The question as to whether or not men wear shorts In Italy is hotly debated online.
If you’re traveling to Italy, you want to know you’re going to fit in and not be turned away from anywhere.
So, do men wear shorts in Italy? Here’s what we found out.
Do men wear shorts in Italy – the quick answer
For anyone wanting a quick answer, yes, men do wear shorts in Italy.
However, Italian men will likely only wear shorts in the hottest of temperatures and only for social occasions like going to the beach.
Be aware that you might get turned away from a church or cathedral if you’re wearing shorts.
You will also be unlikely to be able to eat in a high-end restaurant in shorts either.
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When to wear shorts in Italy
If you’re going to Italy in the summer months, you’ll need shorts. Here are more details on what men wear in Italy during Summer.
Even in the higher and cooler areas of the country, shorts will be very welcome indeed.
However, there are some written (and unwritten) rules about short wearing in Italy.
Generally Speaking – Men in Italy tend not to wear shorts as much as men in other countries. When they do, they’re typically below the knee and it will be a really hot day.
Apart from the hottest days of the year, Italian men are most likely to be found wearing long pants or jeans.
Wearing shorts in spring and autumn will certainly make you stand out as a tourist – not that that matters particularly!
Read Next – What Men Wear In Italy In Spring? and What Men Wear In Italy During Fall
Why do people believe Italian men don’t wear shorts?
There’s a general misconception that Italian men don’t wear shorts at all.
As mentioned above, they do. The only difference is that they wear them less frequently in general.
When you visit Italy at any time of year, you’ll often see men in slacks or suits.
These will generally be people that are working or going out in the evening.
When Italian men aren’t at work, they do wear shorts. They’re likely to be smart, long shorts, but they’re shorts, nonetheless.
Lots of people believe that you can’t enter religious places in shorts.
While this is true to some extent, lots of places do allow men to enter wearing shorts, provided that they are below the knee.
Which places restrict the wearing of shorts in Italy?
Depending on the length of your shorts, places like San Marco and the Vatican will likely turn you away.
A high-end restaurant like Harry’s in Venice would also turn you away.
Even if you don’t get turned away, many Italians (particularly the older generation) will see short-wearing as disrespectful in a religious setting so it might be something you wish to avoid anyway.
Also Helpful – What To Wear For A Night Out In Italy
Where can you wear your shorts in Italy?
There are lots of places where shorts are allowed in Italy.
This includes:
- Churches (as long as they cover your knees)
- Museums
- Beaches
- Shops
- Sightseeing
- Eating out (depending on the time of day, type of restaurant and the location)
What to wear in an Italian church
You might hear people saying anecdotally that shorts aren’t allowed in churches and while many believe you shouldn’t wear shorts in an Italian church or cathedral, in many places you are allowed.
There are, however, rules to follow. If you are wearing shorts, they can’t be short shorts.
This means that they must cover your knees. Equally, you have to have your shoulders covered.
What to wear in an Italian restaurant
You might see people commenting that you can’t wear shorts in Italian restaurants.
This is a little misleading. If you’re going out to a casual restaurant for lunch, you’ll have no problem wearing shorts – especially if you’re in a touristy area.
If you’re going out for a nice meal in the evening, you probably need to wear a nice pair of pants like smart jeans or chinos.
Read Later – What To Wear To A Wedding In Italy
Are there any rules or laws about wearing shorts?
No. Even though Italy is the hub of Catholicism, there are no laws about a person’s attire.
There are lots of police in Italy, but you won’t be arrested for wearing shorts that are too short!
Catholicism has influenced things in Italy quite a lot and so people are generally more conservative about their dress.
Even if you are allowed to wear short shorts into places, it might be seen as rude or disrespectful to do so.
Covering up, though isn’t required by law, is often a mark of respect for Italians.
Does wearing shorts in Italy make you stand out as a tourist?
Yes and no. If you wear shorts everywhere and all of the time in Italy, it’s an easy way for Italians to spot a foreigner, particularly if it’s not a hot day!
However, there are so many things that give away that you’re a tourist. It could be the type of bag you’re carrying or even just not ‘looking’ Italian.
Important to read – Best Italian Men’s Clothing Brands
Most of all, though, you’ll stand out as a tourist because you’ll be doing things that tourists do – like visiting museums, eating in restaurants, and asking for a cappuccino with an accent.
Don’t worry though, Italians are used to tourists – and their economy thrives on visitors like you!
Final thoughts: do men wear shorts in Italy?
As we’ve seen, yes men do wear shorts in Italy despite what you’ll read online.
However, you will need to be mindful of where you’re wearing your shorts as lots of religious places or high-end places won’t let you in if they’re above the knee.
It’s always worth checking the websites of each place you’d like to visit if you think they might not allow shorts. That goes for restaurants too!
If you plan to visit Italy in winter 📖
When you’re packing for your trip to Italy, always take a variety of things so that you’ll have something for every occasion.
Take a look at our post on what men wear in Italy. We have a few outfit ideas to help you.
When you are packing shorts, just make sure they’re not too short unless you only intend to only wear them on the beach.
A nice pair of shorts will also look nice with a polo shirt or smart linen shirt too.
