What Not to Wear in Japan, South Korea, Germany, & Italy

High concentrations of OCONUS military installations are located in Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Italy. If your family gets an overseas assignment, it’s up to you how much you choose to adopt cultural standards in your new home. But would you even know what to wear? Take the quiz to find out!

How many pairs of shoes might you need for one day in Japan?

1 pair that you remove before entering the home.

2 pairs – one for outside and another pair (of slippers) to wear around the house.

3 pairs – one for outside, a pair of slippers for inside the house, and a pair of slippers to wear into the bathroom.

4 pairs - one for outside, a pair of slippers for inside the house, a pair of slippers to wear into the bathroom, and a pair of special shoes to wear to dinner.

Correct! Wrong!

Which outfit is more appropriate in South Korea?

Correct! Wrong!

You’ve decided to take a quick trip to the Italian coast. You wore a swim suit, strappy top, shorts, and flip-flops to the beach, but decide to walk into town for lunch. First, you should:

Do nothing. You’re dressed for the beach in a beach town, so you’ll fit right in.

Be sure to wash sand off of yourself so that you are respectful and clean wherever you go.

Go back to your hotel and change into nicer clothes.

Correct! Wrong!

It’s the middle of summer and you’re headed to visit some of the exquisite churches near your home in Italy. Which outfit is more appropriate?

Correct! Wrong!

In Germany,

Everyone wears black.

Fashion is very similar to America — even the ath-leisure trend has caught on!

People typically dress in a more sophisticated manner with clothing that fits well (a.k.a. no baggy stuff).

They love sports jerseys for European football teams.

Correct! Wrong!

In Italy, which brand is sure to help you blend in?

Kate Spade

Dolce & Gabbana

Yves Saint Laurent

Stella McCartney

Correct! Wrong!

What Not to Wear in Japan, South Korea, Germany, & Italy

You're an On-Trend Expert!

You know how to fit in like a chameleon, which allows you to have more authentic cultural experiences.

You Fit Right In!

You may have make a faux pas or two, but you mostly know how to dress the part.

Maybe do some reading before you go.

If you want to adhere to local norms, you might want to read up on fashion in whichever country you're headed to.

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