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Can I wear shorts in Paris? I often receive this question from readers packing for summer in the French capital. While the answer isn’t black and white, there is a dress code in Paris that’s more nuanced than you might expect. In this post, I’m going to break it all down, because yes, you can wear shorts in Paris, but there’s a right way to do it. I’ll also share some appropriate options to consider, plus a few outfit ideas featuring shorts.

Do Parisians Wear Shorts?

It’s true that compared to Americans, French people don’t really wear shorts as often. In Paris specifically, shorts aren’t very common unless it’s really hot. Even then, they’re styled much more thoughtfully. Parisians don’t live in shorts the way Americans do, and you’ll almost never see athletic shorts worn outside of workouts.

You’re much more likely to see shorts in beach towns, the countryside, or the South of France, where the style is much more casual in general. Paris, on the other hand, doesn’t reach the same highs during the summer, and the locals tend to just dress more modestly overall. You’ll likely spot more Parisian women in skirts or dresses, even during a heatwave.

Can You Wear Shorts in Paris?

Just because shorts aren’t common among Parisians doesn’t mean you can’t wear them as a tourist. It’s all about how you style them.

Paris doesn’t have any official rules about what to wear, but in my experience, there’s definitely an “unspoken” dress code. In general, locals dress more polished, even in casual settings. You don’t have to look like you’re headed to Paris Fashion Week, but you do want to look intentional.

If you're going to wear shorts in Paris, I would opt for styles that are longer and a bit tailored. Skip anything too tight, too short, baggy, frayed, or overly distressed. Parisians love effortlessness, but sloppiness is a definite faux pas.

If you’re visiting Paris in the summer, linen, cotton, or twill are all perfectly appropriate. In the fall and winter, I’ve also worn wool skorts with tights.

It’s no myth that Parisians tend to wear neutrals over bright colors, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to an all-beige palette. Patterns like stripes or gingham can also be fun for the summer.

You’ll also want to consider your shoes when styling shorts. Although Parisians love sneakers, I would go for something a bit more refined to balance the casualness of the shorts. Loafers, ballet flats, or stylish sandals are all great options.

The top matters, too. A linen button-down, silky blouse or a structured blazer can elevate your look, making your shorts feel effortlessly chic (see the outfit ideas below).

What About Denim Shorts?

Even though jeans are perfectly fine for Paris, denim shorts are a different story. Along with khaki cargoes, boxer shorts, and those lacy silk shorts that are trending right now, denim cutoffs are something I wouldn’t recommend wearing in the city. Shorts are already casual, but denim makes them even more so.

If you really want to wear denim, I would suggest these black A-line denim shorts from Everlane. But typically, in a place like Paris, dressing in a more quiet luxury/old money style is always a good idea.

Do Men Wear Shorts in Paris?

I’ve noticed that men tend to wear shorts in Paris a bit more often than women. Unless you’re my boyfriend, who doesn’t own a single pair of shorts (I’m still shocked by this).

Maybe it’s because men’s shorts are typically longer and therefore more acceptable in public settings. Or maybe it’s because women typically face more scrutiny and street harassment, especially when wearing something more revealing.

When Parisian men do wear shorts, they’re usually Bermuda-length, well-fitted, and paired with loafers or sneakers. They will rarely dress down unless they’re on vacation from Paris.

Alternatives to Shorts

If you’re still unsure about wearing shorts, there are plenty of chic alternatives for hot days in Paris. Breezy wide-leg pants, capris, and midi skirts are all stylish, comfortable, and very Paris-appropriate.

Skorts are also a great middle ground. I bought one from Maje that looks like a mini skirt but feels like shorts, and I have no problem wearing it around Paris or Strasbourg. I find it funny how a mini skirt tends to draw less attention than shorts, just because it’s more normal to see in France.

I always recommend packing a mix of bottoms to give you some flexibility. While summer in Paris can be warm, temperatures can drop (especially in the mornings and evenings) so having a few pairs of pants and longer skirts will be essential.

Shop Alternatives to Shorts

When You Shouldn’t Wear Shorts

If your itinerary includes religious sites, upscale restaurants, or certain clubs, keep in mind some do enforce stricter dress codes. Here are some cases when shorts are better left in your suitcase:

Upscale restaurants and bars. Shorts can feel out of place or even get you turned away at fine dining restaurants. Always ask about the dress code when making your reservations.
Religious sites. When visiting churches, cathedrals, or other sacred spaces like Notre Dame or Sacré-Cœur, modesty is expected. Most have signs at the entrance prohibiting short shorts.
Nightclubs and lounges. Many trendier nightclubs expect guests to dress up. Again, check the dress code in advance.
Affluent neighborhoods. Certain neighborhoods of Paris are more upscale than others. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear shorts there, but you might get more stares. In general, west and central Paris is a bit more refined. Also if you’re luxury shopping in these areas, it isn’t a bad idea to skip the shorts.

Read More: What to Wear to Dinner in Paris

Being a Tourist Isn’t a Bad Thing

Wanting to fit in is understandable, but being a tourist is not something to be ashamed of.

As hard as you might try to dress like a local, Parisians can usually spot a tourist from a mile away. It’s not just about shorts. It’s your weight, hair color, outfit, makeup, posture, language, and so many other small details.

And to be honest, you will see for yourself, there are plenty of tourists wearing way worse than shorts. I used to see people in flip-flops, crop tops, and even athleisure when I lived in Paris. In comparison, a tasteful pair of shorts is hardly worth a second glance.

Also, don’t take stares too personally. In Paris, people do look, but it’s not always disapproval. Sometimes it’s curiosity. Sometimes it’s admiration. I still get a lot of stares in France, and most of the time I just assume it’s my red hair.

While it’s important to be respectful of any rules at venues, it’s also ok to stick to your personal style. You don’t need to wear uncomfortable clothing or buy an entirely new wardrobe just to avoid being identified as a tourist.

Petite anecdote: Earlier this year, my French boyfriend and I visited Arizona. He dresses a lot more polished than most American men, and he wore skinny jeans and a leather Perfecto jacket everywhere (even to the golf course). He definitely got stares, but also tons of compliments on his style. Even though people could tell he wasn’t American, it wasn’t a big deal in the end. So wear what feels good, stay respectful of your surroundings, and know that looking like a tourist is never the worst thing you can do.