens or fitted chinos.
To dress in Italy, opt for clothes with clean lines that fit you well, like button-down shirts for men and capri pants for women. Additionally, choose classy shoes such as boots or ballet flats, since Italians generally frown on wearing things like flip flops in public.
But I always use a specific kind of purse when I'm traveling (in Italy and elsewhere) – a cross-body purse. Wearing a purse across your chest can be a key part of travel safety. A cross-body bag makes it harder for a would-be thief to grab it and run.
Khaki shorts are a signature tourist choice! Don't choose a nice pair of tasteful khakis, though. To really nail the tourist vibe, it's best if your khaki shorts are awkward in some way. Go with a pair that is too long or too short, or try a pair that is noticeably tight or super baggy.
Can you wear shorts in Europe? Yes, you can. However, most Europeans only wear them when on vacation and in more outdoorsy settings, on the beach, or while sightseeing in more rural areas. Most Europeans would not wear them when going out for dinner, inner-city sightseeing, or during city tours, wine tastings etc.
Year-round, the stereotype is true: Italians, especially those out of university and older, tend to wear leather shoes. For women in the spring, that can mean heels or ballet flats.
Summer (June – August) is peak season in Italy. Peak season, particularly the months of July and August (and even extending into the first two weeks of September), is generally considered a very busy and expensive time to visit Italy's cities and major tourist areas like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre.
Even if summer in Italy is scorching hot, it's not uncommon to find men dressed in button-down shirts and well-fitted trousers. What is this? This doesn't mean that you won't be able to wear denim in summer in Italy. I am Italian and I wear denim all the time!
Summers can be hot and humid across the country, particularly in the south while northern and central areas can experience occasional strong thunderstorms from spring to autumn.
What's the average temperature in Rome in the summer? Officially, you'll find information telling you that the average climate in Rome for July and August is about 32°C, 91°F, dropping at night to around 17°C, 64°F.
Fortunately for millennials the world over, the answer to the question "Are skinny jeans still in style?" is a resounding "yes!" — even if TikTok tells you otherwise. Granted, the best skinny jeans of 2023 have evolved since the late aughts.
It is not permitted to wear sleeveless or low-cut clothing. Belly crop tops are a big no! Make sure your shoulders are covered. If you're wearing a skirt, dress, or pair of shorts, make sure they're at least knee-length.
Smart casual is a style somewhere between formal and casual, so not jacket and tie, but still an outfit made up of sober and refined garments, always well matched. A jacket or blazer, a shirt with a mandarin collar for him, smart or skinny trousers, skirts and dresses for her.
Most guidebooks say that you should pack two pairs of shoes for a weeklong trip. I agree that two pairs are the minimum ideal for a week in Italy, though there are many situations when you may need more.
The basis of the female national costume is a pleated skirt (called "gonna"), a white embroidered shirt (camicia) and a corsage. The costume was complemented by a bright apron and a headscarf (fazzoletto). These are the main elements of a women's Italian costume, found in all regions of the country.
There is no formal dress code in Italy, but it is considered respectful to dress well for dinner. Italians are fashion-conscious and make an effort to look smart when going out for a meal. It's worth packing decent shoes, a dress for ladies and a jacket for men traveling to Italy.
Taking to TikTok, Tommy Cimato, from Arizona, explained that while people may want to be comfy while flying, shorts should be the last option. He said: 'Don't or try not to wear shorts when you're on an airplane. It's the same thing as the window.
Wear flowy, breathable maxi dresses and skirts (they also protect your legs from the sun, they can be great!) Opt for light linen pants as a comfortable, lightweight and stylish alternative to shorts for the day. Carry a maxi skirt with an elastic band at the waist.
Skinny jeans are a popular style of jeans worn by women in Europe. They are tight-fitting and are often made from stretchy denim, making them comfortable to wear.
It is crucial to wear good walking shoes with good quality socks, or good walking sandals. Bringing shoes you have already broken in is essential, and don't worry about looking like a tourist - that's exactly what you are! As Rome in July is so hot, it can be tempting to wear light sandals or flip flops.
Jeans are very common in Rome and worn by people of almost any age. While there is no real cut off, they are most common in very young people and people up to fifty years of age or so. People above this age usually opt for different materials, as they give a more refined, classy look.
Wear flowy, breathable maxi dresses and skirts (they also protect your legs from the sun, they can be great!) Opt for light linen pants as a comfortable, lightweight and stylish alternative to shorts for the day. Carry a maxi skirt with an elastic band at the waist.
As you might notice in these photos, many of the Parisians in shorts are men, simply because women have the option to wear skirts or dresses to keep cool. Shorts are commonly seen on Parisian terraces in July.
If you're staying in a place without A/C (yes, lots of places in Italy don't have air conditioning) ask for a fan. And if it's sweltering hot, do what the Italians do and take a cold shower right before going to bed. It's amazing the difference this makes! Head to the seaside or to the mountains where you can cool off.
Do Europeans Wear Shorts? Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer. It depends. European fashion is usually a bit more conservative, but Europeans actually wear shorts – when they are on vacation or doing outdoorsy activities.
Are jeans acceptable in Europe? Jeans are not only acceptable to wear in Europe, but very popular. Jeans are part of the dress code in most Cities across Europe and are always a huge part of European fashion! It's not recommended to wear them in the summer but any time of year they are a great choice.
Skinny jeans or capri trousers are stylish spring options for women. But remember, Italians tend to go high-end even with their denim - so keep 'em rip-free! Men should typically avoid anything they might wear to the beach, gym, or football game, and instead opt for stylish loose linens or fitted chinos.
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