Bruce LoBuono

Already know that the Italian Churches have a "Dress Code" prohibiting shorts. Since we are going to Rome in mid -August however, can we otherwise expect to feel comfortable wearing shorts? Any other special wardrobe tips?

s.l. miller

Honestly, I would avoid wearing shorts in Rome. You will immediately get pinpointed as a tourist. Romans dress very well all the time and you will want to dress well also. At least that's how I felt when I was there. Granted, it was December so we were forced to wear warmer clothes. If I were you I'd go with cotton and linen slacks that are cool in warm weather and look nice in day or evening. For even more casual gear, I'd wear khakis or even cargo pants. Don't wear white tennis shoes as they scream AMERICAN. I'd suggest comfortable loafers or even sneakers in a darker color. Have fun.

toom

I would support the idea that you should not wear shorts, or too much casual, although it is quite warm in August. Dress very smart in one of world fashion capitols.

Mary

There is no "summer wardrobe" in Rome. No shorts, no bare shoulders, etc. I have seen people turned away. Sorry.

Rich

As long as your are not going to St.Peters (they are VERY strict about their dress code), you should be fine wearing shorts. Most churches allow shorts as long as they not too short and that you cover your shoulders. Be comfortable, as you will be walking ALOT. I consider myself a fashionable person, but when you are walking 3 to 4 miles a day in 85 degree weather with 70 to 90% humidity, shorts and sneakers are mighty attractive. <BR> <BR>And don't worry about looking like a tourist. As long as you carry a camera or a backpack, you are going to look like a typical tourist no matter how you dress.

Richard

Yes, people in rome seem to wear too much clothing for the weather. We wore shorts and tees and felt perfectly at ease during our trip. It is bloody hot in Rome so I feel shorts and short sleeve tees are essential. Have some nice lightweight outfits for the evening and dinner. Be comfortable. By the way, people in Rome wear their clothing very tight. You wont see them wearing the latest Abicrombie loose fit baggy styles. Just remember some churches wont allow you in if you have shorts on or sleeveless shirts, tees are usually ok. <BR> <BR>Dont worry about everyone elses opinions, there are plenty of nice ways to look good and wear shorts. The only thing I would avoid is 'gym' style clothing like sweats & nylon pants unless they are logo Addias or Nike fashion styles (they love these American styles).

Richard

Yes, people in rome seem to wear too much clothing for the weather. We wore shorts and tees and felt perfectly at ease during our trip. It is bloody hot in Rome so I feel shorts and short sleeve tees are essential. Have some nice lightweight outfits for the evening and dinner. Be comfortable. By the way, people in Rome wear their clothing very tight. You wont see them wearing the latest Abicrombie loose fit baggy styles. Just remember some churches wont allow you in if you have shorts on or sleeveless shirts, tees are usually ok. <BR> <BR>Dont worry about everyone elses opinions, there are plenty of nice ways to look good and wear shorts. The only thing I would avoid is 'gym' style clothing like sweats & nylon pants unless they are logo Addias or Nike fashion styles (they love these American styles). <BR> <BR>Not everyone in Rome dresses in Armani.........

David

While visiting Rome, if your main concern is to not look like a tourist, you should not: Wear Shorts...go to the Trevi Fountain...nor the Spanish Steps...nor the Colisseum nor Forum...not wait in line for the Vatican Museum....I think my point is clear...Who goes to all these locations(especially in August)? TOURISTS! And which tourists are wearing pants in 85 degree temps with 85% humidity? Those tourists who don't want to look like tourists. <BR>Should you wear shorts? An emphatic yes...if you think that you'll be more comfortable. <BR>If you really want to fit in bring a cell phone and keep it constantly up to your ear and keep a lit cigarette with you at all times.

melissa

I am from florida, was in rome last august, I am used to the heat but it was HOT there. air conditioning is rare. The vatican museum is not air conditioned. No matter what you do, somehow something will give you away in your dress so dress as you like with in reason. I think americans alleg. even have a diff. walk (or so ive been told). obv. keep in mind the dress codes at the churches, and also keep in mind the person sitting next to you on a bus may be a priest or a nun. <BR>Have fun.

Bruce LoBuono

Many thanks for all the replies. This forum is certainly populated by knowlegable and experienced travelers. <BR> <BR>After reading the responses and seeing all the answers to a similar question posed by another, we get the idea to pack a few pairs of shorts but mainly rely on slacks. Since we are traveling in August we are apt to not find too many Romans to "offend" anyway!

Nina

Ditto with David!!! We just came back from Rome this past weekend. All the <BR>locals have cellular phones to their ears and cigarettes hanging from their <BR>mouths, even when driving the scooters! <BR>It was very, very hot for 2 weeks we <BR>were there. We wore shorts almost everywhere - took sleeved T-shirts with us so we could get into the churches - <BR>shorts were not a problem except for the <BR>Vatican. We never felt out of place. <BR>Take comfortable shoes and maybe a few <BR>pieces of dressy outfits for dinner. <BR>Hope you have a great time as much as <BR>we did - can't wait to go back!