The Common Article Of Clothing Men Are Rumored To Be Forbidden From Wearing In Italy

Not long ago, a rumor circulated online that Italy forbids men from wearing "skirts." Travelers whispered across chatrooms that the practice is illegal, and males caught wearing free-flowing fabric instead of pants could be fined or even imprisoned. Gossip asserted that there was a law "on the books" that singled out this common article. The law might be old, it might be antiquated, but be aware, because gender norms will be observed.

This rumor raised a lot of questions, of course. How do you define a "skirt"? Does that include Scottish kilts, like our burly friend in the picture? What about sarongs, the simple textile that millions of men wrap around themselves all over the world? Italy has some pretty traditional communities, but is the law really that persnickety — when same-sex civil unions are legal, "Drag Race Italia" has aired for three seasons on television, and Rome and Milan are considered two of the best European cities to celebrate Pride? If togas were good enough for the ancient Romans — who considered pants barbaric — surely there's a little leeway.

Let's cut to the chase: It's not illegal for men to wear skirts in Italy. Whether you're talking about miniskirts or cocktail dresses, ballgowns or A-lines, yes, a dude can legally wear a skirt in the street. However, there are some restrictions that visitors should be aware of, along with a number of other habits that could be considered inappropriate.

Since time immemorial, Italians have expected travelers to dress conservatively when visiting sacred sites. This includes any Christian church, cathedral, or basilica, and the whole of Vatican City. Again, you may spot priests and monks wearing flowing cassocks and think, "Wait a minute, doesn't that count as a skirt?" It may seem arbitrary, but just assume that men who are not members of the Catholic clergy should avoid wearing any outfit that could be construed as traditionally feminine when entering a spiritual place. Indeed, men are expected to wear full-length trousers in the Vatican, and all visitors should cover shoulders, torsos, and knees. If you're wearing a hat, remember to remove it.

While a nationwide ban on male skirts may not exist, many communities have their own specific ordinances. The coastal city of Sorrento, for instance, forbids people from walking the street in swimwear. Cinque Terre has a beach, yet wearing flip flops comes with a hefty fine. Miniskirts and low-cut jeans are outright banned in the small Neapolitan town of Castellammare di Stabia. Written rules aside, there are plenty of folks who would clutch their pearls around beskirted men, and hostility is always possible. Even wearing shorts is considered gauche in many Italian venues. But out in the piazza, you'll see tourists in all kinds of garments, and what you wear is up to you.