This Popular American-Style Clothing Will Make You Stick Out As A Tourist In France

France is one of the most exciting countries in all of Europe. It's also one of the most fashionable destinations in the world. It's home to the world's long-reigning "Fashion Capital" — the sparkling city of Paris. The people of France are known for their iconic sense of style. Somehow, they manage to appear perfectly polished and completely effortless at the same time. The French-chic aesthetic is mimicked by fashion lovers all over the world, but no one masters it quite like the locals.

A trip to France is a perfect opportunity to elevate your travel wardrobe. If you want to avoid instantly being pegged as a tourist, It's worth spending extra time curating your packing list. Europeans tend to dress up a bit more than you might be used to if you're traveling from countries like the US. Some types of clothing that are worn on the regular in America simply aren't as popular in France.

Quality denim jeans are a closet staple for people around the world, and France is no exception. Denim is timeless and goes with pretty much everything. A great fitting pair of jeans combined with a stylish top is a classic outfit formula that's hard to beat. In the US, distressed denim was a popular trend in the 2000s, and some people still regularly rock their favorite pair of intentionally tattered jeans. In France, ripped denim isn't nearly as popular.

It's worth noting that comfort is the most important thing to keep in mind while packing for a trip abroad. It doesn't matter how good an outfit looks if it makes you feel uncomfortable. You shouldn't feel the need to purchase a whole new wardrobe for your trip to France, and there's no need to completely forgo your personal style. There's no dress code. Ultimately, you can wear whatever you want as long as it's appropriate.

That being said, if you're someone who likes to stay under the radar, you may feel significantly better if you make an effort to blend in with the locals. One way to do that is to avoid common clothing mistakes like distressed denim. Many French locals and visitors argue you'll be dubbed as a tourist no matter what you wear, because Americans tend to speak loudly and have different social norms, but others say it's a good idea to avoid jeans covered in holes.

In the r/ParisTravelGuide SubReddit, one traveler questioned the general opinion on distressed denim, and responses were mixed. "In Paris, no one cares. It's not a gala evening. The more comfortable you are. The more radiant you are," wrote Material_Show_4592. Another commenter had a totally different take. "Ripped jeans are pretty much out of style everywhere!" wrote pinkified22. A user called Hiro_Trevelyan shared a similar sentiment. "They're a bit out of fashion, honey. It's not 2010 anymore," they wrote.

If you want to avoid looking like a tourist during your trip to France, there are plenty of other options to wear instead of distressed denim. Jeans are as much of a staple in French wardrobes as they are in America. The French just prefer their jeans look a bit more elegant. Aim for a polished look. Think classic, chic, and tailored. Try to avoid wearing anything with rips or holes, as that can make you look a bit messy. The most important thing is to find a pair of jeans that flatters your body type.

Instead of ripped denim jeans, choose something classic. You can't go wrong with a pair of dark indigo straight-leg jeans. Keep in mind that straight-leg jeans are a bit more relaxed than the super tight skinny jeans that were also popular in the US during the early aughts — although similar styles did make an appearance on the runway during Paris Fashion Week.

According to Every Day Parisian, straight-leg denim, wide-leg trousers, and high-waisted styles are popular in 2025. Noelani, creator of the French lifestyle website La Vie On Grand, offers excellent advice when it comes to choosing the right jeans. "Parisians tend to stick with classic and timeless jeans rather than wearing anything trendy. This means skipping distressing and holes of any kind. The styles of jeans they prefer to wear are straight-leg, flare, and wide-leg," she wrote on her website. Pair your jeans with a classic white t-shirt for a casual look, or dress them up with a silk button-up and a nice blazer.