Due to an enduring influx of questions, search queries, and inadequate and ill advice on the world wide web on what winter clothes to wear when visiting Norway, I shall guide you through three essential steps in preparing your wardrobe for a stay in Norway.
Spoiler alert: it’s not as complicated as it may seem. Having lived here for nearly a decade, coupled with the insights gained from my Norwegian partner, I have learned from my mistakes so you need not repeat them.
Firstly, it is vital to understand that the warmth you experience emanates from your own body. Clothes merely serve to regulate this warmth. While this may seem self-evident, many people are not entirely aware of this principle. As the title suggests, by regulation I mean retaining body heat during colder days, achieved through multiple layers. The goal is to minimize heat loss and prevent cold from penetrating to your skin.
After reading this article you'll be entirely prepared for slightly colder, or massively colder days during your winter visit to Norway. And as you might have guessed; it's about layers, layers, layers!
Layer 1: Underwear
Let's start with the basics: your underwear. I’m not referring to boxers, hipsters, or thongs, as that’s beyond my scope. Instead, I mean woollen base layers, worn over your regular undergarments. This layer acts as insulation between your skin and outer clothing, minimizing heat loss. The primary reason wool is essential is its moisture-wicking properties, crucial on cold days. Moisture on your skin can cool rapidly once you stop moving, making you feel very cold very quickly. Wool, on the other hand, excels at insulation and is available in various thicknesses. Men often prefer a slightly thinner quality, while women opt for thicker ones. However, if you’re not accustomed to low temperatures, choose the thickest option to ensure maximum warmth.
Over your woollen base layers, wear your daily attire. Jeans or chinos work well, but leave the skinny jeans at home as they leave little room for additional layers. Personally, being warm-blooded, I often wear only the bottom part of my woollen base layer to the office to avoid overheating. However, when skiing or spending extended periods outside, I also wear the top.
I highly recommend purchasing several pairs of woollen socks before your trip. Explicitly several, as you might get wet feet, and having spare pairs allows you to dry one pair while wearing another.
Layer 2: Woolen jumpers
Sticking with wool, the second layer is your ‘regular’ overclothing. In winter, I wear my usual clothing over the woollen base layers, which naturally differs from my summer wardrobe. I am a great fan of woollen jumpers, not only the thick, intricately patterned ones emblematic of Norwegian fashion but also simple V-necks or turtlenecks. This layer provides extra warmth, and I heartily recommend bringing a woollen jumper. My favourite brands are Dale of Norway and Devold, known for their quality and durability. I own a Dale of Norway jumper from 1991 that I still wear all the time – it’s indestructible.
For trousers, the requirements vary widely. For city trips, ordinary jeans over your woollen base layers suffice. However, if you plan to spend a night outside in Arctic Norway, awaiting the Northern Lights, invest in insulated, windproof, and waterproof trousers. The best brands for such trousers include Jack Wolfskin, Arctix, Columbia, and The North Face, which are widely available. There are also excellent Norwegian brands, but they might be less accessible to readers outside Norway.
Layer 3: Jackets
Now we come to jackets, where considerations abound. A good rule of thumb is to choose a jacket that is both insulated and waterproof. If you normally wear size M, opt for size L to accommodate the combined thickness of layers 1 and 2. The thickness of the jacket itself depends on personal preference, but with layers 1 and 2 properly sorted, layer 3 is less critical.
I personally wear a down-filled parka from Urban Pioneers, a brand available only in Norway. Additionally, I have a versatile jacket with an inner and outer shell that can be separated, although it doesn’t keep me warm below -10°C. But a proper parka would be my best advice.
You will also need gloves and a beanie. Choose gloves with touchscreen-friendly fingers to avoid exposing your hands to the cold when taking photos. Beanies are self-explanatory; I have several, but my favourite is a decade-old woollen one that effectively wicks away moisture during activities like skiing.
For footwear, I recommend a good pair of insulated boots. There are numerous excellent brands, so focus on water resistance and sufficient height to keep out snow. Ensure they are comfortable on icy surfaces, and consider bringing anti-slip attachments for extra security. You’ll appreciate the stability while others slip and slide around Trondheim.
In essence, dressing for Norwegian winters is all about layers. By thoughtfully selecting and combining these layers, you can stay warm and comfortable, no matter how harsh the weather.
