Should tourists wear shorts in Italy?

For the majority of places, such as museums, beaches, and stores, there are no restrictions on what you can wear. Many tourists and locals will wear shorts to these places when the weather is hot. At churches and the Vatican, you can only enter if your knees and shoulders are covered and you aren't wearing a hat.



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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.

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Clean, smart, basic clothing will do. But shorts and tanktops (especially for men) are meant for gym or hiking. Not to be worn on the street and never in a restaurant. In some of the beach bars shorts could be okay, but definitely not in a dinner restaurant in Rome.

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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.

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The Dress Code in the Vatican City Peter's Basilica. Its basic code is for both men and women both need to cover their knees and upper arms. They prohibit wearing shorts or skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, and low-cut shirts. Men must take their hats off before entering whereas women may continue wearing theirs.

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When you travel in Italy, wear long, loose, comfortable skirts with flowing long-sleeved blouses. Short, tight skirts, shorts, and bare arms are not permitted in the many churches one might visit there.

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Italians tend to dress simply and stylishly and in fitted rather than baggy clothing. Choose neutral colors like black, dark blue, beige, and white and pack button-down shirts and blouses; chinos; knee-length or below skirts; and a blazer or leather jacket if you're traveling in the shoulder seasons.

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DO dress a little nicer than you would in America. There is no dress code when going to most restaurants but you might receive some funny looks if you show up in sweats. Dressing well is respectful and you'll want to try to blend in with the locals.

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One doesn't need to dress conservatively (many Italians don't), but casual attire (e.g. barefoot, beach wear) is generally inappropriate in public and can make one seem unsophisticated. Allow concessions for friends where possible.

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However, in order to ensure a smooth visit please observe the following Sagrada Familia dress code rules: Tops must cover the shoulders. No really low necklines or see-through clothing. Shorts and skirts must go down to the knee.

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In other words, casual is fine, but avoid the I-wore-this-to-the-gym look. Avoid tank tops–they're not acceptable to be worn into churches, and they're not a popular look for men in Rome. During fall and winter, well-fitted sweaters are a great choice to wear in Rome.

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Here's what to wear on a flight to Italy: 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.

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In Italy, you will likely find yourself storing your suitcases amongst other tourists' bags either on trains, hotels or as part of a tour group. Having robust luggage during these times is wise as a measure to protect the items within. But, make sure it is not too heavy so you are able to carry your bags when required.

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You don't really need to bring this from home, of course — Italy does have toilet paper! — but it's a smart thing for ladies, particularly, to throw in their purses before leaving the hotel in the morning.

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