What Tourists Wear in Rome in the Hot Summer Weather

Wear what makes you comfortable. You can carry a sarong to wrap around yourself as a "skirt" if you feel your shorts are too short to enter a church. A sun hat and a foldable fan are also good choices.

We were in Rome a few years ago in 2019. I think your plan of shorts and a polo for non-church sites would fit in fine based on what I saw at that time. Many of the ancient sites had very little shade (The Forum especially as I recall) so you may want to add a sun hat and sunscreen to your ensemble. I actually find a casual dress to be cooler and more comfortable in the heat than shorts.

The Vatican and other churches/cathedrals were definitely strict on dress (shoulders and knees covered), but you already know that and you’ll be prepared:)

If you can sew or know someone who can, make yourself a wrap around skirt that covers your knees and stuff it in your purse. All you need is a sewing machine and fabric. You don't even need a pattern. It's just fabric with a waistband that you can tie.

Wear whatever you want, everyone else does. You can guarantee that I'd be in shorts in Rome in the summer and usually with a loose short sleeved linen shirt which I find is cooler than wearing a polo shirt. My wife wears light dresses in the summer as they're cooler than shorts.

Also, don't assume that all the local women will be dressed nicely. There are plenty of scruffy Italian women just as there are scruffy locals all over the world. I think Americans generally overthink the whole clothing aspect regarding travel in Europe. I've never once thought about dressing like an American whenever I've visited the States and I don't think my outfits ever caused a raised eyebrow once.

The only occasions I've attracted quizzical stares were in Barcelona and Sorrento, two separate trips but both in February where temperatures were in the low 20's and with glorious sunshine which to this sun starved Brit means shorts and t-shirt. The locals however were still wrapped up in their winter coats, hats and scarves and were seemingly bemused by my attire.

Thin dresses are much more comfortable than capris or long shorts.
I would wear ones that are mid calf and “swirly” to let air flow underneath.
A thin thin shawl to cover up for church visits.
Also, find yourself a tiny spray bottle and fill it with water .
Carry it with you to spritz yourself regularly.
You’d be amazed how effective it is.
Pin your hair up off your neck if it’s possible.
I hate hats so carry an umbrella for shade.
Bring a tiny fan, handheld or usb/battery operated.
Wear your most comfy no-plastic shoes as your feet will get very hot and may swell.
Familiarize yourself with “nasone” fountains in Rome to refill your water bottle .
Sit in the shade often with a cool drink!
Dont rush about.
Get up and out early, and rest or eat lunch over the 12-3pm period of intense heat.
Remember it will be humid too.
Enjoy Rome!
No one is caring what you wear.

There will be millions of people in Rome during the summer from everywhere. Outside of respecting the Church’s dress code in order to visit, I’m not sure why the reason for concern. A couple of years ago we were there at the end of April. It was unseasonably warm but a lot of people were wearing puffy coats. Our guide laughed when asked why and said it was because the locales didn’t switch to summer wear til May 1. I sure wasn’t going to be miserable and wear a puffy when it was over 80 just to “fit in!”

Jen, I sometimes think that the LAST thing a tourist should do is to dress so differently than they would at home that they're uncomfortable and don't feel like themselves! Heck, I never wear dresses/skirts so taking them to Italy would have been completely out of character for me, and I never pack clothes that are fussy or have to be ironed. Let's just say that my travel wardrobe and what I wear at home is pretty much one and the same. :O)

As you're cheerfully OK with respectful dress for the churches, your long shorts and comfortable tops will otherwise be just fine. As already mentioned, no one is going to care what you wear so pack what is most familiar and comfortable for YOU. Oh, and don't overestimate the level of 'nice' where locals are concerned? You'll see all sorts of attire on both Italians and tourists. What with the July heat and dense summer crowds, people will be occupied with everything BUT looking at you and what you have on.

Relax; you're going to have a wonderful time!

I consider over thinking an enjoyable part of my trip planning and creating a lightweight wardrobe for my destination is a happy exercise I put a LOT of thought into. Being intentional about bringing clothing choices made of breathable fabric such as cotton, linen and Lyocell for hot and humid weather is smart dressing. Your body can actually feel cooler the less skin is exposed to direct sunlight. As well as long shorts, I am a fan of skirts and cropped drawstring waist bottoms, all of which pair well with sneakers. I'm all about creating a capsule wardrobe that has interchangeable pairings built into the mix and utilize packing cubes to organize it all. I want my carry on and personal item bags to be as manageable as possible, aiming for less than 20 pounds and 10 pounds respectively, and want getting dressed for each day a simple and easy affair. Have a fantastic trip to Rome!