Going on a vacation to a new place can be exciting, but dressing well while traveling can be tricky. Looking like a typical tourist may invite multiple types of hassles, which could make your trip less enjoyable. So, today, we’ll discuss how a gentleman can globetrot without sticking out like a sore thumb, in order to savor the experience.
The American wit Mark Twain once remarked, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” We fully support the joys and wonders of travel, and encourage all those who are able to do so. But, as the modern American wit Russell Baker observed, “The worst thing about being a tourist is having other tourists recognize you as a tourist.”
Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with being a tourist–or dressing like one, if that’s what you really want to do. It’s your vacation, so, within reasonable limits, the choice is yours.
However, there are several reasons a gentleman will probably not want to look like a tourist. It’s hard to feel like a sophisticated cosmopolitan when you’re dressed in socks and sandals, a utility vest, and a bucket hat.
You might feel like you’re missing out on an immersive genuine experience during your visit. You could also give the impression that you don’t care about local culture. This could make it more difficult to meet people and enjoy yourself like a local if that’s your goal.
There are also practical concerns. Vendors and restaurateurs may be more inclined to rip off tourists. Tourists are more likely to be hassled by scammers and street peddlers or even targeted by pickpockets or muggers. And, occasionally, foreign visitors can also be subjected to violence or harassment. The following tips should minimize any of these unsavory situations.
1. Don’t Dress Like A “Typical Tourist”
First off, don’t dress like a tourist. We probably don’t need to emphasize this to our viewers, but if you’re taking a vacation, don’t also take a vacation from basic principles of style! At the same time, we acknowledge that it’s important to stay comfortable when on your feet all day. So, this guide is going to aim to help you find a balance between comfort and style.
Remember, no matter where you go, there are some places you will stick out like a sore thumb no matter what you do. We can look at a vast majority of historical sites around the world and see a sea of tourists dressed in clunky shoes, athleisure, and baseball hats. To avoid being mistaken as a part of the tourist hoard, you’ll want to avoid the following.
1A. Avoid Athletic & Athleisure Attire
This one’s actually pretty tough for me because I always find this to be very comfortable, and I love wearing it all the time. But, it’s important to remember that this product is actually too casual often to be given a good first impression.
In many regions, including Europe, Eastern Asia, and the Middle East, athleisure is often not worn except for people who are actually exercising. A good alternative to this would be a smart casual or resort casual look. A similar assessment can also be made for other combinations like t-shirts and shorts.
1B. Avoid Locality-Branded Items
Non-local logos, places, and emblems make it clear you’re a visiting tourist. Your beloved college sweater might be the most comfortable thing that you own, but you’re not likely to run into other alumni running through the villages of Nepal.
Patriotism is always admirable, but you would not be taken for a local if your clothing is festooned with your native flag. And while some sports teams have international renown, that St. Paul Saints cap might stand out pretty badly at Cuba’s Estadio Latinoamericano, home of Los Leones.
Of course, you also don’t want to go too far in the other direction. Unless it’s game day, only a tourist will be decked out entirely in black and orange and a Sunrisers cricket jersey.
Casual clothing is popular for being comfortable. But, you can certainly be comfortable in the classic style. So, skip the hybrid shoes and go for a broken-in pair of walking shoes that are stylish and comfortable.
Raphael likes boat shoes, maybe even a pair of sneakers in the right circumstances. And consider trading the baseball hat for something that suits the weather, like a Panama hat.
Speaking of the weather, then, don’t assume that you have to wear a tank top to beat the heat in warmer climates. Natural fibers, light colors, and removable layers will keep you feeling light and cool. Our warm-weather outfits and summer suits guide has some advice for you, and similar tips can be gleaned from reading our guide on cold-weather gear as well.
And while it’s great to be prepared, don’t get lost in the experience of shopping for a trip. Knitting yourself out entirely for a trip to the Swiss Alps in North Face or Moncler with things with the tag still on is an obvious way to stand out like a sore thumb, as will buying a cartoonish safari outfit complete with a pith helmet just for your outdoor adventures in Brazil or Manassas.
For any trips requiring specialty gear, go with the information provided from guides. Don’t go for what seems cool or trendy. So, rather unsurprisingly, not dressing like a tourist is a great way to not look like a tourist.
2. Don’t Accessorize Like A Tourist
Few things are more touristy than a traveler who’s weighed down by excessive baggage; that dreaded fanny pack and camera bags. However, there’s only so much you can do to avoid that. And when it comes to packing, it’s important to remember things like quality over quantity, versatility, and, of course, adaptability.
This will serve you well and keep your luggage to a minimum. Many of the carry-on packing tips we shared in our guide to business travel can also be adapted for pleasure travel as well.
Don’t forgo over-packed luggage just to make way for an over-packed personal bag. Massive rucksacks and backpacks are often associated with tourists. And not only do they look bad, but they also earn the ire of many locals when they smash into people from being too big. Some regions have even banned them from public transit and in certain areas.
So, rather than hauling around a backpack, consider bringing a quality messenger bag. It’s more stylish, discreet, and harder to steal from. Just keep your bag close to your body and within sight in chaotic situations and big crowds.
Similarly, unless you are a professional or devoted amateur photographer, you probably don’t need to travel with several camera bags, a utility vest filled with extra lenses, and a camera continuously slung around your neck. Most cameras can be discreetly and safely tucked into your messenger bag–but if you’re hauling most of the Leica catalog, you’re more enticing to thieves.
Selfie sticks are also a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist. No matter how important it might be “for the Gram.” And finally, keeping valuables in a fanny pack isn’t much safer than a wallet, which will immediately identify you as a tourist. Instead, we recommend a gentleman carry a classic wallet or billfold inside an interior jacket pocket for most items. And invest in a slim money belt to protect extremely valuable items.
Ideally, valuables can usually be stored and set in a hotel safe. But, when you have to travel with them, a money belt is ideal. It’s worn under your clothes, so it’s nearly inaccessible to thieves. To ensure a low profile, make sure you only use it to carry things like an emergency credit card, large bills, plane or train tickets, or your passport.
Do not use a money belt as a wallet replacement. If you cram wallet contents into your money belt, it will start to create a bulge around your waist and ruin your outfit lines. This makes it very obvious and also defeats the entire purpose of the money belt.
You don’t want to be that guy buying a matryoshka doll in St. Petersburg with his hands down his trousers grasping for the family jewels! But to get that image of what not to wear out of your mind, let’s look at some other things you could wear. To help get your quality travel ensemble started, here are a few of our suggestions.
Kyle’s Favorite Travel Essentials
1. Tailored Navy Blazer
This is one of my favorite items to bring with me on a trip. Some of my favorites are going to include a tailored navy blazer. You may not know where you’re going to be going for dinner or if you’re going to be meeting with colleagues, but this jacket will literally have your back covered.
2. Dark Wash Denim
For me, this is a bit of a must-have, and these are casual but could also be dressed up by wearing it with a nice leather dress shoe, dress boot, or even the occasional sneaker. Adding a trim shirt or sweater, depending on the weather, of course, is a great way for you to look effortlessly put together.
3. Versatile Shoes
And next, I always like to have versatile shoes with me. So, a pair of leather or canvas sneakers for casual outings in something like black or white color or a black or brown leather dress shoe or Chelsea boot. I know this sounds broad, but this means clean, timeless, and neutral shoes for me.
Raphael’s Travel Favorites
1. Boat shoes
Among Raphael’s travel favorites are boat shoes. These are comfortable enough for all-day walking and can be worn barefoot in warmer climates.
2. Seeksucker Shorts and Trousers
Seersucker is lightweight, classy looking, and perfect for warm to hot climates. Shorts will keep you looking and feeling refreshed without having to resort to cargo shorts. Trousers can be dressed up with a fresco jacket for dinner or dressed down with a polo on a casual day.
3. Panama Hat
Next, we have the Panama hat, and this is a true must-have in hot weather, even if you’re not visiting Panama or Ecuador, which is actually where they’re from.
4. Safari Jacket
The Safari jacket creates a fun look that provides ample storage for any all-day adventure.
5. Dark Trench Coat
Finally, we have a dark trench coat. It’s long, so it covers well, has a removable liner, and is a spot-resistant color.
Warm Weather Clothing and Accessories
First, for warmer weather, we have linen. This fabric helps you feel and look cool no matter what. You can always consider pants, jackets, or shirts in linen. There are polarized sunglasses. Don’t miss any of the sights on your trip from glare or squinting. Then, you have sport shirts or polo shirts. This is a better option than a t-shirt if you want to have short sleeves.
Cold Weather Clothing and Accessories
Search for quality outerwear that fits the occasion. Overcoats are great for most occasions. Less bulky, single-breasted options and But, you can also go more casual, and we have a list of suggestions to draw casual outfit inspiration from.
And, of course, we have gloves. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than frigid fingers. Also, don’t forget a quality scarf. This versatile accessory will keep you warm and add a pop of color to a rather drab outfit.
Outfit-Planning Tips
When planning your outfit, it might help you to not look like a tourist by blending in with the locals. When planning your trip, looking at restaurants, and checking out different hotels, take a look to see how the locals dress, unless, of course, this isn’t important to you and maybe isn’t your goal. Check out travel vlogs on YouTube or even photographs of the area you plan on visiting.
Try to determine if locals tend to be more practical or more dressy. Do they wear different clothes for work and play? Do they dress differently for day and night occasions? Do they dress up for things like dinners or cultural locations?
This step is important because local dressing customs will vary from place to place. The people of Paris, Texas dress a little bit differently than the people of Paris, France. And what you might be wearing in Dublin might vary a little bit differently from what you might be wearing in Dubai.
For example, you might be able to get away with the glitzier outfit on the French Riviera or in Macau rather than in Oslo or in Washington DC. To make a suitably bold or a more subdued first impression, we have a guide on dinner jackets that has you covered.
Keep in mind; customs can also vary in the same city. This kind of research is a fun way to make sure that you blend in wherever you plan on visiting. And while it’s good to fit in that among all these foreign fashions, there are some things that you do want to avoid.
3. Avoid Cliches & Wearable Kitsch
When planning your ensemble to fit in with the locals, it’s important to manage expectations about modern dress styles.
A seersucker suit and Black Tie ensemble are not mandatory to visit the historic homes of Natchez, Mississippi. If you’re too overdressed, you’ll stand out just as much as the tourists who want to walk around in Mickey Mouse t-shirts. Although, in our opinion, you’ll look a little bit better doing it.
While on vacation, you should also avoid local clothing articles that are either parodies or kitschy. Mexico City is a culturally rich metropolis with thousands of years of history. And you’re not going to convince anyone that you actually belong there by wearing a massive sombrero that has “viva Mexico” woven into the brim.
Everyone likes mementos and keepsakes from the places they visit, but avoid buying and wearing touristy kitsch like novelty headgear, clothing, or accessories. And while the hipsters and Bushwick might be doing it to be ironic, most New Yorkers don’t wear “I Love New York” t-shirts. And a trip to the Louvre won’t be improved by a dabbing Mona Lisa sweatshirt.
4. Respect Local Culture And Traditions
And finally, on a more serious note, it’s important to remember that some clothing articles have a deeper significance. Whether it’s a Scottish clan tartan or kente cloth from Ghana, historical garments are more than just fashion pieces and should be treated accordingly. This doesn’t mean you can’t buy or wear articles like these, just that you should understand their meaning and significance.
Conclusion: Dress Mindfully While Traveling
To sum up: when planning your vacation outfits, all you need to do is account for itinerary, dress code, and the weather. But overall, it’s important to remember another gentlemanly trait: respect. Respect local culture and traditions. Visiting another country is like visiting another person’s home. They should be polite and respectful to your host.
In a foreign land, this includes being aware and attentive to local dressing customs. In some countries where modest and professional attire might be required when out in public, You might not be allowed to walk down the street in your Speedo even if you are going to the beach.
Keep in mind dress codes for special events like concerts or dramatic performances. You don’t want to be the only person in Tokyo’s National Noh Theater wearing cargo shorts. Fortunately, we have a guide that will help you navigate any dress code effectively.
Dress codes are especially important at religious sites. In sanctified spaces, you might be required to do things like cover your head or remove your shoes and avoid clothing that bears your legs or torso.
Research requirements like these beforehand and be prepared to abide by them. Nothing will make you look more like a tourist than standing in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in running shorts and a tank top and yelling at the Swiss Guard to let you in.
Following simple guidelines like this will help you enrich your travel experience and help you respect the local country you’re visiting. This will also help you stand out from tourists as a respectful globetrotting gentleman.
Outfit Rundown
I’m wearing a natural-colored long sleeve polo that I picked up from Ralph Lauren along with a pair of green trousers and a brown belt. I also have on a pair of brown leather dress shoes.
And, of course, finishing off the look with my Fort Belvedere socks. Check out the Fort Belvedere shop for socks like these.
Building on Raphael and Kyle’s preferred or recommended items, I’d like to add two more,
1) Chinos – they’re wash and wear and can easily be pressed with iron available in motel room. Also more versatile than jeans for dressier outfits and are available in lightweight for warmer weather or climates or heavy weight depending on when you’re travelling. Popular in khaki/beige/tan but I’d be more inclined to go for grey simply because it goes with practically any colour and avoids making one look like a low level IT staff member. Olive green is also good as pictured here: https://nextlevelgents.com/how-to-wear-green-pants/
2) Corduroys for similar reasons to chinos. Only drawback is not as versatile for warmer climates.
3) Monk/double monk strap shoes. Unless we’re talking black tie, look great with both suits and more casual ensembles such as jeans and polo shirt or dress shirt. Less formal, though, that say Oxfords or even derby or bluchers which is why they’re more versatile for more casual outfits.
Monkstraps are also nice for the TSA Two-Step. I love my monks, and will never be without a pair.
And yes, gotta love chinos and cords for travel. Particularly in olive. I like ’em in navy, too.
Yes, it took many years but I’m definitely a convert to monk straps. Initially considered too feminine coming from a family who lives in lace up shoes but decided to try them seeing colleagues at work rocking them.
Navy blue is also great for chinos but I prefer olive as it’s less common so it makes one stand out in a good way. Also easier to pair with black, grey/charcoal and blues than navy.
True on all counts. I like navy when I’m trying to fly “under the radar” a bit more. I also love gray chinos, but olive and mushroom are my faves.
I like the idea of a linen summer suit but am always unsure of the colour. In movies and in pictures, they look something like a light khaki or dark ivory but I am not sure. What is the standard colour for a light summer linen suit?
For example, in your image of the Panama Hat (“Panama hats are perfect for summer months”), what colour is your jacket?
I have a nice linen suit in pale tan. However, linen can be surprisingly warm, so cotton might be better for hot and humid places. For temperate or cooler places I don’t think that you can go far wrong with a decent Tweed.
Ivory and tan seem to be quite common because they’re light colours so they’ll keep you cool compared with say navy blue. If you want something slightly darker but not navy try a steel blue grey linen. If in doubt, Google ‘Prince Harry blue suit.’ I haven’t seen him wear linen suits but I’ve seen them in that colouring. They’re not overly hot but cover up sweat stains and other travel stains better than ivory or tan.
Hi Steve, thanks for commenting. As Nick and Master of Solo Travels have mentioned, lighter colours tend to work well for linen, so a light khaki or a dark ivory would look great for a linen suit.
To answer your question about Raphael’s jacket, it is a light grey and off-white Prince of Wales check with a very light blue and green overcheck. You can see it in action and in further detailed images in our linen guide.
Here’s a picture of the colour I had in mind. Don’t agree 100% with some of the content but the suit colour is what I had in mind for a blue linen suit if you’re after something slightly darker (to conceal sweat and/or travel stains better than ivory or tan) but without being as heat absorbent as navy: https://manofmany.com/fashion/accessorize-blue-linen-suit
Oof – linen and seersucker do look nice, but are impossible to easily launder without access to an iron and ironing board, and in my experience – after spending hours or days in a carry-on – will make you look like a rumpled, sloppy mess. I would suggest rather light cotton perma-press shirts and shorts and – yes – the dreaded polyester dress slacks. I know you all are probably gasping and looking for the nearest fainting couch at the latter, but as a veteran of many business trips over the past three decades, I know what works for travel.
If I’m ever going into the jungle or out on the savannah you can be sure that I’ll be wearing the full-on safari outfit complete with pith helmet and everything. In fact, that’d most likely be my main reason to visit a jungle or a savannah.
I hear you!!
Superb article! Much wisdom. Although some of the suggested ensembles will still mark you as an auslander in certain countries. Sven was very brave being photographed in the “speedo.” Please don’t be so courageous again.
Yes, I was waiting for someone to comment on that. Definitely not his most flattering outfit.
The link below is to a Punch cartoon by ‘Pont’ from his ‘The British Character’ series which he drew in the 1930s. It is titled “Adaptability to Foreign Conditions” and depicts a small group of travellers very much at ease while stopped to camp for the night in a jungle in Africa.
https://punch.photoshelter.com/image/I0000DLH.MCPTmMA
Great advice. I’ve traveled the world, and usually my travel is part business and part leisure/tourist. I would just add a few things:
1. Polo shirts are pretty much universal, and you can fit in perfectly fine in both tourist areas and in a pinch, many business situations. The plainer the better, and avoid logos. Dark shirts don’t show dirt as much, but bright colors look better for warmer climates.
2. Messenger bags are an excellent idea. I use them everywhere, and never had a problem. They are highly versatile, and they make you look more official and business-like. That not only improves your image, but is more off-putting to thieves and hucksters. By being a bit big and clunky, you are less likely to leave it somewhere.
3. Part of your success as a visitor is your attitude. You can be enthusiastic about a locale without having the touristy attitude. Avoid demanding this or that, talking loudly, complaining about anything, or showing distain for local customs, manners or beliefs. Just refraining from taking selfies sets you apart.
4. Always have a photocopy of your passport and keep it safe and separate from your real one. Should you lose your real passport, a photocopy will go a LONG way to getting a new one from the embassy so you can get back home. Ditto your ID.
5. Although shorts are common in US, for men they simply look tacky most everywhere else. (Sure, tropical climes will accept shorts for men). In some places, it shorts are offensive, such as places of worship or memorials. Pants are not only better looking, but help keep bugs and mosquitoes off you.
Love #4.
As for #1, by “dark” I hope you mean a dark-ish gray/blue/green/burgundy kinda range and not black. My black polos (left over from a previous job) tend to look like crap if they get anything on them. I’m looking forward to retiring the last one soon and never going back. Black clothes are like black cars. They only look good on the showroom floor.
And for #3, a large part of your success IN LIFE is attitude more than anything else.
For those of us of a certain age who need a cane for extended walking, please don’t use one of those ghastly orthopedic or metal stand-up ones. I find a collaspible walking stick much better and makes you look like a an adventurer rather than a barely ambulatory tourist.
Overall there is plenty of good information in this video but, unfortunately, far too many ‘locals’ are dressing so causal or utilitarian that by dressing nicely you’ll stand out like a sore thumb.
Our last trip to London was in November 2019 so I took the proverbial long dress coast only to notice any and everywhere we went the puffy quilted down coat in all lengths was the clear choice, at least 25 to 1 over a trench coat or long dress coat. It was so obvious that my wife even commented how out of place I looked compared to others as we Christmas shopped in some of the most exclusive enclaves in the city. What a shame ‘convenience’ seems to factoring into dressing decisions.
And if not puffy down jackets, it’s the dreaded hoodie and sweatpants (cue cringes) +/- thongs/flip flops (depending on which part of the world you’re from), cheap trainers or Ugg boots (cue more cringing and gagging.) Welcome to the Slobocracy dynasty where 90% of people throw on anything and out the door they go whether it looks presentable or not or whether it’s appropriate for the occasion.
London is an interesting city in its many different microcultures – you can walk several yards from Savile Row (where suited men are more likely to be seen) to Regent Street where streetwear and high fashion are the norms. As a resident of the UK, I personally enjoy the variety seen on the streets of London. For me, it means that classic menswear feels that extra bit special as it’s not absolutely everywhere.
My experience has always been that overdressing is appreciated. I have had so many compliments from “raising the bar” that I will continue to do so.
I’d like to think so but comments in this day and age suggest otherwise. I went to a local family bistro with relatives a few months ago. We were dressed relatively casually but definitely presentable. Eg. Chinos or neat non-distressed jeans, button down shirts or polo shirts, etc. I was aghast to see some of the disreputable attire worn by other customers. Eg. Naked beer gut sticking out from a worn football team shirt creating a muffin top over his equally worn sweatpants with thongs on his feet. I commented on it later to relatives only to be shut down with ‘who cares? It’s just a local bistro!’
Any suggestions on hats that pack well and are suitable for warm/hot climates?
Hi Richard, I’d suggest the Panama Hat as a great starting point.
You can even find rollable Panama’s on the market, such as this example from Lock & Co, which makes the Panama a great choice for travelling in warm climates.
Thank you
Please don’t wear a white shirt with nothing under it, so your skin shows through.
If you dress like a gentleman every day, you will not need to change anything to travel.
I am a big fan of GG. Thanks.
Re: “If you dress like a gentleman every day, you will not need to change anything to travel.”
My thoughts exactly.
Not entirely true. I’d also argue that for travel, one’s more likely to bring and dress in outfits that are wash and wear compared with the suits and ties or more formal jacket-tie combos that one often sees on Raphael and Preston. For example, one’s more likely to bring and dress in cotton outfits like chinos/cords and polo shorts and cardigans rather than say wool or cashmere sweaters or wool suits or sports jackets.
Raphael has a lot of great ideas, but, the only rule i go by is a old proverb that saids “When in Rome, do as the Romans” if i am going to another country i will look at current pictures and see what people are wearing and pack according to the weather and climate !! And once there Have Fun!!
Great advice. One area of small disagreement is white sneakers. In Europe white sneakers are still not common for casual wear as it is in the U.S. I have seen an uptick of Europeans wearing white sneakers casual, but mainly the youth with some of the popular styles (i.e. Jordans, Yeezy, Balenciaga, Off White, etc.). With men 30 plus white sneakers can sometimes give off the tourist look. Obviously, the style pictured is a nice subtle look and would not be a real issue. Another reason I avoid white shoes in Europe, especially in urban settings, is the wet weather and potential to dirty up the shoes while walking the streets and sidewalks.
Keep up the great content!
So I have to laugh a little at the comment about “standing out” in a Mickey Mouse t-shirt. I have a bunch of Disney branded apparel because I live in Florida and visit Walt Disney World all the time, and when you’re there you actually stand out a lot more by NOT wearing it. Besides, the corniness is kind of part of the fun. I do, however, eschew the t-shirts and almost always wear the polo or button down shirts that have Mickey Mouse on the left chest where the brand logo would normally go on a Ralph Lauren or Brooks Brothers shirt. Gotta keep it classy.
You guys should actually consider taking your YouTube channel on the road for when Disney does “Dapper Day.”
Wow, really nice article.
thanks for all information, it’s really useful for travelers.
I adore hats, and I see the link for the rollable Panama hat – has anyone actually road-tested this one?
Maybe I’m just too particular in this arena (and I do like my brims a certain way), but any “packable” hat I’ve ever seen becomes unsightly to me after it is crushed or rolled, and taking one on a plane is a gamble. (Yes, I’m a girl who dresses as girls typically would, but I do fit men’s shirts better than women’s due to my broad shoulders and narrow torso, so I wear those sometimes, and in addition to learning things that apply to anyone or that include historic tidbits, I just enjoy the features!)
Great article and very fine discussion. I agree wholeheartedly with chinos, which can slip past the door with the right outfit. I learned years ago that whether I expect to dress up or not, unless I’m absolutely sure I won’t need them I always toss a white shirt and black or silver knit tie and possibly a travel blazer into my kit. A good looking leather walk shoe like Rockport or similar brand can provide all-day comfort and look dressy in the evening without an athletic appearance. I’ll bore any reader who got this for with a quick tale: disembarking from a cruise ship in the Caribbean many years ago, and wearing a Hawaiian shirt and shorts (hey, ignorance is bliss) I was pestered by hawkers everywhere I went. I went ashore the next day in a sport shirt and a pair of Wranglers I brought for riding, and was pretty much ignored by the locals, though a few wanted to know which ship I worked on.