If you wear these 7 things on European vacations, locals know you're American

Last summer, my husband and I took Emilia to visit his family in Italy, and on the way back we stopped in Paris for three days. I was so excited to finally explore the city properly after years of dreaming about it. Within an hour of arriving, I started playing a little game with myself. Guess who's American before they speak.

It turned out to be surprisingly easy. Growing up in Central Asia and then living in Malaysia before moving to Brazil, I've always been fascinated by how people from different cultures carry themselves. Americans have a very specific look when they travel, and once you know what to watch for, it's hard to miss.

Here's what I noticed that gives it away every single time.

1. Bright white sneakers

Americans love their pristine white sneakers. They wear them everywhere, from the grocery store to fancy restaurants, and they're always spotless. In Europe, though, they stand out immediately.

Europeans tend to wear sneakers that look more lived in or opt for leather shoes, loafers, or simple canvas styles in neutral tones. The gleaming white running shoes just aren't as common on the streets of Rome or Barcelona.

I watched this unfold at a café in Le Marais. A couple walked in wearing matching bright white sneakers, cargo shorts, and baseball caps. Before they even ordered, the waiter switched to English. Meanwhile, the table next to them had visitors who could have easily been tourists too, but their muted gray sneakers and simple clothing helped them blend in much better.

If you want to avoid standing out, go for sneakers in colors like gray, navy, or tan. Better yet, bring a pair of leather sneakers or simple slip-ons that look polished but still feel good after a full day of walking.

2. Oversized athletic wear

Back in São Paulo, I see plenty of people running errands in yoga pants and oversized hoodies. It's comfortable, practical, and no one thinks twice about it. In most European cities, though, athleisure isn't as common outside the gym.

Europeans generally dress more intentionally, even for casual outings. That means fitted jeans, tailored trousers, or simple dresses instead of baggy sweatpants and college logo sweatshirts.

I'm not saying you need to dress up for every gelato run, but swapping the gym clothes for something a little more structured makes a noticeable difference. A pair of straight-leg jeans and a tucked-in shirt takes about the same effort but reads completely different.

The contrast was especially obvious near tourist attractions. Americans in athletic gear stood out against the locals in their casual but put-together outfits. It's not about being fancy. It's about looking like you made a small effort.

3. Baseball caps

I love a good baseball cap. It hides unwashed hair, keeps the sun out of your eyes, and requires zero effort. But in Europe, they're a dead giveaway.

You'll see some locals wearing caps, but they're usually smaller, more fitted styles, or they're styled in a way that feels intentional. The classic American baseball cap with a big logo on the front is much less common.

I noticed this especially in Paris. Most people went without hats altogether or wore something like a beret, a simple beanie, or a structured hat that felt more like part of an outfit than an afterthought.

If you're worried about bad hair days or sun protection, consider a silk scarf, a wide-brimmed hat, or even just embracing the messy look. Europeans seem much more comfortable with imperfect hair, and honestly, it's kind of freeing once you get used to it.

4. Cargo shorts

Cargo shorts are practical. They have pockets for your phone, your wallet, your map, and probably a snack or two. But they're also one of the easiest ways to spot an American tourist from a mile away.

European men tend to wear slimmer, shorter shorts in solid colors, or they stick to lightweight trousers even in warm weather. The baggy, knee-length cargo style just isn't part of the local aesthetic.

My husband noticed this too. He pointed out how different the local men looked compared to the American tourists we kept seeing. The locals wore tailored shorts that hit above the knee, while the tourists had longer, baggier styles loaded with pockets.

Women aren't off the hook here either. Baggy cargo pants or utility-style shorts can have the same effect. Stick to tailored shorts, a casual skirt, or a breezy dress if the weather's warm.

5. Fanny packs worn across the chest

Fanny packs have made a comeback, and I get the appeal. They keep your hands free and your belongings secure, which is especially helpful in crowded tourist areas. But the way most Americans wear them gives it away instantly.

Wearing a fanny pack across your chest like a crossbody bag is a very American thing. Europeans who use small bags tend to go for sleek leather crossbodies, compact backpacks, or even just a phone and card holder tucked into a pocket.

The key to blending in is looking like you belong there, not like you're wearing a uniform for sightseeing.

I carry a small leather crossbody bag that holds my phone, cards, and a lipstick. It's just as secure and feels much less conspicuous. If you really want the fanny pack, wear it around your waist under a loose shirt or jacket instead of displaying it front and center.

6. Souvenir T-shirts

Wearing souvenir shirts while you're still on vacation is one of the quickest ways to announce you're a tourist. Think about it. You wouldn't wear an "I Love São Paulo" shirt while walking around your own neighborhood, right?

Locals can spot a souvenir tee from a block away. Europeans tend to dress more plainly in solid colors or subtle patterns. A simple white tee, a striped shirt, or a linen button-up will always look more natural than something with a big Eiffel Tower graphic on the front.

I saw this constantly near major attractions. Groups wearing matching shirts with landmarks printed on them, standing out against everyone else in their understated clothing.

Save the souvenir shirts for when you get home. They make better pajamas or gym clothes anyway.

7. Oversized backpacks

Big travel backpacks are incredibly practical. They hold everything you might need for a day out, from water bottles to cameras to extra layers. But they also make you look like you're preparing for a hiking expedition rather than a city stroll.

Most Europeans carry smaller bags or nothing at all. If they do have a backpack, it's usually a compact, stylish one that doesn't dominate their whole silhouette.

I used to see this all the time in Malaysia too. American tourists would show up with massive backpacks stuffed with supplies, while locals moved through the city with just a small purse or a slim messenger bag.

If you're worried about not having enough space, remember that you're in a city. There are shops, cafés, and pharmacies everywhere. You don't need to carry your entire hotel room on your back.

Final thoughts

I don't think there's anything wrong with looking like a tourist. Travel is about experiencing new places, and most locals are kind regardless of what you're wearing.

That said, blending in a bit more does change the experience. You get approached differently, you navigate spaces with more ease, and you feel less like you're constantly being identified and categorized.

The goal isn't to pretend you're someone you're not. But dressing a little more like the locals helps you move through a place with less attention, which makes the whole trip feel smoother and more authentic.

Next time you pack for Europe, think about what you'd wear if you lived there. Keep it simple, neutral, and a little more fitted than what's typical back home. You'll be surprised how much more comfortable you feel when you're not constantly being spotted as a visitor from across the street.