Layering Up - Dressing for the Cold - South Africans in Germany

How to Dress for the German Winter: Practical Tips for Visitors

German winters are known for being cold, wet, and windy, with slippery roads and frequent rain. If you’re visiting Germany this season, dressing appropriately will ensure comfort and warmth while going about daily activities like dining out or taking public transport. Here’s how to layer and choose your clothing.

🌟 This guide is not intended for winter sports like skiing or staying outdoors for extended periods but focuses on practical tips for staying warm during everyday activities like commuting, dining out, and exploring the city.

Layering is Key

German winters are cold, but wearing multiple layers allows you to adjust as needed. It’s always better to have layers you can remove inside warm places like restaurants or shopping centres or on the train.

Don’t forget to pay attention to your extremities, as they are susceptible to frostbite. Wear gloves, a hat and a scarf to keep your head and neck covered. If you live in windy areas make sure your headwear is windproof.

Layer	Purpose	Materials	Examples	Tips
Base Layer Start with a thermal or moisture-wicking shirt to keep you dry and warm.	It keeps you dry by wicking sweat away	Merino wool, synthetic	Thermal tops & bottoms, long-sleeved shirts, leggings	Fit snugly to keep warmth without bulk
Mid Layer Add a warm sweater or fleece. Merino wool is a great option as it retains heat but breathes well	Traps heat to insulate	Fleece, down, synthetic fill	Fleece jackets, down vests, puffer jackets	Choose a zippered option for easy temperature adjustment
Outer Layer A waterproof, windproof coat or jacket is essential to shield you from the cold and wet conditions.	Protects from wind, rain, and snow	Waterproof, windproof (Gore-Tex)	Winter jacket, ski jacket, waterproof parka	When choosing a winter jacket or coat, prioritize one that is windproof and waterproof to protect against cold winds and rain, which are common in German winters. A jacket with these features will keep you dry and help retain body heat, making outdoor activities much more comfortable.
Accessories	Covers extremities	Insulated, waterproof materials	Beanie, scarf, gloves/mittens, thermal socks	Use wool socks and mittens for extreme cold
Extra Layer	Additional warmth on very cold days	Fleece or insulated vest	Lightweight vest or extra fleece	Add if temperatures are below freezing

Jackets

Waterproof or Water-Resistant: Protects you from rain and snow; look for materials like Gore-Tex or similar.
Windproof: Essential for blocking cold winds, especially in open or exposed areas.
Opting for a slightly longer coat that covers your hips and bum is a smart choice, as it provides extra warmth and protection, especially when sitting on cold benches or waiting for public transport.
Look for deep, secure pockets, ideally lined with fleece, to keep your hands warm and store essentials like gloves or a phone.
Zippers with storm flaps or Velcro closures provide extra wind protection.
Consider a style that suits your activities, whether casual, professional, or sporty. Lightweight coats with good insulation are easier to wear and carry.
Avoiding a jacket that is too puffy or thick is important for both comfort and practicality. While thick jackets may seem warm, they can restrict movement, making everyday activities like walking, driving, or getting on and off public transport more cumbersome. Overly bulky jackets also make it harder to layer underneath, which is a better way to regulate your temperature.
Modern winter jackets with high-performance insulation (like synthetic materials or down) offer warmth without the bulk, keeping you comfortable, mobile, and well-protected against the elements.

Faux Fur

Many winter coats in Germany come with faux fur trim around the neck or hood. While this adds warmth and style, it can become wet and heavy during rainy weather, which might leave you feeling uncomfortable and cold.

Removable Fur Trim: To avoid this issue, consider purchasing a jacket or coat with a removable fur trim or hood lining. This way, you can easily detach the faux fur when it’s wet, preventing it from becoming soggy and uncomfortable.

Hats and Headbands

A wool beanie or a knitted hat that covers your ears is necessary to keep your head warm, but might not provide the best wind protection. Look for those with fleece lining that helps block the wind.
Another thing to consider when choosing a beanie is tassels. While they can add a fun, stylish touch, they can also become a nuisance when wearing a jacket with a hood. The tassels might get in the way or even cause discomfort if you try to pull your hood over the beanie, making it harder to keep warm and dry.
Fleece or wool headbands (Stirnband) are a good alternative to hats for those who don’t like wearing a full hat but still need warmth for their ears. These can easily be slipped on and off and are great for layering under a jacket hood or for those transitioning between indoor and outdoor settings. Make sure they are lined.
Ear muffs are a great alternative if you want to protect your ears without wearing a full hat. They’re typically made from soft materials like fleece or faux fur, and they can be worn over or under a hood. However, they don’t offer as much protection to the rest of your head, so they’re better paired with other headwear.
Hats with Ear Flaps: While hats with ear flaps (like trapper hats) provide excellent warmth and protection against the cold, they are generally considered less fashionable in many parts of Europe

Scarves

A warm scarf can be wrapped around your neck to keep the cold out. You’ll want something large enough to cover your face on especially cold or windy days.
Make sure your scarf works well with your jacket or coat. For example, if you wear a coat with a high collar, you may want a thinner scarf or an infinity scarf to avoid bulk. A chunky knit scarf may work better with a simple, plain coat.

Snoods/ Multifunctional Scarves are similar to an infinity scarf and are designed to cover both the neck and the head. It’s a snug, cosy option for really cold days, providing extra warmth while being easy to wear.

Natural fibres like cotton and wool have several advantages over synthetic materials for winter scarves. Natural cotton and wool scarves are warmer, more breathable, and comfortable, with wool providing excellent insulation even when damp. They are more durable, sustainable, and luxurious than synthetic materials, which can trap moisture and feel less pleasant against the skin.

Gloves

Waterproof gloves are crucial for handling cold, damp conditions. Make sure they are insulated and lined and can keep your hands warm, even if you’re outside for a while.
Mittens are generally the better choice for extreme cold, windy conditions, or long exposure to the elements when warmth is the top priority. However, if you need more dexterity or are doing tasks that require finger movement, gloves are likely the better option.
Avoid puffy gloves for everyday activities. Thin insulated gloves are better for moderate cold and activities that require dexterity, such as texting or handling objects, and for those who need something lighter and more breathable. Puffy gloves are better for extreme cold and long outdoor exposure where warmth is the main priority. For example, participating in outdoor sports.
Mobile phone use – Look for gloves that have special materials on the fingertips that allow you to interact with touchscreens without having to remove your gloves.

Footwear

Good footwear is essential, especially in wet and slippery conditions.

Waterproof Boots: Choose boots with a non-slip sole and a waterproof exterior to keep your feet dry while walking on wet streets or train platforms. Insulated boots will keep your feet warm in freezing temperatures.
Non-Slip Soles: Shoes with rubber soles that have a deep tread pattern provide better grip and traction on icy surfaces. A sole with a prominent lug pattern (deep grooves) improves stability by helping to grip uneven surfaces.
High Ankle Support: Shoes with good ankle support reduce the risk of slipping or twisting your foot on icy terrain.
Socks: Wool socks are your best bet for warmth, as they wick away moisture and keep you dry. Consider thermal socks if you’ll be outside for extended periods. If you’re layering or wearing tight-fitting shoes, go for medium-thickness socks to maintain a balance between warmth and comfort.
Insulated Insoles: These insoles are designed to provide extra warmth to your feet. They are typically made with materials like wool, foam, or thermal padding to trap heat and keep your feet warm in cold weather. Insulated insoles help to reduce heat loss from your feet, which is crucial during chilly walks, commutes, or outdoor activities. They’re especially useful in shoes or boots that lack sufficient insulation.

Bottoms

Keeping your legs warm during the winter is just as important as protecting your upper body, especially in cold, wet, and windy conditions. Layering your pants with thermal underwear is an effective way to add an extra layer of warmth without sacrificing comfort, making it perfect for particularly cold days.

Thermal Leggings: These are designed to trap heat and keep you warm while providing a comfortable, flexible fit. They’re often made from materials like wool, polyester, or spandex, which offer good insulation.
Insulated Pants: Many outdoor clothing brands offer insulated trousers made specifically for cold weather. These pants are typically lined with materials like fleece or down and are designed to keep the legs warm without adding a lot of bulk. In Germany, they are called Thermohose or Thermojeans
Thermal Tights: For those who prefer to wear skirts or dresses during the winter, thermal tights offer a simple solution to keep your legs warm. They are often made from a mix of wool, cotton, and synthetic fibres that provide both warmth and stretch. For women, Thermo leggings or jeggings with a fleece lining on the inside are a great choice for added warmth. You can find them at stores like Tchibo, Calzedonia, Bonprix, and even in Drogerie shops.