No, this is not a thread about what clothes to wear, or how to pack.

I want to hear opinions on what clothes to wear when travelling internationally to not stand out. When I travel in the US, you know where I'm from because I rep A&M and the Astros every where I go. From caps, to t-shirts to hoodies.

Wife and I are spending 2 weeks in Italy in the fall. What to wear? I'm also not just talking team affiliations (which I will avoid) but also styles. I know the basics. I will be wearing jeans or khakis, t-shirt's and light jackets for most of the trip.

I know I am fighting an uphill battle here. I'm a tall, heavy-ish white man that typically speaks too loud. No matter what I do, it only takes one look and it's obvious I'm American.

I'll be honest, I noticed A LOT more people dressed "American style" on our last trip to Italy. We are talking printed concert/sports/travel destination t-shirts, baggy shorts, and American-branded sneakers. And most of the people dressed like that weren't even Americans!

I'm not sure what the current sentiment overseas is (we are going to Paris in June, and my BF keeps taking about getting us Canadian sports team shirts to wear), but like you said, you likely won't be fooling anyone no matter what you wear.

But polos and khakis are fine, and even khaki shorts for the day time. If you are headed out to even a semi-nice restaurant at dinner, I would def do pants. And most churches won't let you in with shorts (or exposed shoulders). I personally wouldn't wear jeans, only because I find them hot and uncomfortable in the summer.

As far as shoes, just wear what's comfortable (even if it's sneakers), but maybe in a neutral color that blends in with your pants as opposed to something that stands out.

Make sure you have a jacket with interior pockets so you can store/hide your phone and wallet. Pick pockets are a thing, and they are sneaky. I've actually taken to wearing my phone on a crossbody strap. Makes it more convenient for snapping pictures, too.

Italy, huh?
MAGA hat and a Speedo.

We went to Paris and Florence in March and did not notice any hostility from anyone. In fact, people seemed more welcoming than on our trip in 2018, and it seemed like more people spoke English. There were a few posters/stickers we saw in Florence that said, F*** AirBnB and Go Home Yankees, but didn't get any grief from the people.

Not really concerned about being targeted. Let me rephrase, I always take precautions because I WILL be targeted as a tourist. Just trying not to be the stereotypical American tourist

NoahAg said:

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Italy, huh?
MAGA hat and a Speedo.

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I have both of those, but only wear them in the bedroom.......

Italy ??

Just burn heaters all day and you'll blend in nicely.

I've recently switched over to a lot of Eddie Bauer pants; I really can't stand jeans. I have a couple pairs of these I have worn traveling as they are very versatile - have used for anything from yardwork to church attire. Light weight and breathable which helps as I am pretty hot natured.
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/10307107/men's-voyager-flex-five-pocket-twill-pants?sp=1&color=Light%20Khaki&size=&sizeType=

Lulu ABC 5 pocket pants. Plain polos - big fan of Vuori Strato tech polos and hoodies, along with their short sleeved button down options . All very blend-in looking and extremely comfortable (also lightweight), and branding is minimal to unnoticeable

As a travel advisor Italy is one of my specialties and having spend 18 days there last year the Italians will know you are American. Italy is one of the most inviting countries to Americans. If you have not been you are absolutely going to love. Now as far as what to wear here are some recommendations
Dark jeans or chinos, Button-down shirts or fitted polos, Lightweight sweater ,Stylish sneakers or loafers.

Ciao

Your mannerisms and the way you carry yourself will give you a way even if the clothes don't. Wear what's comfortable /appropriate for where you are going and don't worry about it. Have fun!

Wear a Yankees ball cap. Seems about 10% of the people in Paris were wearing them, and I didn't notice a single one speaking English.

There is nothing on this earth that could make me wear a Yankees cap.

Although, I did have to wear a Bama jersey for an entire 12 hour shift after losing a bet with one of the doctors.

We had no issues last year in Italy, Netherlands or Belgium. Just wore plain colored shirts and khakis for the most part. Netherlands and Italy were incredibly welcoming. Belgium people in my experience multiple times are indifferent. Its a Jubilee year in Rome so there are going to be millions of visitors this year anyways.

harringtontravelco said:

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Dark jeans or chinos, Button-down shirts or fitted polos, Lightweight sweater ,Stylish sneakers or loafers.

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This "uniform" will work all over Europe.

I would only add that sneakers should be white or a neutral color (nothing neon).

I'm 67. I only wear Skechers. It's the law

If you are out just doing tourism stuff in a big city, there's really not that much of a difference. The big thing is fit of stuff. Having lived across the pond for a bit, shorts below the knee or big shirts (extra long or baggy on or sleeves a bit long) or pants that hang a bunch on your shoes that's almost always an American. The other thing is broadly speaking, only Americans do button downed collars. You'll generally see less ball caps too and a dead giveaway that you are an American is if you wear one inside when you eat or enjoy some drinks.

Team affiliated clothing isn't really a thing in Europe either unless you are going to a sporting event unless it is like a fashion thing. I went to my local coffee shop when I was living there in the dead of winter and the girl who usually was in there had a Slocum era style Aggie sweatshirt on so I asked her about it and it confused her. She laughed and said oh… I don't know what Texas A&M is… I just bought this because it looked cool. And I absolutely never saw a sports team affiliated polo shirt worn there by anybody other than Americans.

I'll disagree on the team affiliated clothing. There are a ton of people in pro soccer gear and NY Yankee caps. I've seen them on locals from Paris, Bayeux, Brussels, Bruges, Maastricht, Aachen, and Cologne. The big soccer jersey is the team with Emirates as the sponsor.

something like this should work

EMY92 said:

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I'll disagree on the team affiliated clothing. There are a ton of people in pro soccer gear and NY Yankee caps. I've seen them on locals from Paris, Bayeux, Brussels, Bruges, Maastricht, Aachen, and Cologne. The big soccer jersey is the team with Emirates as the sponsor.

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A Yankees cap I don't even consider sports affiliated at this point.

On the jerseys… I dunno man, I lived over there and sure on match days you see them pretty prevalent but it's not close to as normal as the States.

I'm always amazed when adults get so uncomfortable when they realize that other adults have experiences different than their own.

I Am A Critic said:

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I'm always amazed when adults get so uncomfortable when they realize that other adults have experiences diffrerent than their own.

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User name checks out.

,

No baseball cap.
High water blue jeans, white socks, black leather shoes, too small short sleeve button shirt with white tee shirt underneath. Sweater draped around your neck over shoulders.
You'll fit right in.

Smart casual. Kick it up a notch or two from what you wear at home. More fitted/tailored, less baggy.

No:
jeans
tshirts
ballcaps
gym shoes
shorts
flip flops


Yes:
chinos/khakis
polos
buttondown shirts
sweater
blazer
loafers

malenurse said:

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I know the basics. I will be wearing jeans or khakis, t-shirt's and light jackets for most of the trip.

I know I am fighting an uphill battle here. I'm a tall, heavy-ish white man that typically speaks too loud. No matter what I do, it only takes one look and it's obvious I'm American.

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Those are not the basics to blend in. You are correct, they will know you are an American tourist the moment they see you. So what? It is your vacation. Enjoy it. Who cares what they think?

I do travel to Europe and can blend in. My way is to dress well and don't speak. It has worked well in all of Europe and got me across Moscow without a beat down. But you are going for fun. Enjoy and dress like you want.

100% this. I only travel with ABCs, a few plain polos and some quarter zips and a vest. And yes the Yankees hat is a style over there. It drives me nuts, but they dont know any better.

Jeans, boots, and cowboy hat almost everywhere we travel. I embrace our fine state. The accent gives it away regardless.

i dress as comfortable and laid back as my wife will let me get away with,, which is usually a ballcap, a short sleeve button down shirt, and khaki shorts. used to be cargo shorts but those are apparently not in style anymore, so, now she has to carry her own phone

Deerdude said:

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Jeans, boots, and cowboy hat almost everywhere we travel. I embrace our fine state. The accent gives it away regardless.

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I've always found a much more positive response to saying you're from TX rather than the USA, which is what most Texans say anyways.