WHAT TO BUY: SHOPPING

Leather goods, silk, knitwear, straw-work, gloves, Venetian glassware, linens, lingerie, jewelry, Borsalino hats, silver, toys, ceramics and local handicrafts everywhere. Italy is a centre for both men's and women's fashions.

Shops are open from 09.00 a.m. to 01.00 p.m. and 03.30/04.00 to 07.30/08.00 p.m. with come variation in Northern Italy (Milan, Turin) where the lunch break is shorter and shops close earlier.

Prices are reasonable and the quality of goods very high. Chain stores such as la Rinascente, Upim, Oviesse and Standa are found in many Italian cities. Suggestions: clothes for men and women (dresses, shoes, gloves, silk ties, shirts); lacework, jewelry, leather goods (handbags, cases, boxes, luggage), ceramics, gold and silver items, alabaster, woodwork, straw, embroidery, glass and crystal ware. It is advisable to carry merchandise purchased with you in order to avoid any inconvenience.

COMPARISON CHART - U.S. & European Sizes

Merely a guide. Sizes are not standardized. Always try on, if possible.

 

United States

Europe

Women's

Dresses

Coats

Suits

Skirts

10

12

14

16

18  20

38

40

42

44

46  48

 

 

United States

Italy

Women's

Dresses

Coats

Suits

Skirts

34

36

38

40

42  44

44

46

48

50

 

 

 

United States

Europe

Junior

Dresses

Coats

Suits

Skirts

7

9

11

13

15      17

34-36

36-38

38-40

40-42

42-44 44-46

 

 

United States

Europe

Women's

Women's

Coats

Suits

Skirts

10

12

14

16

18  20

38

40

42

44

46  48

 

 

United States

Europe

Ladies Blouses and Sweaters

30

32

34

36

38

40

42

44

38

40

42

44

46

48

50

52

 

 

United States

Europe

Ladies' Stockings (same as U.S.A.) Ladies' Shoes

5

6

61/2

7

71/2

8

81/2

9

91/2

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

 

 

United States

Europe

Men's Suits, Overcoats, Sweaters and Pajamas

34

36

38

40

42

44

46

48

44

46

48

50

52

54

56

58

 

 

United States

Europe

Men's Shirts

14

141/2

15

151/2

16

161/2

17

171/2

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

 

 

United States

Europe

Men's Hats

67/8

7

71/8

71/4

73/8

71/2

75/8

73/4

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

 

 

United States

Europe

Men's Shoes

61/2

7 71/2

8 81/2

9 91/2

10 101/2

11

111/2 12

121/2

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

 

 

United States

Europe

Children's Dresses and Suits

2

4

6

8

10

12

40-45

50-55

60-65

70-75

80-85

90-95

 

 
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES (with approximate equivalents)
 

14 grammes

1/2 oz.

Etto

1/2 Ib.

Kilo

2 Ib. 2 oz.

Quintale

2201/2 Ib.

Tonnellata

2204,6 Ib.

Litro

1.065 qt.

Ettolitro

26.4 gals.

Centimetro

2/5 in.

Metre

29 in.

Kilometro

3/5 mile

Ettaro

21/2 acres

Sq. Km.

2/5 sq. mi.

 

1/2 pound

225 grams

Pound

1/2 kilo

Pint

0,47 litre

Quart

0,4 litre

Gallon (American)

3.78 litres

Inch

21/2 centimetres

Foot

301/2 centimetres

Yard

9 metres

Mile

12/3 km.

Acre

4050 sq. metres

Sq. Mile

2.6 sq. kms

 

 

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