Is it OK to wear yoga pants and leggings while touring? - Italy Forum (2024)

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Destination Expert

I suppose it's okay but pants would be a better option. Yoga pants are really for the gym and not meant for touring.

Donna

It's fine, though it will make you more even more readily identifiable as a non-local than you already are so just make sure you have your wits about you while walking about. As much as I love yoga pants, I like to at least somewhat look the part of a local so I usually wear jeans and flats. I feel weird entering a church in yoga pants, ya know? I do wear leggings while out and about on occasion (if it's too hot for jeans -- I hate wearing skirts and shorts), but I wear them with a proper top and not a yoga top to look more appropriate.

Edited: 6 years ago

unless you're really concerned about looking like a tourist, my view is generally to just wear what you're comfortable in! You'll enjoy your holiday much less if you're wearing clothing that makes you uncomfortable (or at least I would!).

I sometimes wear leggings and yoga pants in Italy and noone has kicked me out yet!

As long as you're decent you won't be turned away from sites etc.

Destination Expert

I am a retired teacher (thus a dress code) and have been globally travelling since 1992. Would I do this (wear yoga pants)? Like heck, NO! I always use business casual has my ground rules. We were recently in Florence and this young lady was stopped from entering the San Miniato al Monte by the entrance guard with her short shorts. I can understand this.

I agree that wearing such clothing and the hated flip flops makes you stand out as an American. Be realistic and try look like a person that respects that traditions of the country you are visiting. Business casual is never wrong no matter where you travel along with sensible shoes that can handle to the cobbled streets. Yes, it might be different IF you were visiting a seaside resort BUT you are not.

Yoga pants are not street wear; they are gym & house-wear. While lots of Americans walk around in skin-tight black exercise leggings back home, when traveling to another country it is much better to wear pants. If you have a skirt over the leggings then that's fine, in my opinion. It's when nothing else is worn with yoga pants when it's inconsiderate. Italians love to wear clothes and I'm sure they appreciate it when tourists make an effort.

Why do they call them yoga pants? Because it's for yoga and not visiting a church.

I am sorry but I think that the wear of yoga pants has really gone too far and in many cases should not be worn as they don't leave much to the imagination.

Dress conservatively. I remember that things like jeans used to identify us as tourists as only north American wore them (many years ago) and now are very acceptable around the world. Maybe some day yoga pants might be but really I hope not, what is next your pijamas?

Personally I cringe when I see people wear leggings as pants at home, leggings are not pants. so it's not a "travel" thing so much as a "i don't think they should be worn outside my loungeroom" thing. I would assume Italians are similar to Americans or Aussies in that some people won't care and some will roll their eyes or cringe. If it doesn't bother you at home I don't think you have to change for Italy. Be respectful if going to churches and be aware that some places have dress codes. Other than that you probably won't have an issue.

Destination Expert

The OP is not wearing leggings as pants - she is wearing a long shirt over the top. I don't see a problem with that except that it might be a bit hot for yoga pants/leggings. September has some very hot days.

If you mean leggings with a nice and long sweater over it (or seasonal equivalent) with nice boots or ballet flats, that should be ok. If you mean leggings/yoga pants with flips flops or sneakers or anything remotely like an outfit you'd wear to the gym: the answer is absolutely not.

I didn't mean yoga pants with sneakers or flip flops like I'm going to the gym. But leggings with long tops and flats. Maybe I would do better with skirts? I just don't like to wear jeans or pants with zippers and button, I'm too uncomfortable.