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Women's Apparel in Switzerland

My wife is unusually tall and has a hard time finding pants long enough for her. It would be easier if she just wore shorts. I'd like to know if it's common for women to wear shorts in Switzerland. I ask because I went on a school trip back in '97 and the teachers wouldn't let us wear shorts because they said that Europeans didn't really do shorts. Is this still the case?

Posted by
2700 posts

When are you going? I was there in September 2014 and no one was wearing shorts, because it was pretty cool. That said, I think your wife should wear whatever she feels comfortable in. As a very general rule, shorts aren't as common in Europe as they are in the US, but it's not against the law.

Posted by
11247 posts

Shorts are great in the mountains for hiking, but I doubt you will see many adult women in them in the cities. How about cropped pants? They are quite popular.

Posted by
271 posts

I second the 'crop pants'. 3/4 length pants are more common in Switzerland than anywhere I have been. It is basically due to the mountains and popularity of hiking--and in the mountains it is as popular for men as women. Check out Mammut's men's 3/4 length hiking pants. I think it is a boot thing. Some people want them to cut off at the top of their boot and some want it to come further down. And you see mountain-wear from the mountains to the cities.

I also suggest skirts--short and long. A couple of black or brown skirts, maybe ex officio, will mix/match with everything.

Posted by
262 posts

I live in Switzerland and wear shorts almost every day that it's warm. If you plan to visit museums or places that are more upscale, then I would likely opt for a skirt.