Clothes for youth visiting churches in July / August

I don't know about kids, but why would you risk not seeing some of the greatest cathedrals because you insist on wearing shorts? My sister missed both St. Peters d St. Marksecause she was 'improperly dressed'

Just considering the heat factor that's all. Was not sure how strict is it for kids

It really depends on the people working. Some allow cargo shorts on guys, even St. Peter's that I saw just a few days ago.

However, it's respectful to follow the rules no matter if it's enforced or not. :-)

They are strict about the dress requirements 99% of the time. If wearing a pair of lightweight pants is not adequately cool, then get a couple of pairs of those ugly pants that have the zip off legs. Just zip on the legs before you enter the church.

If your teen is female, bring a large scarf so that if she needs to cover up she can wrap it around her waist if necessary. I saw some people doing this last September when I visited Italy.

Agree about the scarf. Guys can rock that look too! And you can buy a souvenir scarf in the process. Most of them are large enough to wrap around the waist like a swimsuit cover up and light enough to carry around in your day pack.

Once upon a time my daughter was 13 and I can assure you she would never, and I do mean never, have worn a scarf around her waist so as to enter a church. To be honest, I do think it makes one look a little geeky and young teens abhor geekiness.

Well, the scarf is an option if you're in a pinch. I saw tons of people wearing scarfs over their shorts at the Vatican. When in Rome....!

A skirt is WAY cooler than shorts.

A skirt is WAY cooler than shorts

True. And there are plenty of lightweight ones that are below the knee.

But I still say they look odd on most boys and men.😁

At the Vatican this morning. They were very strict for everyone, kids included. So many vendors selling scarves, they even look you up and down and offer you their wares.

I saw a guy rocking a leopard-print scarf this morning.

Thanks for posting this. We were in the Pantheon today in 90+ degree weather. No indication of dress code enforcement. We will be prepared at the Vatican.

We have been at St. Peter's in the past and they were not allowing people in with a scarf tied at the waist. Our Jr high age son was not allowed in with long cargo shorts & our upper elem age son was allowed in. Husband & son did a quick pants switch in nearby bathrm so our son cld go in church after the hubs came out. On our next visits to Rome both boys wore Dockers.

13 is old enough that they likely will be considered as an adult in terms of dress code.
If they were say 8 or younger than any dress codes are laxed as young children are always perceived as innocent, so it is unlikely anything they are wearing would be seen as disrespectful.
There is no exact age that makes it less strict for kids so you kind of have to use your judgment on how young they look, to me 13 is probably considered old enough.

To the one post above Pantheon to my knowledge has no enforced dress code.

In general the dress codes are in place as a sign of respect for those that are there to worship and not site see so a currently practicing church in Italy should be treated with the same dress code as St. Peter's not ignored just because the church lacks the funds to hire security to enforce it.