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Clothing question

We're going to Italy from southern California that last 2 weeks in Sept.

Only rough plans so far, looking at a few day hikes in the Lake district, Dolomites, Cinque terre, Tuscany, day in Milan and Rome for flights in/out. We are going to pack very light, what ever fits in a backpack.

I've read that men don't typically wear shorts, is that still true? Also is it common to dress nice for dinner? I also don't want pack a lot of shoes, anyone have recommendations on a shoe brand we can hike in the Dolomites and still look ok walking around towns?

Thanks

Posted by
5250 posts

I traveled with a backpack for years when I was young, but for a country like Italy where travel is quite easy, allow me to recommend a carry-on size rolling suitcase. It will hold less, but you will have to do laundry at some point regardless, and a backpack can be hard on the back (take it from personal experience). You still get the ease of carry-on, but you are able to move around without a big weight on your shoulders--literally!
That aside, take one pair of shoes for hiking and one for going out to dinner/city time. Good shoes for hiking is vitally important, but you have to have an extra to give your hiking shoes time to air out. No one will care what you are wearing as long as you are neat and presentable.
Weather could still be warm in September, but I would consider shorts optional. My husband wears them on hikes in warm weather and sometimes it is nice to have them for hanging out in the room in comfort.

Posted by
23652 posts

That is our experience - some will disagree. Don't go overboard but do avoid t-shirts and shorts. Many of the sites still have the requirement of covered knees and shoulders.

Posted by
847 posts

Unless you plan to go to very fancy restaurants you can probably wear one pair of shoes for both light hiking and city walking/restaurants. My husband has been doing this for years.

Posted by
211 posts

Hi. It's funny how much old stereotypes persist. Italy has really loosened up a lot the past decade. Guys wear shorts when it's hot, especially when doing outdoor stuff like hiking. But in the middle of the summer, you'll see shorts everywhere. Just not the khaki types Americans wear. But cool patterns, plaids, etc. For dinner, jeans or any kind of slacks are fine, unless you're heading to a Michelin-star type place. As for shoes, light hiking boots work. Right now it's the end of winter here in Umbria, and you see people wearing a mixture of hiking boots and sneakers, water proof boots and chukka type boots on guys. It's more an attitude than the clothes themselves.

Posted by
2213 posts

Trousers are more versatile than shorts. If space is at a premium, take just pants.

Dressing for dinner is similar to the US. If you plan on eating at an upscale restaurant, then you would dress more nicely. For a mid range restaurant, slacks and a business casual shirt will be fine.

I'm thinking dress that's a little more conservative than what you would wear in southern California would work. What age range are you? Since we are older, we feel more comfortable dressing conservatively in Europe. We don't take jeans, but as much as because they are bulky than they would be out of place. I also don't take Polo shirts or t shirts. You might check out Merril or Doc Martins for footwear.

Posted by
11660 posts

We wore our sneakers for hiking in the Dolomites and they were fine. This was in the mountain valleys above Ortisei, reached by gondolas and funicular.

Posted by
2768 posts

Shorts are fine when it’s hot (unlike in the US you won’t see men in shorts in pleasant spring weather. Mainly in the heat of summer). Also, not as much baggy cargo shorts or athletic shorts. More well fitting “nice” shorts (in towns and cities, but it does not matter for hiking or beach)

As for dinner it depends on the restaurant. There will be formal type places, but your run of the mill sit-down restaurant (not cafe/fast food) you’d want to wear long pants and a polo or simple blouse or something neat and nice, not formal. At these places, jeans are fine as long as they are clean and fit well.

I usually bring a sneaker or hiking shoe and then a comfortable walking shoe that is a little dressier (can dress up for nicer dinners) but can also be worn all day in cities. The brand really depends on your feet. Black or brown leather-look is most versatile. I do black as all my pants are black, gray, or denim. A sandal is fine if it will be warm enough (for women, it’s hard to dress up men’s sandals!)

Posted by
2038 posts

I haven't seen shorts, but I have seen men in capri pants. The first time I saw this they were bright red and really made a statement.

Posted by
16536 posts

I will tell you what I do and have never had a problem. (I spend 6-8 months a year in Europe with about a month in Italy.)

I travel with dark jeans, polo shirts and Brooks Addiction Walkers (black).

I don't eat in Michelin star restaurants but nice, sit down places. I have never been turned away or frowned upon by what I am wearing. (I try to find restaurants catering to locals.)

My shoes are as comfortable as sneakers but can pass for a decent black shoe. I don't wear shorts but would only suggest it in the summertime and in very hot weather.

People are very worried about blending in. The locals will know immediately that you are a tourist. As long as you are not garishly, standing out....

http://www.bits-int.org/sites/default/files/American%20tourist.JPG

you will be fine.

Posted by
2147 posts

For shoes I take good supportive tennis shoes for hiking and walking around cities and then sandals for going out and hanging out on hot days. I have black tennis shoes (Brooks) that I can wear for going out when it’s cooler at night. We like more casual dinner restaurants where no one really cares if you don’t dress up. These restaurants often have great food in a non stuffy atmosphere..

Posted by
50 posts

I have a pair of Keen's hiking shoes (Not the full boot style) that work fine for walking/hiking and then wearing with jeans at restaurants we visit for dinner. When I take these on a trip I don't bother with a second pair of shoes due to space considerations.

It's fine for men to wear shorts if you're out hiking or walking around on a hot day outside of the major cities. I prefer jeans if I'm in a city like Rome or Milan.

Posted by
4 posts

Thank you all, great advice. We're 47-50 in age. The goal is finding local restaurants, nothing too fancy.

Posted by
1175 posts

My husband is a golfer and definitely wears his lightweight golf shorts everywhere in Europe. And his pants are golf pants - perfect for dinner and they pack so easily because they are lightweight and don't wrinkle.

After 30 years of wearing polo/golf shirts in Europe, this last year we noticed how many guys wore long sleeve button down shirts with the sleeves rolled up (for warm weather). Rick felt more European wearing his "shirts" instead of his golf shirts.

Posted by
8190 posts

I suppose personal preference rules, but I have found packing several pairs of lightweight "golf" pants, usually black and khaki, fits about every situation, are light, and look "dressy" enough to look sharp for dinner or general touring. See no need for shorts in September, unless you will be at the beach. Even in the heat of August, I find light slacks that keep the sun off my legs cooler than shorts. For hiking, you might consider the lightweight travel pants, they stretch and move better, and a more casual look.

I hate packing an extra pair of shoes, I usually go with a black pair of comfortable shoes that work well in a dressier situation, but comfortable to hike and walk in. These would be leather, a better sole, not "clunky" or too much like an athletic shoe.

For dinner, yes, I think nice slacks and a button down shirt, looking "sharp" is preferred.