Bermuda shorts in ports

[treasure4two]

We are going on a cruise, stopping in ports from Barcelona to Rome, and other than when we are going on tours that go into religious buildings, are bermuda shorts acceptable? :confused: We do not offend any cultures and we need imput by those who are more traveled than us. Thanking you in advance for your answers. :D

[cb at sea]

I don't think shorts are appropriate, nor are bare shoulders....

[zoncom]

Europeans dress differently than us Americans. Dark clothing and shoes Few shorts even in summer. More covered up period. Found that out first time when saw some ladies pointing at me in my shorts, Hawaiian shirt and light color sandals.Got the message quickly. Yes, you will be denied church access.

[bishop84]

You should be alright in shorts except, as you pointed out, if you are going into any religious buildings where full length is protocol. A Hawaiian shirt will stand out depending on your age! Also recommend shoulders and probably upper arms be covered if going into a church regardless of gender.

Last year when entering the Vatican City they were not allowing short wearing tourists, of either gender, from entering the city area. They did have some horrendous looking over trousers/pants for sale for those who forgot.

[RuthC]

Think "modest". Covered knees, shoulders, and midriff are the order of the day when touring in Europe. Slacks or capris, tee shirt with short sleeves and long enough to go below the waist are best. That, or a sundress with short sleeves.

[jtl513]

In looking over my pictures of the east Med and Baltic, I see plenty of men in shorts, but few ladies. As others have said, it's best to have coverage below the knees, and sleeves at least halfway from shoulder to elbow.

A little strange, when you think about the fact that on their beaches they are far less modest than Americans.

[BirthdayGirl30]

Thanks for this post!!

I, too, am planning a trip wardrobe for this exact same cruise (Surprise, husband!!).

RuthC, you say sundresses with short sleeves are OK? How long should the skirt portion be? I could probably find some capris if dresses are really a no-go. Can I do a tank dress with a short sleeved, light-weight sweater on top?

[Steelydam]

The next question is

"Can We Wear The Robes From Our Cabin...In The Religous Areas"?

[diane.in.ny]

In general, I feel one should dress conservatively in Europe

[SusieKay]

We always try to dress like the locals and blend in when traveling in Europe, and that generally does not mean wearing shorts, for men or women. In fact, we don't even pack them when going there, whatever the season. Other than children, or tourists, we have noticed that few Europeans wear shorts-I would suggest a few pairs of capris or lightweight long pants in dark colors, then you won't have to worry about being dressed inappropriately.

[Essiesmom]

Knees must be covered. EM

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have traveled all over Europe -- via land tours and cruises.

Many days I wore bermuda shorts -- and sleeve less tops.

[gregdude]

For me the best thing to buy and wear while in Europe are convertible pants. Pants that convert to shorts with a zipper on each leg. This allows for cool air on the legs in the heat, but convert to acceptable full length pants while touring in religious institutions.

[Rutland Gate]

Having lived in Europe for many years I can tell you that "American Casual" marks you as a tourist to every pickpocket and purse snatcher in La Rambla in Barcelona, on the Tube in London, on the Champs in Paris and every other place. The locals find it demeaning - I can recall my corporate masters ordering "casual days" at work - not understanding that in Amsterdam if you got on your bicycle to go to work in blue jeans your neighbors would assume you had been fired! It doesn't work that way there, it works another way - and we are the foreigners.

[SusieKay]

If one wants to be labeled as an American tourist in Europe, be sure to wear your white shorts, T-shirts with writing on them, bare shoulders, bare midriffs, baseball caps, fanny packs, and white tennis shoes!! And don't forget to carry your guide book and camera around your neck!!! You will be a beacon for all the hustlers and gypsies in whatever area you are visiting, not to mention the scorn of the conservatively well dressed Europeans.

[room010]

I have to agree. If you don't want to draw attention to yourself as a tourist, and possibly risk offending local sensibilities, please respect local conventions and cover up. This applies not just in religious institutions (who can and do turn people away for being inapproriately dressed) but museums, restaurants, public buildings, etc. Just because you weren't challenged for wearing "skimpy" clothing doesn't mean you didn't cause offence. Europeans are not prudish at all - as any inspection of a beach will show :eek: - but when out and about people do cover up (and with great style I might add).

[RuthC]

RuthC, you say sundresses with short sleeves are OK? How long should the skirt portion be?
I think at least to the bend in the knee, or covering the kneecap is acceptable to the locals.
A tank dress, with a blouse or sweater over it, would be all right so long as it isn't tight or clingy. You wouldn't want something formfitting.

[GeriatricNurse]

I think at least to the bend in the knee, or covering the kneecap is acceptable to the locals.
A tank dress, with a blouse or sweater over it, would be all right so long as it isn't tight or clingy. You wouldn't want something formfitting.

Like a Speedo at the Lido (Pool), eh Ruth?:)

[BirthdayGirl30]

I think at least to the bend in the knee, or covering the kneecap is acceptable to the locals.
A tank dress, with a blouse or sweater over it, would be all right so long as it isn't tight or clingy. You wouldn't want something formfitting.

Thanks, RuthC! It's my first time in Europe, and I'm beyond excited. I was thinking something feminine, a-lined, maybe with a bold print. Nothing form-fitting or revealing, really. I've just lost a good bit of weight, and I am looking forward to feeling fabulous in the items I get to wear and buy. But, I certainly don't want to offend or stand out as a tourist.

[IRL_Joanie]

When we went to Spain many years ago, it was mandated at the entrance to all of the Cathedrals that women had to have some sort of covering on their heads.

It was not necessary ro have a hat, just a tiny scarf (small cocktail napkin sized unfolded). They sold these thin little scarves just outside the main entrances at every cathedral.

The strictest was in Seville, where even my then 6 month old daughter had to have a head covering.

Joanie

[treasure4two]

Thanks for all the responses. I always wear long pants, no matter how hot, but was thinking of my husband. I think I basically have my answer-shorts on the ship for breakfast and lunch but basically, no time else on the ship or on the tours-especially not white shorts(my husband would not wear white anyways!). Thanks again to all who took time to respond-except steelydan-since we have traveled on Oceania and Azamara in the Baltic Seas and Greece/Turkey, I was not asking such a stupid question as asking about wearing a bathrobe in a religious setting, I just wanted some other options from seasoned travelers-not sarcastic people. :p

[ikelmay]

The earlier suggestion of a pair of those convertible cargo pants for the guys was a great idea. Solves the problems of both covering up and surviving the muggy heat in some european cities.

[Randyk47]

Have to say that four years living in Germany I got over the shorts and white tennis shoe outfits quickly. We wear versions of that here in San Antonio and when we're cruising in the Carribean but already plan not to go that way on our Med cruise.

[room010]

If one wants to be labeled as an American tourist in Europe, be sure to wear your white shorts, T-shirts with writing on them, bare shoulders, bare midriffs, baseball caps, fanny packs, and white tennis shoes!! And don't forget to carry your guide book and camera around your neck!!! You will be a beacon for all the hustlers and gypsies in whatever area you are visiting, not to mention the scorn of the conservatively well dressed Europeans.

Not just in Europe. We were visiting Sydney last week for a concert at the Opera House and a party of 4 turned up dressed exactly like this. I think they may have been off the Volendam :o

[sjaak]

Wow! This is a strange thread!
I'm Dutch, living in Belgium and travelled through different European countries. Still am.

We DO wear shorts, tanktops, sleeveless dresses, skirts that just cover our butt, shirts that shows our midrif (not mine though :p), pants that show our thongs :eek:.

Only thing is, we can't wear our summerclothing as much as we want because of the weather!

And of course - in the southern countries like Spain or Italy - it's not permitted to go into a church when your arms are not covered (so bring a pashmina!) or your short is too short ;)

With a normal dress or skirt that ends +/- at the hight of your knees you will be allowed to enter the churches. Italian women are some of the most fashionable women on this world! Do you really think they wear a dress up to their ankles?? No way, that's for the granny's! Knee-length and combined with 4 inch highheels. O, and as tight as possible. You gotta show what you got :D

Of course not all countries are the same. More to the east, like Turkey, people are more conservative than for instance Dutch or Scandinavian people. And in the southern countries like France, Spain, Italy people mostly dress up for dinner.

I really wonder how you got this strange ideas about European clothing.

[treasure4two]

sjaak,

I started this thread and find the answers very interesting also. My guess is that even though Europeans where shorts, etc., we as Americans(or at least us) do not want to offend you all. I do not mind looking like a tourist-as that is what I am plus my husband is a professional photographer and carries one or two cameras with big lens- but I do not want to be to dressed improperly(too old and too proud for the short skirts!!). I knew the rules about religious places, but was thinking, with 80 degree temps in July-August in all the cities we are visiting, I wanted my husband to be comfortable, cool as possible, but appropriately dressed. Thanks for your imput!!

[room010]

I think you just have to think about where you will be going and be aware that turning up in full Tourist Garb may not always be appropriate. And there are genuine security issues - in busy tourist areas the local pickpockets, hustlers, con-men or even just persistant hawkers will lock onto obvious visiting tourists and drive you nuts! If you can blend in with the locals somewhat you might be left alone or at least you won't be targetted so quickly.

[fgrsk8r]

I completely understand the OP concern and agree with certain rules and dress codes for churches in the more southern or south eastern European countries. However I also agree with sjaak as to the strangeness of some responses and the label that Europe as a whole wouldn't wear shorts, short dresses etc. Being from Germany I can tell you that is also is not uncommon to see shorts (if they are decent ones) in churches - common sense is of course something one must use.
I've lived in the US now for 14 years and in the hot climate of the southwest of course both my husband and I couldn't live without our (nice) shorts (no - not white).

I also understand not trying to look like a tourist, but I find that ignoring the hasslers worked well for me in China (a place I stood out no matter what I wore being a caucasian woman with red hair). And sometimes we just can't completely avoid it as another poster mentioned - her husband being a professional photographer.

I appreciate all the comments as we all have different experiences and opinions but felt compelled to add my 5 cents as well ;-)

Thanks !!!