To bring jeans... or not to bring jeans?

I wouldn't take jeans. I might take a pair of denim capris. They are too hot for the summer and they are dfficult to wash unless you hit a laundromat. Forget hotel handwashing & drying --- doesn't work unless you have 4-5 days and nights to let them dry. I would only take capri pants and 1-2 pair of long pants (one black).

The biggest complaint people seem to have about bringing jeans, besides the weight, is the inability to wash them in a hotel sink and be able to dry them quickly. If you don't plan to do this, and you are accustomed to wearing jeans frequently, bring them. Personally, I wear jeans most of the time and I always take them.

You are going to get a bunch of different opinions.

My personal choice is to not travel with jeans. I wear them all the time at home, but never in the summer months, unless I'm going out at night to a casual eating place.

When I travel I take pants that I can roll to capri length, or wear long at night out and that can work from town to trail, wash in the sink, and dry overnight.

My choice of bottoms is Prana or ISIS for Women pants. They both fit great and travel very well.

Jeans are a pain in the butt to wash. They don't dry.
However, if you positively can't live without your jeans for your short vacation, then take them. It's really your personal choice. You'll learn after your first trip if you will ever take them again.

I've never been to Europe in August when it was "cool" even in the evening. Maybe if it's raining but even then I've never been cold let alone slightly chilly.

Like the previous poster I would never wear nylon pants . . . they are hot. I like lightweight cotton (sheeting pants from LL Bean). They are cool and comfortable. Some travel knits are hot too. Enjoy yourselves!

Normally I wear business suits for work and jeans or shorts at home.

The only time I don't wear one extreme or the other is when I go to church or to something at the kids' schools. I want to look presentable but I don't want to put on a suit if it's not required.

For those occasions I wear dockers and a button-up casual shirt with oxford shoes.

That's also my choice when I travel for the same reason, I want to look presentable but I don't want to really dress up.

Many people here and in Europe are wearing nice jeans and look great. IMO jeans don't travel well because they're heavier/bulkier than other pants and they aren't easily laundered. Because they're cotton they also tend to stretch in the waist, butt and knees when they aren't machine washed and dried regularly.

As long as they're dry. Jeans are a good cold weather choice. If they get wet from rain, snow or accidentally stepping in water, jeans will give you almost no insulation and won't dry. Most backcountry guides highly discourage cotton for hiking/backpacking.

Here's a completely different perspective. I never wear jeans because I'm allergic to their dye. But there are many times I miss the versatiliy jeans offer and wish I could wear them.

Travelling through Europe in the summer the thought of wearing jeans has never crossed my mind. Other than maybe wearing some capri cut jeans. I'm perfectly happy with my skirts.

PS: I should never say never, yes, last year's summer was extremely miserable and wet in Germany and I felt cold many days in August. But you won't be spending many days in areas where you could encounter such a risk and need to ask yourself if it's worthwhile to burden yourself with heavy pants for that outside chance.

Check out Travel Smith for clothes that dry fast and are wrinkle free.

They have some light weight jeans...that will dry quicker than your average pair. Some of their clothes won't appeal to younger people and I don't like some their "jersey like fabrics at all.....

A bit more expensive, but the cotton and knit clothes are very good quality.

If you plan to hike in the Alps, jeans might be a good option (outdoor activities are the only reason I ever wear jeans).

I am experimenting with some pants I found at REI:
KUHL-Dry jeans. They are light, comfortable and pack in half the space and dry in half the time of regular jeans. They have some "interesting" tailoring and only come in Men's sizes. They have a nice feel and breathe well. REI only carries a biege color, but KUHL in Utah has a blue color as well.

I've always had at least one pair of jeans, but also some lighter weight pants. I only do a minimal amount of handwash and go to a laundromat every 5-6 days, which makes the drying less or a problem. Rather than handwashing, I'd rather hit the laundromat, spend an hour and a half, and have fun seeing if I can decipher French or Italian instructions and talk with some locals or other tourists. But you'll definitely want more breathable pants for the hot climates.

I've always had at least one pair of jeans, but also some lighter weight pants. I only do a minimal amount of handwash and go to a laundromat every 5-6 days, which makes the drying less or a problem. Rather than handwashing, I'd rather hit the laundromat, spend an hour and a half, and have fun seeing if I can decipher French or Italian instructions and talk with some locals or other tourists. But you'll definitely want more breathable pants for the hot climates.

Thank everyone! Helpful advice.

I think I will skip the jeans and find some lightweight long pants. I will just keep my fingers crossed that the weather doesn't get too chilly in the Alps.

I'm sure when I am in Rome and super hot, I will be grateful not to have to lug them around.

I think this decision could depend on the type of jeans you wear. For the first time ever I wore jeans on a trip to Spain and France last May. They were perfect--as another poster stated, versatile. I saw tons of people wearing jeans. My jeans are light weight and have a bit of stretch. I will not travel again wo them--unless to Italy in summer.

Lauren,
if you are comfortable in jeans.. bring them!
One pair of jeans won't take up your entire suitcase. If it gets dirty and you don't want to hand wash it, see if you can find a landrette or a dry cleaner type store. Drop it off in the AM and pick it up in the PM.