Men wearing shorts in Italian Churches

Men’s knees should be covered

In my experience all 3 of the churches you list are very strict

12 bucks, problem solved, gods not disrespected by tawdry human knees ;). Just roll these lightweight leg sleeves on before going in, remove after.

Tough Outdoors Compression Leg Sleeves - Full Leg Compression Sleeve for Men & Women, UV Leg Sleeves, Cycling Leg Warmers https://a.co/d/hiWmNEh

Sarcasm aside, all of those churches have dress codes that should be honored. The truth is you may be allowed in or you may be turned away. Asking for individual experiences is pretty useless because your experience may be different. Different day, different person checking, who knows.

Hi, do a search on Google, and it will show you the graphic that’s displayed at the church entrances. It has shoulder & knees covered for both men & women.

I usually plan some church days and wear something specific to cover both shoulder & knees. If it’s a really hot day, you might just want to change into shorts back at your hotel after visiting the churches. Some of the churches have paper circles to “make a skirt or shirt sleeves” that you can purchase. They look really dorky to me, but it could be an option.

Various places in Europe have a Dress Code. I remember seeing a family standing in line for St. Mark’s in Venice, and the teenage son was already wrapping a windbreaker around his legs, trying to cover his knees, and it wasn’t working very well for him. It was clearly awkward, and he didn’t seem to be getting the coverage he was attempting. This was standing still, and I wonder how it worked once he started moving. Seemed like a lot of trouble, if the cathedral was an intended sight and longer pants were a solution.

And there's no reason a man can't wrap a scarf or shawl around his waist to cover his knees. It doesn't look any dorkier than a windbreaker or paper shroud.

Thanks for answering my questions …. I will wear long pants!

Consider zip-offs?

You won't be the first or last man to wear a woman's scarf or sarong around his waist to cover his knees in a religious building. Or look at zip off pants. That way you are only uncomfortable for the time in church, and then can go back to comfortable shorts.

You know you will be ok long pants. Stick with them

When our family went several years ago the guys were required to wear long pants to all churches. They opted for zip off travel pants. It was easy to carry the “legs” around and just pop them on before entering. Enjoy your trip!

If they are just above the knee they will likely not deny entry, as you can see in the images below in Florence and the Vatican. The Vatican is probably the most strict, but you can cover your knees with anything including knee sleeves, as suggested above, or you can also wrap around a scarf around your waste like your wife. What they don’t like to see is naked skin, they are not interested in fashion.

Duomo in Florence:
https://images.app.goo.gl/LESXWEMMtZu4VqNU7
St. Peter Basilica at the Vatican:
https://images.app.goo.gl/HV7jSeLTyLW7Zhu27

As other have said, ZIP PANTS! My husband loved his, they're handy for cool and hot days alike, take up less space in the carryon also.

The Vatican is probably the most strict, but you can cover your knees
with anything including knee sleeves, as suggested above,

My suggestion above was actually full leg sleeves, but Roberto definitely has the best idea with knee sleeves. Knee sleeves are about a third as long as the leg sleeves I linked above.
They'll cover the offending area and no more. They are light, cheap and pack really small, and are easier to put on than leg sleeves - No need to remove your shoes.

So yeah, I think Roberto has a great idea with knee sleeves. I'll bet some enterprising Italian could make some pretty good money buying them cheap and reselling them in front of Vatican 🙂

If you do decide to use knee sleeves OP, get the ones that are for sun protection. Some for warmth - not ideal for the Italian summer