Recognized by their clothes? Here’s how locals tell American tourists apart

Even if you do your best to blend in with locals when traveling abroad, adopting local lingo and customs, one big giveaway might still stand out: your clothes.

According to stylists across the globe, several fashion trends can reveal your American identity, from casual sportswear to logo-heavy outfits.

Athletic wear is a common giveaway

Brooke Crum, a fashion stylist who organizes bespoke shopping tours for visitors to Japan, says athletic wear is a major indicator of American style... and not in a flattering way.

“People in America really like the idea of dressing comfortably,” she says. “What’s one thing not to wear? Leggings, full stop. Clothes have their purpose, and athletic wear is for athletics.”

But she adds that workout clothes can work outside the gym if styled thoughtfully.

“If you’re going to wear a jersey, put a blazer over it. Or you could style a track jacket with a pair of jeans.”

Paris-based fashion consultant Anne-Victoire Lefèvre points to baseball caps and backpacks as other distinctly American fashion signals.

Too casual vs. too dressy

While Americans may dress too casually during the day, they often go to the opposite extreme at night, says private stylist Nathalie Oliver, also based in Paris.

For women, that means special-occasion dresses, heels, fancy skirts, blouses, or wedges. American men, however, receive most of Oliver’s criticism.

“Men are probably the worst dressed Americans from what I’m seeing. Most of them have the same outfit: a polo shirt, chinos, and sneakers,” she says.

Logos everywhere

If you want to avoid looking like an American tourist, Lefèvre advises choosing clothes and accessories with fewer logos.

“I think we avoid logos and choose timeless pieces that you can mix with your whole wardrobe,” she says. “Wear black, or just a classic white shirt with a top underneath and jeans. And comfy ballerina shoes for women.”

The Mexican perspective on ‘beachy’ American style

Stylists in Mexico also notice the trend of Americans dressing for the beach at all times, even when it is unnecessary.

“I’m not saying that all Americans are like this or dress like that, but the general vibe we get is a mix between beach and activewear,” explains Laura Carrillo, a stylist and fashion designer based in Mexico City.

“I think that’s because many people think Mexico is just a country of beaches and towns, but our cities thrive with metropolitan energy and culture.”

Fashion abroad: fit in or stand out?

The big question is, does it really matter? Should we really care what other people think, and should we allow others to tell us how to dress? Fashion is subjective, after all, which means finding the perfect look that we can all agree on is an impossible task.

“I think you just have to play with fashion. And if you look in the mirror and think you are beautiful, go out like this,” Oliver says, somewhat contradicting her earlier advice.

For those who do want to blend in, she suggests observing local style for inspiration.

“Look at people in the street, be on a terrace, have a drink in different places and areas. You just have to sit there and look around. You will see a lot of style, a lot of people, and maybe it can help you find the style you like,” she advises.

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