Winter clothes for trip to Warsaw?

How to not look like a Tool

Hi folks, I've been doing some research for my upcoming trip to Warsaw & was a bit mindful of being sure I dressed properly for the winter.

In doing so I read some "advice" on other sites that had information on not sticking out as an American.
One suggestion it made was to not wear "technical jackets" unless going skiing, would you say this is accurate?
Typically I wear one of two coats in the winter, a US mil M-65 field jacket or a "technical jacket" if I need to be somewhat presentable.

Are these going to be sufficient to avoid being gawked at or should I look into something classic like a wool pea coat.
Also, I tend to wear hiking shoes on my feet & a fleece hat, It was suggested I leave the ball cap home.

Any suggestions on attire to blend in a bit more & not show my cards until I attempt to speak Polish? ;)

Remember you'll be in the capital where people dress in quite a diverse way so you shouldn't worry too much. As for dressing warmly - when are you going to be there?

Jon, thanks for your quick reply. I am looking at going Dec 14 - 21 hopefully so I can still see the Christmas sites & be back home to celebrate with my family.

You'll be fine in either.
Some of the people in Warsaw dress like such utter twats that you will really need to put in some effort in order to get gawked at.

You'll need good warm clothes and several layers. And a hat with something to keep your ears warm. Don't worry too much about bringing a hat - there's a good choice in the chain stores. Coats though are probably cheaper in America. Also decent boots since it will probably be snowing by then.

If you really want to blend in, Puiffa jackets are quite popular in Poland; the ski jacket type. Long Johns are also a good idea in winter.

Thick sweater and a medium jacket over the top, some boots (sludgy conditions) and a pair of gloves will be sufficient. I've never used a hat in the whole time I've been in Poland(with lowest temperatures I've experienced dropping to -31c). I don't experience this "cold feet" or "cold ears" I hear people talking about. I almost never wear scarves either. That said, my fingers will freeze and fall off in less than 5 minutes if I don't keep them in my pocket or wear gloves (which is a problem since I'm always using my phone)

It could be quite mild then. Jan/Feb are the coldest months.


The first one might not be warm enough; I'd bring the other. And no, you'll look fine.


Where tf else would you wear them?
A plain wool hat and gloves completes the combo and you're ready to roll.

I don't usually either, but friends consider that to be a bit strange. I find that most people wear a hat from the late autumn to the early spring.

not a young ones

Thanks for the info folks! It would seem I can dress in a familiar manner.
As far as slush etc & the prospect of wet feet. Would waterproof ankle high hiking boots suit me or should I look toward a mid calf boot?

I would think mid calf. That area of Poland is, imo, flat, so sludgy water can be an issue in winter. Much like the US Midwest.

In 15 Warsaw winters, I have never found myself wishing that my boots were any higher than the 6 inch Timberlands I always wear.

Those too. Men anyway.