Men wearing shorts in Europe?

[TUlane33]

I was reading in my Lonely Planet guide that men rarely wear shorts when not at the beach or camping especially in Northern Europe. As an American, I wear shorts quite often in the summer. How should I pack to not look out of place? Thanks

[ivybell]

Jeans or casual pants like khakis. If you are in resort kind of towns you'll probably see more shorts, but, like you read, they aren't that common though I've seen quite a few in the UK.
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In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on.
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[jabroni79]

It all depends on where and when you are going to be in Europe. Shorts are mostly wore by younger people during the day. I would pack according to the weather. If it is hot enough to wear short, then wear shorts. I would rather be comfortable than try to fit in.

[wilson49332]

Yeah, I would pack maybe one ore at most two pairs of non athletic shorts (khaki shorts would be fine). But its rare to see them worn in all of Europe. In fact its also rare to see athletic shoes!

[jabroni79]

I was talking to a friend of mine that lives in England. She said it is not uncommon to see people wearing shorts in the summer. A majority of the people who wear them are young men and boys.

[wilson49332]

I know that they wont look down on you if wearing them at all. Its a new thing to wear shorts- not sure why but it is. And yes, most time touristy areas people wear them anyways so there will be so many tourists that you will fit in. But venture into the non tourist areas its a different story. But ive also heard that the UK is an exception. Mainland is still not though, shorts are mostly not worn. It usually isnt that hot in the northern part though- so you can do without shorts unless going south of the Alps etc.

[ivybell]

Yes, the UK is an exception, these crazy folks have been wearing them since March.
_________________
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on.
Robert Frost