Best Travel Clothes For Europe In Summer | 2024 (2024)

Europe is undoubtedly at its best in the summer. During this season, the tourist resorts are in full swing, the skies are blue, and the ocean is swimmable.

Every European city looks extra magical with the sun glistening down, and the locals are happy and smiling.

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Therefore, it’s no surprise that Americans and Canadians flock to Europe in the summer with an epic travel itinerary in hand. Still, as the climate differs throughout the continent, it can be confusing to know what to pack.

So if you’re about to jet off for a summer adventure, read on to learn what travel clothes for Europe in summer you will need.

The temperature and weather in Europe during summer vary from country to country.

For example, Mediterranean countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece enjoy splendid weather with highs of 30 degrees celsius and abundant sunshine.

Northern European countries like Sweden enjoy pleasant weather, but it is much cooler, around 20 degrees.

What’s more, summer weather in these countries can be more unpredictable, with a mix of hot days and cold, rainy days.

Therefore, where you plan to visit will determine the travel clothes for Europe in summer you will need. Moreover, summer outfits will be different in a city than in a beach town.

Even so, here is a general idea of the items of clothing you’ll need to pack for your European summer vacation.

Best Travel Clothes For Europe In Summer | 2024 (1)

Contents hide

Shorts

Dresses

Footwear

Swimwear

Accessories

Rain Jacket

Europe Travel Outfit Ideas For Summer

Men

Women

Final Thoughts On Travel Clothes For Europe In Summer

T-Shirts & Vest Tops

In most European countries, summer equals t-shirt weather, so one item of clothing you will need plenty of is short sleeve tops.

Avoid dark colors like black as they absorb the sun and make you feel hot.

What’s more, steer clear of thick fabric and synthetic materials like nylon and polyester as they trap heat and sweat against the skin rather than release it.

The best fabric for summer tops is cotton, thanks to its high breathability. Thus, pack plenty of light-colored t-shirts and vest/tank tops.

Shirts & Blouses

Casual cotton or linen shirts and blouses are ideal when you want something more formal.

For men, this JEKAOYI White Long Sleeve Shirt is a must. It is made from a cotton/linen blend and has a casual, loose fit, roll-up sleeves, and a turn-down color, making it a versatile clothing item for day and night.

Something like this Davenil Short Sleeve Button-Down Shirt in pink is ideal for women. It is made from 100% soft and light cotton, has a loose-fit design, and the sleeves can be rolled up.

By pairing it with denim shorts, you can go from day to night simply by changing sandals and a day bag to wedges and a clutch bag.

Hoodies & Sweaters

If you’re off to a Mediterranean island like Ibiza or Mallorca, you may get lucky with constant sunshine and warm weather. If this is the case, you might not need additional layers.

However, even for these destinations, you should still pack a couple of hoodies and sweaters just in case.

Opt for a thin, lightweight hoodie rather than a fleece-lined one. The Nayked Apparel Lightweight Hoodie is an ideal choice for men.

It is made from soft and breathable Nayked Combed Ring-Spun Cotton and weighs just 4.9 oz, so it will easily fit in your backpack.

Suppose you’re visiting countries in Northern Europe. In that case, you’ll need to pack a few more mid-layers like these. Include a few thick and warm jumpers in case the weather suddenly turns cold.

Shorts

For bottoms, it’s best to bring a mix of shorts and long pants, although the exact ratio will depend on where you are heading. Pack at least one pair of denim shorts and a few airy, comfortable shorts.

These SMENG Women’s Casual Cotton Shorts are breathable and comfortable with a drawstring elastic waistband. These cotton cargo shorts from Levi’s are a fab option for men.

Long Pants

Leave your jeans at home and bring long pants made from a breathable fabric like linen.

Many stylish linen trousers are available for women, like the CNJXJCD Wide Leg High Waisted Flowy Pants made from a linen/cotton blend. They have a loose-fitting and are ankle length, allowing optimum airflow.

These Sailwind Drawstring Linen Pants are perfect for men as they feature a relaxed and stretchy fit and are highly versatile.

Dresses

For women, summer is the season of dresses in Europe; for many countries, it is the only season you can show off your pins. Dresses are suitable for daytime exploring and evenings out, so bring a few for both occasions.

Dresses made from lightweight jersey material are drapey and breathable, ideal for casual day wear.

Spaghetti strap dresses like this one from AlvaQ are also suitable for the daytime as they keep you cool by allowing your armpits to breathe.

For the evening, choose vibrant colors and patterns to stand out like one of these BTFBM Ruffle Belt Sundresses. They feature soft, lightweight, breathable fabric and an elegant Halter neckline.

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Footwear

Include a few different pairs of shoes when packing for Europe in summer. Ideally, you should bring a simple pair of flip-flops like these classic Havaianas for beach and pool days.

You’ll then need a pair of sandals for casual daywear; I recommend opting for comfort over style.

These Cushionaire Luna Sandals have 100% Genuine Suede insoles for ultimate comfort, a flexible cork footbed, and a premium traction design EVA outsole.

You will then need to pack a pair of sneakers or walking shoes. For light everyday walking, these Bruno Marc Men’s Mesh Sneakers are ideal as they are lightweight, breathable, and easy to slip on and off.

Then, if you plan on hiking during your vacation, hiking shoes will be another footwear item to include on your list of what to pack for Europe in summer.

Finally, you’ll want a nice pair of shoes for your evening outfits. Wedges like the Vince Camuto Leera Espadrille Wedge Sandals are the ultimate summer shoe for women.

For men, look for something smart but breathable, like these Bruno Marc Men’s Rivera Oxfords Shoes in black. They have breathable latex insoles that cushion your feet on an air bed.

Swimwear

If you’re traveling to a coastal town in a Mediterranean country, a few sets of swimwear are a must.

For women, the swimwear options are endless and entirely down to personal preference. The Tempt Me Women Two Piece Vintage Swimsuit is an excellent choice as it’s both stylish and flattening.

It features an adjustable self-tie halter neck top with a padded push-up bra for maximum support. Then the high waist bikini bottoms have a pleated front panel to hide imperfections.

This bikini set is ideal for beach days, lounging by the hotel pool, or embarking on some water activities.

For men, these versatile KAILUA SURF Quick Drying 9-Inch Board Shorts make excellent swim shorts, surfing shorts, and casual shorts. They feature an extra soft tripled layer mesh lining with 2 side pockets and 1 back pocket.

Accessories

The number one summer accessory you will need for traveling in Europe during the summer is a good pair of sunglasses.

While there are many fashion sunglasses on the high street, not all of them offer the UV protection you need.

When buying sunglasses, sun protection should take priority over style, though there are plenty of options that have both qualities.

For example, you can’t go wrong with these Ray-Ban Unisex Aviator Sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce brightness and reflections.

Or, for a more affordable option, check out these KALIYADI Classic Aviator Sunglasses with 100% UV blocking and polarized lenses.

Rain Jacket

Lastly, rain is common all year round in some parts of Europe, such as Britain. So when traveling in the summer, it’s best to always have a thin rain jacket in your bag.

Luckily, you can get packable rain jackets that fold down into the size of a purse like this Avoogue Raincoat that is specially designed for women.

It’s lightweight yet water and windproof and comes with a carry case for easy storage. There are 25 colors to choose from, including solid, two-tone, and camo patterns.

Europe Travel Outfit Ideas For Summer

Now you know what to wear in Europe during summer, it’s time to plan some stylish outfits.

Here are our top Europe summer outfit ideas for men and women.

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Men

Below, you’ll find outfit ideas for men.

Beach Lover

Your European summer vacation will most likely include some lazy beach days. So dress for the sun and sand with these ‘One and Only 21″ Board Shorts‘ by Hurley in cool gray.

They are suitable for swimming and water sports, and thanks to the 21-inch length, you won’t need to change when you go for lunch at a beachside cafe.

When you’re not trying to catch a tan, wear this stylish COOFANDY Floral Tank Top, which will turn heads. Pair with your favorites Havainas and Raybans, and remember to slap on plenty of sunscreen!

City Explorer

As most tourists head to the beach resorts, many of Europe’s top cities are at their quietest during the summer months.

If you decide to enjoy summer in the city, start building your outfit with these Match Cargo Cotton Shorts in light gray.

Pair them with this classic Wrangler Authentics Short Sleeve Henley Tee in white for an effortless, comfy and breathable look.

Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes to prevent tired feet from all the sightseeing.

These Hey Dude Wally Loafers in beige are lightweight and feature a flex & fold design for complete freedom of movement.

Festival Vibes

If you’re heading to one of Europe’s top festivals this summer, pair this MCEDAR Short Sleeve Button Up Vintage Shirt in blue-green with the GINGTTO Ripped Denim Shorts.

Then, add vibrant accessories like these Sunny Pro Aviator Sunglasses With Colored Tinted Lens and this Peicees Waterproof Crossbody Bag in orange.

Women

Below, you’ll find outfit ideas for women.

Beach Lover

You can still look stylish even if you’re just lazing around by the pool or catching some rays on the sun lounger. Start with this gorgeous CUPSHE High Waist Bikini Swimsuit to create the ultimate beach-ready look.

It has adjustable straps and removable padded cups for support. Then, the ruffle design on the bottom of the top adds additional coverage so you can walk around without feeling too exposed.

When you head away from the beach or pool, throw on this Wander Ago Beach Knit Cover-Up with a pair of Havaianas.

Plus, store everything you need for the day in this ​​Genovega Canvas Waterproof Beach Bag. It has a zipper closure and inner pocket to keep your belongings dry and safe.

City Explorer

Sundresses are one of the most comfortable and breathable attire for wandering around a city in the heat.

Choose a thin and lightweight dress like this KIRUNDO Short Sleeve V Neck Dress in green that features shoulder coverage to prevent sunburn.

Pair the dress with some sandals with a thick and cushioned sole, like these Reef Cushion Vista Hi Sandals in white. The cushion technology and rubber sponge outsole have a high energy rebound for effortless comfort all day long.

Festival Vibes

Turn heads in the crowd with this LYANER Off Shoulder Tie Up Back Crop Top in white, which features elastic ruffle cuffs, a V neckline, and a self-tie bow knot at the back.

It looks super cute with this BTFBM Boho Floral Print Long Skirt in floral red, which has an eye-catching high side split and ruffle hem.

Complete this Europe summer outfit with this Ayliss Suede Fringe Tassel Bag in brown and Life Stride Andrea Ankle Boots.

Final Thoughts On Travel Clothes For Europe In Summer

As a large continent with eight distinct climate types, summer weather in Europe can vary significantly.

Therefore, along with these suggested travel outfits for Europe, we recommend researching the typical summer weather of your destination.

This way, you can select the most appropriate summer outfits for Europe and better enjoy your vacation.

Traveling to Europe soon? Read one of the following guides:

  • Travel clothes for Europe in spring
  • Travel clothes for Europe in winter
  • Travel clothes for Europe in autumn
Best Travel Clothes For Europe In Summer | 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What clothes to wear in Europe summer? ›

Comfortable clothing doesn't have to mean slouchy. Dresses, t-shirts, jeans, button-down shirts, and skirts are all must-pack items. Opt for flowy fabrics in materials like linen or cotton for warmer days. Breathable shorts are great for hot Mediterranean destinations.

What should American tourists wear in Europe? ›

Invest in a good quality jacket, as Europeans tend to prioritize function as well as fashion. Also, don't be afraid to take cues from the locals around you. Observe what people are wearing in the city or town you're visiting, and try to incorporate those elements into your own style.

How do you pack smartly for Europe? ›

Here's How I Packed for a Month-Long European Trip Using Nothing but Carry-On
  1. If your trip is 10 days or more, plan to do laundry. ...
  2. Use a lightweight, carry-on, soft-sided rolling bag. ...
  3. Use a large laptop backpack or bag as your personal item. ...
  4. Choose versatile items you can mix and match. ...
  5. Roll everything.
Jul 15, 2023

Which outfit is best for travel? ›

Generally soft, stretchy, and loose-fitting clothing is best for travel, as it'll keep you comfy and won't feel restrictive on long flights or drives.

Is it OK to wear shorts in Europe? ›

They are not allowed in most churches unless they cover the knee. They are not allowed in upscale restaurants. Even if they aren't forbidden on the street, you will be stating that you're a tourist by wearing them, and they may make you feel out of place in more conservative areas.

Do you wear jeans in Europe? ›

Plenty of Europeans wear a T-shirt and jeans, but compared to the USA, these clothes tend to be a much snugger fit (for all genders). If you want a simple outfit that still fits Europe's "smart casual" style, think slim or skinny jeans (often dark-colored or grey and undistressed), and a T-shirt that fits your frame.

What should I wear on a long flight to Europe? ›

​The best clothing to wear on a plane is lightweight layers, comfortable shoes for airport walking, that aren't too tight in case your feet swell on the plane, and a bag that you can easily access under your seat during the flight.

Can you wear sneakers in Europe? ›

And this sends soon-to-be-travelers into a footwear-induced panic as they try to find the perfect pair of shoes that won't make them the laughing stock of Europe. Well, we have some news for you. Europeans wear sneakers. And no, they don't wear high-heels and loafers made from the finest Italian leather every day.

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method? ›

Its version of the 5-4-3-2-1 method includes "five tops, four bottoms, three accessories, two shoes (a practical pair and a nice pair), and one swimsuit," though like the Times this formula allows the wiggle room to swap out accessories based on your destination and type of travel.

How do I not overpack for Europe? ›

How to Avoid Overpacking for a Trip
  1. Make a Checklist. A checklist is the best place to start. ...
  2. Pick the Right Suitcase. Choose a modestly-sized suitcase. ...
  3. Mix and Match. This is the fun part. ...
  4. Roll Them Up! ...
  5. Keep the Accessories Small. ...
  6. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes. ...
  7. Only Take Half. ...
  8. Use a Luggage Scale.

How many clothes for a 10 day trip? ›

How many clothes are required for a 10-day trip? Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 packing trick, where you pack five tops, four bottoms, three dresses, three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits, two bags, and one of each of a few miscellaneous accessories.

What is the most comfortable outfit to wear on a plane? ›

No one wants to sit through a seven-hour flight in constricting jeans or too-tight shoes — soft, stretchy, and stylish clothing is the way to go. Athleisure sets, loose-fitting pants and tops, and slip-on shoes all make for comfy and convenient plane outfits.

How can I look pretty while traveling? ›

How to Travel Light (and Not Look Like a Slob): Golden Packing Light Tips
  1. Pack a few knockout accessories – especially bold pieces like statement necklaces. ...
  2. Bring only what you wouldn't mind being photographed in. ...
  3. BUT don't forget to prioritize comfort. ...
  4. Make sure all your tops match all your bottoms.
Jul 11, 2022

What to pack for a summer in Europe? ›

Your Europe summer outfits should be clothes you can mix and match, so you can wear them more than once. Take lightweight, comfortable and fashionable clothes. Choose clothes made from fabrics that breath, yet dry quickly. Wear layers – if its hot you can take them off and if cold, you can put something on.

How do you stay cool in Europe in the summer? ›

Embrace Europe's Heatwave: Your Ultimate Survival Guide for Exploring in the Hottest Summer Days
  1. Dress appropriately: Wear loose, light-colored, and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. ...
  2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Jul 31, 2023

How do you pack light for summer in Europe? ›

Top Tips for Traveling Light
  1. Bring one suitcase and one day bag. That's it. ...
  2. Bring one pair of practical shoes. ...
  3. Pack a limited wardrobe. ...
  4. Plan to do laundry. ...
  5. Slim down toiletries. ...
  6. Pack for the best scenario, not the worst. ...
  7. Don't skimp on electronics. ...
  8. Rip up your guidebooks.

What is European dress code? ›

Many Europeans appreciate classic and timeless fashion. You'll often see people wearing well-tailored clothing, such as blazers, trench coats, and well-fitted trousers. Quality and durability are valued, so investment pieces that last are common.

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