Summer outfits, for some a nail-biting prospect, for others a reason to get up in the morning! Whether you see the approaching season as a reason to rejoice or a cause to get back to that diet, your choice of summer outfit is going to be affected by one thing – what your summer plans are. And for those of planning a trip to Iceland this summer, we’re here to help. You’ll take a careful look at the climate along with the activities you want to do. Dressing for the occasion is elevated to a whole new level, when the “occasion” is hiking in the mountains or trekking to natural hot springs.
Let’s start with the forecast, you might look at it and wonder, what does “75 degrees and sunny” (24°C) even mean? How long are summer days that close to the Arctic circle? Should you still layer up like you were advised to do when dressing for winter in Iceland? And if you do need layers in summer, which ones do you need. The forecast might be unpredictable, but your clothing will be a cinch after you read these summer wear tips by Icewear.
Lightweight cardigan sweaters—and New Looks
It’s hard enough to create a “new” look for yourself every day, and on vacation it’s pretty much impossible. Outdoor activities in wintertime are the worst since most of us only have a couple winter coats, so we’re always seen in one or the other. Due to the types of layers popular in the summer, however, suddenly your creativity is given room to flourish. Think about it, if you pack two lined wool sweaters and two cotton sweaters in your backpack for a trip to the southern coast of Iceland, you already have four unique combinations of under- and over-layer to use!
Summertime layers are thinner and more breathable than their winter counterparts, but you still need to make sure you have the right weight. To help you out, here’s our breakdown of Icewear sweaters by thickness, to help you choose what to wear. The top two are best suited for cold, winter days, whereas the three beneath can be combined endlessly for summer outings.
- Lined wool sweaters such as Bergen, Björn, Gunnar, Helga (these are as toasty as it gets)
- Icelandic hand knitted sweaters Edda, Hulda, Brynja, Skjöldur (like the famous lopapeysa)
- Light wool sweaters and those blended with acryl, for example Ásbyrgi, Fagradalsfjall and Hraunfjall
- Merino wool sweaters (like the Ásta, Ásthildur and Ástmar in the Icewear men’s collection)
- Cotton sweaters (like this Oslo Norwegian sweater by Icewear)
Lightweight Summer sweaters - wool or cotton?
When choosing your layers, it’s also important to consider what activities you’ll be doing in them. For example, if you’ll be training for an ultramarathon in the Icelandic countryside or playing football every day with friends, you’ll be most comfortable in sweatpants and hoodies (like the new collection Icewear just launched). For daily activities, dry fit leggings and t-shirts or long-sleeved and light sweaters will be ideal.
This Rumur cotton lumberjack shirt, for instance, is made with 100% cotton, which helps it breath, keeping you comfortable as the Icelandic sun heats up in the afternoon.
Fun fact: by the summer solstice, the days in the northernmost part of Iceland get as long as 21 hours long! The sun barely sweeps the horizon before it climbs up again for the following day.
Layering up for Your Summer Activities in Iceland
Speaking of sunshine, summer in Iceland is absolutely beautiful. Though temperatures do get warmer, it’s rarely warmer than 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius).
This makes it all the more important to dress in layers for outdoor activities like hiking so you can stay comfortable as your body temperature rises. Even with 75-degree weather, summer in Iceland does not mean wool articles get packed away.
Wool for hiking outings is particularly beneficial for two reasons:
- First, wool garments are exceptionally breathable, allowing the body to adjust to temperatures more easily.
- Second, wool rarely needs washing, maybe only after 4-6 uses because of its natural anti-bacterial quality. This comes in particularly handy with lightweight Merino wool socks on an epic hiking expedition.
Popular though a Caribbean beach destination might be in the summer, for those who love escaping to nature, Iceland is a great holiday choice. With lush and green summer landscapes, sailing to hiking and everything in between, there is an activity for everyone.
Knowing how to dress for the Icelandic summer just makes the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone! So sort those summer layers because warm weather is on its way, whether you’re ready or not!
Next, check out how to dress in the capital city Reykjavik in the summer!
