For a church visit in Southern Europe you cover your shoulders and your knees. This applies in many churches in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece, and at major sights it is checked at the door. Choose lightweight trousers or a skirt that falls below the knee and a top with (short) sleeves. That way you do not have to change your outfit if you spontaneously walk into a church.
The rules in brief
The exact rules differ per church, but the general idea is the same everywhere. With covered shoulders and knees you meet the dress code in most places.
- Shoulders covered. No spaghetti straps or sleeveless tops. Short sleeves are usually enough.
- Knees covered. No shorts or short skirts, for both women and men.
- No deep necklines. A neat neckline or a collar is always fine.
- Hats off. Men take off their cap or hat when entering.
- Understated. Leave clothing with texts or images that could be seen as disrespectful at home.
In some well-known churches and monasteries this is strictly enforced, and without suitable clothing you will not be admitted. Sometimes you can get or buy a cloth on the spot, but it is better not to count on that.
Staying cool with covered shoulders and knees
The tricky part is that churches are often on the programme at the hottest time of day. With the right fabrics and cuts you can still stay comfortable. Choose wide or straight legs instead of tight trousers: air can then circulate. Cotton, linen and lyocell feel cooler than dense synthetic fabrics. Light colours absorb less heat from the sun, which helps when you walk across open squares between the sights.
Outfits for women
The trouser look. The Florence flared ankle-length trousers in white are airy and fall wide, so they feel cooler than you would expect. Combine them with the Helena tailored blouse with short sleeves in light blue. The short sleeve covers your shoulders, the tailored cut looks polished and the cotton in the fabric feels pleasant in warm weather. At a café afterwards you are immediately well dressed.
The skirt look. The Rosa elegant knee-length skirt in white falls right around the knee. Do note: at strict churches the knee sometimes has to be fully covered, even when you sit. In that case take a light scarf that you can lay over your knees, or choose the trousers that day. Combine the skirt with the same blouse or with a top with short sleeves.
You will find more airy blouses in the blouses for women collection.
Outfits for men
For men the biggest pitfall is the pair of shorts. Lightweight trousers are the solution, and they look better on holiday too. The Winston light high-waist trousers in cream are designed for warm weather and suit both a shirt and a polo.
On top, the Hamilton shirt with Italian collar in light blue works well, in 100% cotton. Roll the sleeves up twice for a relaxed look and leave the top button open. If you prefer a polo, choose the Julian knitted polo with quarter zip in cool grey, knitted from cotton with silk and a little linen. It has a rich look and feels light to wear. You will find more options in the shirts for men.
Plan smartly: how to approach a church day
- Check beforehand. Look on the website of the church or sight for the dress code and opening hours.
- Dress for the strictest stop. If you have both a beach and a cathedral on the programme that day, wear the cathedral outfit and bring your beach things.
- Bring a scarf or light cardigan. Handy for covering your shoulders if you do wear a sleeveless top, and pleasant in cool churches.
- Choose comfortable shoes. Churches often have slippery stone floors and stairs up to towers. Flat shoes with grip are more practical than flip-flops.
- Drink enough water. You are often out for longer than you think, especially in the summer heat.
Packing tip: two pieces that solve everything
If you take only one bag, two pieces are enough to get into any church: light long trousers or a skirt below the knee, and a top or shirt with sleeves. Combine them with your other holiday clothes and you are prepared for both sights and an evening out for dinner.
Which fabric do you choose for a warm church day?
| Fabric | How it wears | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Breathable and pleasant on the skin | Creases a little, especially after a long day |
| Linen or linen blend | Very airy, a cool feel | Creases quickly, part of the charm |
| Lyocell | Soft, cool and drapes smoothly | Wash at a low temperature |
| Polyester with elastane | Barely creases, ideal in a suitcase | Breathes less than natural fibres |
Read more about the properties of cotton on our page about cotton.
Also handy outside the church
Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is not only needed in churches. Monasteries, some museums, synagogues and mosques also ask for modest clothing, and in many smaller villages in Southern Europe it is appreciated if you do not walk through the streets in beachwear. A light pair of trousers with a blouse or polo is also exactly what you put on in the evening for a restaurant. With a few well-chosen pieces you have a holiday wardrobe that works at any time of day, from a morning visit to a cathedral to a dinner on a square.
One last tip: look at your bag too. In some churches large backpacks have to be handed in at the entrance or worn in front of your chest. A small shoulder bag or crossbody bag is more practical and suits a polished holiday outfit better.
Shop the look
Helena: tailored blouse with short sleeves, light blue
Florence: flared ankle-length trousers, white
Rosa: elegant knee-length skirt, white
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Winston: light high-waist trousers, cream
Julian: knitted polo with quarter zip, cool grey
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to cover your shoulders in every church in Italy?
It is not checked in every church, but it is in the large and well-known ones. To be safe, assume that covered shoulders and knees are expected.
Can men wear shorts in a church?
Not in many Southern European churches. Light long trousers are the safe choice and look polished on holiday too.
Is a scarf around your shoulders enough?
Often yes. A scarf or light cardigan is a good back-up, but some churches ask for clothing with sleeves. A top with short sleeves is therefore the surest option.
