What to Wear in Switzerland

Top style tips for Switzerland

Very smart casual or smart business orientated clothes will carry you through for business, sightseeing and for eating out.
Dark colored clothing is always popular in Switzerland.
A light raincoat and travel umbrella are useful all year round.
The sun can be deceptively strong even if the temperature feels cool. This is especially so at altitude and on the lakes, so we suggest that you use a good quality sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) and sunhat.
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.

Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime (try Hotter shoes, they provide total comfort and look great too).

We recommend low key but quality jewelry.
Swiss women don't seem to wear skirts in the winter so pack any that you need, as you won't find them in the shops.
A pashmina is a versatile piece that will dress up any outfit.

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

In the winter (November, December, January, February and March) most people wear snow or thermal boots, even in the cities. It is important that you get soft rubber soles because even medium soles get really hard in the freezing cold. Make sure too that they have large spaces between the tracks, or the snow will get stuck in them and make them very slippery.
The winter months are freezing cold and, as well as layers, you need to pack a thick coat, gloves, warm hat and scarf.
For extra warmth pack some long thermal underwear – you'll be grateful you did.
light wool is a good choice to wear against your skin as it naturally helps to regulate your body temperature. It keeps you warm in the cold, wicks away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours – even after prolonged wear.
Even in summer – June, July and August – the evenings can still be cool so pack a lightweight jacket, sweater or a versatile pashmina.
Dressing in layers will help you with the temperature changes during the day, whatever time of year you visit.
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

In Geneva you can never be overdressed – even down to the gold shoes for shopping!
Walking in the Swiss Alps is fabulous, but the terrain can be tough. Good walking boots with ankle support are a must, and make sure you ‘wear in' your walking boots/shoes for a number of weeks before your trip – you'll be so much more comfortable if you do.
If going up mountains or on the lakes in winter it is best to wear layers e.g. thermals, proper walking pants, a thin jersey and two high tech fleeces, one with a zip and one without and a light Goretex jacket which is waterproof and windproof. This will keep the bulk down and it's easy to remove layers and pop them in a day pack.

A lightweight day sack or shoulder bag 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. It's particularly useful for peace of mind on outdoor pursuits.
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! Chocolate and cheese are of course popular buys, but if you're wanting a Swiss army knife remember this can't be carried in hand luggage.