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Wondering what to wear on your trip to Italy? Hoping to fit in with that chic Italian style? Your favorite Europe travel guide has rounded up the 10 things you shouldn't wear in Italy, if you want to fit in.
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Wondering what NOT to wear in Italy?
Planning a trip to Italy? Lucky you! There's nothing I love more than enjoying an Aperol spritz overlooking the Pantheon. Have one for me!
That said, I find that many first-time visitors to Italy are both intrigued by and intimidated by Italian fashion. While there's no "Italian dress code," Italians dress both differently from Americans and, even more importantly, significantly differently than the stereotypes Americans have created. But never fear! With a few tips from me, there's no need to be worried. I'll have you packing the right items for your Italian adventure with a few easy tips & tricks (and, of course, you can buy a few things while you're there!) So let's dive right in! If you want to fit in during your time in Italy, what are the 10+ items you'll want to leave at home? Italy Travel Outfit Ideas {2025}
{2025} 10+ Surprising Items You Can't Wear in Italy
Short Shorts
Even in the hot summer months, tiny, revealing shorts are a NO in Italy. As I will mention many times throughout this article, religious sites in Italy frequently have relatively lenient requests for visitors to be dressed modestly. They will usually request no short shorts or tank tops. Additionally, tiny shorts:
Tube Tops & Tank Tops As I just mentioned, Italian culture (it is the birthplace of the Catholic Church, after all), while significantly more open-minded than American culture, in many ways, is still going to make you feel inappropriately dressed in sleeveless tops under certain circumstances. Bring light sweaters or a travel wrap, if you simply must forego sleeves, so that you can cover up if needed. Work-Out Sneakers While people in European countries certainly do wear sneakers in their day-to-day lives, I'd recommend steering clear of the sneakers you wear to actually work out (or, even worse, mow the grass). I'd recommend wearing sneakers that are:
Can I wear white tennis shoes in Italy? Yes! Europeans wear sneakers, though it used to be the saying that "big white sneakers" were the "mark of the American tourist," that is no longer the case. Plain, white sneakers are fine, as long as you follow the rules I described above. Beach Flip Flops On any trip to Italy, expect to do lots of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must for tourism days. Even in warmer weather, you will not find Europeans wearing cheap flip flops. If you simply must wear flip flops to the pool, that is fine (I'd wear sandals) in coastal towns. But for tourism and outdoor activities in Rome, Florence, etc, the best shoes for Italy are loafers, sneakers, booties, or supportive sandals. Full Athleisure While sneakers are OK, Europeans do not dress in full athletic wear while going about their daily activities like Americans. Sports bra, yoga pants, and a tiny jacket to go for brunch in major cities? No faux pas on my watch! Joggers that look like 'trousers' are OK, as are sneakers as described above. Other than that, stick to the 'normal clothes.'
Neon Colors
Similarly, bright colors are ok, but neon colors are tons of logos are sure to draw attention. Europeans tend to dress in more neutral colors. And if you are wearing "normal clothes" rather than "athleisure," that shouldn't be a problem. Full Gucci Europeans don't wear logos to the same extent as Americans. Showing up in Rome in head-to-toe Gucci is no classier than walking up the Champs-Elysées in full Louis Vuitton. Want to fit in? Keep your clothing neutral and slightly dressier than you might wear as a tourist in the US. Better yet, but something during your visit. A Baseball Cap Italian women do not wear logo-emblazoned baseball caps to the same extent as American women (not shaming - I wear them too!). Worried about getting a burn in that hot Italian sun? Opt for fedoras or wide-brimmed hats Bathing Suits (outside the pool) If you'll be staying at a resort or hotel with a beach/pool, bring a cover-up. Ironically, while you're much more likely to find a nude or topless beach in Europe than in the US, Europeans generally show less skin than we do, even in Southern Italy. While you're obviously very welcome to soak up the sun and work on your tan, don't expect to run around the hotel lobby or restaurants without a little coverage, the same way you would at a high-end American hotel (many of which have dress codes). 
{2025} The Ultimate Italy Packing List
{2025} Italy Travel Essentials
Thanks for Stopping By!
I hope you have as wonderful a trip to Italy as I know you will! Avoiding a few simple pitfalls will help you fit right in during your time in Italy. And, while you're here, I hope you'll take a few minutes to explore the many free resources I've created to help Americans plan their trips to Europe!
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