I see "knees covered" is a requirement at most churches - does that mean longer shorts are okay, or is that pushing it? The shorts I wear do technically cover my knees. I just hate being hot, and I'll be in Rome first part of June, so I'd love to stay cool.
Women have those capri style pants - are there really long shorts for men that would meet the standard?
Respect in churchs is generally expressed as conservative and modest.
No one would prob say anything but long pants, covered shoulders and shoes not sandals are more appropriate.
As long as knees covered. I've seen people turned away in shorts above knees and other times asked to pay a euro for a wrap to use to cover legs.
Yes, there are capri pants for men. I see more of them every summer.
Good of you to ask about this.
As long as the shorts cover your knees you should be ok. .. its those filthy knee caps they don't want to see.. too tempting.. lol
I have seen quite a few europeon men wearing what I call "manpris".. basically long long shorts..
I wear zip off pant legs, just put them on for churches and restauants, especially for dinner or a nice lunch spot!
Those "Manpris" are only available in Europe, I think. And I believe they are called 7/8 (in German, they are called "sieben-achtel laenge") and I have only ever seen them in Europe.
The pants with zip off legs are the easiest solution
Zip them on when you need them in a church, go with out the rest of the time.
The stone walls in most churches is so thick and I found most had reasonably good ventilation, so it was never a hardship.
I found it was warmer when I went back outside
My husband has definitely found that "zip-offs" are by far the best solution. They also are great for your entire day -- cool, hot, back to cool evenings, without worrying about what to put on in the morning.
Cheers,
Vivian
Or, to beat the heat, seersucker. I always take a pair or two in a solid color (not those picnjc-tablecloth squares).
If you go to REI or other stores they have those long pants where you can remove the bottom part. They are great.
I have worn a skirt above the knee several times and no prob getting into St. Peter's. When our son was in Jr high they would not let him in with longer length over knee shorts. (Ended up putting on Dad's pants & vice versa so he cld get in) Our upper elem aged son was wearing similar shorts/length and they let him in. The gal wkg at the desk of our hotel said they both wld have no problem getting in. On return visits to Rome they wore khaki's.
St. Peter's is the most strict of all the churches. You are "required" to wear pants to enter the basilica. Anything else could mean being denied entry. Other churches aren't as strict but if even the top of your knees is showing they can, and will deny you entry. I would suggest a nice pair of linen pants and plan your church visits for the same day or two so that you can dress in pants just a single time or two.
donna
While I've seen some at-the-knee shorts on men and above-knee skirts on women, it's best just not to take the chance. How far one might be allowed to push the boundaries may depend on whim of the guards on duty any particular day. The same "respectful" dress rules apply to Vatican Museums and pretty much to any church in Italy so we cheerfully go along!
Along this line, I've found the photo on the ad for Dark Rome's "Full-Day Vatican Highlights for Families and Colosseum for Kids Combo Tour" amusing as all 4 family members are inappropriately dressed!
https://darkrome.com/vatican-tours
The tour description includes the text, "Please note that appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. Knees, shoulders and backs must be covered." But..but..but the picture....?
I wear 3/4 length hiking pants. You can find them on Amazon for around 30 bucks. Very comfortable with zippered pockets. Very quick dry too. Great for travel. I wear them every where except for a nice dinner.
