How to Dress in Layers for a Finnish Winter

Winter in Finland and the rest of the Nordics asks a lot of your wardrobe. One day brings dry frost, the next wet snow and slush, and in between you move from freezing bus stops to warm offices, shops and trams. The answer is not one enormous coat but smart layering: several thinner pieces that trap warm air and can be added or removed as the temperature changes. Done well, layering keeps you comfortable and still looks put together.

The three layers that do the work

Most winter outfits are built from three basic layers, each with its own job:

1. Base layer. This sits next to your skin and should feel comfortable all day. A fitted long sleeve top, a thin roll neck or leggings under trousers or a skirt all work well. Natural fibres such as merino wool or materials designed to move moisture away from the skin help you stay dry, which keeps you warmer.
2. Mid layer. This is the insulating layer that traps heat. Think jumpers, cardigans, sweatshirts and fleece. Knitwear is the classic choice and also the part of the outfit people actually see indoors, so it is a good place to add colour and texture.
3. Outer layer. Your coat or jacket protects against wind, snow and rain. It needs to be roomy enough to fit over your mid layer without feeling tight across the shoulders or arms.

Choosing pieces that layer well

Not every item plays nicely with others. A few tips help everything fit together:

• Go from thin to thick. Keep the slimmest pieces closest to your body and the bulkiest on the outside. A chunky jumper under a fitted blazer rarely works, but a fine knit under a long coat does.
• Watch the sleeves. Tight sleeves under wide ones are comfortable. The other way round leads to bunching.
• Mix lengths deliberately. A long coat over a shorter jumper, or a long cardigan under a cropped jacket, looks intentional and creates a flattering line.
• Stick to a colour story. Neutrals such as camel, grey, navy and cream make it easy to combine layers. Add one stronger colour or a pattern, for example a plaid coat, to keep the look interesting.
• Remember the lower half. Warm trousers, thick tights or thermal leggings under a skirt or dress keep the cold out just as much as a good coat.

Browse our sweaters and sweatshirts for mid layers that work on their own indoors and under a coat outdoors.

Finding the right winter coat

The outer layer is usually the biggest investment of the season, so it pays to think about how you will wear it. Wool and wool-blend coats look smart for work and the city and are naturally warm. Padded and quilted jackets are lighter and often better in wet snow. Hoods, high collars and a length that covers your hips or thighs all add warmth.

When you try a coat, wear the kind of jumper you will layer underneath and check that you can move your arms freely. A longer style such as this wool-blend plaid long coat is easy to wear over both dresses and trousers. See more in our coats and jackets section.

Finishing touches

Accessories are a layer too, and often the warmest one. A scarf closes the gap at the neck, a hat keeps heat in and gloves make waiting for the bus far more bearable. Finally, make your layers easy to take off: an open cardigan or a zip-front top lets you adjust quickly when you step inside, so you stay comfortable rather than overheated. With a few well chosen pieces, winter dressing becomes less about bundling up and more about building outfits you actually enjoy wearing.