Shorts or no Shorts

Out of churches you can dress as you like and nobody cares. You actually are an American tourist, enjoy your holidays.

I'm Italian and I wear shorts in Italy in summer and so do many Italians as well.

The shorts thing is getting more outdated by the year. I went on a food tour in Palermo with a local guide, a man maybe around 30-40 years old, who was wearing casual shorts and a T-shirt. He didn’t look out of place. This was in the afternoon in the markets. But people over 60ish didn’t wear shorts as much. If you are in that age range you might stand out more but do you care?

My suggestion for my husband and sons is shorts are fine during the day, but pants for any evening activity like dinner or concerts/events.
Neat shorts and a collared shirt are fine at even nicer restaurants in beachy-resort areas, including upscale ones (go to Amalfi and count the guys getting off yachts in pink shorts, printed short sleeve shirts, and loafers!) but not in similar restaurants in cities, by my preference. No one is stopping you it just seems more out of place.

I am a senior aged man, and I wear shorts in Europe all the time. But i also pack a pair of lightweight khaki trousers for sites where that is expected (churches) and for evening meals out. But I never feel out of place wearing shorts and a collared shirt - I think that T-shirts are a little bit too casual myself, but that is probably just me.

It's going to be near 90 next week in Florence, I'll be in shorts

The thing about shorts (or a short skirt on a woman) is that you really shouldn't wander into churches in Italy with your knees uncovered. Since I can't predict when I might come across a potentially interesting church, I set out every day with my knees covered. For reasons of sun protection, my shoulders are never bare, so that would not ever be an issue for me.

"It's going to be near 90 next week in Florence, I'll be in shorts."

My eyes at first read "I'M going to be near 90 next week", so I thought well: if 90 year-olds feel ok wearing them out and about then the rest of are good to go. ;))

Throw caution to the wind- pack walking shorts, light cotton t-shirts, tank tops and sandals!

Though I should add I was in jeans yesterday just to play it safe for the Vatican, I still saw many men with shorts above the knees. I was mad since it was so hot. I'm including Sistine chapel.

Italians wear shorts when it is hot. Period.

If you're putting on the shorts, and the sandals, and you identify as male, don't forget the white socks. Socks short or high, but white...

I love how Americans worry about wearing shorts, but not about wearing khakis.

If you're putting on the shorts, and the sandals, and you identify as male, don't forget the white socks. Socks short or high, but white...

Then you'll feel the need to enter Poland uninvited while listening to Wagner symphonies, but don't worry: It's pretty normal