We'll be arriving in Rome next week. The last reponse to this question on Fodor's was dated 1999.

What is the dress code in churches today? We'll be traveling to Rome, Florence and Venice.Can I wear a sarong over shorts? Can men wear above the knee shorts? If not, what else can my husband wear?

We thank you for any help you can give us.

shoulders and knees should be covered. No bare midriffs either. Most churches now have paper clothes that you can buy to cover yourself. A sarong works great as does a scarf over the shoulders.

When we were recently in Florence and Venice, my husband wore shorts just above the knee, and I wore skirts of the same length. We had no problems and didn't see anyone else turned away for the same lengths. Those in shorter skirts and shorts were turned away, however.

I also always used a scarf to cover my shoulders since I had on sleevless shirts.

As Siena us said, a lot of the churches have a paper coverings they will give you. However, it might be wise to have a scarf on hand since not each and every church had them.

Have an enjoyable trip.

I understand that St. Peter's adhere to a strict policy of no short skirts, shorts or bare shoulders. Some churches are not quite as strict. I find the zip off pant legs come in very handy for visiting churches on hot days. Zip them on to go in and zip them off when you come out...piece of cake. The shoulders are a little more tricky without a scarf or sweater so I opt for a short sleeve shirt that covers them on days that I will be visiting churches.

Hi Nan,

I suggest that you just keep in mind that you are going to a house of worship and not the beach and you will know what to wear.

Ira: That is terrible advice. I know the difference between beach wear and church wear, but my Presbyterian house of worship would never lift an eyebrow at a sleeveless dress or blouse or at a skirt at the top of the knee. Still, on my first trip of many to Italy, I did not know what was appropriate for Italian Catholic Churches. It still varies from church to church there.

Well Marty,

Chacun a son gout.

It really does vary from place to place. In Palermo, the dress code was enforced strictly while other places are quite lax about the dress code. I would say to error on the side of caution and be prepared rather than the possibility of missing out. A scarf does not take up that much room in your back pack and convertible pants are really the best new invention.

I never suggested that I thought arrogance or disrespect were appropriate in any church in any country and have never intentionally shown it in another country. I was merely suggesting that people who are not familiar with Italian Catholic churches and their customs need some real guidance and not some "self-centered ignorance, arrogance, and disrespect" in the form of an answer to a well meaning question. I think the person who asked the question got some good guidance from other people who responded.

The dress code for a Catholic Church in Italy does not vary from place to place but the presence of people enforcing the code does. The dress code is and always has been, no sleeveless tops, no bare midriffs, no shorts or very short skirts. Just because you will be able to walk into a small church wearing a tube top and Daisy Dukes because that church has nobody out front to pass judgement on your attire doesn't mean you are dressed appropriately. The people attending that church may very well be offended by your attire and some will not hestitate to point out your inappropriate attire to you.

NYCFoodSnob: Thanks. If that job has extensive travel to Italy as part of the job description, sign me up!

Does any one besides me remember having to wear a chapel veil in the churches? While I know that "rule" has long been gone I thought me son told me he could not take his backpack in either (that was earlier this summer).
Perhaps I miss understood him?

Most of this has been covered, but to recap. We just returned from Italy a couple weeks ago and here it goes:
Dress code depends on the church, but bare shoulders are a no no. Short shorts are too. Also, check the times the church is open. We were kicked out of a few at mass, unless you plan to attend. ST. PETER'S BASILICA, ROME;
Very important info. You can't go anywhere near the entrance of the basilica in any form of shorts (men and women), same goes for bare shoulders, ditto. And if you are carrying any kind of bag or fanny pack, it must be checked in at the coat-bag check(right of entrance) before you even think of getting in line.
Very strict security in effect. Saw many glum tourists, not dressed properly, waiting about outside in the intense heat for the rest of their party who were properly dressed and inside!

We have always lived by this simple rule..... Don't wear anything that you wouldn't wear into a house of worship at home. You show your respect by not only being quiet and reverent, but by also being dressed appropriately (and
Come On!, in your hearts you all know what is appropriate and what's not)Although only a short touring stop for you, this church is a haven of solemnity, reverence, reflection, peace, hope, and prayer for the local parishioners.

Antonino, you have put it very well. I think people tend to forget that although churches may contain priceless treasures of art, they are, first and foremost, places of worship and should be accorded proper respect.

I am always amazed that the same people who would not walk into, say, a Fortune 500 company or a 5 star restaurant without proper attire would not give a second thought to what they might wear in a church. Odd.