Shorts a no no?
 

I'm being told that I shoudn't wear short when in Paris. Is this really the case for a grown man? I've been checking the weather reports and it's warm enough to want shorts.
Any comments?

If you don't mind being conspicuous and looking like a tourist, then wear them. Most of the places you will be walking around in Paris are places where people will be dressed for work, i.e., they will NOT be wearing shorts. And Paris tends to be a dressier and more formal city than many others. It's really your decision and depends on whether you like to fit in or stand out (not in a good way!).

I just returned from Europe and noticed even in Italy where it was hot most folks were not wearing shorts. However, if you feel most comfortable wearing them then I would do so. Whether or not you mind looking "like a tourist" is obviously something that is important to a lot of folks and not the least bit important to others. I suppose in your case the decision may rest, in part, on who has told you that it isn't a good idea (such as the person you may be traveling with). There isn't any "dress code" in Europe, regardless of what you may have heard and some of the things people wear are "fashion disaters" of the first magnitude. You might want to stick a pair into the suitcase just in case..when you get there make a decision...nobody will really care. Enjoy your trip.

For men, bare legs in Paris draw stares, even if you don't wear black crew socks with Tevas. Still, what do you care? For a day of sightseeing in Paris, don't wear jogger's short-shorts but knee-length lightweight fabric walking shorts are fine if you can look crisp.

Hi paris,

If you would like to contribute to the sterotype of Americans, by all means wear what makes you comfortable.

Don't be surprised if you find that people tend to be less than accomodating.

Wear what you want. If people don't like it, screw 'em!

obviously European tourists do not have this same quandry, otherwise we would not see French tourists with fishnet stockings.

I live in a very touristy town, and often when I'm dressed for business, I see people whose wardrobe screams out TOURIST. And sometimes screams out TACKY TOURIST. But then I realize, I'm stuck going to the office, and these people are on vacation having a ball! More power to 'em! : )

Duh, the guy IS a tourist. Dressing like a GQ man ain't gonna hide it. He can wear beige and lime green plaid golf shorts and a wife beater if his heart so desires.

A pair of knee-length walking shorts are fine for most major tourist attractions. There will be many others dressed just like you. A few snobs may stare, but who cares about those twitts anyhow? Many folks that worry about being conspicuous are really just insecure about themselves and would rather be uncomfortable. To each his own. If a few shops are "less accomodating," than move on - there will be plenty of other places more than willing to provide service or goods for your money.

I think the goal, if you are trying to "fit in" (which, by the way, would make you less of a pickpocketing target) would be to try to look like a local enjoying a day off. So yes, comfortable shoes, but a decent looking (yet lightweight) shirt and really lighthweigt khakis or other such pants. Nice khaki shorts wouldn't look horrible...just look like you've tried to make an effort, is all.

The people dressed for work in Paris don't have to be out slogging about in the heat all day. Why be miserable? You are a tourist, you're not heading for your indoor desk job.

Right on DUMAs1870!!! Agree completly

American knee length walking shorts for men are a hell of a lot nicer too look at than the shorter bathing suit shorts that most European travellers wear on the streets. You can always spot a European tourist here in NYC...wearing bathing suits, white tee shirts, short black socks and brown sandals. DOESN'T ANYONE EVER LOOK IN THE FULL LENGTH MIRROR?

Although I wear pants and leather shoes when I travel, I don't feel it's right to me to impose on others what they should wear and what makes them comfortable.

In your case, parispic, the problem that you really have to deal with is that you are a grown man and still have to be told what to wear. This being the case, I suggest that you heed the advice given by these total strangers in this board.

Good luck and (try to) enjoy your vacation.

In my experience is the "unwritten dress code in Europe": men wear shorts only at seaside locations. If you wear shorts in Paris people will know you are american...

I beg to differ with anyone that says Parisian guys don't wear shorts. Many of my (thirtysomething) French friends in Paris wear shorts in the summertime. Knee or just above knee length, usually cargo style, khaki, beige, grey...

However, this may be an "age" issue. It's true that you don't see a lot of older guys in Paris in shorts. That doesn't mean you can't wear them though!!

Either way, I agree with Dumsas 1870 - wear what you like!

My husband is french and refuses to wear shorts (though he is only 35). We were just in Corsica where it was very hot and I solved the problem by picking up some kahki linen pants for him at the Gap for about $60. They're very comfortable in hot weather and don't compromise his french dress code. Voila!

As a further follow-on to my earlier post...I am always amused by the folks who think they are going to "blend in" with Europeans and yet they wear American-style shoes, etc. The "worst kind" of tourist is one who is rude which has absolutely nothing to do with what one wears. And I also find it interesting that at least one person above assumes you won't look very good in shorts (probably because they don't). Lastly, I suspect if we all could SEE what some of the anonymous posters here actually look like and how they DRESS, you might have second thoughts about asking ANY "how to dress" questions whatsoever. Again, put at least one pair of shorts into that suitcase, close it, and enjoy your trip!

A lot of "younger" men are wearing capris/clam-diggers these days. I don't know about France, but I saw a lot of it in Spain (was just there) and I see a lot of it in Oslo, where I live. Most of the women in Spain were wearing skirts or summer dresses.

(And ladies, please use a normal purse - you're less conspicuous, a dress with a fanny pack screams tourist, and just does not look good!)