What to Wear & What Not to Wear During Vacation in Italy
I’ve spent multiple summers in Italy, and every time, I learn something new—not just about the culture or the food, but about how to dress smartly for the heat, the walking, and the rhythm of Italian life.
This past June, I found myself in Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast, and let me tell you—it was stunning, but also scorching. The kind of heat that clings to your back and makes every tight seam feel like a mistake.
And I saw it happen again and again—tourists wilting in the sun, adjusting their clothes, and clearly uncomfortable. So I made this guide to help you avoid those mistakes and enjoy your Italian summer in full comfort and confidence.
Flip-flops may feel breezy—but they’ll betray you in Italy.
I remember one morning in Florence, I saw a tourist trip and almost twist her ankle trying to walk down a cobbled alley in flimsy flip-flops. It reminded me why I never travel here without a good pair of supportive sandals. Not hiking gear—but something cushioned, breathable, and neutral enough to go from a morning coffee in a piazza to a sunset spritz by the Arno. White sneakers or nude-toned sandals are perfect.
Workout gear belongs in the gym—not on the streets of Rome.
One of my travelers showed up in leggings and a tank top thinking it would be perfect for the heat. By noon, she was drenched—and feeling out of place. Italians rarely wear activewear in public unless they’re exercising. I prefer to wear light linen trousers or easy cotton dresses—you’ll feel cooler, look polished, and you won’t stand out in a crowd.
Bare shoulders can block you from some of the most beautiful places.
On a hot afternoon in Rome, I saw a few visitors turned away from St. Peter’s Basilica for wearing sleeveless tops. They were heartbroken—and I don’t blame them. That’s why I always keep a light shawl or scarf in my day bag. It weighs nothing, and it’s saved me over and over again when I’ve wanted to step into a church or monastery during my wanderings.
Loud patterns and flashy logos make you stand out—in all the wrong ways.
I’ve noticed something after years of travel in Italy: locals wear soft, neutral colors—beige, white, olive, tan, and black—and they look effortlessly elegant, even in the heat. So while it might be tempting to pack bright summer outfits, I recommend simple, breathable pieces that help you blend in and avoid unnecessary attention. Trust me—Rome’s pickpockets know who to watch for.
A bulky backpack can be your worst travel companion.
In Naples last June, I watched someone get stopped at the entrance of a museum because their backpack was too big to bring inside. And in busy train stations, backpacks make it easier for someone to reach into your things without you noticing. I always travel with a compact crossbody bag with zippers, or a small anti-theft daypack that hugs my body and keeps my valuables safe.
Instagram-style outfits are cute—but not practical for real travel days.
One morning in Positano, I saw someone walking down the steep stairs in wedge heels, visibly in pain. Meanwhile, I was in my breathable cotton jumpsuit, sipping espresso without breaking a sweat. Yes, we all want those dreamy travel photos—but you can still look beautiful without sacrificing comfort. Think flowy, functional, and photogenic.
Less skin doesn’t mean more sweat—it actually means more comfort.
One thing I’ve learned? Loose clothes made from breathable fabrics are cooler than tight tank tops and short shorts. On especially hot days, I wear a linen shirt dress or wide-leg pants with a sleeveless blouse—and I always feel comfortable, even when exploring all day.
Final Thought from My June in Italy:
You don’t need a suitcase full of outfits to feel good in Italy—you just need the right ones. The kind that keep you cool, help you blend in, and let you feel like you belong.
Because in Italy, how you move and carry yourself matters just as much as what you wear.
And when you feel comfortable, confident, and free to explore, that’s when the real magic of travel happens.
Want my personal Italy packing checklist or a few photos of what I actually wore last June? Leave me a comment or send me a message—I’d love to share more
Let’s Connect + Travel Better Together
Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses of the highs, the lows, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Or visit travelwithmaysa.com to join one of my curated group experiences—where passion meets purpose, and you’re never just a number in a crowd.
I specialize in creating one-of-a-kind travel experiences through thoughtfully designed packages that promise memories to cherish for a lifetime.
