Looking Cool in the Heat: What to Wear in Italy this Summer - CIU Travel (2024)

FAQs

What to wear in Italy when its hot? ›

With lightweight fabrics like thin cotton, breathable model, or linen, a long dress with a spaghetti strap or t-shirt sleeve will keep you cooler than a pair of jean shorts and a polyester blouse. Dresses are also a great option for going from day to night without having to go back to your hotel room.

Even if summer in Italy is scorching hot, it's not uncommon to find men dressed in button-down shirts and well-fitted trousers. What is this? This doesn't mean that you won't be able to wear denim in summer in Italy. I am Italian and I wear denim all the time!

I looked at several websites and the overall consensus was that wearing shorts would make you stand out as a tourist because Italians do not wear shorts unless it is in the middle of the summer or they are going swimming. Also, apparently, some cathedrals will not let you enter wearing shorts.

Choose fabrics appropriate for the weather. (See suggested spring Italy packing list below.) Look for bright and light colors during this finicky season; when it's sunny, it's very warm. Jeans are a good choice or skirts in light fabrics.

The best ones to pack are those that come with a rubber sole and cushioning for walking. If you prefer to keep your feet covered, closed-toe sandals light summer sneakers are also a good choice; however, make sure they are truly breathable as the temperatures in Italy can be scorching!

Italy will be hot and it's best to pack lightweight fabrics, linens are great and flowy dresses. I always recommend some sort of jacket for the evenings. We will be on the lake where it will be cooler. A denim jacket is great for throwing over a dress at night.

Maxi dresses, maxi skirts and harem pants are my favourite types of clothes for Italy in summer. As well as fashionable (they are very popular with locals too!), they are safe to wear in churches and can work well for both day and evening occasions.

Italians can spot an American from a mile away; because, well, they are wearing flip-flops. And yes, this is a real thing, Italian's just don't wear flip-flops.

Wear flowy, breathable maxi dresses and skirts (they also protect your legs from the sun, they can be great!) Opt for light linen pants as a comfortable, lightweight and stylish alternative to shorts for the day. Carry a maxi skirt with an elastic band at the waist.

Do tourists wear shorts in Italy? ›

However where Italian wear shorts is normally reserved. You don't see many Italian wearing shorts to work or to a nice restaurant but at tourist attractions and sightseeing shorts are fine to wear. However there is a caveat. If you are going to churches in Italian or to the Vatican be aware there is a dress code.

Italians tend to wear basic blue jeans a lot less often than their counterparts elsewhere. It's not that women are always in dresses, and men in suits; it's that when they do throw on trousers, they're rarely basic jeans or khakis. Instead, pants come in a rainbow of colors. And yes, that's true for women and men.

Pile on the neutral colors

Meanwhile, the “no white after Labor Day” rule in Italy doesn't exist: Locals love winter white, especially for jeans and sweaters.

The etiquette for wearing jeans to a dinner party really depends on the party itself. If it's a casual get-together, then jeans are perfectly acceptable. However, if it's a more formal affair, it's probably best to stick to dressier pants or a skirt.

July is one of the hottest months of the year in Italy. You'll find high temperatures throughout the country, from northern Italy to southern Italy, from the mountains to the sea. Northern Italy is hot, but the mountains can still have cooler evenings and there are occasional afternoon rain showers.

To dress in Italy, opt for clothes with clean lines that fit you well, like button-down shirts for men and capri pants for women. Additionally, choose classy shoes such as boots or ballet flats, since Italians generally frown on wearing things like flip flops in public.

Layers are key: As with any flights, layers are particularly important on long flights. It's impossible to tell if the AC will be stalled while you sit on the runway, so start with a simple cotton shirt, and be sure to bring a more stylish cardigan or sweater to layer on top.

What items can I not bring into Italy? ›

Sneakers are fine also in Italy, but again, maybe not in a fancy restaurant. So consider taking also some nice pair of shoes with you.

You don't really need to bring this from home, of course — Italy does have toilet paper! — but it's a smart thing for ladies, particularly, to throw in their purses before leaving the hotel in the morning.

It's important to stay hydrated (and caffeinated) when you're traveling. Rather than spending your hard-earned Euros on bottled water, bring your own and refill it. Whether you go to Rome, Venice or Florence (or all three in this 9-day 7 Wonders of Italy trip) you'll find ample opportunity to keep your bottle full.

The basis of the female national costume is a pleated skirt (called "gonna"), a white embroidered shirt (camicia) and a corsage. The costume was complemented by a bright apron and a headscarf (fazzoletto). These are the main elements of a women's Italian costume, found in all regions of the country.

Most churches and sacred sites require modest dress.

Sure, Italians break out the va-va-voom when it's time to hit the club. In daily life, however, most tend to cover up and you should, too. Modest clothing covering shoulders, knees, and midriff is required to enter most major churches (think St.

Temperatures are much hotter during the day than at night, and there are long days in Italy in the summer. It is cooler in the Northern lake region, and it gets hotter the more South you go. It is too hot for most people unless visiting a coast, where you can cool off in water or with the ocean breeze.

Due to the cobblestone streets and walks, heels are not the most desirable shoes for exploring Italy. But if you're looking for something to dress up your look, a wedge-heel is suitable for nights out or more poised occasions.

When traveling in Italy, don't ever wear short skirts. Even if you see Italian models wearing them, it is not considered the norm.

In fact, most Italians take off their shoes and wear slippers or socks or nothing inside their house, but it is not a strict social rule. So, you may find someone who wears shoes in their own house, and many who do not.

Is July or August hotter in Italy? ›

Summers in Italy often get hotter in August, but July is plenty hot. And, not only that, but humidity is high throughout much of the country, too.

Summer (June – August) is peak season in Italy. Peak season, particularly the months of July and August (and even extending into the first two weeks of September), is generally considered a very busy and expensive time to visit Italy's cities and major tourist areas like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre.

North Italy Weather in July: Along with August, July is the hottest month of the year in Italy. Temperatures reach their maximum while rainfall and clouds are few and far between. The daily average temperature is 25°C, with the average high at 31°C.

24. Walk around shirtless or in your swimwear in any metropolitan area. This state of dress is strictly restricted to the beach or lido. This is especially true in Sorrento, where you could be fined up to €500 for breaching the dress code.

The slim, strappy design of the Birkenstock Yara is ideal for Italy as they can be dressed up for the evening along with wearing them all during the day.

The women wear colorful embroidered skirts and bodices over light-weight chemises or blouses, with elaborate hats decorated with flowers or fruit. Men's traditional clothing tends to be simpler, but doesn't lack from attention to detail, with embroidery and metal buttons and pins.

Can I wear leggings in Italy? Yes, you can. My cousins In Tuscany there wear them all the time. Italians are very fashionable, but they do wear things like jeans and Doc Martins.

Cardigan / light sweater: handy for the evening, hilltops and ventilated coastal areas at night, especially. Linen/cotton trousers/pants: very handy for when you need more formal attire: think gentlemen in higher-end restaurants etc. Polo shirts for men for nicer restaurants. Light summer pajama/ nightgown.

Skinny jeans are a popular style of jeans worn by women in Europe. They are tight-fitting and are often made from stretchy denim, making them comfortable to wear.

The use of washcloths seems to be an artifact of culture. If you rely on them, you may or may not find washcloths in Italy unless your hotel caters to Americans. Some seasoned travelers pack old ones (disposing of them after use) or do the same with an old cut up towel.

Do people wear skinny jeans in Italy? ›

Skinny jeans or capri trousers are stylish spring options for women. But remember, Italians tend to go high-end even with their denim - so keep 'em rip-free! Men should typically avoid anything they might wear to the beach, gym, or football game, and instead opt for stylish loose linens or fitted chinos.

While northern European would see grey and black as standard business attire, Italians consider all shades of blue, grey, sometimes brown or green as perfectly acceptable for business suits. And they use pale blue shirts often, where others would only consider white.

2: the "non - dress code": casual style

Smart casual is a style somewhere between formal and casual, so not jacket and tie, but still an outfit made up of sober and refined garments, always well matched. A jacket or blazer, a shirt with a mandarin collar for him, smart or skinny trousers, skirts and dresses for her.

You can sum up what footwear to wear in Rome during the fall in one word: boots. A pair of dark brown or black boots, either short or tall depending on your style, will blend in perfectly in Rome while also being comfortable. Just make sure you bring a pair that is already broken in and, as always in Rome, avoid heels!

If they do not want to see jeans, they need to add the disclaimer “no jeans” or set the dress code to Business Professional or Business Formal. If you continue to be uncertain if jeans will be accepted, the easiest solution is to wear khakis or dress trousers.

It is cooler in the Northern lake region, and it gets hotter the more South you go. It is too hot for most people unless visiting a coast, where you can cool off in water or with the ocean breeze. Rains are rare in the summer in Italy.

Don't even think about wearing jeans in Rome during the summer: it's simply too hot. If you're most comfortable in pants, opt for lighter fabrics. However, skirts are also a great option during the summer in Rome. Skirts like this and this are fashionable and easy to wear in the city.

In summer, Roman women tend to wear capri or linen pants, sundresses or skirts. Roman men wear linen pants, and some might wear long bermuda shorts. Nobody minds if the tourists wear shorts, because there are so many who do.

It is crucial to wear good walking shoes with good quality socks, or good walking sandals. Bringing shoes you have already broken in is essential, and don't worry about looking like a tourist - that's exactly what you are! As Rome in July is so hot, it can be tempting to wear light sandals or flip flops.

Jeans are very common in Rome and worn by people of almost any age. While there is no real cut off, they are most common in very young people and people up to fifty years of age or so. People above this age usually opt for different materials, as they give a more refined, classy look.

Can I wear leggings in Rome? ›

Leggins are comfortable to wear, but consider adding one or two pairs of pants to your Rome packing list. They are practical and will keep you warm, and once again with the right accessories they can look very smart!

If you're a sunseeker the best time to visit Italy is between June and September. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 24 C and an average low of 17 C.

Summer in Italy

Summer (June – August) is peak season in Italy.

And yes, this is a real thing, Italian's just don't wear flip-flops. While in Italy it is important to steer away from these types of shoes, especially if you will be in a big city like, Florence or Milan visiting churches or museums all day.

As long as you have insurance you have nothing to worry about. I always wear expensive watches abroad and take the same care and attention as I do at home. Also, Italians always wear their "best jewellery" as everyday jewellery so it's not as if you'll stick out.