The stereotypical linen shirt, swim trunks, and sandals look only applies in the summer, specifically on the islands for vacation. Unfortunately for all your foreigners out there, this is not how people in Greece dress year around. I do admit, every day is mostly sunny and warm here, but our wardrobes do not mimic it. Today, I am going to expose you to how Greeks (mostly the youth) dress for day to day life. Mind you this is not meant to be taken literally, not every individual Greek youth dresses exactly how I am telling you, it is just an overall statement that I am putting out there.
Black. One must realize that the national color of Greece could have been black. Black jeans, black t-shirts, black shoes, black socks, black hoodies, etc… Due to the hot environment one might think it would be a wise idea to wear white or another light color, this statement does not apply in Greece. Not everyone dresses in all black, but it is truly common to see black shoes and top, or black pants and shoes, or all black on anyone in the youth. The clothes do not get visibilly dirty, and are suitable all day. Mornings are brisk, afternoons are hot, and night is sometimes chilly, so black addresses all the weather types. In addition to the weather, black matches with many other colors, creating a versatile wardrobe. Of course, black is not the only color one wear here in Greece, enjoy dark grey, dark green, dark red, and navy blue on clothing choices. White does make an appearance as well as other lighter colors, but they are almost always paired with, yes, black (or another dark color). While living in Greece, one must learn to like the color black, because if not, this is not the place to go outside wearing light colors. Wearing mostly light colors, especially in the offseason, or non summer months, is the biggest giveaway that one is a foreigner.
The second biggest giveaway one is a foreigner is that the color of their shoes does not match their top. Here in Greece, having shoes that do not match your top is social suicide. Everyone, including our own παππου και γιαγια, or Grandfather and Grandmother, known and dress with matching shoes and tops. The only time a shoe or top does not match is when one is wearing a white or black shoe or top. For example, if one chooses to wear a black top and black pants, then the shoes can be white. If one chooses to wear a white top and black pants and shoes that is also acceptable. People who wear clothes that do not match are foreigners, mostly Americans given the horrendous clothing taste’s I have witnessed. Remember, when in Greece, the shoes must match the top, I repeat, the shoes must match the top. You will thank me later for this one…
Clothes that fit. Who doesn’t like a t shirt two sizes larger than nessecary on a body too thin for it? Everyone here in Greece is the answer to that question. What about wearing your sweatpants and t-shirt to class like we do in the USA, that’s cool too right? Again, no, you only wear sweat clothes only when playing a sport or working out. Outside, you wear pants and a button down shirt or t-shirt, non athletic sneakers (no nike running shoes or basketball shoes), and no baseball hats. I cannot stress the importance of dressing properly here. The thing Greeks dislike most about foreigners dress is how they underdress everything. When going outside it is not acceptable to casually wear basketball shorts and nike sneakers, and when in school do not show up like its pajama day wearing your sweatpants. Basic ways of dressing properly are practiced here, so be sure to wear pants and a belt, properly fitting clothes, and nice attire when visiting Greece. Even if you have some extra weight you want hidden, wear the size that fits. Many people here in Greece have the same issue, but choose to wear the appropriate fitting size. They would rather have you wear clothes that fit and show your stomach than oversized clothes hiding your fat. No one cares here about your weight, they care more about the correct sizing, trust me…
So how do Youthful Greeks dress now that I layed out the itenerary. Well, it starts to look like this: Weekdays wear pants (dark blue jeans, dark grey jeans, black jeans), accompanied by t shirts and casual button down shirts (that do not many patterns or loud visuals on them), casual sneakers (McQueen, Superga, Ted Baker, etc..) with of course all these items being a mostly dark colors. Jordan apparel and nike apparel is seen mostly at night when kids are just hanging around outside, of course after class. To note, Air Jordan is more popular than Nike in Greece, so be prepared to see lots of jumpman at Sneaker 10, Nike, retro 23, Footlocker, etc… For clothing stores, Zara is the big one here, then H&M, Pull&Bear round out the other two big chains. In general, since things changed here in Greece as of 2011 (the year the Greek recession got much worse), and wearing loud, flashy designer clothes is a huge don’t. If one is to wear designer clothes, make sure it is a subtle pattern or low key brand. No flashy gold Versace shirt patterns or fancy visible Gucci belts, keep it simple. Simple pattern Designer brands seen here include Balmain, Valentino, Moncler as what I would consider the big three (for men). Aside from the dark clothing and simple dressing patterns make sure one has good hygiene. This means cologne, fresh breath, clean hands everywhere. Although these things mentioned are not clothes, they are a must do here. Having good hygiene also complements the clothing style too. And there you have it, how the Greek youth (mostly) dresses for everyday life. See the image below to see what Greek teens dress like these days. Keep in mind skateboarding is actually “cool” here, and yes, teens have been growing the punk scene here recently. This is mainly because it is a break from the traditional ways of life here, that still heavily dominate our society.
I fall under many different catagories when it comes to dressing. When I studied in the USA for High School I had to wear a uniform, that consisted of khaki pants, white shirt, and navy blue blazer, all three items yet to be seen in a Greek wardrobe by choice. At University in the USA, I had to “level down” and was forced to opt for lululemon sweat clothes over dressing like an adult, wearing fitting jeans and casual shirt. In Greece, I dress like a normal human, practice good hygiene, and feel great. Summertime comes around and I dress like an islander, lots of linen clothes and wear my swim trunks around everywhere for the most part. So in essence, I touch all 3 areas of dress listed: athletic, summer time/islander attire, and normal (“Greek”). As a preference it is always best to dress on the nicer side because of first impressions and I tend to feel more confident when not wearing my sweat clothes out daily.
If anything, this article is meant to teach you the true dress of the Greeks. One must learn how to blend in here because you will stick out to begin with, and that is not always a good thing. Practice kindness, be polite, and try to follow my dress code I layed out, and enjoy your stay!
SKG.7 