Jeans?

I live in Europe and wear jeans all the time. Black jeans look better than blue jeans I think.

Jeans are very much in fashion in Europe. If your jeans look good on you and you are comfortable in them, then go ahead and wear them.

Hi V,

>..don't want to be the tacky, touristy ugly Americans on the plane or especially when we train into the city upon arrival.<

She should wear a travelling suit, hat with small brim and veil, gloves, short heeled shoes and stockings.

He should wear a dark blue double-breasted blazer with dark grey trousers, a white shirt, rep tie, black over-the-calf hose, brown wing-tipped Oxfords. Cuff links are optional.

Enjoy your visit.

Ira,

You just described the attire my now 82-year-old parents used to wear on their first trips to Europe! Thanks for the laugh!!

Yes, "once upon a time" you dressed to fly!! It was not that long ago, either!! Now you can't tell if they are going to mow the yard or get on a plane!

Hilarious, Ira! Thank you. It took me back to the first time I ever flew when I did indeed wear hat, dress and heels ala Jackie Kennedy

Thanks for the nods on the jeans.

You're going to look like an American regardless. Wear what you want. It's just that jeans are probably the most uncomfortable item to wear on flights... too restricting. Have fun!

I agree with Sandi - not the most comfortable to fly in. I always seem to expand on those long flights therefore have pants with -gasp- some stretch in the waistband.

We also try to limit the weight of our baggage as it will be us toting it around and wherever we can spare extra oz. we do. Jeans seem to be heavier than clothes we've gotten from TravelSMith

yep never wear jeans on flight not very confotable and they stretch while your sitting down and then look all baggy, around the bum, thighs and knees. Leave the jeans packed and wear something more confortable and loose.er

In my three trips to Europe last year, I did not see many people wearing jeans, except for some flakes (my apologies to beaupeep) in Italy.

I find that I get better service and attention at the airport and at restaurants when I wear simple pants and a sports coat. I know that travel has gotten more casual, and that the summer becomes Greyhound season, but I don't believe in the lowest common denominator theory.

You can always tell when summer is here when someone gets on the plane carrying a plastic pink flamingo (sometimes I want to take pictures as people don't believe me - sort of Jon Waters-esque).

I Dress as a polite visitor to the country I go to, and this has served me well, particularly in service personnel response. I'm already tagged as an American, so why wouldn't I try to show the better side of America?

Jeans are heavy, sweaty when hot, cold when wet and are a pain to wash & dry.

Several good reasons to leave them at home

Everyone wears jeans while traveling on the plane AND while sightseeing, not just Americans.

By all means, wear jeans on the flight if you are comfortable in them. The fact that you are even questioning it tells me that you will probably look better than many of your fellow passengers.

The only thing I would suggest is not wearing a belt. One more thing to take off at security. You can always have one in your carry-on for when you arrive.

But no one really cares about how you look it is how you feel that matters. If you want to wear jeans then take them you will not look out of place, lots of people not just americains were jeanson trips.I just think you should pack them instead iod wearing them on flight. You will feel more comfortable an dthe jeans will look better, as they will not be all baggy from sitting on a long flight. At the end of the day it is want you wnat to do that really matters not what any of use here think. We can only offer practical advsie and not tell you hwow you should dress.

If you like jeans and look good in them, wear them! Denim comes in different weights, so that doesn't have to hold you back. Also, 97Cotton/3Lycra will insure a baggy-free bottom and knees, and you won't have to have the dreaded Elastic Waistband.

Who is Jeremy Clarkson...oh wait, I see the black jeans. What is that hanging over his belt, or is the photo just fuzzy. Let's see he's pushing 50, combing the hair forward, etc. Are you saying jeans might not be appropriate for all ages? lol

Wear your jeans. I always wear black stretch jeans to fly in and find they are quite comfortable. I was in Paris last November and there were jeans everywhere and worn by all kinds of people, including some mom's out shopping with their daughters at the BHV.

I don't think there's a great chance of you getting them wet unless you fall into one of the fountains or one of the river's or some such thing.

I was in Copenhagen and Stockholm year before last and there were jeans everywhere, on all ages. I don't know where the "no jeans" thing comes from.

The teenager shopping with her mom was wearing jeans...long cuffs, frayed and dragging on the ground, a t-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt...looked just like my neice. Oh yea...almost forgot..THE dreaded white "trainers" and those were quite dirty.

We saw both jeans of every color and cut imaginable on every age group from 6 to 60 as well as lots of white trainers (usually spotlessly white, rapper-style) all over Italy recently. And my jaw really dropped when we kept seeing Crocs. Many in gold, of course...Italians do love their metallic shoes!

What we did NOT see on ladies were the 80's-style "relaxed fit" that is baggy up top and close at the ankle that is still seen elsewhere on women of a certain figure and/or age.

I vote for wearing what feels good on you, fits well and is tasteful.

I don't wear jeans for flights because I found out the hard way that at least two pair I own don't make it through security and then I have to be patted down and "wanded" with that thingie.

I wouldn't wear jeans on a transatlantic flight anyway because I haven't found them comfortable for sitting that long.

I usually wear a little jersey dress with no waistband to bind and carry a cashmere cardigan that is good for all seasons. My outfit holds up well and still looks nice 10 hours after I climbed aboard the jet.

I agree with most of the others. I don't object to jeans for their looks, but unless they have some stretch, I think they are VERY uncomfortable.

This reminds me of a previous co-worker who came to work the day she was leaving for Europe. She had jeans on, which she never wore to work, and she said she wore them to be comfortable on the plane.

I couldn't believe it. They were the most uncomfortable looking things I eve saw! She was a bit overweight and needed at least one size bigger. I still can't figure how they could possibly have been "comfortable."

I have always worn jeans on the plane as well as while I am in Europe. Most everyone there wears jeans when they are not on their job.

My jeans actually dry overnight because they have spandex in them.

but don't want to be the tacky, touristy ugly Americans

which has little, if anything to do with your clothes, and everything to do with your attitude and demeanor.

Jeans have got to be the bottom of the barrel when it comes to comfort on a long flight.

Oh, I do love you all. Diversity is the stuff of life, isn't it? Thanks for so many points of view, all of which confirm that while attitude is everything, comfort, common sense and personal taste are essential.

"which has little, if anything to do with your clothes, and everything to do with your attitude and demeanor."

Aint that the truth!

I keep thinking of this American woman that was staying in the same hotel as we were in Austria (don't worry, not an "ugly American" story - she just happened to be American). She was with what appeared to be her extended family (the rest of whom seemed to have very nice manners) and I got the impression that this woman had been outvoted when it came time to choose a family vacation. She was very well dressed - and very loud in her complaints about EVERYTHING.

Black jeans - with a little bit of stretch - are my travel uniform on planes and a large part of a trip. Dress them up or down. Comfy. Best part? Lots of pockets for ID, a bit of $$$ and chapstick on the plane.

I would not take a trip (and haven't in xxxx years) without my black jeans.

Yes - everyone wears jeans in Europe - In Paris I saw only two dressed up ladies (very old) - the rest wore jeans - young - old - everyone!

On the plane - I wear comfortable, stylish jogging outfits. Very comfy.

"Yes - everyone wears jeans in Europe - In Paris I saw only two dressed up ladies (very old) - the rest wore jeans - young - old - everyone!"


These threads are hilarious. Only two dressed up ladies in the whole of Paris and everyone else in the whole of Europe wearing jeans.

Everyone wears jeans in Europe. There's no way anyone would think you're "Tacky touristy ugly Americans." If you've never been to Europe before, then you'll see on this trip that most people of all countries are dressed comfortable and casual when our touring. My parents are young 60 somethings and always wear jeans to Europe. Wearing jeans doesn't equate to looking slopy and I think some people have that misconception ( not saying you do ), but they are in fashion and pretty much universal in my opinion. Enjoy Melissa

Yes, many people in Europe wear jeans ( Europe is a big place) but in Paris or Vienna you will not find too many elegant women ( or man) in jeans.

Wear jeans if you look like Juliette Binoche!

Don't wear Mom Jeans!

And, men can wear jeans if they look like Brad Pitt but not Danny deVito?

PLEASE tell me there are similar quidelines for men!!!

Starrsville asks: "And, men can wear jeans if they look like Brad Pitt but not Danny deVito?" Yep.

And she askes "PLEASE tell me there are similar quidelines for men!!!"

Of course. Ten Guidelines for men.

1. Make sure the waist size of your pants is your real waist size so that your belly doesn't hang over your belt. If you aren't a 36 anymore, admit it and buy a 42.
2. No male ever looked good in a tank top or those long hip hop shorts that look like pedal pushers.
3. Leave the baseball cap back in the room while you are in the city. If you wear one, take it off when you come indoors.
4. Don't wear logo shirts or anything with a cartoon character or "funny" slogan on it.
5. Save golf, tennis, and jogging clothes for the golf course, the tennis court, and the parcours.
6. Unless you are from the west, you should skip the cowboy hat and cowboy boots.
7. Never wear anything that is the latest thing.
8. Never wear anything your wife or girlfriend tells you is "cute".
9. Do not wear those bone or beige colored walking shoes from New Balance. 10. Unless you are trekking in the desert, leave the photographer's vest and Tilley broadbrimmed hat at home.

How's that for a start?

Well Ira, you can make fun if you want but I am a girly girl and I wear skirts most of the time. Yes I do wear jeans sometimes but they are always a popular style. Also many pairs of heels. I don't however wear sneakers ever.

My husband (bless him) wears Levis and Hardrock T shirts LOL. Although he will dress up when needed and has started wearing safari pants on the plane as the comfort level is better than jeans.

And just so you know, "dressers" sometimes make fun of slobs too. We just don't do it out loud.

ira,

brown wing-tipped Oxfords

No. No. No. Brown is gauche. Black slip-ons with a bow string.

Double-breasted is a bit over. Wear a traditional cut because you want to leave it unbuttoned most of the time.

Other than that you are right on!

Yes, jeans are all overall and you'll fit right in. Wear what you feel comfortable in--you have to wear it. Unless you are very self-conscious and it will make you feel uncomfortable, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

Having said that, I happen to love to fly in a pair of black jeans w/ stretch which you can dress up with heels, pashmina, etc. To me, it looks much better than tromping on a plane in a sweat suit.

I honestly NEVER notice what other people are wearing. I like to look "nice"...or I should say, I like to dress so that I FEEL good. If someone takes offence to my jeans and running shoes...oh well.
What I take offence to is uncleanliness. I hate sitting on an airplane behind the person who hasn't washed their hair in a week...or more! Geez that's what bugs me. As long as your clean...I don't care what colour your shoes are or your jeans are. And in reply to the poster who imagines that he/she gets better service when dressed up a bit....it's all in the attitude that you put out there. I think a smile and friendly attitude is going to get you alot further that what you are wearing. In my business I have all kinds of dressers coming in...I'm more willing to go the extra mile for the people who have a pleasant attitude than a nice outfit.

I never paid that much attention to what anyone else was wearing until this last trip to Paris, last November. It had been three years since my last trip and after all the posts about what and what not to wear, what the Parisians were wearing etc., I looked at everybody. I also checked out the tourists.

<<I think a smile and friendly attitude is going to get you a lot further than what you are wearing. In my business I have all kinds of dressers coming in...I'm more willing to go the extra mile for the people who have a pleasant attitude than a nice outfit.>>

Yup! I always wonder: How do the people who claim they get better service because they are dressed up know that? Do they watch people who are casually, or comfortably dressed for travel to see how they are treated?

Luisah,
I have seen people denied entry and I was seated.

"How do the people who claim they get better service because they are dressed up know that?"

For me it's the way that when I'm in my work clothes (decent suit) I get customer service which is orders of magnitude better than that which I get if I'm in jeans/sports clothes. I don't like being fawned over, so I'm actually more comfortable wearing scruffier clothes and being ignored, but I do find there's a noticeable difference.

Hi Hopscotch,

What were the people wearing who were denied entry? Was it at a restaurant?

I agree that your clothes should be appropriate to the occasion but I was thinking about the question of wearing casual, comfortable clothes like slacks and sweater or jacket or even neat jeans (I don't because of comfort) on an international flight, not scruffy, torn up jeans for a flight or at a restaurant.

My 66 year old wife just got some new jeans for our trip in April to France.
One of the reasons I like them is that they are not real loose so when I put my cash in my front pocket someone can't get it out.

Perhaps people should take a good look in the mirror ( Front and BACK) before they
decide on any outfit. Most of all jeans !

I recommend considering both comfort and versatility. My last trip to Germany, it took a full 5 days for my suitcase to be found and catch up with me. While I had some extra clothing in my carry-on, I had neither a skirt nor any slacks, so it was providential that the black slacks I had chosen to wear on the plane, for their comfort, were verstile enough to go everywhere, including the opera. Wear whatever you want on the plane, but pack at least one full set of clothes in your carry-on!

I agree with Dukey. Wear what you want and what makes you feel comfortable. It is the demeanor which is most important. On one of our trips to Florence, we were sitting in a casual restaurant having lunch, when an American man (from N.Y.;I am from N.Y.), became obnoxious and started yelling in a high tone at the poor waiter. This was one time it was embarrassing to be an American tourist!Please let's remember our manners. We are not winning any popularity polls around the world right now as it is. p.s. I'm going to Italy in two weeks and I think I'll take my black sneakers, rather than my white. I remember it seemed they all wore dark shoes.

Vanw: Jeans you say? As you likely know the range of "Jeans" is quite varied nowadays.

As 60 somethings, I assume with average figures you look and feel most commfortable in conservatively cut blue jeans, perhaps with a bit of give for comfort, in a darker color blue or black. My guess is that would be fine.

If you are even asking this question, I doubt you would be one of the lovelies I have seen on planes (mature women mind you ) in 4 inch platforms & "Apple Bottom" jeans with the exposed bellies or better yet "Baby Phats" with enough sparkle, bling bling and hardware on the back pockets to set off the metal detectors. Then there is always the dark jean with the strategicly placed ultra faded areas to emphasize the silouette and curve of the figure (Horrors!) Those are typically worn skin tight to show the ....er...please excuse the expression "apple bottom" or the "onion" whichever is the fruit or vegetable of preference of the particular brand of jeans, to it's fullest advantage.

Me personally @ 50.. well I do not need to call any attention to my lower extremeties, especially any areas that resemble produce, so I agree with the other posts: consider your comfort, then look in the mirror to be sure!

Sounds like you won't have a problem.

Hi,
No problem wearing jeans here in Brussels. Plenty of people wear them and I'm sure nobody will give you a second glance. Even if you wear them for sight-seeing. Just be comfortable and wear the clothes that you like to wear.

I know what you mean, but do you see the pics of celebs traveling? They're usually TOTALLY casual in jeans, sweats, "Juicy" brand sweat outfits, etc. Pretty much anything goes. I've even seen people fly to Europe wearing flannel PJ bottoms and sweatshirts, carrying their own pillow. hehe

I honestly don't know what people have against jeans. I am 48 year old woman who keeps in good shape and jeans are my life. I try not to let them get frayed, I don't buy the ones with holes and bleaching but I do stay up with fashion. Jeans saw me through 2 trips to Israel, 1 to England, 1 to Germany, throughout the US, Bahamas and Canada. They were and still are the most comfortable piece of clothing I own. And as I recall no one ever made fun of me while overseas for wearing jeans. Wear what makes you happy and is in decent shape. Enjoy your trip!

OK I can wear my jeans to Brussels, but what should I wear on my feet??

dark shoes or comfy tennis shoes????

In my experiences, you will see tons of jeans and comfy tennis shoes. So, I say wear what you're comfy in.

There are jeans, and there are jeans. Wearing them doesn't automatically mean "sloppy". To me, a great-fitting pair of dark jeans (neatly pressed), a turtleneck, a good belt, nice boots, and a leather jacket is an outfit that can take you anywhere. And, need I say, great accessories and good-grooming?

On our last trip to Europe I didn't take any jeans, and I was so sorry. I would have lived in them.