Leggings/Tights

Leggings/tights are just fine.

Faith,, I cannot imagine wearing leggings or tights in some places in Europe in "height of summer", you will melt.

Why not just wear a skirt/sundress or capris that go below your knees? Thats what I wear anyways and never have had burned legs. I assume you wear some sunscreen on your face, and wear a hat right? I found a sun hat crucial in much of Italy to prevent sun stroke if nothing else. My dd even bought a cheap paper parasol in Rome since sun was just brutal. I think she paid 8 or 9 euros to a street peddler for it. .

Places like Rome and Paris can get very hot,, and a/c is NOT in many places, so tights might be miserable there.
Perhaps in UK the weather may make them easier to wear, but the chances of getting a sunburn in a place like Ireland is no where the same as a place like southern France or Italy.

I'm with Pat on this one. People are wearing leggings/tights right now because they are indeed fashionable - and it is NOT hot, yet. In the heat of summer that can feel very different and rather uncomfortable.

And I have fair skin as well. Travelling through Italy I would never have problems with churches insisting on covered shoulders because wearing tops with spagetti straps would just scream for a sunburn with me. And yes, I know what a second degree sun burn feels and looks like on your shoulders ...

And I remember being in Greece once and experiencing an allergic reaction to a different sunscreen. That meant I had to protect myself completely from the sun without using sunscreen for a couple of days. I wore a long dress. Very comfortable and cool enough in the heat. Capris are a great option as well.

Faith, Years ago I traveled with a friend who was very susceptible to the sun. We were in Greece in July. She didn't wear leggings, but she did wear long sleeved shirts, hats and other cover ups. I was less susceptible and so wore short sleeved. I don't remember Sharon ever complaining. She was just happy to not have the sun burns that we saw on our peers from the UK who didn't use any cover ups. So I say, wear what keeps you healthy and happy. Pam

I can only speak in terms of the UK. It wouldn't look strange over here as wearing leggings under summery dresses is a totally normal look. I think it's a look influenced by Indian fashion.

I do think it might be a bit unpleasant in really hot areas though. Do you not have any loose cotton trousers, maxi dresses or long skirts? I burn really easy and just tend to wear ankle-length trousers and skirts and cover any exposed bits of my feet with suncream.

I am happy to hear that leggings are fine because I just finished ordering two pairs from Zappos to try out for my trip in May!