W. Meyers

I'm travelling to England and Norway this summer and wonder if wearing jeans is out of line. I've heard that people in England rarely wear them, but don't know if that's a rumor or not. Also, how well do they go over in Norway? Thanks to anyone who can give me a thought here.

kam

You don't say how old you are--jeans are OK for college aged people in both places, more in Norway. If you are older, why not take khakis and no rinkle linen slacks which you can wear during the day and to casual dinners also.

Anna

What about a 40-something mom with three kids? I had planned on wearing jeans in London. So much easier to take care of than even no-wrinkle slacks. Will I be totally uncool if I do?

Jenny

Regardless of whether they are socially acceptable, I would not consider taking jeans when travelling. They take far too long to wash and dry, and if you put them in your bag still damp, the whole bag will soon start to smell mouldy. Take lighter weight pants. If one pair is black, you can also use them as dressed up evening wear. There is a really good web site with great advice on all sorts of travel organisation issues. It's at: www.artoftravel.com

W. Meyers

I'm 43, female,in good shape and just simply enjoy wearing jeans much more than other pants. I'm most wondering if I will look out of line more than I do here in the states with jeans on.

Lynn

If you don't mind looking like an American, as you already will, anyway, go ahead. As in America, if is
your personal preference.Not that I'm not proud to be recognized as such. I just don't see any reason to stand out. My son lived in France for two years before I ever got to go to Europe. When I finally did, he told me to leave my T-shirts and shorts at home. I left my jeans too. I bought wrinkle free slacks and shirts as well. I did take some nice shorts. If it's in the middle of the summer and you are in Italy, shorts will be nice. But I always dressed my best, even in shorts. But they were not short-shorts, they were dress-shorts.
I also took casual, no-wrinkle dresses and either wore sandals or tennis-shoes. There are lots of ways to be comfortable. I would say leave your jeans in America. Leave being casual in your jeans for when you return.

sarah

I'm an American living in Norway, and I wear jeans a lot and jeans are quite common here. But the difference is that in Norway, anyway, only the youngest generation and college-age people wear jeans. If you are in your 40s and wear jeans, you will stand out and look like an American tourist (especially if you also wear a fanny pack - I can spot the American tourists from a mile off!). If you don't care about that, then go for it if you feel better in jeans. It might be a good idea to bring some other pants as well, however, in case you get tired of not feeling 'local'.

John

I think all you girls are crazy. Jeans are comfortable, and that's my number one concern when I travel, which is a lot. Jeans are also becoming standard wear for the younger generation of Europeans, so it's not like to old days where people had to "dress up" when they travel over there. My pick is comfort over vanity every time I travel.

Tom

Have to agree with John. I lived in London and have traveled throughout Europe and the British Isles frequently over the last 15 years. Jeans are not peculiar to Americans. And as certain generations age, jeans have become increasingly common in Europe for those in their late thirties and early forties. Although I pack light wool slacks for the evenings, jeans are favored during the day because of comfort, durability and ease of care.

Anna

So is it okay for my kids to wear jeans in London and all over Denmark? (ages9,11,14)

Craig

If you've ever seen tourists around new york, boston, LA, etc. in clothes that were of the non-US type you have your answer. Enjoy yourself and relax; avoid the opera or weddings and you can go just about anywhere happily in denim. Also, you don't have to wash jeans all that often.

Tricia

I am an American who recently found long lost family in Holland. Went to visit for a week and guess what my nephews and brother (age 47) were wearing?? Jeans, of course. The younger set of Europeans, however, will not be caught in anything that is not skin tight. We laugh at that and they think our baggie look is outrageous. I made my l4 year old son can the real baggie jeans and take comfortable loose fitting jeans and big t Shirts. When my nephew came here for a visit he borrowed my sons jeans and would not wear his tight jeans in America. As soon as he went back, out came the tight jeans!!

Peg

When I go to Europe (age 47) I take leggings, sweatshirts, big t shirts, I can makeup and jewelry, in favor of a l7 lb backpak and I fit right in! Its all wash and wear. I take one crinkle skirt too!

Richard

If you're reasonably slim and look O.K. in jeans, do it. However, if you wear jeans and when you walk your derriere looks like two pit bulls in a gunny sack forget it!

caroline

My advice is to where whatever you are comfortable in.Personally, I always travel in jeans, find them much more comfortable than anything else and you can look quite dressy with the right accessories!

Jody

If you are a "jeans" sort of person and are going to wear jeans everywhere no matter what, regardless of anyone else's advice, why bother to inquire? Wearing jeans may result in a less than favorable impression and reception, but will not get you arrested or imprisoned. If it does not matter to you, then it just does not matter. If, on the other hand, you wish to make a more favorable presentation, wear something else.

Leslie

I lived and worked and traveled in Europe for 5 years, I'm almost 40... and I wore jeans every single day, in every country, in every situation. It just doesn't matter anymore. Tourism is generally regarded as a good thing in most countries... it's alright to look American. Just learn the polite words in each language, and you'll be treated nicely in return.

Erika

I echo the sentiment of relax and be comfortable in whatever it is that you decide to wear. I personally wear jeans throughout Europe, including the former USSR countries. The only solution to not resemble a tourist that I can think of is to purchase all of our clothes and shoes overseas; have our hair permed, dyed or cut in a fashion to resemble theirs; never visit any of the museums, cathedrals, or other interesting sights; and be fluent in whichever language is dominant in the country being visited !!!! As an aside, when my Mom, Dad and I visited Latvia two years ago, we were picked out as tourists....and we are all fluent in the language - it being our native tongue. But, asking the natives how they knew - they told us that it was more than our hairstyles, clothing or shoes...it was our carriage and attitude. Realistically, just be more cautious about when and where you wear jeans and all will be okay. Just my personal thought.

Joanna White

I think also one's personal definition of "jeans" must be taken into account. I have Versace Jeans Couture jeans, Iceberg jeans, Cerruti 1881 jeans - all of which are expensive and all made in Italy. When I purchased my Versace jeans there were also Italians buying jeans. If you look around the dept. stores in London and just in the streets loads of people are wearing jeans - it's the same in Australia. Of course, old scruffy jeans are not acceptable in Europe (unless perhaps they are designer with the label prominently displayed a la Moschino).

Peg

To Richad- So you want an ass in jeans or leggings that looks like this (_!_), right! and not a bubble ass like this, (__~__), but after I sit on a plane for 10 hours my ass is really like this (_*_) -a sore ass- or sometimes its just tired (_zzz_) but Richard darling, remember this I have (_$_)-money coming out of my ass- and you are a (_?_) (figure that one out! he he) Peg. 5'4" 120 lbs and ride my bike and areobocise every day!