What To Wear In Germany: Complete guide, What to pack & How to dress (2024)

What To Wear In Germany: Complete guide, What to pack & How to dress (1)

This is your ultimate guide showcasing What to Wear in Germany. Get all of your packing tips and styling advice here.

Top style tips for Germany

  • Germans love to dress stylishly.
  • Clothes in dark or neutral colors are always a great choice when packing for Germany.
  • Jeans are very popular, but they are always smart and clean, rather than distressed or ripped styles. Black/navy tailored jeans would be a good choice.
  • Very smart casual or smartbusiness orientatedclothes will carry you through for business, sightseeing, and for eating out.
  • If you are looking for a highly versatile travel jacket to bring along we highly recommend theSCOTTeVESTrange. Their range of jackets has been specifically designed with traveling in mind and includes RFID security (to protect your passport information), 23 secure pockets, and personal connectivity integration.
  • Try to avoid garish, overly bright colors and prints. Germans like to keep their look understated and toned down. (Unless that's your style, in which case go wild!)
  • Avoid wearing sweatpants or activewear when visiting the main cities. Germans tend to avoid wearing activewear as everyday wear in public. Of course, you will need to bring active clothes if you plan to go hiking and exercising.

What To Wear In Germany: Complete guide, What to pack & How to dress (2)

Shoes to pack for Germany

  • In many German towns there arecobbled streets, so wear comfortable shoes or sandals, depending on the season you travel.
  • Sneakers are fine for exploring the cobbled streets but opt for a smart-casual pair (over a workout pair). Hotter Shoes have some really comfortable sneaker options that also look great.
  • It's best toavoid stiletto heels when walking on cobbled streets. So, when packing your going-out shoes, opt for a pair with more comfortable and sturdy block heels.

Pack for the weather

  • It canrainat any time and our advice would be to pack a lightweightraincoatand smalltravel umbrellaeven in the summer.
  • Dressing in layers will help you with thetemperature changesduring the day, whatever time of year you visit.
  • In winter (November, December, January, February and March) wrap up warmly, with layers and a warm smart coat, warm hat, gloves, scarf and warmwaterproof boots.
  • Keep in mind that, in winter the temperature in shops and centers is stiflingly hot. So, you are better off investing in a very good quality thick coat and wearing thinner merino wool sweaters underneath, rather than wearing chunky sweaters.
  • We love theWeather+app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂

Clothing tips for women

  • Most women wearpants or jeansrather than skirts or dresses.
  • Apashminais aversatilepiece that will dress up any outfit.
  • Keep to low-key butqualityjewelry.

Clothing tips for men

  • When deciding what to wear on your trip to Germany, make sure you pack a variety of comfortable and smart casual options.
  • Stick to clean denim styles, over ripped or distressed denim.
  • Make sure you pack a good quality travel jacket.

Community photos of Germany

  • What To Wear In Germany: Complete guide, What to pack & How to dress (3)

    Warnemunde market square in August

Regions of Germany

  • If visiting Europa-Park (Germany's answer to Disneyland) note that there isno free drinking wateravailable; restaurants do not serve tap water (even to children). Be prepared, or consider carrying aLifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle.

Other things to pack

  • Although many people speakEnglish,most tourists are German-speaking so a phrase book is useful to understand signs and menus etc.
  • A lightweight day sack orshoulder bagwill come in handy to carry yoursightseeing essentials.
  • If you tend to buybottled water, consider carrying aLifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle– fill up from any source and get clean, safe drinking water without wasting plastic bottles.
  • To useelectrical gadgetsyou may need atravel adapter plug, and also astep down voltage converterif your devices are not designed forEuropean voltage (230V).
  • Avoid paying unexpectedbaggage fees– use an accurateluggage scaleto ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room forsouvenirson the way home!
  • HariboGummy Bearswere invented in Germany, or look forBrothers Grimmbooks.Christmas ornamentsare also popular, especially if you're visiting the festive markets.
What To Wear In Germany: Complete guide, What to pack & How to dress (2024)

FAQs

How should Americans dress in Germany? ›

Clothes in dark or neutral colors are always a great choice when packing for Germany. Jeans are very popular, but they are always smart and clean rather than distressed or ripped styles. Black/navy tailored jeans would be a good choice.

How do you dress in Germany and not look like a tourist? ›

What Should I Know Before Traveling to Germany?
  1. Avoid flashy American logos.
  2. Don't ask for tap water.
  3. Watch where you walk.
  4. Leave the sneakers and flip-flops at home.
  5. Skip the small talk.
  6. Don't drink excessively.
  7. Respect others' privacy and personal space.
  8. Always keep cash on you.
Jan 4, 2022

What do people normally wear in Germany? ›

Dirndls and lederhosen may quickly come to mind as traditional German clothing. These outfits originated in Bavaria but have been widely adopted elsewhere. A dirndl is a dress consisting of a blouse, bodice, skirt, and apron.

What to bring to Germany from us? ›

Germany Travel Packing List
  • 1 dress/elegant shirt.
  • 1 cardigan/sweater.
  • 1 lightweight jacket.
  • 1 pair of dark wash jeans.
  • 1 pair of trousers/capris.
  • 1 pair of shorts.
  • 1 pair of long underwear/wool leggings.
  • 1 pair of tennis shoes.
Jun 21, 2018

What is the most popular clothing in Germany? ›

The best-known traditional outfit worn by women in (southern) Germany - the Frauentracht - is the Dirndl. A Dirndl is a women's dress, consisting of four main components: a bodice (connected at the front), a skirt, a shirt (worn underneath the bodice) and an apron (worn at the front, on top of the skirt).

What is the female German outfit? ›

A dirndl is the name of a woman's dress traditionally worn in southern Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Alpine regions of Italy. The dirndl is a folk costume (in German – Tracht), and today is generally regarded as a traditional dress for women and girls in the Alps.

Do people wear jeans in Europe? ›

Just like in America, Europeans wear all styles of clothes and it varies from country to country. That said, styles do tend to be a little more “dressy” but many Europeans are moving toward a more casual, t-shirt, sneakers, and jeans wardrobe.

What is the fashion in Germany? ›

German consumers tend to be reserved and pragmatic when it comes to fashion. They prefer garments that are practical and can be worn on many occasions. “The most common fashion style is comfortable or casual, and classic, practical and sporty styles are also popular.

What is casual dress code in Germany? ›

Casual attire is not very pleasant. Germans believe in understated, conservative and formal business wear. The appropriate clothing for businessmen is dark colored, solid conservative suits, white shirts and conservative ties.

What do Germans eat for dinner? ›

Dinner. In Germany, the evening meal is called Abendessen or Abendbrot – the latter is actually more like a supper, and literally translates to 'evening bread'. Following a hearty lunch, Germans traditionally enjoy a lighter dinner, with breads, hams, sausages, cheeses, and pickles all being very common.

What is a traditional German food? ›

Most people have tried out savory bratwurst, schnitzel, and pretzels. But you can also sample braised cabbage and labskaus. It is true that German cuisine offers a number of potato dishes. German potato salad and fried potato patties are popular options.

Can I bring Tylenol to Germany? ›

Travelers are advised to carry a doctor's prescription or statement concerning the medication in question. Due to strict and varying regulations regarding pharmaceuticals (some vitamins are considered drugs, for example), we advise travelers not to mail medications into Germany.

What is not allowed to bring in Germany? ›

All personal consignments of meat, meat products, milk and milk products are prohibited to enter the EU . Exceptions are infant food or special foods required for medical reasons.

Can you bring ibuprofen into Germany? ›

When entering Germany travellers may bring with them medicinal products in quantities that meet usual personal needs.

Do people wear jeans in Germany? ›

Germans like to wear dark color clothes which are popular among them. Younger people likes to wear jeans which are admired by the German people. People who work in businesses and German teachers going for work wear blazers and leather dress shoes with jeans. Jeans which are tailored and black would be a good choice.

Does Germany have a dress code? ›

The dress code in Germany depends on the industry

Not necessarily torn trousers and flip-flops, but casual trousers such as chinos or maybe jeans. A pro tip: many employees keep it casual on a day-to-day basis and have their chic jacket or shiny shoes hanging in their locker at work.

What is the most fashionable city in Germany? ›

Dusseldorf is the Art and Fashion Capital of Germany. The creativity swirling through the city on the wings of fashion designers and students, ongoing fashion trade shows, and fervent fashion boutiques, has taken hold in Dusseldorf, not unlike the fashion cities of Milan, Rome, Paris, and London.

How to make yourself look more European? ›

How to Dress European
  1. Stick to classic clothing, you can also dare to be trendy with some pieces because it is Europe after all.
  2. Wear neutral colors.
  3. Bring comfortable walking shoes that look elevated.
  4. Leave the athleisure wear and logos at home.
Jul 27, 2022

Where do most Americans go in Europe? ›

According to Statista, 13 million Americans traveled to Europe in 2019. Among the top European countries visited by Americans are Italy, France, and Germany. At this time, U.S. citizens can travel to the Schengen Area for short-term stays without having to apply for a visa.

What do Germans do for fun? ›

Germans pursued a variety of activities in their free time. In 2021, around 94 percent of the German-speaking population aged 14 years and older said they watched TV. Other popular pastimes included listening to the radio and surfing online. The ranking shows activities undertaken at least multiple times a month.

Do you wear a bra with a dirndl? ›

A classic Dirndl, however long, usually consists of a dress, an apron and a Dirndl blouse, which cleverly directs attention to the décolleté. The right bra underneath the Dirndl is crucial for the perfect fit and the ideal effect of the traditional dress.

Is it OK to wear sneakers in Europe? ›

To prove my point, I took photos of people's shoes when I was traveling around Spain and France. I've also written a guide to the best shoes for travel and a guide for the best travel shoes for women if you want some more footwear ideas. What is this?

Do people wear leggings as pants in Europe? ›

They are not a huge part of European fashion and are normally only used for exercise or going to the gym. So If you want to wear leggings during your trip, I would say it totally depends. If you are planning to walk or do something active, they are perfectly acceptable.

What pants are popular in Europe? ›

Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with cool layers such as camisoles or t-shirt for the summer, or warmer ones e.g. a long-sleeved shirt and jumper in the winter.

What do I wear in German? ›

How to say "What should I wear?" in German (Was soll ich anziehen?)

What season is Germany now? ›

Summer is from June through to August, and Autumn is during the months of September, October, and November. German winters are between December and February.

Do Germans wear Birkenstocks? ›

Sandals with a strong tradition

If it's unclear when the cliche of the socks-and-sandals wearer became associated with Germans, the country has a well-documented history as a master of orthopedic sandals. Birkenstock is obviously one of the world's most famous brands in this field.

What do you wear to a night out in Germany? ›

Clubbing dress-code is not strictly black, but dark clothes tend to be the norm; I've seen people get rejected for wearing white jeans, (surely a no-no anyway?!) shirts and hats. Go out and buy a black T-Shirt. Then buy another.

What is the most casual dress code? ›

Casual
  • Sundress.
  • Long or short skirt.
  • Khakis or nice jeans.
  • Shorts (depending on occasion and climate)
  • Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck.
  • Casual button-down blouse.

What is the number 1 food in Germany? ›

Sauerbraten is regarded as one Germany's national dishes and there are several regional variations in Franconia, Thuringia, Rhineland, Saarland, Silesia and Swabia. This pot roast takes quite a while to prepare, but the results, often served as Sunday family dinner, are truly worth the work.

What are some German table manners? ›

When dining with Germans, be especially mindful of proper manners. They eat continentally—with the fork in the left hand (tines down) and knife in the right hand throughout. Do not pass the fork back and forth between hands. Don't set down your knife to use the fork alone.

What's a typical German breakfast? ›

A German breakfast consists of hearty Brot (breads) and Brötchen (rolls), decorated with butter, sweet jams and local honey, thinly sliced meats, cheese and even some Leberwurst.

What time do Germans eat dinner? ›

But in Germany, the traditional dinner time is much earlier: you'll find many German households having their evening meal between 5 and 7 pm.

What is Germany's national drink? ›

Pilsner. This simple beer is a lager style and is actually the National Drink of Germany.

What drink is Germany known for? ›

Germany, of course, is best known for its beer and wine, yet there are many other types of beverages (Getränke) that are somewhat unique to the country.

Can I bring pills in my luggage? ›

You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

Do pills have to be in original bottles when flying? ›

Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers.

Should I carry my passport with me in Germany? ›

You don't have to carry your passport with you while in Germany, but if you're asked to show your passport and you don't have it with you, the police may escort you to wherever your passport is being kept so that you can show it to them.

What American snacks can you not get in Germany? ›

The Best American Foods You Won't Find in Germany
  • Girl Scout Cookies. Let's kick off this list with what we have already discussed. ...
  • Mac and Cheese. Growing up, my favorite meal was always the one that came out of the blue box. ...
  • Red Licorice. Germany is the king of licorice (Lakritz). ...
  • Cheese Popcorn. ...
  • Root Beer. ...
  • Reese's.

How much cash can I carry to Germany? ›

Cash sums totalling 10,000 or more euros on trips to and from Germany must be declared to the customs authorities. This applies to both cash and equivalent means of payment.

Do I have to declare medication at customs? ›

As a U.S. citizen, you do not need to declare prescription medication, but the CBP requires you to have the medication in its original containers, or that you travel with a copy of the prescription or a doctor's note on hand.

What medications are not allowed in Europe? ›

Medications to be especially aware of include:
  • ADHD/ADD medications (*Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin) *considered illegal narcotics in many European countries.
  • Pain medications (Vicodin, Oxycontin, Demerol)
  • Anxiety medications (Xanax, Ativan, Valium)
Jan 6, 2022

Can I carry medicines in check in baggage to Germany? ›

When entering or re-entering Germany travellers may bring medicinal products with them in quantities that meet their usual personal needs.

Is there a dress code in Germany? ›

The dress code in Germany depends on the industry

Not necessarily torn trousers and flip-flops, but casual trousers such as chinos or maybe jeans. A pro tip: many employees keep it casual on a day-to-day basis and have their chic jacket or shiny shoes hanging in their locker at work.

What is the German national dress female? ›

A dirndl is the name of a woman's dress traditionally worn in southern Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Alpine regions of Italy. The dirndl is a folk costume (in German – Tracht), and today is generally regarded as a traditional dress for women and girls in the Alps.

Is Germany a fashionable country? ›

Berlin, the country's capital city, is also a fashion capital of the world and the home of Berlin Fashion Week, the country's main event where young and creative German fashion designers showcase unique creations. Other important cities to the German fashion landscape are Munich, Hamburg and Cologne.

What should I pack for Germany in September? ›

The key to packing for Germany in September is to bring smart layers that can accommodate warm days and cooler evenings and a pair of good walking shoes. You should also bring a rain jacket and umbrella for wet days and sunscreen for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

What does the ribbon on a German dress mean? ›

Tying a dirndl - short summary

The position of the Dirndl bow supposedly has the following significance. Bow on the right: The person is married or spoken for. Bow on the left: The person is single. Bow in the back: The person is widowed, waitressing or is a child.

What do German girls wear for Oktoberfest? ›

Traditional Dirndls:

The staple of a woman's outfit at Oktoberfest in Munich is a white blouse under a tight-fitting Bavarian dirndl (DEERN-dul) dress with an apron tied around it. A dirndl dress can come either all in one piece or in two pieces with a separate bodice and skirt.

What luxury brands are cheaper in Germany? ›

Some of the most popular brands cheaper in Europe include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Givenchy, Balmain, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Hermès, Lanvin, Chloé, Céline, and more.

What culture is Germany known for? ›

Germany is known for its long and rich history, one that has put it at the forefront of European thought, politics, and art for over 1,000 years. This history has shaped a culture that combines predominantly Christian values with literature, art, philosophy, logic, reason, and, of course, a love of beer and sausages.

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