I'm heading to Germany in December and am looking for advice about a winter coat/jacket to wear. I don't like being the stand-out, tee-shirt-and-jeans American, so I'd like to find out the style of jackets that Germans wear and try to find something similar. Which is more common in Germany--long wool overcoats or sportier, ski-style jackets? (I know, it's silly to be planning so far ahead, but now seems like a great time to find winter jackets on sale.)
Posted by
Salt Lake City
1481 posts
I can not speak to style. I can say that the weather in Germany in December can be tricky to dress for. It could be rainy and 50 degrees or much colder, especially if you are going to the mountains. For comfort plan to dress in layers. We really liked our Gore-Tex jackets (there are other brand names now) as they will stop rain or wind, and are somewhat breathable. Then you can layer underneath for warmth depending on the temperature.
Regards, Gary
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
When I was in Munich, my (German) friend dressed in layers and wore a denium jacket with a grey hoodie underneath.. I think you'll find that more people dress in "western" attire (not cowboys, mind you! LOL).
Dress as you normally would in Boston. If you feel that you're too "American", that will give you a great reason to go SHOPPING!!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Germany is a fairly large country( for Europe, LOL ) so weather varies considerably from area to area. My SIL is German and she was commenting on how in Germany she used to own snow boots and good warm jackets because they had real winters there, but now where we live she only has fleece and windbreakers, LOL.
I think more Europeons still wear nice wool coats, fitted and from what I have seen car coat length( covers bum) to 3/4 length.
Gore tex and ski jackets are still most popular in areas where there is actually skiing.
Posted by
OP
Boston
12 posts
Thanks, all! We're going over primarily to go to Christmas markets. We'll be based in Munich and Salzburg, with day trips to Neuschwanstein and probably Nurnberg. It sounds like I need to start investing in layers...
Posted by
Florida
151 posts
Dress in layers and be warm as it is very cold over there. Three years ago we were in Baveria for Christmas and it so magical, it took your breath away. However, it was very cold and luckily I purchased hand warmers and foot warmers that keep you warm for 8 hours. A definite worthwhile purchase and no fashion statment to be made. We have family (authentic Baverians) and they wear mostly ski jackets. Hope this helps. Gute reise!
Posted by
San Clemente, Ca.
408 posts
I went to the Christmas markets in Vienna, Nuremburg, Prague and some of the smaller towns in
Germany and I wore a longer length coat that was a dark color. It was very cold when we were there in Nov/Dec. It was wonderful, have a good time.