Touring Attire

Aside from your outfits being considered appropriate, you might remember that black clothing is hotter than khaki or beige in warm weather locations. Socks with sandals - not good.

Seems like comfort and practicality are the important things. Comfort in footwear especially, for long days of walking. I guess socks with sandals are considered a fashion no-no by some, but if you need the socks for blister prevention, you sure don't want to get blisters on day one. Contrary to rumors, we've seen no fashion police in Europe, except at some Italian churches. No one else will care what you wear in Europe, so my thought would be to go for comfort and practicality.

It's just my opinion, but I think track pants (even black ones) are too casual...And I agree with Anna about the socks with sandals.

Okay, it looks like Tom and I are being overruled. Tom, in considering my advice, you should be aware I'm an old guy who is not as thin as he once was. But I still say there's a good argument for suiting yourself.

Seems like too much black...just sayin'...and I agree about the socks and sandals, but how about casual slip-ons instead? Socks with sandals are okay, but slip-ons would work better. Never underestimate how crucial foot comfort can be while traveling.

I agree with both of Michael's posts...I wouldn't have given my opinion except that Tom specifically asked for opinions.

Ok, well sounds like the running consensus is: 1. no socks with sandals, yep, I'm from the NW and they do that here. I'm actually quite conservative in my dress and don't do that here. 2. running suit pants don't sound like the thing either. Although, the wife says I look good in them! Suggestions for [INVALID]native pants solution that are: lightweight, dry quickly, comfortable (with perhaps a bit of stretch to them)? Tom

Tom, I went on a Holland America cruise a couple of years ago and took advantage of the ship's laundry service. I jammed everything I wanted laundered plus a couple of my companion's things into the provided laundry bag and I think it cost $20. I was surprised at how much I was able to get into that not-very-big bag. Inquire if your ship has this type of service available.

Thanks, all for the advice. I'm an old guy too. Socks with sandals, well, I was planning to wear the socks with long pants. The sandals are dark brown and with dark socks look like shoes. No socks with shorts should I wear them. Might not wear them with pants either depending on how the feets feel. Can't wear slip-ons, high arches. As to ships laundry, I will take advantage of that, but I'm going for 20 days with wife, tux for formal nights,pants, shirts, ties for informal nights and stuff for casual nights, etc. so I'm still trying to pack as light as I can with comfort being foremost in my mind. We're still going to be hauling a lot of stuff!

When my husband & I took the Princess Grand Med tour I brought comfortable BUT very fashionable silk suits. When we were in Monte Carlo I was able to enter the casino as well as the Hotel near the Casino because I was dressed nicely while others from the cruise ship dressed in track suits were turned away.

Oh, Tom. You've given away your Pacific northwest origins by saying you would wear socks with sandals. :-) I see that pretty often on the streets of Seattle and just shake my head. There's even a local bank that has jokingly identified the "socks-with-sandals guy" as part of their demographic here in the PNW. As for the track suit, that will be an instant identifier that you're a tourist, for what that's worth. I can't imagine an Italian wearing one, if that matters to you. My own opinion is that they look like pajamas. I know they're practical, but for me the key is to find a balance between practical and fashionable. Good luck.

Tom, let us if you encounter any vocal locals that actually commented on what you were wearing on any given day.

Before anyone would actually say anything, you'd have to be wearing something as outlandish as what Lady Gaga wears. It's more a question of how much you want to stand out, not whether someone is going to comment. Some people just don't care what they look like while traveling. Others care perhaps too much. This board is a good place to get different perspectives.

First, let me say that I don't consider myself to be a slob and I always look presentable whenever I leave home (in LA), whether I'm going to work or just out. And it's never occurred to me to give any special thought to what I'm wearing in Italy next month, except will I feel comfortable (warm enough, and not self-conscious) in what I'm wearing and will I feel like me!

Gwen, that seems like a good way to say it: feel comfortable and feel like me. Clothing is so personal. The locals aren't going to notice what you're wearing. But you will.

Tom, if your wife says the track pants look good, I would go with that. If you ask 5 people you'll get 5 different answers. She knows best and her opinion is the only one that matters imo :)

Tom ... one way to cut down the amount of clothes you need to pack for the cruise is to rent a tux from the cruise line. My husband did this [INVALID] it came with a couple of shirts and dress shoes. It was hanging in our closet in the room when we boarded the ship. Very handy.

Charlene offered a good tip,, rent a tux, bring your own shirt and ties if you wish, but that will free up alot of room ,, plus rent the penguin shoes, mens shoes are heavy and take up way to much space so renting them will free up at least part of suitcase. Dockers, three pairs, one pair long shorts( bermuda length). That should do you easily , and although they are not easily hand washable, you can easily wear each pair at least 3 or 4 times, then wash once. Sandals, no socks. And yes, bring a pair of those track pants if you want,, they can look decent enough they are great to fly in ,so comfy, , my dad wears them but only as casual ,,with golf shirts etc..

1. No socks with sandals. 2. The locals wear everything in Europe. I am in Italy right now. I see Italians wearing white shoes, jeans, shirts with logos in English, etc. Wear what makes you comfortable.

Andrea, seen any Italians in track suits? :-)

Well, I did see one person at Termini in Rome. Not sure if she was Italian though... :) I have seen many people wearing pants bought at places such as REI. Some zip off to shorts and some don't. Not just Americans either, but I suspect all were travelers. They are easy care, and would probably be better than track suit pants.

I wouldn't wear track suits anywhere in Europe. Men or women don't wear them. I suggest you buy a good pair of true walking shoes. Something like Mephisto or Ecco would be great. My husband learned his lesson and only wears Mephisto or Ecco's. They are expensive, but they never wear out. Also don't wear any kind of regular tennis shoes or baseball caps. YOu can also buy Mephisto or Ecco sandals. They are meant for walking also. Don't wear the socks with them though.

Comfort is #1, especially with the feet. Blister prevention is also #1. Socks with sandals!!! Go for it! You'll fit right in with all the other Euro men who wear socks with sandals.

Wear what you want and what makes you feel comfortable. Don't worry about all the things you may have heard about shorts, white shoes etc. Nobody really cares or pays attention to what you're wearing.

Take a pack of moleskin, just in case the sandals rub on the bare feet.

About those sandals - my experience, particularly in the cities, has been that by the end of a day of walking my shoes were pretty filthy. You might want to be prepared for rinsing your feet at roadside water fountains and washing your socks every night . . .

Just don't wear a safari outfit (complete with hat and binoculars) when touring a European city. 'Pardon me, where are the giraffes?'

track suits are great, but you have to wear large, gold necklaces and keep the jacket portion zipped 1/3 to 1/2 of the way down. prolific body hair is a plus. mandals with socks earn you bonus points.

Most of the Med cruises stop every day and the shore excursions are tiring! I second strongly the suggestion for great shoes like Ecco or Mephisto or Merrels.Enjoy the sandals at the pool or onboard for your longterm comfort.
Exofficio has nice looking longsleeve shirts that looks nice with khakis or khaki colored travelers pants. Orvis has grey and olive microfiber pants that don't look as informal as a track suit.

Thanks all for the comments, even the snarky ones. I will bow to the fashionistas with the following: 1) lightweight smartcare chinos 2) Clark walking shoes 3) Mefisto walking sandals 4) ScotteVest lightweight jacket and travel vest 5) shorts for when their needed 6) long and short sleeve shirts Regards,
Tom

> Tom said: >
> 2) Clark walking shoes I have found the Clarks 'Un-structured' line of shoes to be extremely comfortable. I took a pair of these with me on our two week trip last year and they were great.

We have been in Italy in May many times and it will be warm (from Milan/Lake Como to Almafi). My husband wears sandals (good walking type), zip off pants that turn into shorts (it will be hot), nice short sleeve shirts that are straight at the bottom so they look very tailored, and remember they know you are not a native so don't try to fit in, but black pants are good for walking around in the evenings. Have fun

For pants, my husband enjoys wearing nylon zip-off, cargo pants made by REI. As you noted, they can be washed and dried overnight. They are very comfortable and don't take up much room in your suitcase. We also bought the water-resistant rain jacket that you can stuff into its own pocket at REI. This makes it easy to carry in your daytime backpack. Have fun on your trip!