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Clothing in Europe

I heard a rumor that you can not wear short shorts or skirts in certain museums and churches... Is this true???

Posted by
15679 posts

Absolutely true. You must have your legs and shoulders covered to visit most churches. No short, tank tops, short skits, etc.

Posted by
891 posts

We have seen many skirts in churches, just not the short ones.

Posted by
5 posts

My experience was absolutely no shorts and no tank tops! They will not allow you inside.

One of the best tips I got for Italy and traveling in general was putting a sarong in my purse or pack. If you are traveling in the hot season you can wear shorts and pull it out and wrap it around you before entering a church or cathedral.

Posted by
2207 posts

Sarah,

Kathy is correct. My wife and I live in Rome and many churches have signage posted that you can have NO bare shoulder and NO bare knees. Larger churches such as St. Peter's Basilica here in Rome have "fashionista police" that check everyone going in.

Once in Siena we made an unplanned trip to a church and my wife had on a tank top. She was "requested" to wear a paper "poncho" as she walked through the church. Here, it is a sign of respect to be dressed appropriately in church.

Museums are less strict but in rare cases we have seen the same signage.