Where can I not where shorts in Italy?

Most of the churches will want your knees as well as shoulders covered on both men and women. In addition, women may sometimes be asked to cover up when wearing a very low cut top.

Some churches have people monitoring the entrances and they won't let you in or will sell you a paper shawl for 5 euro or so.

Other spots may not have any one checking.

The shorts I'm taking are bermuda length. In this case, it is lucky I'm not tall as the shorts themselves nearly cover my knees. If that's not enough, I'll pull them down into the "sag" style and make sure those knees are covered! Maybe your husband can also wear the sag style. Some of the men's shorts out there are fairly long. Or, wear zip-off pants: shorts when you want them; pants when you need them. For you, consider skorts for the best of both worlds (although they tend to run shorter - sometimes they are more acceptable because they look like a skirt. Go figure.

Kay said "Sag". Too funny!!

Some Chicago suburbs are considering ordinances outlawing "Sag" clothing. In fact it was on our local news last night. The word must mean something different in Vancouver, WA, than it does in Chicago.

Cindy - I really suggest getting some long skirts or sundresses that hit just below the knee, that will also keep you nice and cool. Remember to bring a cardigan otherwise you will be forced to by one of the pashminas they sell right outside the churches and drape it over your body.

All churches ask you to dress respectfully by covering your knees and shoulders. Most will turn you away if you do not do this. If you get inside without proper clothing they will ask you to leave. Most churches want men to wear pants and will not let them in in shorts, even long one. The guards at St. Peter's basilica are notorious for turning away men in shorts.

I would not risk ruining the day by wearing the wrong clothing. Have your husband wear those pants with the zip off legs and you should wear capris or a skirt.

Donna

He can't wear shorts in Harry's Bar. I know...

Just get a wrap around skirt to cover your shorts when you go to Churches, monasteries,& abbeys.

That's funny. I saw lots of people in shorts--it was really hot.

Tom, I'm pretty sure the fashion statement of "sag" is U.S.-wide in varying degrees. The high sag with crotch to knees and underwear band showing to crotch to mid-calf with pants band coming just under the gluteus maximi - which are tastefully covered in underwear (thankfully, the full plumber's butt look isn't in). Mostly displayed by boys. I once saw a kid who was sauntering across the street lose them in the middle of the street! LOL! I think he was actually embarrassed! Imagine that.

I think my husband and I will don our zip-offs. Don't want to risk getting booted out of any fabulous churches or the Vatican!

St. Peters will not allow men in with shorts on even the longer length ones. On one of our visits here our 2 sons, 5th & 9th grades at the time, had on the longer cargo shorts that were at knee of just below and they allowed our younger son in but not the older one. The gal at the hotel we were staying at said they would both get in no problem but not the case. My husband had to switch pants after he came out with son so he could go in. I had on pants that time. We saw men trying to get in with shorts on by tying a scarf around their waist but not allowed in. Mini skirts seemed to be fine! On another visit I wore a skirt that hit just above the knee and had no problem. Again mini skirts were allowed.

It works both ways Janet. On a student tour through Israel at age 20 (and July) we were allowed to enter the Church of the Annunciation only after covering our shorts with wrap around mini-skirts they provided. I have always wondered which sight of me truly was more offensive. But there you have it.

We really like the shorts/pants with the zip off legs for travel, some are really light which is great for packing weight and washing as they dry quickly. I have one pair that is capris with the sips but shorts without. Even when we come across and open church and nobody is anywhere near it, we still pull the longer legs on to go in, just a sign of respect. At home many wear shorts to Sunday mass, but in Italy....

Sagging has always worked for us - St. Peter's is the only place we were turned away - wrapping a flag from Siena around my waist did not work - So tell me about these paper pants they sell in Rome - I hate zip offs and maybe having a pair of paper pants in my day bag would be helpful :o)

For what it is worth, I don't I saw anyone in shorts the entire time I was in Italy, even on days that got kind of hot. Do you really HAVE to be in shorts?

Just back. I wore pants (blue jeans) at St Peter's Basilica, but I saw some in shorts. The other churches in Rome I wore shorts, with not even a glance. In Assisi, I wore shorts with no problems. But one thing I would say is that if the churches are enforcing the short rule, the art and beauty in the churches are worth the inconvenience of pants for a few hours.

Also the shorts I generally wear are a walking/golf shorts, almost to the knee.

I saw a young girl in serious Hot Pants and fish nets in St. Peter's Basilica last May. She looked like a hooker.

At Saint Peter's it really is the discretion of the guards. Most are very strict, a few aren't. I wouldn't take the chance of being turned away.

If you choose to wear shorts you can stop at the gift shops across from St. Peter's square and buy a pair of paper pants. They are allowed and you can throw them away when you're done with them.

Donna