First Trip to Italy-Help

Can't tell you about men's attire but definitely MUST have shoulders covered in most churches in Italy. Just take a good, large scarf that will fit into your bag and use that to cover shoulders and should be good to go. I usually wear a skirt so have not had a problem, I wear a silk one that doesn't take up any room and is wrinkle free and cool in the heat.

Ladies may wear shorts, but not in church- same with the gents. Yes, you will need to cover your shoulders in churches. It is possible to pack light if you go with light fabrics. Read up a little on this site on packing light ideas. Have a great trip!

The rules for churches are that knees and shoulders must be covered. (no cap sleeves for women, the upper arms must also be covered). Capris and longer skirts are okay for women. Men must wear long pants to visit St. Peter's basilica. Other churches are not so strict about shorts as long as they cover the knees but both men and boys have been denied entry to St. Peter's even though their shorts covered their knees. Your best bet is to get your husband and son those pants with the zip off legs. This way they can wear shorts while outside and make them into pants for churches. No sense taking a chance of being turned away. Donna

Julie, In my experience, having knees and shoulders covered is often compulsory for both men and women. A few examples.... On a visit to St. Peter's one hot September afternoon, a young lady entered the Church with a shawl covering her shoulders. Once inside she removed it to cool off. Within a VERY short time, one of the Guards was right "in her face" yelling and with a brutal expression on his face. Even though my language abilities are limited, it was quite clear what the problem was. On a visit to the Duomo in Siena, a group of University age students entered just before me. One of the male students was wearing a sleeveless T-Shirt. He was NOT permitted to enter until he covered his shoulders with a blue paper "table cloth". He was teased incessantly by his companions, but of course complied with the rules. I'd suggest planning for more modest dress when visiting Churches in Italy, just to be "safe". Happy travels!

You may be denied entry to churches in Italy (and especially at the ones you will want to see, such as St. Peter's) unless you ALL have covered knees and covered shoulders. This usually does not mean longish cargo shorts, though women (and European men) wear capris or crop (above the ankle) pants. Both my husband and myself were turned away from the Abbey at Montecassino with "bermuda" shorts - we just didn't think of it the same way as St. Peter's. Both men and women cannot wear tank tops - though many women will wear tanks and put a scarf or light sweater on top. If you are in resort areas or outdoor sights (beach, Pompeii) shorts are fine. And my husband did wear shorts when we were out in the countryside at wineries, small towns, etc. Both husband and son wore lightweight pants the days we were in Rome, Venice & Florence when we intended to see the magnificent cathedrals. Sandals are great for all and packing light for women is pretty easy for Italy in summer because your clothes are light. I personally like light longish skirts because they catch the breeze and are cooler. If your son is already a teenager (in fashion sense) he will probably want to wear jeans. That is fine. My 17 year old wore them all the time but I find them VERY hot in Italy and wouldn't bother with them at all in July. Just make sure your son knows that he is the one carrying his own luggage and let him bring what he wants (as long as he includes one pair of long pants).