Americans headed for Rome are usually interested in checking out the Vatican.
How deep the dive goes varies for each visitor. Regardless, Americans heading to the holy city know one thing: It’s a religious site with a dress code. Even those without any type of religious background are often aware that they need to dress modestly.
The big question is… what are the actual rules of modesty?
In winter, there’s not much of a question. Most visitors arrive with pants and long-sleeved shirts, along with a coat. But in summer, when temperatures in Rome can reach into the 90s, it’s easy to forget to dress the part or bring along an extra cover.
If you’re visiting Rome, the Vatican, or another religious site during your summer trips, remember to keep these tips in mind for dressing modestly. According to tourism experts at Mondo Cattolico, a shop located in St. Peter’s Square that sells Vatican tickets and other products, these are the most common dress code violations that take place at the Vatican.
Common dress code violations at the Vatican—plus, what to look out for
First, Mondo Cattolico wants to remind tourists heading to Rome that it isn’t only the Vatican that enforces the dress code that we’ll discuss below. It’s also enforced at the Pantheon and the Vatican Museum. Many other religious sites enforce the same dress code.
Some sites are also layered. For example, visitors who enter the Vatican without appropriate clothes might not be turned away right away. Instead, they’ll be barred from entering St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. In other words, it pays to have an extra covering with you.
The most common dress code violations that Mondo Cattolico sees come from women who have knees and shoulders exposed. That’s due to clothing trends; women’s clothing tends to be more revealing of the arms and legs.
So, what’s the actual dress code at the Vatican?
- Knees, shoulders, stomach, and cleavage should be covered at all times, for both men and women
- No tank tops, sleeve shirts, crop tops, or low-cut shirts
- Ripped jeans are sometimes an issue but aren’t expressly banned
- No hats indoors
- You can use coverings for your visit, meaning the Vatican doesn’t mind if you’re hiding a mini skirt under your sarong
That sounds pretty simple, but, again, summer heat can give you brain fog. Toss in jet lag, and it’s not hard to forget to wear appropriate clothing or bring a cover-up. Mondo Cattolico recommends bringing a scarf, sarong, or another large, light piece of fabric that you can wear during your time in the Vatican.
I also recommend diving into my article on etiquette in the Mediterranean. It will help you understand why dressing the part is important to locals throughout Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and beyond. Remember: You should carefully consider your clothing when packing for a trip outside the country, and especially in Europe.