No Jeans in Italy? Really?

We just returned from Italy (Venice, Ravenna, Sorrento, Naples, Rome) and saw jeans everywhere. Tight jeans inside boots or out (it was March), relaxed jeans, etc., jeans in restaurants, churches, museums. We didn't go to any exclusive restaurants where it may have been an issue, but we think she can wear her jeans with no problem.

Lots of people including Italians wear jeans in Italy. That used to not be as true in the past. But for a lot of travelers jeans aren't very practical. They take forever to wash and dry and they can often be too hot if you're traveling in the summer. I like to take a pair and wear them at least on the airplane, since airplanes can get pretty chilly.

I disagree! Everyone wears jeans, except the old old ladies, the tighter the better. It used to be that way but no more. It's just that they're hot in the summer, but wear away! However, the Italian ladies do tend to dress up more, and wear nice jeans, but eveyone willknow you're tourists anyway. I lived there for 2 years so I'm speaking from experience.

I wore nice trouser jeans there last fall. Lighter weight, dried fairly well. Could wear each pair (I took 2) for 2 days between washing. You will be fine in jeans!

I wouldn't say jeans are a no-no in Italy. They are becoming more and more popular. That said, Italians mostly wear skinny, nice looking jeans (dark jeans often opposed to light colored). I don't know how old or stylish your wife is, but if this is something she wears sometimes in the states she should definitely consider it. They will even wear them in the summer because they go for style much more often than comfort. Last summer I would usually wear jeans or skirts/dresses, never shorts because they don't really wear shorts at all. That being said, you will usually see jeans with dressy or fashionable top to make them look a little nicer, rather than jeans and a tshirt.

You're tourists. Everyone will know you're tourists. No one cares what you wear (except in churches and the fanciest restaurants.) Don't give a thought to what anyone says is a"no-no" and wear what is comfortable for you. There are whole countries who send visitors to Europe wearing umbrella hats and white knee socks...

I always thought it was because of packing constraints and slow drying time if you hand wash. Who cares what you wear, Italians know American Tourists no matter what you are wearing.

You'll never appear as anything but a tourist (pretty much like me), so I say wear what you want. I've seen jeans plenty of times in italy, and while I don't pack them myself (too bulky and heavy for my carry-on), there is no reason that you shouldn't. Have fun!

My wife wears tight skinny jeans, since she has a very cute figure. I will tell her to go ahead and throw a pair in! Thanks for all the fast feedback.

It's when you show up looking like you're there to mow the lawn - that's what might get you some funny looks. :-)

Jeans are fine anywhere in europe at any time except during the summer heat. Fortunately i do not travel in the hot months of july-sep. If i had to travel in the summer i would wear shorts or khaki type pants that dry quickly.

I spent 3 weeks in Italy last September. I brought 2 pair of pants - both jeans. Plenty of people wear jeans in Italy, both locals and tourists. They would be a pain to hand wash. I found I could wear mine several days before needing to wash them. I was able to wash them in a washing machine, so that shortens the drying time. They were always dry within 24 hours.

Also, people have mentioned that they will look down on you for wearing jeans in churches etc. When you are visiting a church as a tourist to view the art/architecture, no problem. If you are attending a mass there, that's a whole different storyyes you will want to be more dressed up. But for stopping in, jeans aren't a problem. You just need to remember to cover your shoulders and knees. I also hate the idea that you will always be identified as a tourist. If you can do it right, you really can blend in. Sure it helps that I've got some olive skin and darker hair, that my family background is Italian, but after less than two weeks of being in the country I could buy espresso or clothing and they thought I was local. I was stopped and asked directions in Venice by another Italian. It depends on a number of things of coursehow you act, dress, and where you are, but it can happen.

What time of year? We were in Rome/Tuscany from Mid-may for two weeks. I love jeans, but for security I wore Zip off REI lightweight cargo pants with a secure pocket. Jeans would have been TOO WARM for all of the trip. By the end, June 1, they would have been unbearable. In the summer, Jeans probably just identify you as a clueless american. Sorry, it's the truth.

"In the summer, Jeans probably just identify you as a clueless american. Sorry, it's the truth." Ted, when I was there from May 18 to June 15, plenty of people still wore jeans. Italians definitely did. The zip-off pants identified people as Americans. It is hot and sticky, but Italians (especially in their 20s and 30s) are so fashion-focused that they will still wear jeans or uncomfortable clothing because they would rather look good. When it felt too hot to wear jeans I chose dresses or skirts, but I still wore jeans on some very hot days and bore with it because I wanted to. And before June 1st, you will be grateful to have your jeans at night. It reminds me of California--warm or hot in the day, but chillier when I went out to bars at night. I needed pants and my cropped leather jacket at night for much of my trip, until around June 5 or so. (Of course the specific dates will change, but that was my experience).

As others said.....no one will care if you or you're wife are wearing jeans. I wouldn't recommend it if you'll be here in the hotter months but if that's what you want go for it.

Heck, jeans are the only bottoms that I bring...then again, I travel in Nov/Dec. Jeans are everywhere, worn every way, with many colors....even those dreaded acid was jeans from the late 80's......I see more and more of them being worn by young European hipsters. So, its not even just dark jeans that they wear.

I'm like Devon as far as enjoying being able to blend in while in Italy, which is just not as high a priority for others. I've also been mistaken for Italian not only by tourists (which doesn't really count) but by Italians. Of course, it helps that I've been studying the language for years. :-)

Jeans are okay in Italy. The Italians tend to wear dressy jeans. Even the docents in the museums wear jeans.

Michael--I don't have years of the language behind me, but a decent grasp of it and I do have years of Spanish so I can pull it off. Not as convincing once we start talking for a while, but I can trick them for a bit! I love when they assume I'm Italian and then am surprised when I turn and speak English with an American accent to a friend beside me. Much better (in my opinoin) than automatically knowing I am American.

Jeans are perfectly acceptable. In general, Italians wear tight clothes. You don't have to. If you visit any tourist sites, you will definitely be tabbed as a tourist along with all the millions of others. You will see absolutely every sort of fashion under the sun. Don't worry about it. The main thing is to be comfortable.

I left all my jeans at home and was surprised to see many many many Italians wearing jeans. I ended up buying a pair there!

They'll know you are a tourist not because you're wearing jeans but, at least in my case, they're not as tight as the Italian's jeans. Your wife should be fine with her jeans. My big question is: blue or black? What are they wearing these days in Italy?

Just got back from Italy yesterday. Skinny jeans for men and women. No one wears loose fitting pants. What I saw: Women: Skinny jeans Leggings Tights; under dresses, skirts or shorts Mostly boots, some heels and cute flats. Often a wide leather belt Men: tight jeans or pants Fashionable sneakers
Button down shirt/blazer/jeans/nice shoes or fancy sneakers (all muted colors)