Jeans on-shore in Europe?

[samscruiser]

Is it acceptable to wear "nice" jeans (i.e. they fit, no holes, back of legs not walked off, no patches, etc) on shore in Europe? What about in churches, museums, etc?

I'm aware that the churches require shoulders covered, no men's shorts, modest dress length or pants for ladies, but I'm in the dark on jeans.

 

94 Fantasy - Bahamas

95 Fantasy - Bahamas

02 Inspiration - West Carrib

03 Sensation - Exotic West Carrib

04 Royal Princess - European Explorer

[klauer]

What time of year are you going? I went to the Mediterranean in July, and it was way too hot to even think of jeans!

[samscruiser]

We're going early-mid September. I had considered some of the zip-off leg pants, but DW told me I was too fluffy to wear that style.

 

94 Fantasy - Bahamas

95 Fantasy - Bahamas

02 Inspiration - West Carrib

03 Sensation - Exotic West Carrib

04 Royal Princess - European Explorer

[vivienne-j]

"Nice" jeans will be welcome anywhere - especially if worn with clean trainers (sneakers?) or deck/boat shoes (sorry - not sure if English = American here!), and a tidy (ie not a scruffy t-shirt. Jeans are pretty much universal wear in Europe, as in the US. Even in churches/museums they are acceptable. Probably wouldn't make it into the Casino at Monte Carlo, though!

 

Vivienne

 

27 July 04 - Princess Star - Mediterranean

[Mezzaluna]

Nice capris are fine too. For churches I keep a light shawl/scarf in my bag. It should not be too sheer; I saw women turned away at the Vatican for this, for cap sleeved tops, for knee-length capris. Best to wear a lovely summer skirt or slacks if you go to one of the major churches in Rome or the Vatican. They were a bit less strict in Florence, Venice and Milan.

 

On a related topic, I would recommend NOT wearing any clothing or accessories that explicitly say "USA". No American flag shirts, etc. I have a pair of New Balance shoes that say USA on the back heel- I would not wear them either. Sadly, this is not the time to be so overtly American.

 

Business travelers are being told to speak in a lower tone of voice on public transportation, public places and restaurants; use Sunday go-to-meeting manners; and be respectful of local customs no matter how unfamiliar and odd they seem. Many years ago when I first traveled to Europe as a teen, our teacher-leader reminded us that Europe is not a theme park, that we must remember to act as gracious guests. I have never forgotten that.

 

Bon Voyage! Buon Viaggio!

 

Stella Solaris '80

Carnival Celebration '92

RCCL Majesty of the Seas '01

Coral Princess '04

[CMurph]

I just returned from Europe, where we visited Barcelona, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. I saw jeans in all of these places. The above posters have good ideas. You shouldn't wear your patriotic T-Shirts, Hats, etc. Sad, but true. I found slacks & skirts to be more appropriate than shorts. Just to be safe, wear slacks rather than jeans on the days you visit the churches, I don't think it matters in the museums. Another sure sign that you are a tourist....white sneakers! If you can, wear dark sneakers or even sandals, be sure they are comfy because you'll do a lot of walking on hard surfaces, sometimes uneven. If you are staying with a large tour group, I don't think it matters quite so much how you are dressed....it will be obvious you are a tourist. But, we spent a lot of time our own - searching for restaurants off the beaten path, using public transportation, such as the Metro in Paris. Having said all that...you will see plenty of tourists (from all different countries) and in all manner of dress. I enjoyed my trip a bit more knowing that I wasn't sticking out like a sore thumb with the clothes I was wearing.

[ama-sam]

I always think you should dress in what you are comfortable in. Before our Med cruise last June, I kept reading about what would make us look like tourists - jeans, tennis shoes, certain styles/colors, etc. Finally, I chose comfort over being stylish - as I am a tourist and was going to look like one snapping pictures and gawking at sites anyway!

 

I would suggest that you watch the weather forcasts, if it looks like it will still be hot, I would not wear jeans.

 

DH was so grateful for his zip off pants (he just zipped the bottoms on to go into churches) when Europe was in the middle of a heat wave! Yes, I think they look a little silly , but he was happy and the envy of other men in our tour groups!

 

My parents take jeans with them to England, but they usually go in December, when they appreciate the extra warmth.

 

Enjoy your cruise....

Ally

 

Imagination....July 29, 2004

 

Brilliance of the Seas....June 2003

 

[new_cruiser]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by CMurph:

Another sure sign that you are a tourist....white sneakers! If you can, wear dark sneakers or even sandals, be sure they are comfy because you'll do a lot of walking on hard surfaces, sometimes uneven.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've heard this before, but I was in Vienna about a year ago and a lot of the locals were wearing white athletic shoes (aka sneakers or trainers). I doubt that it will be much different in Italy. That said, I'd rather not wear white shoes because they get dirty too easily. I'd rather wear my Rockports which are good comfortable walking shoes or, in hot weather, good walking sandals.

[new_cruiser]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by samscruiser:

We're going early-mid September. I had considered some of the zip-off leg pants, but DW told me I was too fluffy to wear that style.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If you can find them in your size, I don't think you are too fluffy. I haven't seen them in Women's sizes. Also, they are often in a fairly synthetic material and not everyone finds it comfortable. Depending on your shoes, you may have to take off your shoes to get the legs on and off.

 

When we went to Italy, I bought a "broomstick" skirt for use when visiting places that required more cover than shorts provide. Works fine for fluffy people. The material was a very thin cotton so it didn't take up much space or weight in my daypack. It had an elastic waist. Just slip it over the head or step into it and you are properly attired. When you leave pop it back into your bag and you are in shorts again.

[CMurph]

new_cruiser - I think you are right...the white sneaker thing depends on where you are visiting. My first trip to Europe started in Paris and that is where I really felt like I stood out. The shoes & the shorts screamed tourist. Now, I know some people say they don't care if they look like a tourist, because they ARE, but while in Paris I was approached many times by people trying to beg, another couple wanted me to "check out something around the corner", still another nice looking couple wanted me to purchase something for them and they would pay me back after....some ridiculous story. I dressed differently on my next trip and I didn't have the same experiences. That being said...my trip ended in Amsterdam and I could dress anyway I pleased and I felt right at home!!!

[pcur]

It's still really warm in the Mediterranean during September. Be prepared with some light weight pants, also, just in case there's a hot spell. You may be uncomfortable in jeans.

 

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[jnc411]

Have found that dark pants or slacks are as comfortable as jeans and usually very appropriate, but if you know you are going to churchs etc on a certain day and plain colored casual skirt (not a short mini type) is nice and very appropriate, as a previous poster stated a good idea to keep a light shawl and scarf in you bag if possible to cover bare shoulders and head for certain places as a matter of respect and good taste. As for the shoes, when traveling comfort is a must , how can you enjoy your trip if your feet are killing you.

Cori

[ger_77]

We just returned from Europe (Greece, Turkey, Malta, Monaco, Ukraine) and didn't see anyone in jeans, not one single person. Quite surprised, actually. As far as determining if you're a tourist, if you walk around with a camera, a coloured number tag on your shirt, and a guide holding a numbered flag, it isn't hard to figure that one out. The casual shoes we saw in Europe were mainly white Adidas and Reeboks - and there are lots of them for sale everywhere.

 

Personally I'd forgo the jeans because it's just too hot, you'd be better off with cotton slacks or capris and good walking sandals - either Reebok or Merrell are very comfortable, I speak from experience. Enjoy your time there!

 

Smooth Sailing!

[hajekfam]

We've done a transatlantic twice, spending a few days in Barcelona before each time. The only people I ever saw in jeans were Americans.

And a lot of the churches in Europe are conservative in dress - no sleeveless tops, no shorts or short skirts, and some women even put on head coverings.

[cruisinonmymind]

I agree, in Europe, most churches which are Orthodox, as I, frown on Jeans or pants nonetheless, on women. Sleeveless shirts also are frowned on. A short sleeve shirt and skirt are more appropriate, some of the ancient monestaries also, require women to wear dresses and a scarf/shawl over their hair.