This Is the Ultimate Italy Packing List (2024)

Best Clothing

“With a country that has a deep-set cultural appreciation for aesthetics and a longlegacy of craftsmanship, it’s only natural that Italian’s are known for their exceptional style,” explains Moda Operandi’s Chief Merchant, April Hennig. “Italian dressing has a boldness and thoughtfulness that sets it apart from everywhere else, with guiding principles characterized by elegance, sensuality, and informality. Typically, the mindset is rooted in investing in quality designer pieces, rich fabrications, effortless wardrobe staples and key statement pieces,” she adds.

Lake Como royalty, Valentina De Santis (owner of Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua) advises to “bring a touch of glamor” to your Italian vacation wardrobe. “My typical vacation dress style is wearing more color and adding a ladylike flair in the form of a fitted dress, a tiny bag, and a colorful shoe,” she explains, adding that “romantic caftans and oversized hats embody the wardrobes of Lake Como, as do custom silk dresses and scarves.”

In cities like Rome and Milan, style is more minimal and closely attuned to what locals wear in Paris – think of a well-tailored capsule wardrobe. Ahead, see our selects for the best clothing that can adapt to any Italian destination.

Best Daywear for Women

Linen and summer vacations go hand in hand, and this breezy midi skirt from J.Crew is a simple and versatile warm-weather staple. The style is casual yet polished, pairing well with a shirt tied in the front, or a structured cropped bodice. It’s available in several different colors but the romantic warm pink shade would look beautiful against a colorful backdrop (think: the rainbow of villas cascading down to the beach in Positano).

HVN designer and DJ Harley Viera-Newton designed this dress with Italian vacations in mind. “The flowing silks and breathable cottons are perfect silhouettes for European Summer adventures,” she says. It’s flattering on a variety of body types and the quality is worth the investment; last year, HVN’s signature style was rated their top travel dress.

Whether you need something active for a trip to the tennis court or need something to wear under an unbuttoned linen shirt, this crop top from Girlfriend collective will be a useful staple to have on hand.

Everlane’s linen collection is full of excellent options for warm destinations, but one of the most versatile and timeless pieces is this long button-down linen shirt. Cuff up the sleeves and wear it slightly unbuttoned over a swimsuit or tie it at the front and pair with a floaty midi skirt.

If you’re visiting Italy during summer, chances are many days will be spent wearing swimwear, so why not go for something as colorful and sophisticated as your surroundings? This Zimmermann swimsuit is a showstopper, with a chain link belt and an intricate print that resembles a Michelangelo fresco.

Best Daywear for Men

Orange stripes may seem daring, but in Italy, men embrace color and style with confidence. This button-down shirt would fit right in, paired with chinos and suede loafers. It’s breathable and comfortable enough to wear for days where your schedule is improvised and you end up heading from sightseeing straight out to dinner.

This affordable Italian brand offers a variety of beach-ready separates, like these swim trunks, which have a comfortable elastic waistband, inner mesh lining, and three pockets, including one in the back with a Velcro fastening to keep your valuables safe. The striped seersucker fabric will pair well with a simple white T-shirt.

These stretchy, breathable shorts are sure to come in handy for days spent exploring. The design is minimal, free of any unnecessary embellishments, and the fit is slim, hitting at the mid-thigh. They are super versatile, and pair well with anything – shirts, sweaters, or casual T-shirts.

Outdoor Voices’ CloudKnit collection has some of the most comfortable basics around, and this T-shirt will be great to wear both for the journey and the destination. It’s made from an ultra-soft, lightweight, stretchy fabric, with a crewneck and a relaxed fit. It is available in eight different colors, but for Italy, we love the pastel blue shade.

Best Eveningwear for Women

Romantic florals and elegant silhouettes are exactly what you’ll need for an evening of Italian glamor. Reformation has options aplenty for sexy yet sophisticated dresses, but this Emerick dress caught our eye for its stunning print and flattering slip dress cut, with dainty adjustable spaghetti straps, a subtle scoop neck, and flowing hemline, hitting just below the knee.

Italians favor well-tailored pants over jeans, like these cropped linen Aritzia pants. They are especially great for travel since they’re made from a blend of breathable linen and wrinkle resistant Tencel, so you won’t need to spend time ironing them after they’ve been packed away in your suitcase.

For a bombshell moment, look no further than this silk top from L’Agence. It has elegantly draped off-the-shoulder sleeves, adjustable slim straps, a cowl neck bodice, and it’s fitted without being too tight around the midsection. The pearly white silk fabric is luxurious and feminine, perfect for pairing with tailored linen pants.

Eberjey’s Gisele PJs are the gold standard when it comes to sleepwear, and this short version would be perfect for an Italian summer vacation. They’re made from a stretchy and soft Tencel and spandex blend, and feature the brand’s signature contrast piping.

Best Eveningwear for Men

If you want to look effortlessly suave, consider this black linen dress shirt with contrasting white buttons. It features a spread collar with a button front closure, and it looks great with the sleeves rolled up, paired with tailored pants and leather loafers.

Whether you have a reservation at a fine dining restaurant, or you’re attending a formal event, every man needs a good dinner jacket in his wardrobe, like this classic version from Todd Snyder. It’s made from breathable Italian linen, so you can stay cool on hot summer nights, and the fit is relaxed and easy to move around in, with slim lapels and a chest pocket.

These cost less than a bottle of Barolo but have the same low-key luxury aesthetic of Loro Piana. They’re made from 100 percent linen and are ultra-comfortable, with an elastic waistband on the back that will remain hidden under your blazer. They’re available in three neutral earthy shades and a navy blue.

You can always find gems at H&M, and the latest style that caught our eye is this coordinating pajama set in a soft beige linen. It is refined enough to double as loungewear, so you could easily roll out of bed and head straight to the breakfast buffet to get your morning started before getting properly dressed for the day.

Best Shoes

Given the diverse environments and activities in Italy, it’s best to come prepared with a variety of shoes. You’ll need a pair of comfortable walking shoes for exploring, formal shoes for the evening, and sandals for days spent by the sea. Ahead, see our top selects for men and women.

Fresh white sneakers are a summertime staple, and this simple, elevated style from Adidas by Stella McCartney is one of the best options of the season. They’re versatile enough to pair with dresses for days spent on your feet when you want to be comfortable, but not too casual.

Veja’s clean leather sneakers are a favorite for urban men on the move. This simple lace-up style features padding around the ankle, bouncy rubber soles, and suede trims. They’re easy to wear with virtually anything and are comfortable enough to wear for a full day of walking (i.e., exploring the ancient Roman ruins).

Designed and produced in Tuscany, M.Gemi’s shoes are stylish, comfortable, and made to last. These platform sandals would be perfect for a trip to Italy, especially if you’re dining al fresco or venturing out onto cobblestoned streets. They have a flared heel for added stability, a buckle fastening around the ankle, and a soft leather lining.

You can tell these are authentically Italian by the name alone, but then there are the markers of artisan quality: hand-stitching, suede leather, reinforced heels, and an elegant almond-toe design. Scarosso’s loafers have received rave reviews for good reason, and these are suitable for wearing both during the day and at night. Plus, the rubber sole is flexible and they’re lightweight, so they’re ideal for packing in a suitcase.

We would recommend these for any seaside destination where you’re likely to be dipping in and out the water. These simple Birkenstock sandals are waterproof, flexible, and lightweight, so they’re easy to pack and comfortable to wear.

Aptly named the Cloud Slide Sandals, these shoes feel like you’re walking on air, with a bouncy sole and a soft leather top. The strap is wide enough to feel securely fitted when you’re walking. Plus, you won’t need to spend any time breaking them in.

Best Accessories

If you’re traveling to Italy in the summer, hats and sunglasses are the most important accessories to remember, especially if you’re heading to a resort destination. You won’t need much in the way of gear unless you’re planning a specific activity (i.e., goggles for swimming in the Mediterranean), and there are cafes aplenty, so unless you’re somewhere remote, you can easily find water and refreshments. Save your luggage space for shopping and picking up artisan gems in the quaint villages.

The Attico is a go-to brand for Italian cool girls, and these chic black sunglasses are one of the best interpretations of the cat-eye trend. They’re modeled on a vintage silhouette, and are made from acetate with tonal lenses, and have wide arms featuring a subtle gold logo.

Zegna has always been synonymous with quiet luxury, and these square-lens black sunglasses are timelessly elegant. They provide good coverage and suit most face shapes. Plus, they have a firm fit, so they would be perfect for when you’re heading out on a boat and don’t want them to fly off.

A leather belt adds polish to any look, and this minimal warm brown version from J.Crew will pair beautifully with crisp linen. It has a 1.25-inch width, which fits into most pants well, and a square gold buckle fastening.

Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley raves about Helen Kaminski’s packable hats for traveling. We love this gender-neutral fedora with an Italian leather trim and an angled brim. It also has UPF 50+ protection, providing additional sun relief.

Wide-brim sun hats have been an emblem of resort glamor for decades and this elegant version from Sarah Bray Bermuda is timeless. The classic woven silhouette is accentuated with a contrasting ribbon, and it has an interior elasticated band that allows for a flexible fit.

Like a watch or a diamond necklace, a designer handbag is something that can be treasured forever, including this timeless leather Gucci bag. It has an adjustable strap so you can wear it over your shoulder for going out in the day or as a top-handle bag for the evening. It’s clearly not oversized, but will fit everything you need – phone, purse, keys, sanitizer, and lip balm.

Best Luggage

As with any intercontinental trip, you’ll want to bring luggage that is practical and durable. Plus, you’ll want suitcases that are relatively spacious; there are so many fantastic things to buy in Italy, so you’ll want to allow enough room for anything you purchase along the way.

If you’re taking domestic flights within Italy, chances are you’ll be flying with ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia), which, like any airline, has set weight allowances for checked and carry-on luggage, so be sure to measure everything out before you arrive at the airport.

Jetsetters around the world are catching on to Paravel’s supremely stylish and functional suitcases, and the Aviator Set includes two of the brand’s best sellers: the carry-on and the checked suitcase. Both have code locks, 360-degree spinner wheels, interior pockets, and a removable laundry bag. The vintage-style cream color looks like it’s out of an Italian postcard from the 50s – photogenic and functional. Plus, it will be easy to identify at the airport in a sea of black suitcases.

Away’s Large Everywhere Bag was ranked Travel + Leisure’s best overall weekender bag for good reason. It has a sleek design and enough space to carry multiple outfits. There are several interior pockets to keep things organized as well as an exterior 15-inch laptop pocket. It’s also water-resistant, has a trolley sleeve, and a padded shoulder strap.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I NOT pack for Italy?

  Avoid anything that would make you stand out as a tourist, which includes flip flops and anything too casual like workout clothes or sweats unless you are actually working out. “Italians take pride in dressing for the occasion, whether that is [the] beach, city, riviera or anything in between, so don’t be afraid to indulge in the vibrancy that reflects the notion ofla dolce vita,” says April Hennig.

  
  Bulgari Milano’s Chief Concierge, Gabriele Pagani, advises not to “bring too many clothes or you won’t be able to fit everything from shopping in Italy!”

• What do people wear in Italy?

  It all depends on the region and the season. “Milan, in particular, is one of the most important fashion capitals of the world and features fashion based on simplicity, sobriety, and quality,” says Bulgari’s Gabriele Pagani. Belmond’s Sofia Peluso adds that “Italy is a country where formality and informality are well balanced,” and that’s something to keep in mind when planning your outfits.

• Should I bring jeans to Italy?

  “While you do find plenty of women wearing denim in Italy, their interpretation of casual dressing is typically much more refined,” explains April Hennig. “Italian women wear comfortable basics in natural fabrics such as linens, cottons and silks. Rather than a pair of jeans, consider comfortable wide leg trousers, or relaxed skirts and dresses,” she adds.

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