I go to uni in Scotland and have friends from all over Europe (ages 18-26) and I've never seen any of my guy friends wear shorts unless its at the beach or its a backyard bbq. And I don't think any of them own anything sleeveless, I've certainly never seen them wear one. That said, wear shorts if that's what is comfortable for you, but know that some churches are pretty strict on having knees covered.

Italians and French people tend to dress nicely at all times of day, certainly out at night, people will be wearing nice shirt, slacks, and won't be wearing running shoes (though sandals like tevas or chacos in black would probably blend in).

One other reason not to wear tank tops.... It is likely that you'll be using public transportation while traveling.

I don't care if you've *just* taken a shower. I don't want your hairy armpit in my face on the Metro/bus/whatever. And neither does anyone else, especially on a hot day.

I've seen young Italian men in long shorts when it is hot and, anyway, Adam is a tourist, touring, he can wear long shorts if he wants to. I'm sure he knows about proper pants for good restaurants and night clubs and churches.

Boy, do I agree with Lesli about the hairy armpits on transportation!

You are right. No one will care if you wear short shorts and a tank top. However, no one will want to talk to you or be seen with you either.

And some guys wonder why they can't pick up chicks. It's the clothes, sweetie.

McQueen Queen.

I'm still picturing those hairy legs in that tight short black skirt I suggested above - yikes!

"Italian churches with Talibanesque moral police out front turning back immorally clad tourists in shorts and women showing too much skin or not covering their hair."

Talibanesque??? Italian churches??? Boy, that's a stretch.

Italians save shorts for the beaches.

Capris are big for men and look great, and I have never seen an Italian man in a tank top.

Leave the shorts at home.

It's "Talibanesque" to have a dress code for entry into a church? That shows an appalling lack of logic and intelligence, let alone respect.

I'm sorry, I change into shorts within 7 seconds of getting home from work, but I wouldn't dream of wearing shorts to ANY church, synagogue, temple, etc, let alone one in a country in which I am a guest. And a tank top? Please.

The Taliban was a government which bombed ancient and irreplaceable religious icons, and forbade women from showing virtually any portion of their body anywhere in public. What in God's name does that have to do with a church (or any person or entity for that matter) from requiring certain clothing when in that particular establishment or home?

PalQ, that comment is so stupid my brain hurts. Fortunately, yours is probably incapable of pain.

LOL suze! We have a couple of homeless men here in Portland that wear skirts all the time. And a handsome young man in a kilt ( with Doc Martens) so I am actually not taking second looks now if a guy in a skirt goes by :D

Yup, that kilt/doc martens look is a great one on the right man (seriously)!

Hey Adam,

I was just looking at my pictures from last year--most definitely there are guys wearing shorts and even tank tops in Rome. But as far as i can tell, they're all tourists. But you will be as well...(When I was in Paris, it was simply too cold for shorts; so none in my pics there)

I brought shorts on my trip last year but only wore them in Barcelona and Avignon, where I didn't go to any "holy churches" where I needed to have my knees covered...(which you could cover that by just wearing longer shorts)

Whatever you feel like wearing, go for it. Other backpackers really don't care, and you're most likely to stick out as a tourist anyhow.. so who cares? Be comfortable!

I'm curious about the dress shoes question. Maybe you want another posts that says you're a guy right off the batt?

Packing light an extra pair of shoes is a real pain. I wonder if there isn't some inbetween, not sneakers or tevas... but? what? that would do for nightclubbing but have other function too.

What about a shoe that could double for going out or walking/hiking?

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...S_CLOTHING_TOC

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...S_CLOTHING_TOC

OR, perhaps just a pair of chacos (since they can be worn to the beach, casually, as well as for hiking; though you wouldn't want them if the weather is quite cool) or something similar and a pair of dress shoes.