Since the days of King Louis XIV, Paris has maintained its reputation as the world’s style capital — and rightfully so.
Parisian men have a remarkable style and are known for their chic, elegant fashion.
Planning a trip to Paris and you’re not sure what to pack? We got you!
What Should Men Wear In Paris?
There’s so much to do in Paris; you want to feel comfortable. Still, you don’t want to stand out as a tourist. If you plan a trip to Paris, it’s important to know how to dress up to blend in with the locals.
So, what to wear in Paris on vacation as a male tourist? How do you crack that strong Parisian sense of style during your stay in the world’s fashion capital?
Of course, various occasions require different dress codes. The time of the year is also important.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of Paris travel essentials for men for any season, whether you are in Paris for business or pleasure.
- Cotton T-shirt
- Button-down shirt
- A perfectly tailored suit jacket
- A pair of jeans
- A pair of chinos
- Leather pointed belt
- Black or brown shoes
- A pair of sneakers or loafers
- Sunglasses
- A cross bag or backpack
- Scarf
If you’d like to dress like a local, consider packing these essential items during your next trip to the City Of Light.
Stick with neutral colors like khaki, navy, white, and black. Chances are you’ll walk most of the time, so comfort is key.
What Men Should Wear In Paris in Each Season
Now that you have a list of the basic Paris travel essentials for men, let’s help you pack by the season.
Your suitcase essentials will vary depending on the time of the year you intend to visit Paris.
What Men Should Wear To Paris: Summer
Summers in Paris can be hot, especially around August.
Bring light and breathable fabrics, such as linen or cotton, if you visit in the summer. Nice T-shirts will help keep you more relaxed in the suffocating heat.
You might want to swap your pair of jeans for a pair of slim-fit chinos when packing for your summer trip to Paris.
You can dress down your chinos with a nice T-shirt and sneakers or up with a button-down and a pair of loafers.
What about accessories? Well, don’t be shy to pack various summer accessories.
Here’s a list of accessories to pack for your summer trip to Paris:
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Canvas tote bag
- Foldable umbrella
- Summer scarf
Can men wear shorts in Paris? While packing a pair is unnecessary, men can also wear shorts in Paris.
Make sure your knees are visible or slightly covered when standing up. Showing your thighs or legs is highly frowned upon in Paris.
What Men Should Wear To Paris: Winter
Don’t be fooled by the absence of snow; winter in the French capital is quite cold.
Temperatures range from 2°C to 10°C (35°F to 50°F), so be sure to pack some warm clothing if you are visiting Paris in the winter, including:
- A heavy coat
- Light sweater
- T-shirts
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Hat
Although it’s typically cold and crisp outside, it’s often warm and cozy indoors. The trick is wearing layers you can take off or put back on as you move indoors and outdoors.
For instance, you can wear a warm sweater with a shirt underneath and a long coat on top.
What Men Should Wear To Paris: Autumn
Autumn is one of the ideal times to visit Paris. The skies are mostly gray, but the yellow trees and falling leaves are a sight to behold.
Pack a few summer clothes for the beginning of autumn and some warmer attire for colder days as winter approaches.
In Paris, September can be warm and sunny, but October and November can get frosty.
Pack the following clothing items if you are visiting Paris in the summer:
- A pair of jeans
- Sweaters
- A wool coat
- Scarf
- Loafers
- A pair of gloves
With fewer visitors and cheaper flights, November is one of the best months to visit Paris.
However, you need to make sure that you pack the right clothing items and accessories to keep you warm and confident during your trip.
What Men Should Wear To Paris: Spring
Parisian springs are unpredictable. It is rainy and chilly and then gets warm and sunny on different days.
So, what clothing items and accessories should men pack when planning a spring vacation to Paris?
- Blazer, Trench coat, or Denim jacket
- Light sweater
- T-shirts
- Scarf
- Sneakers or loafers
- Umbrella
The capricious weather means layering is essential — hence the t-shirts, sweaters, and coat/jacket.
Ideally, the outer layer should be water-resistant and insulate during the chilly days. Evenings can get really cold, so be sure to bring a coat or jacket if you stay late.
Tips To Crack The Parisian Style
The Parisian man has a unique fashion style that male tourists struggle to crack.
What should male tourists wear in Paris to avoid being picked out as tourists?
Below are several tips to help you blend in with the local crowd.
Slim Fit
Parisian men wear perfectly tailored clothes. Their coats, shirts, and suits are tailored to perfection.
These outfits may seem slightly slimmer than you are accustomed to as an American male, but you must embrace a slim-fit look to fit in.
Neutral Colors
Locals in Paris (men and women) don’t like flashy colors. So, if you want to blend in with the Parisian crowd, you can’t go wrong with the neutral shades.
Go with black, white, gray, khaki, brown, and navy for all the clothes you plan to wear in Paris.
Less Is More
Parisian men don’t buy a lot of clothes. Most prefer fewer clothes of higher quality when it comes to everyday wear, the true definition of quality over quantity.
Therefore, as a male tourist, you should only pack a few quality outfits for your trip.
Shoes
Like with their clothing, Parisian men go for quality over quantity with their shoes. Buy a few quality pairs, and you are good to go.
Black and neutral brown leather pointed shoes are the most popular among Parisian men.
If you are doing a lot of walking, opt for stylish sneakers, loafers, or other casual footwear.
Accessorize
Feel free to experiment with accessories when visiting Paris. Items such as sunglasses, scarves, hats, backpacks, etc., help to complete the look.
You’ll need to be careful, though. The accessories aren’t meant for show-off, and most Parisian men don’t wear big accessories, logos, flashy watches, etc.
Layer Up
Parisian men love to layer up when the weather calls for it. If you vacation in Paris during summer or spring, don’t expect many opportunities to layer up.
In this case, a light sweater and shirt underneath will do the trick — as long as the layers are showing, which is the point.
Conclusion
Unlike the everyday American men’s style, Parisian men have an elegant sense of style. However, this does not mean you must break the bank when visiting Paris.
Go for timeless pieces and choose comfort over fashion. Ultimately, wear what flatters your body.
