A little thought and preparation are in order before hopping on a plane to Sweden. Depending on the time of year and the areas of the country included in the itinerary, the clothing required for your trip to Sweden will differ drastically.
The style of clothing
Swedes tend to dress casually but fashionable. Men need a jacket and tie for business meetings and elegant dinners. Dresses and pantsuits are elegant business and restaurant options for women. Swedes prefer clothing made from natural fibers such as wool, linen, cotton, and silk. Wear smart casual clothes in natural colors.
If you are planning a stop at one of Sweden’s many churches, such as Riddarholm, avoid clothing that exposes a lot of skin or may be considered inappropriate. Examples include shorts and miniskirts, tank tops, low-cut tops, clothing with holes (designed as such or not), and certain clothing with printed text.
Summer clothes
It could be assumed that Sweden would be cold to cold most of the year based on its northern latitude. However, Sweden has four discrete seasons and a mild climate. Temperatures in the summer typically range between 68 and 77 degrees. Pack (or buy) a small umbrella, a waterproof raincoat, and waterproof boots because it rains a lot. Stockholm, the capital, receives 22 inches of rain each year. A pair of jeans are a must.
Make sure you have a pair of lightweight sweaters, sweatshirts, or jackets. There is a famous boat tour, and a windbreaker or other top layer means a comfortable boat ride if it’s windy.
Also, be sure to include proper clothing for swimming. The small island Långholmen is a very popular bathing place. Thanks to the drift of the North Atlantic, the water here is much warmer than expected.
For sightseeing, bring a good pair of walking / running shoes for men and walking / running shoes, flats or low-heeled shoes for women. Avoid tight or pinching shoes.
Winter clothes
The buzzword for what to wear in Sweden in winter is layering. This is simple. Layers allow the individual to quickly adjust their outfit to maintain a comfortable temperature in case the weather or activity level changes during the outing. Basically, three levels of clothing are needed.
The base layer of the clothing is in contact with the skin. The middle layer of clothing works as an insulator from the cold. The top layer, or outer layer, should stop rain, snow, and wind. As in the summer, a few jeans are a must.
Base coat
Long Johns or thermal underwear are other names for these clothes. This level of clothing is most important when facing the Swedish winter. Long-sleeved tops and ankle-length waist are essential. Materials that absorb and retain sweat like cotton will cool the wearer and are not ideal options. Instead, pack silk or merino wool.
Middle layer
The middle layer works as the insulation of the home. These garments must protect from the cold while maintaining body heat. Examples of this include wool, wool, and heavy cotton sweaters. Jeans, corduroys, and ski pants are the appropriate bottom. Waterproof shoes and waterproof boots are a must. Pack several pairs of wool socks. Depending on the activity and location within the country, two layers of socks may be required for optimal comfort.
Outer layer
This cape works as a shield against the winter elements. Effective outer clothing will protect from snow, strong winds, and rain. Some examples include windproof fleece, mountaineering jackets, and ski jackets. Along with these ideas, be sure to pack warm gloves, a hat, and a pair of warm scarves. Pack shoes with water-resistant soles and a leather lining. If you hit the slopes, be sure to bring a bungee device to eliminate the worry of losing your phone while having fun.
The Kingdom of Sweden is a beautiful Scandinavian country. With its captivating cities and stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder why so many vacationers choose it.
