Most of us have the dress-code rules when visiting a church in Italy: no shorts, bare shoulders, or mini-skirts. Bare shoulders would include sleeveless tops for women and men (yes, if he’s wearing a tank top, you can be sure he’s American.) I’ve heard of men being admitted in long, cargo-style shorts (not that anyone should be admitted anywhere in cargo shorts,) but you’re better off not taking any chances.
I’ve found the dress code to be pretty consistent throughout the country, however, many cities in Italy have very different customs and rules for church visitations particularly in heavily touristed cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice.
