Shorts ok at the Vatican for boys 7 & 9?
Jul 27th, 2007, 06:22 AM
#1
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Shorts ok at the Vatican for boys 7 & 9?
My family will be visiting Rome next week in the sweltering August heat. From old posts it sounds like my boys will be ok to enter the Vatican and other churchs wearing shorts - but does anyone have "current" information on dress codes for religious sites?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Jul 27th, 2007, 06:32 AM
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Just returned from trip to Italy.
Here are my observations about churches in Rome, Venice, Florence, Assisi, among others.
The only clothing that anyone was being asked to cover up were women with sleeveless shirts, especially shirts with just straps (or less), and very short shorts - mid thigh. Visitors from all over - Italy, Germany, UK, and US were all wearing lighter clothes due to the heat.
Women with sleevless shirts, with the shoulders covered by about 2" of fabric were not asked to cover up.
I'm not making an assessment of what is correct or not, merely pointing out my direct, very recent observations.
Shorts on men, women, and children were admitted (I mean knee length shorts, not mid/high thigh shorts many young women seem to be wearing in the US these days).
Your experience may vary depending on who is staffing the door, but those are my observations.
Here are my observations about churches in Rome, Venice, Florence, Assisi, among others.
The only clothing that anyone was being asked to cover up were women with sleeveless shirts, especially shirts with just straps (or less), and very short shorts - mid thigh. Visitors from all over - Italy, Germany, UK, and US were all wearing lighter clothes due to the heat.
Women with sleevless shirts, with the shoulders covered by about 2" of fabric were not asked to cover up.
I'm not making an assessment of what is correct or not, merely pointing out my direct, very recent observations.
Shorts on men, women, and children were admitted (I mean knee length shorts, not mid/high thigh shorts many young women seem to be wearing in the US these days).
Your experience may vary depending on who is staffing the door, but those are my observations.
Jul 27th, 2007, 07:35 AM
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Just a quick question. I've advised my 12 and 14 year old daughters to pack skirts instead of shorts, but it seems I'm reading that all the tourists are wearing shorts anyway? My daughters want to "fit in" so should I stay with my skirts recommendation?
Jul 27th, 2007, 07:48 AM
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monica
Your girls won't be sorry if they have a cute skirt to wear on the trip. They'll be just as cool, and the Italian boys will like it (!) Plus, in a skirt - even a casual one - a girl or woman can feel a little more at home when you go out in the evening or to a restaurant.
kikianne
There is no issue for children wearing shorts, none at all.
Your girls won't be sorry if they have a cute skirt to wear on the trip. They'll be just as cool, and the Italian boys will like it (!) Plus, in a skirt - even a casual one - a girl or woman can feel a little more at home when you go out in the evening or to a restaurant.
kikianne
There is no issue for children wearing shorts, none at all.
Jul 27th, 2007, 07:53 AM
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I saw a lot of 12-14 y/o young "lady" tourists wearing short shorts (including many with slogans like "pink" or "hot stuff" across the butt) and they looked..., well let's just say they looked out of place in my opinion, but I feel the same way about adolescents wearing the same thing in the US.
Better reserved for the beach or pool. But hey, your family dress values may be different. Bare thighs are not common dress by Italians, except for some really hot 20 somethings with heels out on the town at night.
Anything from near knee length shorts to capris are more appropriate, are suitable for any occasion or location, and look better on a lady of any age.
No need to stick strictly to skirts - capris for both men and women are definitely in.
Better reserved for the beach or pool. But hey, your family dress values may be different. Bare thighs are not common dress by Italians, except for some really hot 20 somethings with heels out on the town at night.
Anything from near knee length shorts to capris are more appropriate, are suitable for any occasion or location, and look better on a lady of any age.
No need to stick strictly to skirts - capris for both men and women are definitely in.
Jul 27th, 2007, 08:03 AM
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Monica,
We (family of 4, similar ages) just returned from Italy on an itinerary as yours (minus Naples area). If you have more specific questions about Rome, Venice, Florence, Montepulciano/Tuscany, feel free to contact me at [email protected], or post a message here on Fodors and I'll answer.
We (family of 4, similar ages) just returned from Italy on an itinerary as yours (minus Naples area). If you have more specific questions about Rome, Venice, Florence, Montepulciano/Tuscany, feel free to contact me at [email protected], or post a message here on Fodors and I'll answer.
Jul 27th, 2007, 10:01 AM
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Children wearing shorts are fine.
12 and 14 year old young women are not children (since they are past the age of confirmation they are adults in the eyes of the church) - and often in the eyes of anyone looking at them. A 14 year old thigh or bosom is no more acceptable than a 16 or 18 year old one.
12 and 14 year old young women are not children (since they are past the age of confirmation they are adults in the eyes of the church) - and often in the eyes of anyone looking at them. A 14 year old thigh or bosom is no more acceptable than a 16 or 18 year old one.
Jul 27th, 2007, 10:11 AM
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My 12 and 14 year old daughters are 5'7" and already look like young women. But about the bare thigh thing, most of the skirts my daughters have are mid-thigh (or midway between knee and butt). They would NOT wear this to the churches, but would they look out of place wearing it other places in Italy?
