Sinkevich

My husband & I (ages - early 60's) are getting ready for our 1st trip to Spain. Going end of June thru beginning of July. Staying in Marbella (Marriott), then off to Rhonda & Granada. We plan on dining out every day at nice restaurants (not necessarily the most expensive, but nice). What type of clothing should we pack? Does my hubby need a jacket, long pants? Do I need to dress up or are capri's or shorts acceptable. (I think it will be quite hot at that time of year). Please advise. Thanks

kate12

I would say you will be more comfortable with a skirt or dressy capris, over shorts when you go out for dinner. I saw very few women in shorts in the evenings in Spain.
A jacket probably isnt necessary for your husband unless you are in quite a fancy restaurant.

kaneda

As you say, Spain should be hot then (at present 29-31.C). A jacket should not be necessary but "nice" restaurants will expect you to be reasonably well dressed, and not in shorts, etc. Lots of good eating establishments which aren't fussy as they cater to mainly tourists.

Marbella is the upmarket area of the Costa del Sol (southern coast of Spain) which means you'll generally pay more there for anything over what you'll pay elsewhere.

nytraveler

Southern Spain is hot as hell during the summer (make sure your hotels and car have good AC). Nevertheless the Spanish dress more formally than Americans - and adults would not wear shorts unless at the beach or doing something athletic.

Your husband most defniitely needs real pants, real shoes and shirts with a collar (many Spaniards will wear jackets but they usually aren;t required). Similarly you should wear a skirt, long pants or capris - but very light weight (I bring silk so there's no problem with wrinkling) and real shoes. Otherwise you will probably feel very underdressed at dinner - and may even be turned away from some places.

(We stayd at a 4* hotel in Marbella with a casino and men were not allowed in without a jacket - but did not need suit and tie.)

gplusg

In some cases my wife and I have found that the better we look, the better we are treated.

It would not hurt for your husband to have a light weight sports jacket available for dinner.You will set yourselves a little apart from the other tourists.

holakjs

The last statement is very true.

amsdon

I agree w/ the others about the jacket. There are so many good lightweight men's jackets (try Travelsmith or Orvis) for the evening. My DH loves his. And this is a guy who is very casual back home.
They also have security pockets.

If you plan on dining out every day in "nice" restaurants then I would not consider the shorts if you are over 50. Certainly not at night. Of course, you may see them, but here is what I would consider:

1. What kind of shorts & how short?

2. What kind of shape are you in?

3. Are you really more comfortable
in shorts than say a light skirt?

Good luck and have fun!

Revulgo

I'm spanish and recommend do not wear shorts for:
- Evenings.
- Churches, museums and other sights.
- Nice restaurants.
- Clubbing.
Blue jeans are acceptable everywhere.