I grew up in a traditional Catholic family, so I never wore shorts or flip flops to dinner, semi-formal gatherings, or God forbid to church. That kind of attire simply wasn’t part of my local culture in Veneto where I grew up in. Fast forward to 2025, and while fashion has evolved, especially with rising temperatures, Italy still holds on to certain unspoken style codes. If you’re traveling there in the summer, here’s what you need to know before you pack. Please note that some will argue these are baby boomer advise…which is true.
Yes, Bring Shorts and Flip Flops, But Choose Wisely
First things first: yes, you should absolutely bring shorts and flip flops. You’ll need them for the beach, hotel pool, or casual lounging and in the south of the country. But don’t rely completely on this as your outfit. Instead, pack a few versatile pieces so you can easily adjust to the local style and go to the more stylish places, and feel comfortable in a variety of settings.
Flip flops are fine by the water, but not ideal for walking around cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice where uneven streets is the norm. Besides being discouraged upon in dressier restaurants or churches, rubber flip flops are awful on cobblestones you may regret not bringing something more supportive.
So, What Do Italians Actually Wear?
Italians manage to stay cool and stylish, even in the heat. Their choices tend to favor light fabrics and dressier pieces over athletic wear.
For men, the most popular type of shorts are Bermuda shorts, comfortable, and versatile enough to be worn even at dinner when paired with a button-down or polo. Running shorts? Not so much unless you are by the beach.
For women, leggings are becoming more popular, especially among younger Italians, but they’re not nearly as common or culturally embedded as they are in the U.S., where yoga, pilates, and athleisure dominate everyday fashion. You’ll see more sundresses, wide-leg pants, linen sets, and polished casualwear in Italian cities.
And as for teenagers well, they wear whatever they like. Streetwear, sporty gear, oversized tees, crop tops, slides you name it. The rules for teens are far more relaxed, and they’ll fit right in no matter what they’re wearing.
Footwear: Style Meets Comfort
When it comes to shoes, Italians prioritize both comfort and design. You won’t see many sporty flip flops or “adventure sandals” like Chacos which are common in Florida, Colorado, or California but you will see:
- Espadrilles (especially on women—classic, breathable, and elegant)
- Flat sandals with arch support (Italian brands often offer more structure)
- Fashion sneakers (like Superga, Adidas, or Veja)
- Loafers and slip-ons for dressier moments
Brands I personally recommend:
- Geox – known for breathable comfort and walking support
- Tods – an investment, but elegant and timeless
Crocs are rarely seen, but Birkenstocks (the more refined styles) have gained popularity, especially with women.
Church Dress Codes Still Matter
If you plan to visit churches especially iconic ones like the Vatican, St. Mark’s Basilica, or the Duomo modesty is still expected. This usually means covering your shoulders and avoiding shorts and flip flops. While enforcement varies depending on heat and location, it’s safest to carry a light scarf or wear something that can pass for respectful.
Kids and Teens Get a Pass
Don’t stress about dressing your kids or teens to impress. My 8- and 11-year-olds wear running shoes and sporty shorts everywhere in Italy in the summer and they’ve never had an issue. Italians are very kid-friendly and generally more relaxed with children.
And as mentioned earlier, teenagers in Italy have full fashion freedom. No one bats an eye if they’re in joggers, hoodies, sneakers, or even crop tops. They tend to follow global trends, and you’ll see a lot of American and Korean street style influence among Italian teens.
Blend In and Enjoy the Local Vibe
While Italy welcomes travelers as they are, putting a little thought into what you wear can be a fun way to connect with the culture. Dressing slightly more “Italian” nothing formal, just thoughtful can sometimes even improve how you’re treated. Better service, warmer interactions, and feeling less like a tourist? It’s worth it.
Pro Travel Tip: Shop Like a Local
Want to level up your wardrobe while in Italy? If you’re near Venice, take a short taxi ride to the Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet. You’ll find major luxury brands—Loro Piana, Gucci, Prada, Bottega Veneta—at serious discounts. Great place to pick up a pair of stylish walking shoes or Italian Bermuda shorts.
If You’re Not Sure About the Dress Code… Just Ask
If you’re about to walk into a restaurant or church and aren’t sure if your outfit is appropriate, just ask:
“Siamo vestiti molto sportivi… ci sono problemi?”
(“We’re dressed very casually… is that a problem?”)
Polite, clear, and very appreciated.
Final Packing Tip
Bring your flip flops and shorts. But also pack:
- A pair of structured Bermuda shorts
- A breezy linen shirt
- A lightweight summer dress
- Supportive sandals (maybe a bit less fancy) or stylish sneakers
Being flexible with your wardrobe will let you move comfortably from beach to basilica, from aperitivo to outlet shopping all while feeling just a little bit more Italian.
A thank you to the digital community
This blog was shaped by a vibrant community of voices and students I teach Italian to. A huge thank you to the over 340,000 viewers on TikTok, and the 1,000+ commenters who reminded us that comfort and confidence matter most, and that being a tourist is about exploring, not dressing perfectly particularly when it is so hot and AC is not working.
Equally, a heartfelt thank you to the Reddit community, whose thoughtful contributions emphasized the importance of respecting Italian culture, especially when it comes to dressing slightly more polished in cities, churches, and local eateries. The truth lies somewhere in the middle: be yourself, be respectful, and enjoy Italy to the fullest. Italian will love you no matter what!