Tourist's church clothing hack leaves travelers sharply divided over sacred-site etiquette

A traveler's church-appropriate outfit hack has viewers weighing in on how far tourists should go to respect local customs abroad.

Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert based in Texas, told Fox News Digital that understanding local customs is an important part of being a respectful traveler.

"The key is to know the rules in advance, which takes some investigation."

The video prompted some energetic discussions among viewers, highlighting a common challenge for tourists visiting Italy during the summer months.

Many travelers opt for lightweight, sleeveless clothing to stay cool while sightseeing - making church dress codes an added consideration when planning what to wear.

Some commenters praised the traveler for finding a simple solution that allowed her to remain comfortable while still respecting church rules.

"It is that simple to be respectful," one commenter wrote.

"I carried a pretty scarf with me everywhere I went in Italy, and it was such an easy and stylish way to cover my shoulders," another user wrote.

Not everyone agreed with the approach.

Some commenters questioned whether visitors should have to add layers or change their outfits before entering churches, while others argued travelers should simply dress more conservatively from the start instead of relying on a quick cover-up.

"I'm confused. God only had eyes in churches?" one user wrote.

"You can dress modestly to begin with and still look cute," another commenter said.

"I always did this, no questions asked, and watched so many people [become] offended," one commenter wrote. "It's not personal. They literally ask everyone to do it."

"Thank you for your respect to other cultures and religions," another user commented.

An American traveler who recently visited Italy pointed out something else. Those who stand in long lines to enter the most popular churches at the height of summer travel season may find themselves the focus of aggressive street vendors and mobile sellers, who aggressively push such wares as scarves - and explain to unknowing tourists why the scarves are necessary.