Can you comfortably wear shorts in crowded Sri Lankan cities?

Yes, both men and women can wear knee-length shorts in busy Sri Lankan cities like Colombo or Kandy, for general sightseeing and walking around. Still, if the shorts are extremely short or overly revealing, they may invite unwanted attention, so it is better to stay away from that style.

Everyday city clothing can feel fairly relaxed because of the tropical weather. Even so, Sri Lanka is often treated as a fairly conservative society. Modest shorts work well for going on foot, shopping, and even stopping for a meal. Just remember, when you step into Buddhist temples or other religious places, you are expected to cover your knees and shoulders, so bringing a sarong or light trousers is a very good idea for quick temple visits in town.