What to Wear in The Netherlands

 

Top style tips for the Netherlands

  • Like much of Europe there isn't really a dress code in the Netherlands. Jeans, t-shirts, sweaters and comfortable but attractive shoes will take you anywhere.
  • Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with cool layers such as camisoles or a t-shirt for the summer, and warmer ones e.g. a long-sleeved shirt and sweater in the winter.
  • Sports are very popular, including football and cycling, and ice skating is a Dutch national pastime – if you visit in winter you'll find plenty of opportunities to skate whether it's on man-made rinks or along the frozen canals, so remember your hat, gloves and scarf.
  • If you are looking for a highly versatile travel jacket to bring along we recommend the SCOTTeVEST range. Their range of jackets have been specifically designed with traveling in mind and include RFID security (to protect your passport information), 23 secure pockets and personal connectivity integration.

 

Shoes to pack for the Netherlands

  • Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime as there are loads of cobbled streets and museums with wooden floors (try Hotter shoes, they provide total comfort and look great too).
  • Save your high heels for the evenings.

Clothing tips for women

  • A few well-chosen pieces of costume jewelry will transform any outfit.
  • And a pashmina is a versatile piece that will dress up any outfit, or keep you warm in the evenings.

Clothing tips for men

  • There are no specific things to bring to your attention, check out our packing list for our suggested capsule wardrobe.

Pack for the weather

  • Always bring something for rain, sun and cold weather as it can all happen on the same day.
  • A light raincoat and travel umbrella are useful all year round.
  • Dressing in layers will help you with the temperature changes during the day, whatever time of year you visit.
  • In winter – Novermber, December, January and February – dress up warmly, with layers and take a warm smart coat, gloves, hat and scarf.
  • Even in summer (June, July and August) the evenings can still be cooler so pack a lightweight jacket or sweater.
  • We love the Weather+ 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 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

Other things to pack

  • A lightweight day sack will come in handy to carry your sightseeing essentials.
  • If you tend to buy bottled water, consider carrying a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle – fill up from any source and get clean, safe drinking water without wasting plastic bottles.
  • Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee – it protects against loss, theft and damage.
  • To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for European voltage (230V).
  • If you're aiming to travel with just carry-on baggage, try the CabinMax soft-sided rucksack – it's light, roomy and has plenty of pockets to keep your stuff organized.
  • Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Cheese, clogs and flower bulbs are typically Dutch buys.

Community photos from Netherland