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Wondering what to wear in Europe this Fall? You've come to the right place, whether you are a man or you're shopping or packing for your son/husband/travel buddy! Your favorite Europe travel expert will walk you through packing the perfect suitcase for fall in Europe.
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Packing for a Fall trip to Europe?
There's no better time than Fall to visit Europe (or "Autumn" as they and the Brits insist on calling it). More comfortable temperatures, smaller crowd sizes, less stressed employees and staff, and less expensive prices - if at all possible, it's a good idea to explore Europe in the Fall.
I've written extensively about what to wear in Europe. It's my favorite blogging topic and I've built an entire small business around it. Looking for women's packing tips and ended up in the wrong place? Check out {2025} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for 10 Days in Europe. It wasn't until this week that I finally decided to branch out and finally answer a user need that's been requested for years: what should men pack for a trip to Europe? Male readers (and their female travel/shopping partners) have won me over. So, I've called in the services of my husband and Europe traveler extraordinaire, Will, who helped me craft the perfect men's guide to packing for Europe in the Fall. I'm hoping to turn this into a series, where I'll share guides for men's Europe travel packing needs across all seasons, and expand into various cities. So drop into the comments below and let me know your burning men's travel packing needs! FAQ's: Men's Packing for Europe in FallWhat's the weather like in Europe in the Fall?
In a word: perfect. Little rain, lots of sun, moderate temperatures...what more could you ask for? Using Paris as an example, in October in the French capital, you can expect temperatures in the 60's, with an average of 8 days of rain per month (we had none during our most-recent trip).
How do men's Europe travel fashion considerations differ from women's?
Interestingly, while there is much less 'pressure' on men, as regards fashion, or likely because of this, restaurants on both sides of the 'pond' are more likely to impose dress codes on men, expecting women to follow, as appropriate. Depending on the level of formality of your trip, be sure to include non-sneaker shoes, non-denim pants, and potentially a sport coat (obviously on the higher end), as applies to your trip.
Can I do my laundry at European hotels?
It depends. Some European hotels will have laundry facilities, but it's not nearly as common as it is in big chain hotels in the United States. The hotels tend to be smaller and older, without a lot of the "extras" that we are used to. Unless you'll be traveling longer than a two-week trip, or living out of just a backpack, I would try my hardest to avoid having to do laundry during your vacation. Jeans and lightweight merino wool are the name of the game! You'll have plenty of time to deal with dirty laundry when your trip is over!
How do I find the best suitcase for my trip to Europe?
Finding luggage for a trip to Europe sounds hard, but it doesn't have to be! I've written extensively on this topic - check out the full guidance:
6+ Easy Tips: How to Find the Best Suitcase for your trip to Europe What should a man wear on my flight to Europe?
Your first chance to make smart Europe attire choices is picking your airplane outfit! I'd wear the heaviest shoes you'll be bringing (for Fall, this would likely be short boots), to avoid having to put them in your suitcase. I would pack your light jacket or coat in your bag, to avoid having to deal with it on the plane. I'd pack items you will need on the plane in a backpack or cabin bag as your "personal item," so that you can access it during the flight.
What should men NOT wear in Europe in the Fall?
{2025} Packing for Europe in Fall: A Guide for MenComfortable walking shoes for men
The most important items you'll bring with you to Europe are those comfortable shoes. You can expect to walk 20,000 steps/day in the pairs of shoes you bring, and I would be a negligent travel blogger if I let you get bogged down with blisters after day 1, or let you turn an ankle on winding, cobblestone streets.
The shoes you bring with you to Europe should:
FAQ: Can men wear sneakers in Europe?
Yes! European men (and women) wear sneakers when going about their day-to-day lives, just like Americans. That said, I would keep the sneakers neutrally-colored and relatively logo-free. Stick to slimmer silhouettes, and don't wear the shoes you wear to the gym. That said, if you are going to a nice restaurant, theater, or club (whether the late-night-dancing or private kind), be sure to bring a pair of non-sneaker shoes, as sneakers or "trainers" are often prohibited by dress codes at these types of establishments.
...so what shoes should men bring to Europe in the Fall?
I would bring 2-3 pairs of shoes with me to Europe:
Finding the right wallet for men to take to Europe
Carrying your essentials on a day-to-day basis is both harder and easier for men than women. Men have far less to carry around, but they also don't have anywhere great to put it, especially if you're concerned about pickpockets. And, not to be inflammatory, but even in the Fall, you should be mindful of pickpockets in major tourist locations in Europe (near the Eiffel Tower, outside the Colosseum, & really anywhere in Barcelona).
Carry as little with you as possible on a daily basis: a small amount of cash, credit cards/debit card, driver's license (leave your passport in the hotel safe), hotel keys). I'd bring the smallest wallet you have and keep it in your front pants pocket, or, even better, an interior pocket of a light jacket. FAQ: Do men need a money belt in Europe in the Fall?
Pickpockets are less active outside of the major tourist season (summer). That said, if you'd feel more comfortable - why not! My husband has a money belt and he has worn it on several of our trips. Would I wear it in Edinburgh? Probably not. Barcelona? Great idea.
FAQ: Should I buy a travel backpack for my trip to Europe?
The answer depends on the type of trip you're having. I find that most of my readers are taking the sort of trip I am (museums, historic tourism during the day, some pubs, a couple nice restaurants, maybe a show). For this type of trip, I'd say only bring a backpack for the flights. I wouldn't carry a backpack for day-to-day tourism. You'll have to check it in the cloakroom at a lot of museums, which is a hassle. Carry as little with you as possible.
FAQ: Should I bring a reusable water bottle with me to Europe?
You are certainly welcome to bring a reusable water bottle. Budget and environmentally friendly, you'll find plenty of spots to refill your bottle. That said, carrying a water bottle around all day, especially without a backpack, is a bit of a pain. We tend to just drink water when we grab a meal, or buy waters when we need to buy something to use a restroom at a cafe.
A light jacket for Fall in Europe
For everyday walking and touring in Europe in the Fall, a light jacket/Barbour coat is the name of the game. Think a windbreaker/light trench coat at most. I wouldn't wear a heavy sweater under it or you'll be too warm.
While the guidance I often see is to wear a leather jacket (undeniably cool), you'll want to have one waterproof jacket for your trip. Assuming you don't want to bring too many outer layers for a week-10 days trip, maybe skip the leather in favor of just a trench/Barbour/heavy windbreaker/lightweight rain jacket. FAQ Should I bring my winter coat to Europe in the Fall?
It's unlikely that you'll need a full, American winter coat in Europe in the Fall. It is simply unlikely that you'll encounter the kind of cold weather we often have here in the States at that time of year and a jacket should suffice.
Fall in Europe men's essential:
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