15+ Best Outfits to Wear When Visiting Pompeii in 2024

By Iana Jekova Jan 04, 2024

Pompeii is an open-air historical museum and is second of the most visited Italian archaeological sites.

As you step through its cobbled streets and marvel at the intricacies of its architecture, your attire can play an unexpectedly crucial role in enhancing your experience. The confluence of historical significance, climate considerations, and cultural respect calls for a thoughtful selection of clothing.

Explore with us the art of dressing wisely and fashionably for this archaeological marvel, from breathable fabrics to modest options.

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Some Considerations

In Pompeii, the climate is warm and temperate. Winters are usually rainy, especially in December. The month with the highest relative humidity is May, and the lowest is September. For this reason, the best time from a meteorological point of view to visit Pompeii would be the months of September and October.

Pompeii is not a religious place, so it has no dress code. The complete tour is 7 hours and consists of a lot of walking. Wear light clothes, comfortable shoes and, in summer, bring a hat, water, and sunscreen. In August, temperatures can exceed 35 degrees Celsius, so wear linen or thin muslin clothes.

If you have planned the visit in autumn or winter, don't forget a waterproof jacket and an umbrella in case of rain, since the visit to the excavations is almost entirely outdoors.

If you are visiting Pompeii with small kids, keep in mind that visiting the site with a stroller is not recommended. Better to opt for a baby carrier.

What To Avoid

Avoid wearing formal, elegant, fine clothes, heeled shoes, or wedge sandals. In summer, avoid tight clothes and synthetic fibers. Avoid heavy bags and handbags.

Keep in mind that while visiting historical sites, you'll likely encounter other visitors, some of whom may have different cultural backgrounds and sensibilities. Choosing modest and respectful outfits can help create a positive atmosphere for everyone.

The Simpler The Better

Wear a basic tee with straight-cut jeans and a pair of sneakers. This simple and versatile combination is ideal for visiting the archeological site as it is comfortable and versatile. You can easily dress it up or down depending on the weather conditions and your personal preferences.

If you are interested in Fair Trade jeans, here is our selection of the best affordable and Fair Trade denim jeans ethically made under the highest social and environmental standards.

Casual Midi Dress

Wear a lightweight casual midi dress to visit the site during the summer. Pay attention to the fit and ensure that the dress is not too tight or restrictive, as you'll be walking and exploring for an extended period.

An A-line midi dress, a bohemian style, or a button-up midi dress are all flattering and comfortable for walking around the archaeological site.

To get more inspiration on how to style a midi dress, read our article for the 15 great outfits to wear over a midi dress.

Hot Summers in Shorts

Probably the best and most comfortable outfit to wear while visiting Pompeii during summer is shorts with a basic top. Shorts promote better air circulation around your lower body, which can help regulate your body temperature and prevent sweating. Plus, they provide a higher range of motion and comfort compared to skirts.

Go for tailored pleated shorts from linen or lightweight cotton and pair them with a basic tee. Complete the outfit with espadrilles or sandals.

For those who prefer the more laid-back style, wear denim shorts with a white tee and your favorite sneakers.

If you are interested in buying high-quality, ethically made, and budget-friendly denim shorts, find your best fit here.

Chic Urban Style With Overalls

Overalls are fabulous clothing pieces that help you achieve stylish outfits and give you that relaxed urban vibe that many of us love.

Overalls are versatile and can go from cold to hot weather, depending on what you wear under them. Overalls come in various lengths, from full-length to shorts. Consider the climate to determine which kind is most suitable. In terms of style, classic denim overalls can be versatile and timeless, while more tailored or linen options might be better suited for a slightly dressier look.

If you are interested in affordable and fashionable overalls and dungarees, check out our selection of the best eco-friendly brands here.

Cute Sporty Style

Our list would not be complete without our popular leggings. Leggings are soft and stretchy, providing a high level of comfort for extended periods of walking and exploring.

You can dress up or down your leggings, depending on your style and mood, and you can wear them with a variety of footwear.

Choose our colorful and unique leggings, handcrafted from high-quality materials and durable sublimation printing techniques. Read more about the Panaprium leggings manufacturing process here.

A Summer Must Have

Tank tops are the most comfortable and suitable clothing pieces for summer tourist activities. Tank tops offer a relaxed and casual style that aligns well with the laid-back atmosphere of summer vacation.

In addition, you can easily layer a light jacket, shawl, or scarf over a tank top if you're visiting the air-conditioned indoor restaurant of Pompeii or if the weather cools down in the evening.

Discover our selection of the best affordable and sustainable tank tops for women and men made under high standards.

If you are wearing a tank top during a summer visit to Pompeii, remember to apply sunscreen on your shoulders and wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face and shoulders.

Wear Light-Colored Clothing

Light-colored fabrics, especially whites, and pastels, reflect more sunlight than dark-colored fabrics. This reflection helps in keeping your body cool and prevents overheating.

Craft a beautiful and romantic outfit by wearing a white skirt with floral prints and pairing it with a white blouse, or wear shorts in pastel colors paired with a basic white tee shirt.

Lighten Things Up With A White Dress

White dresses convey womanly and bohemian vibes, especially if the dress is flowy, has a loose fit, or features crochet or fringe details. This look is perfect for vacation settings or outdoor activities.

White dresses often have a clean and minimalistic aesthetic, allowing you to play with accessories and create various looks. You can add a pop-up color by wearing colorful accessories, bold jewelry, or vibrant layers.

If you like classic and polished looks, pair a simple white dress with a denim jacket and sneakers. Buy beautiful, eco-friendly denim jackets from our best sustainable brands here.

Trendy Street-Style Look

Light, comfortable and warm, the joggers' success is not surprising, especially after the restrictions during the pandemic.

Jogger pants are highly versatile fashion pieces, as they offer the ability to act as both workout pants and loungewear that you can also dress up for a number of public outings.

If you are visiting Pompeii in the cooler months, style well-fitted jogger pants with a basic turtleneck for a smart, trendy street-style look.

Cropped Hoodie And Skinny Jeans

We love cropped hoodies because they give you a girlish and playful look. Pair it with high-waisted skinny jeans to craft a beautifully balanced ensemble.

Cropped hoodies are perfect for the mid-season and can be layered with a denim jacket, lightweight vest, or a coat for a dressier look.

Look for beautiful and sustainable hoodies in our list of the best organic hoodies.

Replace the cropped hoodie with a basic crop top for the warmer months. Instead of skinny jeans, pair them with high-waisted wide-leg jeans for maximum comfort and fresh feeling.

Stay Dry In The Rain

Pompeii is a vast and open-air archeological area, and rains and wind during the winter and spring are usual. If you are visiting it during this period, make sure to pack a waterproof and windproof jacket.

High-quality waterproof jackets shield you from rain and moisture. They have a breathable texture that allows sweat to escape from the inside and prevents you from feeling clammy or sweaty.

Check out our selection of the best affordable and sustainable waterproof jackets made under high social and environmental standards.

Accessories And Footwear

We can affirm without a doubt that the best bag to wear during your visit to Pompeii is a backpack. Wearing a handbag or a shoulder bag for an extended period can lead to muscle fatigue and tension. The muscles on the carrying side may become overstressed, leading to discomfort and soreness.

Buy comfortable, ethical, vegan leather backpacks from our favorite brands here.

Footwear must be comfortable as you will be walking a lot. Sneakers, sandals, and low-heeled ankle boots will be the best choices, depending on the season. Choose shoe brands that uphold strong social and environmental standards when shopping for fashionable and comfortable footwear.

Check out our selection of the best eco-conscious European sneaker brands that sell ethically and sustainably made footwear.

Also, wearing Roman-style sandals will be a fun way to showcase your admiration and appreciation for the great importance of the historical site you are visiting.

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About the Author: Iana Jekova

I am Iana Jekova, and I graduated in IT from the University of Sofia. I have been living in three different countries now. I love meeting new people and sharing ideas. My work experience is in the area of communications and information management. But my true passion is writing. It gives me the possibility to build an emotional bridge with people or be helpful.