I see many post but not all say the same thing. We will be Florence and Siena over the next 2 weeks. I know shoulders must be covered and will bring a cover up but what about knees. Most of my skirts are just above the knee is this Ok? I also am confused by the posts for men. Some say they need pants others say they walked in with shorts. It is very hot in italy right now and would hate to have hubby wera pants if nice shorts would get him into churches.

As a guy, I would not want to wear shorts that do not cover the knees. Not a matter of respecting local customs, but of aesthetics. A city is not the beach.

The rules are to cover shoulders and knees (and midriff) but they are not enforced in every church as there is not a door keeper in every Italian church. I know the rules are enforced in Assisi and may be in Siena since last time I visited Siena there was a very long line to get into the cathedral so there were people to keep track of how many visitors were going in and out.

Do you have any skirts that go below the knee? Can your husband take one of those pants where the legs zip off and become shorts?

If you are a man removing the baseball cap is polite

Adults (and that includes full size children - as in 12/13 and up) are required to cover knees, midriffs, shoulders and bosoms. Little kids clothes are not an issue.

If all your skirts are short, wear pants. Do NOT wear sundresses. And men do NOT wear hats indoors - church or anyplace else, exept for religious observance - it's simply rude.

capris are good for dealing with his problem for women, and those trousers with removeable legs for men.

you may be surprised at how the rules are interpreted and inforced - in one church in Florence, DH's offensive knees were dealt with by his being offered a sarong to wrap around his waist - LOL.

I should add that the offending garment was a pair of shorts that was extremly decent and reached almost to his knees, so we had no inkling that anyone could find them objectionable. but they did, and as he wanted to see the church, he had to comply. they had already passed muster in many other churches, so this was not a case of us being ignorant or thoughtless. perhaps the custodian just got a giggle from making middle aged chaps drees up in a skirt!

regards, ann