The Ultimate Italian Packing Guide for Summer {2025}

1/21/2025

Wondering what to wear on your Italian vacation this summer? Your favorite Europe travel expert has rounded up all of her must-have items for Italy to have you looking perfect, feeling comfortable, and enjoying every second of your time in Italy. So come with me as we discuss what to wear in Italy in the summer.

Trevi Fountain, Rome. What to Wear in Italy in Summer.

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Wondering what to wear in Italy this summer?

View of Rome. What to Wear in Italy in Summer.

Stunning Rome, Italy (SPC)

Sipping an Aperol spritz overlooking the bustling Spanish Steps, strolling down meandering Roman streets and dropping into a seemingly-cozy-but-actually-breathtaking church, shopping for incredible leather in Florence, exploring a family-owned vineyard, eating ice cream in the shadow of the Duomo, watching the sunset over the Coliseum...a summer trip to Italy is just around the corner.

If you're lucky enough to be planning an Italian summer vacation, and you're wondering what to pack, you've come to the right place.

Doing my initial research, planning all of our tourism days so we don't miss a single thing, finding all the most authentic restaurants, and, of course deciding what I'm going to wear while I'm here, are all some unbeatable ways to prepare myself for a trip to Europe.

Packing for summer in Italy, while undoubtedly exciting, can be particularly challenging, as you will need to balance the desire for comfort during your travel to navigate the inevitable crowds (sorry!), against the reality of modesty dress codes and cultural norms, oh and the effortless style of those stunning Italian women.

For summer months in Italy, focus on lightweight fabrics, natural materials, neutral colors, and don't forget the comfortable walking shoes.

Here's my plan for our time together in this post: we'll walk through some FAQ's about dressing for Europe in general and Italy specifically in summer, then discuss rules to dress by, followed by some travel essentials and outfit ideas, and wrap up with my complete packing list for Italy in summer.

Sound like a plan? Let's do it! And while you're here, don't forget to check out my plethora of posts on Europe travel in general and exploring Italy specifically.

The Duomo, Florence. What to Wear in Italy in Summer.

The Duomo, Florence, Italy (SPC)

Packing for Summer in Italy:
Frequently Asked Questions

Duomo, Florence. What to Wear in Italy in Summer.

The Duomo, Florence, Italy (SPC)

Before we dive into the meat of what to wear in Italy this summer, I find that it's usually helpful in my packing posts to get a few Italy and Europe travel FAQ's out of the way first:

FAQ: What's the weather like in Italy in summer?

Assuming that, like most American tourists visiting Italy, you'll be spending the majority of your time in Rome and Florence, you can expect an average high in the high 80's, an with average lows in the high 60's. It's going to be hot, friends. Much hotter than anything you've likely experienced in typical European travels. And with and average of just *2-3 days of rain,* there aren't going to be many breaks from roasting in the Italian sun. It's not as humid as many parts of the middle and southern US, if that's any consolation.

If you'll be exploring southern Italy (Naples, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast), you can expect average temperatures even a few degrees warmers, regularly getting into the 90's.

Conversely, northern Italy (including Cinque Terre, Milan, etc.) will be more similar to what you'd expect in the rest of continental Europe, and slightly more temperate.

FAQ: Will I encounter dress codes in Italy?

Yes. It is almost certain that during your time exploring Italy this summer you will encounter at least one place, often churches and other affiliated religious sites, with a strict dress code. Religious buildings will often have posted dress codes requesting general modesty, including covered shoulders, no low necklines, and sometimes no short shorts.

In addition to an actual dress code, Italian culture, like almost every European country, is more traditional and formal than American culture. You may even see dress codes in high-end restaurants. Those usually rule out jeans (sometimes just distressed jeans), sneakers ("trainers"), and sweats, so be sure you have plenty of non-denim, non-logo attire, and proper shoes, if you'll be visiting a nice restaurant during your time in Italy.

FAQ: What's the best type of luggage for a trip to Italy?

The most important thing to remember when picking luggage for a trip to Italy is how incredibly tiny your European hotel room will likely be. For this reason, I always advocate the (increasingly hard to find) luggage wish a soft, zip top, not the doubly hard-sided luggage that opens up like a butterfly. This will save you a ton of floor space in your hotel and allow you to access your possessions more easily. Lately, I use Travelpro.

Want to know more about suitcases and picking a bag for your flight?
Check out Packing the Perfect Carry-On for a Flight to Europe

Italy (SPC)

What Not to Wear in Italy in Summer

Short shorts
Mini skirts
Crop tops, tank tops, tube tops, low-cut tops
Shirts with sayings or logos
Beach flip flops
The shoes you wear to workout
Bathing suits outside of the pool area/literal beach
Athletic wear

Venice, Summer. What to Wear in Italy in Summer.

Venice, Italy (SPC)

What to Wear in Italy This Summer

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy (SPC)

What to Wear in Italy This Summer:
Best Shoes for Summer in Italy

For exploring those charming cobblestone streets, and walking 20,000 steps a day in the Italian sun, picking the right pairs of shoes for your trip to Italy should be your #1 priority. Comfort is key.

And don't you dare think about packing a pair of shoes you've never worn before. Don't even think about it. You'll be doing a lot of walking (I always say walking is my main activity in Europe), and you don't want to miss a single Roman ruin because you had to stop and buy bandaids.

In general, I'd recommend a few pairs of shoes for your trip to Italy:

Sneakers
Ankle boots
Loafers or ballet flats
Sandals (NOT beach flip flops)

Leave the high heels at home, unless you're positive you'll actually wear them.

FAQ: Is it OK to wear sneakers or tennis shoes in Italy?

Yes! Sneakers are incredibly popular, and Italy is no exception. I would keep my sneakers clean, sleek, and low-profile. Unless you're much younger than my typical blog audience, I'd avoid the really oversized, 90's "dad sneakers," but other than that, feel free.

Be sure to bring non-sneakers if you'll be going out to a nice dinner. Some fancy restaurants have dress codes forbidding "trainers."

What to Wear in Italy This Summer:
Finding the Right Purse for Italy

Regardless of the season, a purse for Italy needs to have two qualities: it needs to be small/lightweight, and it needs to close fully. Let's discuss these characteristics individually.

First, the ideal purse for any trip to Europe is small, hands-free, and doesn't interfere with your tourism activities. A lot of travelers and travel advisors are constantly advocating 'travel backpacks.' I find that the people who come to my blog do not need these. They're for people traveling with many small children, 'backpacking' with all of their possessions, or staying in hostels. For most people I chat with, a small, usually crossbody bag is the way to go. If, for some reason, you feel compelled to carry a backpack - remember!! Most museums and large tourist attractions will require you to check the backpack in a storage locker or wear it on your front throughout your visit.

Second, no matter what bag you're carrying with you it must close fully to thwart pickpockets. There's honestly no greater pickpocket hotspot than Rome at the height of summer, aside from maybe the Trocadero under the Eiffel Tower at the same time. I wouldn't say you necessarily need any sort of device to thwart pickpockets. Just carry a purse that zips fully and keep an eye on your possessions. Don't talk to strangers. Seriously just keep walking.

For me, the perfect purse for Italy in summer is a leather crossbody. Classy, light, small, hands-free, and anti-pickpocket. If you want to bring a second purse, I'd recommend a small, easy clutch.

The Trevi Fountain, Rome. What to Wear in Italy in Summer.

The Trevi Fountain, Rome (SPC)

What to Wear in Italy This Summer:
Lightweight shirts

Now we move onto the actual clothes you'll want to pack for your trip to Italy. You'll want to include several lightweight shirts in your bag, in light colors - white v-neck t-shirts, a few button downs, and a blouse or two. Ii'd include at least one long sleeve shirt, either to prevent, or in case of sunburn.

Nothing screams 'summer in Italy' like linen shirts. If you're feeling classy and you're able to thwart wrinkles, go for it.

Leave the tank tops and sleeveless tops at home. If you simply must wear a sleeveless shirt, be sure to bring a cover-up if you even remotely think you'll want to visit any churches that day. One of the great joys of exploring Italy, and Rome in particular, is popping into churches you find on your travels. I'd hate for you to miss something because you were wearing a revealing top. And, of course, don't forget the sunscreen, if your shoulders and upper arms are going to be baking in the sun all day.

Venice. What to Wear in Italy in Summer.

Venice, Italy (SPC)

What to Wear in Italy This Summer: Pants and...shorts?

...can I wear shorts in Italy in the summer?

Ah we have arrived at the stickiest of topics in our what to wear in Italy this summer discussion: the right pants and shorts to pack for your trip to Italy. The reality is, it will be very hot. And crowded. And in those situations, Americans wear shorts. Often short shorts. (And really, Americans wear whatever we want at all times, so what I'm about to say next shouldn't come as too much of a surprise).

And the reality is, Italian women do not wear short shorts. They will wear skirts, dresses, and long shorts. So If you must wear shorts, keep 'em long. Longer than you want. And the shorter the short, the more coverage you'll want up top.

As far as pants, since it'll be hot, keep long pants options light with palazzo pants, linen pants, and cropped, ankle-length jeans.

FAQ: Can I wear leggings in Italy?

Yes, you...can wear leggings in Italy. Leggings have slowly been accepted, begrudgingly, as pants in Italy, just as anywhere else. That said, it will be far too hot in summer to be comfortable in leggings. If you want to wear leggings on the plane, reach for a longer shirt up top, as Europeans are less likely than Americans to wear athleisure or leggings as pants with a short shirt.

FAQ: Is it OK to wear jeans in Italy?

Yes! It is fine to wear jeans in Italy. Be sure to bring some non-denim, in case you want to go out to a nice restaurant or the theater. But Italians wear jeans. I would avoid heavily distressed or torn jeans, or cut-off jean shorts.

That said, it is very hot in Italy in the summer. If you're going to wear jeans, I would wear cropped, ankle-length jeans in a very lightweight fabric.

Positano. What to Wear in Italy in Summer.

Positano, Italy (SPC)

What to Wear in Italy This Summer:
Let's pack a hat

During the hottest hours of the day, chances are, you may want a hat while you're out and about visiting tourist destinations and having those late, leisurely, outdoor Italian lunches.

That said, while you're shopping for a hat for Italy, I would strongly recommend against selecting a baseball cap. Caps may be all the rage in the States (I frequently wear them myself as a SAHM), but women simply don't wear baseball caps in Europe like we do.

Opt for a fedora or straw hat, preferably a "packable" hat that will survive being packed in your suitcase and flying across the Atlantic Ocean.

FAQ: Should I pack a bathing suit for summer in Italy?

It depends. If you will be going to a resort with a pool, or spending time on Italy's beautiful beaches, then you should absolutely pack a bathing suit. It is up to you, you are certainly welcome to wear a two-piece suit, but I generally opt for a one-piece bathing suit. (I'm really excited for my Minnow swimsuit this summer, if you're in the market for one-piece swimsuits.) Be sure to include a cover-up, as Europeans tend to walk around in their bathing suits far less than Americans.

If you will be spending most of your time in the big cities full of tourist attractions, like Rome and Florence, it is extremely unlikely that your hotels will have pools. And if they do have pools, I doubt you'll want to be spending much time at an indoor hotel pool.

What to Wear in Italy This Summer:
Elegant summer dresses

You'll want to include at least one dress in your suitcase for your summer trip to Italy. If, like me, you're comfortable doing tourism days in a light, summer dress, then go for it and include a few different options. Feel free to wear white sneakers with that dress or add a light jacket or wrap for evening.

If you'll be visiting southern Italy or spending time by the water, include a flowy, maxi dress. I might advise again maxi dresses in major cities, as they're not ideal for a ton of walking, and they could drag on the ground at inopportune times.

FAQ: What do you wear to dinner in Italy?

If you're going out for a nice dinner in Italy in the summer, I'd wear a flowy, casual dress with nice sandals, and I'd probably bring a light wrap.

mangiamo (SPC)

FAQ: Do I need a light jacket for Italy in summer?

It is unlikely that you will experience significant, jacket-requiring rain during your time in Italy during the summer. Rome, for example, averages 2-3 days of precipitation in July.

There's no harm in including a light jacket in your suitcase, for the potential of precipitation, for evenings, or to layer (Europeans wear more layer than Americans), but if you don't have room in your suitcase, it's OK to pass on a jacket, as long as you have sufficient skin coverage to satisfy the occasional dress code.

What to Wear in Italy This Summer:
Don't forget a water bottle

As I think we've thoroughly driven home the point that it's going to be hot, hot, hot during your trip, I would recommend including an empty, reusable water bottle that seals in your suitcase or in your purse if you'd like it on the plane.

There are plenty of public fountains (they're actually quite charming and worth seeing, even if you don't bring your own bottle) around Rome to fill up your water bottle, and it'll save you time and money, if you have water with you and don't have to buy it. It's generally OK to bring a water bottle with you everywhere. Occasionally you may be asked to empty it or leave it at a front desk, so don't bring your $50 Stanley (they don't seal anyway).

{2025} Complete Italy Packing List for Summer

3 pairs of comfortable walking shoes (ankle boots, sneakers, loafers)
1 pair of sandals (NOT beach flip flops)
Leather, crossbody bag
1 neutral belt
4 short-sleeved shirts/nice blouses
3 dresses
1 pair of ankle-length, cropped jeans
1 pair of black pants/ joggers
1 pair of long shorts
1 sheer wrap or scarf
Optional: Bathing suit and cover-up
Optional: Small travel umbrella
Optional: Light rain jacket
Travel set for return flight
10 pairs of socks, underwear, etc.
Reusable water bottle
Travel-sized sunscreen
Toiletry bag
Medications
Travel documents
Small amount of converted cash
Chargers/converters/ear plugs

Thanks for stopping by!

The Roman Forum. What to Wear in Italy in July.

The Roman Forum (SPC)

I so, so, so appreciate you being here and checking out my recommendations as you plan your summer trip to Italy. I'm incredibly passionate about encouraging Americans to explore Europe, and I hope some of my enthusiasm has rubbed off on you. Of course, I also hope I've given you some ideas for what to wear in the Italian summer heat and to help you channel that chic, Italian style. Regardless of the time of year of your trip to Italy, I hope you'll check out all of my tips for planning and packing for a trip to Europe, not to mention plenty of tips for exploring Italy, specifically.

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