Winter is a great time to go to Russia – tickets are cheap, snowy cities are fascinating, Christmas celebrations are in full swing, and museum queues are shorter. It will be very cold in most Russian cities. However, Russians manage to stay warm during the winter and knowing how they dress will help you with your packing list.
Russian winter clothes for women
In Russia, a fur coat (even a faux fur) is one of the most common types of coats that women wear in the winter. Tight wool or leather coats lined with something warm are also common. Russian women are very much in fashion, and even extreme Russian winters can’t keep them from looking their best.
In cities, expect to see (already tall) Russian women in high-heeled boots even in snow and ice. Russian women wear high heels almost 365 days a year. And in the summer, you’re likely to see women in stylish graphic tees, ankle-length skinny jeans, and strappy high-heeled sandals.
You may also be surprised to see Russian women in short sleeves and skirts in the winter while they are warm on top. This is probably due to the fact that they have extremely warm coats. Fur hats, nice warm scarves and gloves are also common, as keeping your head and upper body warm is of the utmost importance.
Russian womenswear designers study at well-known fashion institutes in cities such as Paris and Rome and then return home to modify design concepts to work in Russia’s extreme climate and the tastes of the fashion-conscious woman. Russian designers show their work to the world by representing their country in a surprising way.
In the countryside, you can see more casual, practical and less elegant clothes, except on special occasions. And since it’s everywhere, older women choose to dress for comfort and can ditch the stilettos for everyday wear.
Russian winter clothes for men
Fashion standards are not as strict for Russian men as they are for Russian women. In cities, Russian men mostly wear dark colors and jeans with expensive warm boots for winter. You can see all-purpose sports coats like ski jackets. Most Russian men stick to sheepskin-lined wool and fur coats, and warm gloves and scarves.
Men’s shoes in cities are usually black or dark brown. You might see athletic shoes, but they are most likely branded dark leather and all shoes are worn with socks of course.
Layers for warmth
As in any cold climate, layers are essential for Russian winters. Warm sweaters, warm coats, and cotton shirts are important to wear underneath. If you’re going to be in northern Russia or if you’re just not used to the cold, it might even be a good idea to wear thermal underwear under your jeans. Don’t forget your scarves and hats, and most importantly, warm socks and waterproof, non-slip boots because there is no guarantee that sidewalks will be cleared.
But in cities, both men and women will be wearing their trendiest winter outfit and staying warm too.
