The German proverb "There is no bad weather, only the wrong clothing" perfectly summarizes the importance of the right wardrobe. Your clothes are your personal climate control system. The best strategy for the often changeable weather in Germany is the proven layering principle (Zwiebelprinzip).
The layering principle means wearing several thin layers of clothing on top of each other, rather than one single thick one. This allows you to easily adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day. A typical layering combination consists of three layers:
Cold, dry winter day (-2°C, sunny):
Insulation is key here. Wear all three layers: a long functional undershirt, a thick wool sweater, and a warm winter coat. A hat, scarf, and gloves are essential, as the body loses a lot of heat through the head and hands.
Cold, wet autumn day (8°C, rain):
Wetness cools the body down quickly. The outer layer is the hero here. Wear a waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes. Underneath, a T-shirt and a light sweater are often enough. Waterproof trousers are worth considering for extended periods outdoors (e.g., walking the dog).
Warm summer day with risk of thunderstorms (28°C, 60% chance of rain in the afternoon):
Wear light summer clothing. But be prepared! Pack a very light, packable rain jacket or an umbrella in your bag. This way, you're ready for the sudden downpour.
Our app takes the guesswork out of it for you. The "What to Wear" feature on the "Today" view analyzes the feels-like temperature, wind, sun, and chance of rain to give you a concrete recommendation with matching icons. So you can start every day with the right outfit!