Looking American
 

What with all of the posts regarding, "not <BR>looking American," when in Europe, I've <BR>been wondering just what clothing I shouldn't <BR>take to Holland next month. Any suggestions? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Gerry K <BR> <BR>PS: Is a baseball cap really that conspicuous?

There's nothing wrong with looking american. It's quite a wonderful thing to be. And a smart, friendly, happy, curious, respectful foreign tourist/traveler is also a wonderful thing to be. We just shouldn't dress in a way that people find offensive, and we'll probably be happier if we're not dressed in a way that locals view as not exactly "offensive" but maybe weird or comical.

This is a popular subject and has been discussed before. When we went to Europe the first time, we made an effort to fit in as best we could. The advice I used was--no sweats, no tennis shoes, no shorts and remember there is a clothing code for most churches--no sleeveless tops, etc. Take comfortable clothes that are a wrinkle resistant--such as a nice pair of slacks perhaps in black or dark brown, nice blouse or shirt in white, with a jacket in black or brown, and a pair of Rockports or good shoes--this is just an example. In Europe they don't wear as many casual clothes out and about, although don't get me wrong you do see them--on Americans, as well as Europeans. Marilyn

Haven't been anywhere in Holland other than Amsterdam, but I actually find the people in Amsterdam to be the most "American-looking" (i.e. casual) in their style of dress...compared to people in cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Rome anyway. <BR> <BR>As for the baseball caps, I certainly can't say that NO Europeans wear them, since I'm sure some do, but every time *I've* seen a person wearing one, and I've been close enough to hear them talk, I find that they're an American.

Gerry K: <BR>What's so bad about appearing American? <BR>In the last 6 months my wife and I have traveled to Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, France and The Netherlands. Everyone we met along the way enjoyed meeting us and vice versa. Most were very interested in our politics which we were quick to discuss. In return, we were interested in discussing their heritage as well as what to see and do while visiting their country. All of this while looking American and proud to be one. We never once experienced any negativism about "... looking American". Relax and enjoy your visit to Holland. Europeans are a lot more sophisticated then you give them credit for.

Thank you, John. You put into words what I have been thinking for a long time. They'll probably know you are American as soon as you open your mouth and out comes the "un-Queen's English". And yes, I'm proud to be an American. I try very hard not to wear clothes that would be offensive to anyone in my host country, making sure I dress conservatively. But all the same, I'm still who I am and proud to be that. There is no way I'm going to look Italian or Parisian--I simply don't have access to the resources for my entire vacation wardrobe. (If I bought all the "right clothes" I wouldn't be able to afford my vacation.) So I go as me.

I'd sworn off answering these types of posts because of the hostility they engender, but as I sat peering out the fogged window of a café on the rue de Rennes in Paris last Wednesday I found myself focusing on exactly what the issue with "appearing American in Europe is." I was trapped in this café for an hour because of terribly inclement weather and had the chance to see literally hundreds of people walk by, and a couple of dozen enter the café as well. The first two who came into the café I decided were a British couple - she in a trenchcoat and he in a wool cap and short, beige, waterproof jacket. They sat down behind me and proceeded to chat in a quiet but definite Chicago accent, ordered their breakfast in English. They "blended in," insofar as one might assume you think that is desirable, perfectly. <BR>Next came a group of about half a dozen American college-aged kids. I knew they were American instantly when I spotted them approaching from about a block away. Blue jeans, baseball caps, honking white sneakers, chewing gum, jostling each other, talking loudly. When they came into the café, every eye diverted to them, all conversation stopped for a moment, as if to signify silent disapproval. Their reaction? They jostled each other even more and laughed uproariously. The French were not amused, yet they seated them and acted graciously toward them. A half-hour later a huge couple entered the café, the man in a gray slicker and the woman wearing a white-white rain jacket that said "Mickey's Barbecue" on the back. I pegged them as Americans immediately, but upon hearing them converse realized they were Dutch. They spoke beautifully in French to the waiter and were again treated graciously. Soon a young woman in her 20s came in, looking as Parisian as one can get, with bright pink wool scarf tossed elegantly around her neck, a navy pea-coat, slim black pants and high-heeled boots. The waiter approached her and she said "Please, do you speak English?" I could go on, but the point is, if you want to try to avoid an "American look," (and I do in Europe), that's fine. Leave the baseball caps and white sneakers and "I love New Jersey" t-shirts at home and wear at least conservative if not fashionable clothing. And don't have fancy tourist paraphernalia like videocams and laminated maps dripping from every pocket. But the clothing isn't everything. Chewing gum is an American preoccupation, as is talking loudly and laughing out loud a lot. Wearing grubby or garish clothing isn't unique to Americans, either. In fact, the way you comport yourself and your ability with the language are far more important factors than how you dress. Europeans don't dress ALL that differently from us these days, anyway - they take a lot of their fashion cues from America. But they have in general better manners - that's what really makes the difference. Speak softly, attempt to use their language, throw a scarf around whatever you're wearing, and you won't be "pegged," if that's your concern.

Being American may be "a wonderful thing to be," but there's a difference between enjoying one's citizenship with a place called home that you're proud of, and standing out completely in a crowd as representative of a kind of miondset and behavior that invites disapproval everywhere else. <BR> <BR>Dressing in something that asserts casualness in places that are normally more formal -- e.g., shorts, baseball cap, and a tank-top in a church -- is one thing Americans do that invites stereotyping them negatively. So is talking and laughing loudly, as if having a great, public, movable party. <BR> <BR>A lot of the things that give Americans that negative image are actually more a mark of youth than being American -- but we give our youth lots of money and turn them loose all over the world, and sometimes they behavior with immaturity and boorishness. I've certainly seen young people of Germany, France, Spain, England, even Scandanavia behave less than admirably here, but there are many fewer for us Americans to see. <BR> <BR>Anyway, consider that "not looking American" may be a good idea for anyone traveling in what could be a tricky summer re:anti-US feeling in airports, etc. It's not that we aren't proud of our country; it's that not everyone is particularly happy with some of the things the US does (or some of the things the world's corporations do that people assume was directed by American sympathies). <BR> <BR>Think about it. <BR> <BR>And leave the baseball hat at home. I don't even like to see it here -- esp. with the snaps/bands in front and the bill in back. It looks downright mindless.

I read this post and had to laugh. I live in Florida, pretty close to all the tourist spots. In preparation for a couple of Europe trips this year, I've been buying clothes to "fit in". But as I was coming back from my walk, I ran into my neighbor's brother who is visiting from Europe. He had on shorts and black socks. When I go to beach here or to any of the theme parks, I pick out the European tourists by the shorts and black socks. I think now, I'm going to wear what I normally wear (business casual) and be comfortable. Good manners is the only accessory needed.

St. Cirq: you have given the wisest, most objective viewpoint on this tired subject yet. Thank you. <BR> <BR>Just cut and paste this the next time it comes up, and it will.

I think scarves are stupid looking. <BR>Many european tourists come to my town wearing dumb socks with sandals. <BR>Please people, we are traveling in these countries-not living there! <BR>We want/need to be comfortable. We have worked hard to have a little relaxation time. Yes, we should be respectful-dress conservatively. But, let it rest about the white tennis shoes and Parisian woman and their scarves.... <BR> <BR>

Patti: I do NOT agree with you. It all depends how you wear the scarve! I think it is very good thing to change the look and takes very little space in your luggage. And then of course, it depends what scarve it is. I have had my Hermès scarves for more than 20 years and I still happen to wear them. Incidentally, they are again very much "hip" in European countries.

The trouble with looking American is, as several have said or implied, that you can be making yourself a target. If you aren't worried about pickpockets or terrorists (chances are not zero but pretty slim), then you get to worry about ridicule. We seem to care about whether we look like idiots to others, even though Europeans don't even seem to care if they look like idiots to us. <BR> <BR>And Patti, you are entitled to your opinion but along with that, you are apparently "entitled" to sound very provincial and prone to generalization. <BR> <BR>There are ugly scarves and spectacular scarves, and silly ways to wear them and incredibly sexy ways to wear them. Parisian women set the standard for style. If you are worried about "stupid-looking" clothes, then consider the possibility that whatever you _don't_ consider stupid-looking may actually look utterly clunky to others -- oh, say, maybe those "stupid-looking" Parisian women.

The baseball cap part of this seems easiest to answer. you will surely be in a few places - - the first day or two - - where there are several hundred people gathered together - - let's say, the airport for example. <BR> <BR>If I were to wear a baseball cap (and I never have in my life), and I didn't see a single other one in a crowd that size (which I predict will be your experience), I think that would answer the question for me. I would take it off for the rest of the trip - - or never put it on, in the first place. <BR> <BR>I think this answer is more diplomatic than the one you would get from Judge Judy. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

<BR>The only time I wear a baseball cap is when I shovel snow (it is only used to keep the snowflakes off my glasses) <BR>They are only appropriate at baseball games and certainly look ridiculous on backwards. What is with that anyway? Is your head on backwards???? <BR>Anyway, looking American and acting American,let me think about this.... <BR>I AM an American and proud of it. Most of the time the only way that becomes known is when I speak. The waiter/reception/sakesperson will then begin to try their limited English and we will have a grand time trying to communicate. Don't dwell on it, Gerry. Be comfortable, be stylish and if you fell like wearing a scarve to change your outfit a bit, go for it. <BR>Scarves are very much a European fashion staple and I enjoy seeing how people wear them and try to wear it differntly each time I put one on. Enjoy your trip. Don't forget to bring a waterproof jacket of some type and don't laugh, but a pair of gloves in your luggage might not be a bad idea! LOL!!

Since this topic is still here... <BR> <BR>I hate DANGER. Maybe it's better to refrain from going to places where Americans are truly hated or are a likely target of terrorists. Is it really worth disguising your citizenship in order to travel in a genuinely hostile place, and will wearing different clothes be enough to protect you? <BR> <BR>Every place else, it really should be sufficient simply to avoid extremes in dress if you don't want to be too conspicuous and only wear EXTREMELY casual or athletic clothes when engaging in truly casual or athletic activities like hiking and beachgoing. (But standing out is not the worst thing in the world either.) It's more important to be well-informed, interested, courteous, respectful, and know some of the local language. I will always look like a "Mediterranean" type, so it isn't too difficult for me to look local in Italy and Greece and on rare occasions it suits my purposes to do so, while nothing would ever make me look like a "local" in Norway or China or Kenya. But I also enjoy the attention I get as a foreigner with enthusiasm and questions who tries to speak the language and has studied up on the area. I may wear more black in Europe than I would at home, but more because it is practical than because I'm trying to pretend I'm a local. If the color turquoise makes me happy and my turquoise tops will drip dry overnight, I'm going to wear them, even if it may happen to be an odd color in the country I'm visiting. To clarify what I said earlier about American being a wonderful thing, I do think we should NOT hide our nationality, and if enough "good" respectful travelers are recognized as Americans, maybe we can help alter the stereotypes based on the ignorant, brash American tourists. I don't wear T-shirts with words printed on them or baseball caps in Europe, but I've known some nice, intelligent, well-informed, linguistically talented people who did, and by their behavior they represented Americans well. <BR> <BR>P.S. I like being able to spot foreign tourists who occasionally visit the town where I work, and I usually make eye contact if I think they're foreign tourists. I enjoy it when they stop me to ask where the state museum is, where the revolutionary war sites are, etc.

With every trip to Europe I make, I see more and more casual dress among Europeans - jeans, tennies, t-shirts, even shorts sometimes, and it's not just the young ones who are donning this stuff. They've been a little slow to catch on, but now they're finding they enjoy their freetime more in such duds. We American tourists are and will continue to be the fashion trendsetters for European casual attire. I'm proud to have been a factor in their enlightenment. I take personal pride in the role I've played in loosening them up. The older you dress, the older you feel, and they too are beginning to understand that life's too short to wear pants with a crease. <BR> <BR>Gerry, you'll probably find you fit in more than you'd imagine (not sure about that baseball hat though.)

I can't believe I am "getting into this" but I am... <BR>Yes, I do sound "provincial" but it is tiring reading over and over so many people constantly berating other American's just because some chose to wear white tennis shoes etc. It's just not that big a deal-I do understand the not being a target element but other than that and being respectful I think as a country we just make it hard on ourselves. <BR>I have been to several European countries and am going this summer again. I have never disliked any of the countries I have been to. I am always nice, respectful of their cultures, and have a great time. I don't "make fun of what they wear" -its their country. I do feel we just go on and on about what WE wear. After being in some of the other countries I think American's have some good habits too. <BR>We wear white tennis shoes and they wear scarves....

Correction: _You_ wear white athletic shoes, and we wear scarves.

Actually I do wear black shoes! <BR>I am just trying to defend those that did not know they were unacceptable. Geez! <BR>

The most important point is fitting in, especially in certain areas where you might become a target. Just as I wouldn't go into certain areas of New York City looking like I just caught the bus in from Kansas (no offense Toto), in certain areas of the world it is better to not be too obviously American. For the most part in Western Europe all you are likely to encounter is a rude comment. As far as being conservative, I think it is true that Americans have a penchant for bad taste, ie shorts in church etc. If you want to be tacky it is your right...up to a point. The best bet for men (I can't speak for woman)--nice casual slacks, a collared shirt and some sort of blazer to slip on. Easy and gets you in most anywhere.

It's great fun fitting in. I recommend it. <BR> <BR>To fit in you might try leaving the warm up gear and white tennies at home. You might want to dress (even on week-ends) better than you would if your plans were to clean out the garage. <BR> <BR>And you might ratchet down your noise level. Americans can be spotted by their noise. We shout at each other across open spaces and speak in pubs and restaurants as if we were coaching a gang of cheerleaders.

Within the safety of his little room just off rue Racine in the 6th, Carl Jones of Piscataway, New Jersey, prepared for his first foray onto St. Germain. He carefully donned black socks, black turtleneck, black pants, black belt, black leather jacket and charcoal gray scarf for a splash of color. He checked his image in the mirror. "Je vois la vie en rose," he thought, ironically. Braced by his perfect attire, he ventured boldly into the street. <BR> <BR>All was well until he was distracted by a pretty girl at the corner in the crowd on Germain. One moment later he stepped deeply into merde du chien. Lifting his black (and now brown) shoe for a look, he momentarily lost his balance and staggered into the street, where his scarf was snagged on the mirror of a passing Smart Car. Carl was dragged through two blocks' worth of gutter before the driver heard his shrieks. <BR> <BR>The driver, another attractive young woman, helped the battered man to his feet. "Pardonez mois, monsieur," she said. "Holy shit!," ejaculated Carl. Then he came to his head. "I mean, de rien." <BR> <BR>She then reentered her car and drove away, but not before accidentally backing over Carl's elegant, effluent-coated, black shoe.

i know this will probably annoy some, but here we go. <BR>you can dress anyway you want, but as soon as you talk, we all know where you come from! <BR>nudge - not american.

I have posted this before, and I will post it again. I am a docent at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC - the world's most visited museum. I have on my tours people from all over the world. And some of the most outlandish, horrid clothes I have seen have been on Europeans. In addition, I have seen baseball caps, sweatsuits and white sneakers on them as well. I am sure people on this forum will say "Oh, they were trying to blend in" in order to justify their views. However, I tend to believe these visitors are dressing the way they are most comfortable. Anyway, at the end of the day, I cannot tell you who was wearing what nor do I particularly care. What I can tell you is exactly who was the most ill-mannered and misbehaved. Whomever said good manners is the only accessory you need is exactly right.

Why are we worried about baseball caps, which -- though very dorky -- can be removed? <BR> <BR>There's looking American and not looking American, but some of this has more to do with looking young (youthful, immature, whatever...) and looking older (mature, elderly, whatever...). I'm over 50, and wearing lace-up comfortable ("tennis" "cross-training") shoes is less a matter of a nationalistic statement and more a matter of surviving a lot of walking. Of course, I don't have to wear white ones, but in the US, it's very hard to find other colors. <BR> <BR>But what would you think if you saw me wearing a lime-green spandex mini-skirt, with metal studs piercing all kinds of body-parts, and black lipstick? That statement would take us far out of the realm of looking like an American or a tourist. <BR> <BR>My point? Wearing what you "feel like" wearing doesn't mean that you aren't making a statement of some sort. And there are all kinds of statements, some worse than others when you are away from home and have to worry about crime or being treated badly by waiters and taxi drivers.

Folks, it's not about baseball caps, shoes or scarves. It's about envy and jealousy. Americans are proud of their heritage and some cultures have difficulty with that.

StCirq, I agree with Santa Chiara; the obervations in your post were very wise. Thank you. <BR> <BR>I especially liked these comments: "In fact, the way you comport yourself and your ability with the language are far more important factors than how you dress. ... But they [Europeans] have in general better manners - that's what really makes the difference."

To St Cirg, <BR> <BR>I'm from NJ and I wore my baseball hat in Amsterdam in March, and I'm going to wear it in Italy also. WHO CARES?! It's how you carry yourself when you are on vacation that counts. People know that I'm American, good for me!!

I agree with Carol. There is nothing wrong with looking American. I also believe that we can be repectful tourists/travelers even if we are wearing white tennis shoes, pink jogging suits or yes, even a scarf. I will never see these folks again in my life and if I am comfortable being in the above attire (if I so choose), then if I get side snickers then so be it. I chose that outfit and besides "When I am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple".

Kendra <BR>If I saw you "wearing a lime-green spandex mini-skirt, with metal studs piercing all kinds of body-parts, and black lipstick" I would begin to breathe hard and would just have to ask you out for a latte...

Well, as the story above so clearly shows it, my attempt at fitting in did not work so well. I learned my lesson. After that little debacle, I went back to my room, changed into my official New Jersey uniform of muscle shirt, ragged jeans, white Nikes, and NY Yankees cap (on backwards of course) and went back out on the street. Hey, no one even bothered me afer that. In fact, I was given a wide berth by all!

Thought some of you might enjoy the following, with visuals, from the Washington Post: "How Not to Dress Like A Tourist" <BR> <BR>http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/travel/euro/front.htm

Gosh, I rather enjoy these threads -- especially the one in which fanny packs are debated. Otherwise, I find it odd to take pride in attributes I've had no control over: my nationality, ethnic background, family, etc. Rather, I appreciate the benefits of being American, but am mindful of the pitfalls as well. Happy travels!

Well, I do wear my trusty baseball cap, but only when: <BR>(1) at the beach or pool, to help keep sun/wind/sand out of my eyes, (2) working out/hiking (helps keep my hair out of my face & shield sun from my eyes), or (3) when I want to run out first thing in the morning for a newspaper and coffee before I've showered (helps conceal "I-just-woke-up" bedhead). The same applies when traveling. I don't wear it to museums, restaurants, etc. But would I wear it sunbathing at the beach or poolside, or on a hike? Sure. Same with athletic shoes, shorts, etc. -- I would not wear them out to dinner whether in Washington DC or Rome or Paris or New York, but of course I would wear them for working out!

I've been lucky enough to have been to Europe several times. My latest was Istanbul and the Greek islands. I'll never forget waiting for the Topkapi Palace to open in Istanbul and there they were : the Americans. You can spot them and hear them half a mile away. <BR>What gave them away? They were dressed in windbreaker type sweats of orange and bright pink, the sneakers, the cap, the fanny pack, and their voices ( so loud). They didn't change their money so they couldn't pay to get in to the palace. <BR>They were so loud and goofy looking, I'm ashamed to admit I was a bit embarrassed by them. Anyway, I also felt sorry for them and gave them Turkish money for admission. After all, they were fellow Americans. But do they have to talk and dress so loud?

If you are 20 or older you really shouldn't be wearing a baseball cap. If you're on a professional baseball team, only whilw working. Men who are wearing baseball caps are either trying to hold on to some vestige of their youth or trying to cover up a bald spot. To you casual baseball cap wearing men - it doesn't make you look younger, just insecure - which ultimately make you stick out. Let that bald spot shine.....

I am from a small farming area and most men here wear baseball caps every day. It's part of our way of life. I recently went to France with my husband, I wore a sweater, black slacks and a black leather jacket, he wore a black, yellow and purple leather Ski-Doo jacket with his jeans and ball cap. He did get stared at a bit by the french men but no one was particularly rude to us. Considering the fact he is 6'3" about 250lbs and has a mustach, there is no way he was going to fit in no matter how he dressed. But to answer the original post baseball caps and mustaches are a giveaway.

To newbie: <BR> <BR>A mustache a giveaway? In France? Where at least 50% of the male population has one? Actually, I think growing a mustache might be a great tip for anyone interested in "blending in."

I don't understand these clothing posts. Look at yourself in the mirror. Did you comb your hair (did you wash your hair)? If you were single, would anyone want to talk to you. If you think noone will talk to you then try again. <BR> <BR>As far as sneakers, jeans, tacky t-shirts, etc. I've seen as many on the French and Germans as any American so cut me a break. And by the way, they look just as bad on them as they do on us.