David

I know that wearing shorts is frowned upon in many international cities. How do the Parisiens feel about them? Are they considered gauche? Is the feeling the same whether a man or woman wears them? What are the rules of etiquette? Thanks.

Fred

If it's really hot there will be some people wearing shorts. Otherwise not generally. I always say dress nicely as you would in any major city. Don't assume hot weather just because it's summer. It may be hot, or warm, or cool, or very cool. In July there were some really cool days - people who weren't prepared wern't happy. You have to be prepared for all eventualities. For more Paris information e-mail me – [email protected]

shorts

Why do American's always insist on wearing shorts? Can't men wear some nice light trowsers and women a sun dress or skirt and sandals? It's actually cooler.

RodB

It doesn't sound to me as if these people ARE "insisting" on wearing shorts. I would imagine that's exactly why they're posting this question on this site--so as not to offend anyone once they're there. Anyway, slacks and dresses are preferred, in case you're looking for advice and not a lecture

janis

Shorts has a good point - people don't ask "Shorts in New York??", why do all these people ask if shorts are OK in Paris, or Rome, or insert major city here? I can't imagine even thinking of wearing shorts (except VERY stylish "city shorts-type outfits") in Paris.

Michael

I lived in New York for twenty years and the reason people don't ask "Shorts in New York?" is because you will see hundreds--if not thousands--of people wearing shorts in New York at any given time. (Yes, even in winter--UPS drivers). Have you ever been to New York Janus?

jane

Maybe people don't ask about wearing shorts in New york because a lot of people wear them and no one really cares about what anyone else is wearing because they're all busy doing their own thing. Why should you care what other people wear?

Caitlin

Actually, Janis, if you look at the US board, you'll see that people ask about shorts in New York with some frequency.

Michael

Before you pick on me, Janis, I realize I misspelled your name in my last e-mail. Sorry about that.

Linda

Jane, I'll remember your comments the next time you give a formal dinner party but I decide to wear whatever I'd like. I agree with RodB, I think these people sound as if they would like to follow the "when in Rome..." rule. That's very respectful of a culture.

jane

Linda- I wasn't disagreeing with the poster for asking what to wear in Paris, I commend them for trying to be respectual of what others wear in a foreign country. I was disagreeing with the fact that another poster responded as if everyone should know that shorts are totally unacceptable/offensive in major cities. Also, I would be happy to welcome any guest to my home regardless of what they were wearing.

tom

Sometimes I want to scream - UGLY AMERICANS. But then I remember I am one too. Why do so many US citizens think they can be slobs overseas - as long as they are "comfortable". Threads asking Should they dress modestly in Cathedrals, Should they wear shorts in Paris, -- can't people just dress appropriately? Have we become such a Mall society that no one knows how anymore? <BR> <BR>That's one thing many of my European friends wonder about - how can the richest country on earth produce such pitiful/tacky looking people? I honestly don't know what to tell them.

shorts

Tom, that was my point exactly! I remember when my Dad said "if they want my money they'll speak my language!" and when someone asks about wearing shorts in a world class city like Paris I feel that same awful cringe I did when my dad uttered those horrible horrible words.

Billstop

Tom and Shorts, <BR> <BR>Have either of you ever been to Paris? I grew up there and many of our friends and relatives wore shorts AND--get this--tank-top style t-shirts. Are you shocked? Are you appalled? If so, then visit the Louvre and study Renoir's paintings. "The Boating Party" features a variety of Parisiens in clothes that would probably give you both heart attacks (including tank-tops). My point is this: if these people have never been here before, then how would they know what is or isn't appropriate unless they ask (which is precisely what they've done). And you two don't know as much as you think you do, either. Why don't you try to help instesd of condemning?

shorts

I've been to Paris a dozen times. And yes, I would expect someone at a boating party to wear shorts. Or someone sitting in the Tuileries taking in the sun. Or even a young person rollerblading along the quai of the Seine. But just as at home.. you choose where you wear casual clothes and wear you don't. And if you don't have shorts on you don't have to worry about what churches you can enter and where you can't. <BR> <BR>That said, I consider myself duly chastised for my remark and will be more careful in the future.

tom

Yes, Billstop. I have been to Paris many times. At one point in my life I spent almost 1/2 of each year there. Yes, Parisians wear shorts - when they are doing outdoor activities - not when they are shopping, going to church. There was a thread here a few days ago about the special aura and beauty of French women - they were certainly not talking talking about slobs in shorts.

billstop

Tom, <BR> <BR>Funny, I don't see where it says in the original query that they are planning to wear them in churches and the like. Perhaps, like many people, they are simply wanting to wear them outside.

YS

I think it is a valid questions. The customs are different in any country, and what may seem appropriate in one may be smiled at at the other and totally inappropriate in yet another. <BR> <BR>I personally don't think sorts are appropriate for opera or church or museams or restaurants, at lest in Paris. However, they are more-then-just-fine in the restaurant in Bora Bora (which also happens to be French teritory). <BR> <BR>How about this: is it appropriate to wear gloves in church? Should I take off my hat in the synagogue? Can I wear flip-flops in Louvre?

RMC

Tom, you really need to lighten up a bit. If shorts bother you THAT much, perhaps you have other issues that can't be solved on this forum!

shorts

YS, since you're asking our opinion... please don't take your hat off in the synagogue (unless you're a girl), leave your gloves on in church (unless you're a boy) and if I was your mother I'd say... NO, you may not wear those flip flops in the Louvre (or anywhere but the beach for that matter!)