Man's travel wardrobe - Italy
 

I need suggestions for what to pack for my husband for a two-week trip to Venice, Florence and Rome in early May. His normal vacation wardrobe consists of Hawaiian shirts, jeans / shorts and canvas shoes, which works fine in the Caribbean, but I'm not sure I really consider it appropriate for city wear in Europe. We need to pack light and will probably do some wash on the road, so quick-drying, wrinkle proof is a bonus.

His Hawaiian shirts are a little bright for Italy. Golf shirts (with collar) would be a better choice. Jeans are heavy and don't launder quickly so light-weight slacks (maybe some that zip off to shorts) would be more useful. Long pants are required in many churches.

I'd go with smart casuals -- slacks (jeans also okay, but preferably not faded), shirts without bold prints, sweaters, light jackets, smart shoes (especially in Italy). It's probably early in the year for sandals and tee-shirts, but they would be acceptable in warm weather. Garish is a no-no, especially in cities.

His age bracket comes into it, as does what you choose to wear when you are in his company.

I agree with Padraig.
I would also check out travelsmith.com for wardrobe ideas.

A Hawaiian shirt? You are kidding, right? Burn it! Put it into the fireplace right now, sweetie darling.

Canvas shoes? Is your husband a graduate of a clown college? Don't even bother giving them to the Salvation Army. Let the dog chew on them.

If your honey is not zaftig, this is what I see him wearing in Italy:

1. Cherry-red trousers with a razor crease down the front.

2. Black Gucci or JP Tod loafers worn WITHOUT socks. That's sans socks, sweetie. Get it?

3. Navy blue golf shirt worn with the collar up.

4. Drape a cashmere sweater (pref. Loro Piana) around his shoulders.

5. Give him a "man bag." Prada, Gucci, Hogan will do.

6. Call him "Mario."

Just a giggalo everywhere I go........

I think Hawaiian shirts are fine if the OP's husband is Hawaiian.

Depending on age, assuming he is not a teenage or very young adult, dressing somewhat conservative, muted colors, etc., is benefical. If you want my pack list, contact me off line.

I personally thinks Jeans might feel a little warm, but I would go along with the short sleeve shirts ( with collar) and maybe light trousers for night time, but you can certainly wear shorts in the day time.

You don't see Italian men wearing shorts, only Americans and Germans. In context, it looks a bit louche. And some churches don't allow shorts. Plus it won't be that hot in May, and there's the possibility of rain. So I'd say medium to lightweight pants and at least one long-sleeved shirt.

In May most of Italy is kind of cold for shorts - doubt he would get much use from them. Agree with golf shirts - as well as some long sleeved and light weight trousers (khakis etc) with leather walking shoes. He'll also need at least one sweater and some sort of jacket since it can be quite cool at night.

Oh - and don;t forget the folding umbrella - and the second pair of walking shoes for when it rains (and it will in May).