Are you in a panic deciding what to wear in Italy? Stop worrying. You are in the right place! I am Italian, and I will share my tips on what to wear in Italy as a tourist and what to put in the perfect Italy packing list.
Italy is known worldwide as one of the most fashionable countries. The city of Milan is among the top five fashion capitals, and many top designers, including Valentino, Versace, Prada, Armani, and Dolce and Gabbana, have roots in Italy.
While it’s true that you’ll see many people walking the streets of Italy dressed in their best at all hours of the day, that doesn’t mean it’s compulsory for tourists!
In fact, if you look closely, you’ll see that as much as Italians like to look good, they also like to be comfortable. That’s definitely true for me. As very informal people, we don’t put much thought into what others are wearing (well, at least, most of us don’t). And besides, there’s no reason why you can’t look stylish and be comfortable at the same time, right?!
Being comfortable is particularly important during those times when you intend to be out exploring for the whole day. Casual dress is perfectly fine anywhere in Italy, including the cities. You’ll be doing a lot of walking in weather that can, at times, get very hot and humid.
You will see that there are hills and stairs to climb. And lots of cobbled streets where wearing heels is a big no-no. Trust me, you’re going to want to dress accordingly!
The only time formal attire is required is when dining in certain restaurants, such as Michelin-starred Ones—and even then, while a policy for formal wear is stated on the site, most of the time, nobody cares (as long as you pay the check!). Indeed, even in these circumstances, smart casual is accepted in most places.
Make sure to read my posts, The Best Places To Visit In Italy and A Fabulous Italy Itinerary, for more inspiration about your upcoming Italy travels. Your exact itinerary might also influence your Italy packing list, so it’s good to have that planned first.
Things To Consider When Planning Your Italy Packing List
When planning your Italy packing list, consider these important things to prevent you from overpacking unnecessary items or forgetting important ones. Here are a few questions you’ll have to ask yourself.
What season will you be traveling?
The most important thing to consider when packing for Italy is the season you’ll visit. Many people are under the impression that southern Italy is always hot and sunny, but that isn’t the case. The country—including the South—does have seasons with sweltering hot summers and sometimes very cold winters.
What are you looking to do while in Italy?
The next most important thing to consider when you decide what to pack for Italy is the kind of trip you’re taking. Are you planning a beach holiday in Sardinia, a city escape, or a hiking adventure in the Dolomites? Just remember that in cities where you’ll likely be visiting churches, you’ll need to cover up, so keep that in mind when packing!
How will you be moving around?
Another thing to consider when packing for Italy is how you’ll be getting around while touring the country. Are you planning on renting a car in Italy or taking public transportation to and from your destinations? You don’t want to be carrying a heavy suitcase on and off buses and trains.
What’s your budget?
Your budget is another important factor to consider when planning your Italy packing list. These days, the fees to check baggage can be quite high, so if you wish to save some money, you’ll likely only be taking a carry-on.
Packing only a carry-on bag requires skill. Less is better, so you don’t exceed the weight and size restrictions, and you’ll also need to think about items that are not allowed in the airplane cabin.
Packing lightly means you might not be able to take as much as you would like, so you need to pick your items carefully! If you’re checking some luggage, you can bring more stuff.
An easy way to pack less is to plan outfits instead of just taking individual items to be mixed and matched when you arrive. If you just pack items you like without any planning, you’ll find that nothing matches or you didn’t take enough clothes!
Match whatever you intend to bring, but take it a step further by strategically planning each outfit to match with items from the other outfits so you can create new ones on the go. Planning this way will save you space and time and also the hassle of deciding what to wear every day.
Make sure to read my post, How To Pack Light, to learn about the art of packing and how to make the most of your space.
You should also read my posts, What To Do And What To Avoid When Planning A Trip To Italy and The Best Italy Travel Tips, for expert advice about your trip to Italy.
Finally, here’s what to wear in Italy, in any season.
What To Wear In Italy
What to wear in Italy in Spring/Fall
If you’ll be traveling to Italy during Spring or Fall, you’ll face a mixed bag of weather, so it’s all about layers! During early spring or late fall, you could experience very cold weather, but not always. In late spring and early fall, you might experience very hot temperatures, but not always. Wondering what to wear in Italy in March? Here are some items you will want to have.
A waterproof/rain jacket
One thing that’s definite about spring and fall weather in Italy is that you will experience some rain. My sister and I traveled to the Cinque Terre at the end of April, and sure enough, it rained a lot! Make sure to take a waterproof rain jacket for those days that are especially rainy!
My favorite brand for this kind of item is Black Diamond. They make all sorts of rain and windproof jackets, and some are actually quite dressy, so if you pick the right accessories, they are nice to wear on a night out, too.
I really like Black Diamond Rain Jacket for spring/fall. It’s a little thicker but stylish with a little cinch around the waste. It’s also versatile and perfect for intense trail walking and hiking.
Jeans/comfortable pants
Jeans are very versatile. They match almost anything, can be worn almost anywhere, and can be easily dressed up.
Likewise, for a comfortable pair of pants. I have several pairs of jeans in various colors, but my favorite is a pair of skinny ones by Kuhl. They have all sorts of jeans and pants in terms of style and color, so you’ll definitely find something that suits you.
If you aren’t a jeans person, I also really like Kuhl’s soft, woven pants. These ones are a little more versatile as they allow for a lot of movement. But they are exceptionally soft and comfortable, which is nice when traveling.
One or two pairs of leggings
Leggings are also very versatile. They’re comfortable and easily matched with many items. You can dress them up with the right pair of shoes and accessories, and they can also be used as pajamas.
It’s hard to find good-quality leggings sometimes. You obviously don’t want them to be see-through, scratchy, or rough. And you want them to last. Again, I really like Kuhl clothing, specifically their leggings.
Long sleeve t-shirts
Long-sleeved T-shirts are very important this time of year. It will be warm, but not quite so warm that you will want to go around in a T-shirt. The best are usually cotton tees, as they are super perspiring and usually cozy and comfortable.
One or two short sleeves T-shirt
Depending on when you travel in the spring, you’ll also want to pack one or two short-sleeved T-shirts for those days when the temperatures are higher. When I went to Florence and Bologna in May, it was way hotter than I had anticipated, and I was certainly glad to have brought some short-sleeve T-shirts.
I have a bunch by Kuhl. They have some great designs and prints, and the same T-shirt can go from casual to dressy, depending on what you wear it with.
For example, the Kuhl Hadley short-sleeve button-up shirt comes in a variety of colors that’ll match everything. But if you want something even more casual and versatile, the Kuhl Waves Tee is a cute choice, as well.
A couple of lighter sweaters
A couple of lighter sweaters are definitely recommended for cool days. On colder days, you can layer them up with a light jacket, and you will be comfortable and cozy.
My favorite light sweater is Kuhl’s Bandita Pullover. It’s a perfect match for jeans, and you can easily layer it with long-sleeve shirts underneath or a bigger jacket on top.
A warm sweater
It can be quite cold at the end of the fall and in spring, so make sure to pack at least one warm sweater. It’s the perfect item to wear under a jacket if it’s a bit colder or on its own, too.
For something a little warmer, I like Kuhl’s Helena Cable Sweater. It comes in several colors and is another great option for layering and versatility.
A nice dress for the evening
Make sure to include one nice dress for going out in the evening. For men, a nice pair of pants and a nice shirt are fine for dining out in Italy.
This is especially important if you plan on going to a fancier restaurant—some will have a dress code. A nice little black dress paired with some ballerina flats can look great with the right accessories and hair-do!
What to wear in Italy in Summer
If you’re traveling in the summer, you might be wondering what to wear in Italy in May or what to wear in Italy in June. Summertime in Italy gets very hot, so you won’t need heavy sweaters! Here’s a selection of what to wear during the summer months.
Light pants
I see some women do that, but trust me: jeans are not what to wear in Italy during summer. It’s simply too hot for them. On the other hand, light cotton or linen pants will keep you cool and protect you from the sun and even from the awful mosquitoes that are found in many Italian cities—including Rome.
Stick to neutral colors, and you can mix and match to create an infinite number of outfits. Check out Kuhl’s website, as they have a great range of comfortable yet stylish pants.
Cotton T-shirts and tank tops
A nice selection of cotton t-shirts and tank tops in varying colors and styles will go a long way during your trip.
A couple of pairs of shorts
Despite what people think, we don’t frown upon shorts and tank tops here in Italy—I certainly don’t, and in fact, I wear them too. These are perfectly fine to wear anywhere in the country except when visiting churches.
Pack a couple of pairs of shorts that can be easily matched with these shirts, and you’ll have more than enough outfits to get through the hot summer days.
I really like Kuhl’s Freeflex Short option. It comes in several colors, has breathable fabric, and has a great overall design. It is also versatile, so you can wear it for a day sightseeing in the city or even while out hiking.
A sundress or a maxi-dress
If you think you’ll be visiting churches or you just want to wear something that’ll keep you cool and comfortable, a maxi dress is the perfect item to have in your luggage. Wear it with a nice pair of sandals, and you’ll look amazing.
A sundress is great for wearing to the beach or lounging in casual bars, cafés, or restaurants.
Believe it or not, REI has some great dress options. They’re known to be a top supplier of athletic clothing and supplies, but they also have a handful of quality, comfortable sundresses.
A nicer dress for the evening
For evenings when you’ll be dining out or hitting the cocktail bars, a nicer dress for women, nice linen or cotton pants, and a nice shirt for men are must-have items.
A light cardi
Some evenings may get a little cool (that’s definitely the case in Sardinia when mistral winds blow), so a light cardi is great to have. Just make sure to pick one in a neutral color so that it’s easy to match with the rest of our outfits.
I really like Kuhl’s Brynn Cardigan Sweater. It’s a button-up, so you can wear it closed as a nice sweater or unbutton it to wear as a cardigan. It’s a little warm for summer, but that’s nice because it can be useful in other seasons, too!
A light rain jacket
The chances of rain in Italy during the summer months are very slim unless you go to the Alps, where it actually rains on an almost regular basis, even in the summer. For those occasions, you should pack a light rain jacket.
A swimsuit or two
If you’re visiting Italy during the summer, you’ll likely be hitting the beach at some point. How can you possibly resist those sparkling, clear, blue waters?
Even if you don’t plan on spending a lot of time at the beach, be sure to pack one or two bikinis or swimsuits and a sunhat. There’s nothing worse than seeing that beautiful Mediterranean Sea on a hot day and realizing you don’t have a swimsuit so you can jump into those refreshing waters to cool off!
What to wear in Italy in winter
Winter in Italy means lots of rain, humidity, and cold temperatures—that’s certainly the case for northern Italy and night-time temperatures, whereas central and southern Italy are a bit milder (though it’s still going to feel like winter). You’ll need to pack a little more than you would in other seasons.
A winter jacket
Make sure you pack a winter jacket for your winter trip to Italy; best if it’s also waterproof, in case it rains. Snow is not common in big cities like Rome or Milan, but it can happen in other places. You will need a jacket that’s thick enough to keep you warm while you are out and about exploring.
Depending on where you are coming from, you can wear the jacket directly on the plane so it won’t take up space in the suitcase. In terms of what to pick, I swear by Kuhl Ukon Down Parka: it will keep you warm even on colder days, and it looks really pretty!
Thermal shirts/pants
If you tend to get cold, make sure to pack a thermal shirt and pants. You won’t need them in the south of Italy, but cities like Florence, Bologna, or Venice can get terribly cold and humid, and sure enough, you will want something that keeps you warm throughout the day. Kuhl has some top-quality thermal shirts and pants that you can easily layer.
A pair of jeans
Jeans are a good item to add to your Italy packing list. Pick a pair that is comfortable, cozy, and versatile—some even allow you to wear thermal underwear as a base layer on colder days.
One or two pairs of pants
Actual pants that are not jeans can be a nice addition. You can wear them when visiting museums or dining out. I am a fan of Freeflex Roll-Up Pants from Kuhl if you want comfort and style. There’s no question that they make super cozy pants!
Long-sleeve shirts
Remember to pack a couple of long-sleeve shirts. Kuhl makes super cozy flannel shirts that are perfect for colder days.
Thick sweaters
One or two thick sweaters are a must, too. I am a fan of super-colorful sweaters, but you can also go with something in neutral colors, such as Kuhl’s Sienna, which can be easily paired with a nice pair of pants.
A beanie/hat, scarf, and gloves
You won’t really need a hat and a scarf if you are traveling to southern Italy, but some parts of the country get so cold that these will be a lifesaver! I recommend sticking to neutral colors for ease of matching with all your outfits.
Other Items For Your Italy Packing List
Once you have your clothes picked out for your trip, there are some other important items you’ll need to consider.
Footwear in all seasons
No matter what season you travel to Italy in, the single most important thing you can pack is comfortable shoes. A good pair of flat walking shoes or sneakers is what you should wear in Italy any time of year.
For comfortable walking shoes, I recommend Saucony Jazz Sneakers. They are very simple but reliable and good for long distances in Italian cities.
Ankle boots are great for the fall as long as they are comfortable for walking long distances. In winter, the best pair of shoes you can have on hand are waterproof boots.
In summer, you may need to pack a couple of pairs of shoes. A pair of sandals are great for the beach or lounging during the day as long as they are also comfortable for walking. For the evening, a pair of dressier sandals or ballet flats, which are really small, is just fine. I personally love espadrilles like Pays because they are comfortable and versatile.
For summer and warmer weather, I absolutely love Teva’s Original Universal Sandal. They have straps and slightly more support than traditional flip-flops, but they’re still really easy to get on and off.
REI also has a good mix of quality shoes, boots, and sandals perfect for traveling.
Bags and purses
Another important item to pack is a larger but easy-to-carry bag or day pack that you can use to carry your phone, wallet, and other necessities during the day. A smaller purse is great for the evening.
Best luggage for Italy
If you’re taking a short trip or a budget trip, a nice carry-on suitcase such as the Level8 one or a cabin zero is the best luggage to hold your belongings while in transit.
For longer trips, you should take a good, sturdy suitcase with wheels that you can move around in easily. Packing cubes make it easy to store items in compartments so they are easy to locate later.
Toiletry bag
A toiletry bag is important to keep everything you’ll need for personal grooming in one place rather than fumbling around in a messy suitcase. Pick something waterproof so it won’t matter if you drop water on it.
Power bank
A power bank is necessary for electronics. You never know when your phone might run out of juice and you need to charge it on the go. Outlets can be hard to come by, so a power bank is a great thing to have.
Plug adapter
Italy doesn’t use the same wall outlets and plugs as the ones in the United Kingdom and the United States, so a plug adapter allows you to use your chargers. Most places have hair dryers, so don’t bother bringing yours from home.
Water bottle
A water bottle is necessary to have with you at all times, even if it’s cold out. You’ll be walking a lot, and it’s easy to get dehydrated, especially on warmer days. The water in Italy is safe to drink, so you can refill your bottle as you go because there are fountains everywhere.
Hand sanitizer
Even when a pandemic isn’t raging, hand sanitizer is always important to have when traveling. Your hands come in contact with many things, like handrailings and doorknobs. The last thing you want is to catch a cold or another virus while traveling!
Sunglasses
Bring sunglasses. Regardless of the season, the sun can be pretty strong in Italy, and it will help protect your eyes.
Sunscreen
Finally, you will need sunscreen all year round. Well, maybe you won’t need sunscreen much in the winter, but that sun can be bright and damaging to the eyes any time of year, so be sure to have a pair to wear when you’re out exploring during the day!
Conclusions On What to Wear In Italy
Yes, Italians seem to have a higher sense of fashion than people living on the other side of the Atlantic, but contrary to popular belief, no one is going around wearing business suits all day long just for the fun of it.
Practicality is of great importance for us in Italy, and the truth is, we don’t really care what other people are wearing, and no one will judge you for what you wear!
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