Vatican City Dress Code

Dress Code in Vatican
A specific dress code has been advised and is to be strictly followed in the Vatican City. When you visit the Vatican, always follow the Vatican City dress code. Or else, you won’t be allowed to enter the church premises and end up missing the most spectacular architectural finesse in the world. It does not matter if the Pope is present in the city or not, one is required and expected to follow the dress code in Vatican. The following is the Vatican dress code to be followed by men and women.

Vatican City Dress Code for Men: Men are supposed to be dressed in shirts or t-shirts with sleeves covering the shoulders and full pants. In case of papal audience, the men can be dressed in black or dark suit. A business attire with a dark tie is also suitable for men.

Vatican City Dress Code for Women: The Vatican dress code for women stipulates women to wear a black skirt or dress that reaches the knees. The sleeves of the top should be mid to long sleeves, no pants, simple jewelry, dark closed toe shoes. A black hat or veil is optional for the women to wear.

It is said that in case of a papal audience, white can be worn by only Catholic kings, queens and other reigning Catholic royalty. The basic idea is to wear clothes that are decent and in good taste. Transparent clothes, shorts and skirts with length above the knees, halter and tank tops, spaghetti straps, etc, are a strict no-no. People with bare shoulders and knees who cover themselves properly with a shawl are allowed to enter the basilica.

The Vatican authorities have erected signs that explain the requirements and notices stating no one can enter the basilica with bare legs and shoulders. Tourists not abiding by the rules, are stopped from entering the basilica by guards dressed in shirts and ties. The vendors in and around the Vatican City, have come up with a novel entrepreneurship idea. They sell paper shawls, pants and shirts to tourist without the appropriate dress attire, that can be worn during their tour of the Vatican and its churches.