What to Pack? Clothes Edition

When I was preparing to come to Sweden, I had so many doubts about what to bring and what to leave behind. I know—it’s really hard to decide what’s truly essential when you’ve only got 23 kg (sometimes split into just one or two suitcases). So, here are some tips—especially if you’re coming from a tropical country like I did!

The Weather…🌦️❄️💨

This is a key factor! As you probably know by now, Sweden is cold—but the weather can vary quite a bit depending on where you’re going.

If you’re heading up north to cities like Umeå or Luleå, prepare yourself for snowy winters. The further north you go, the colder and snowier it gets! ☃️

But if you’re going to the south—like Lund, Malmö, or Gothenburg—expect lots of rain and strong winds! 🌧️💨 I’m not exaggerating—the wind is no joke. When I moved to Lund, I thought I’d be seeing lots of snow and ended up buying clothes I never even used. So, my first tip: do your research and find out if your city is in the north or south!

Bring the Basics! 👚👖

Once you know your destination and its climate, it’s time to plan smartly. I’ll be totally honest—you don’t need to bring special winter jackets or raincoats from home. In many tropical countries, you won’t even find proper winter gear. The good news? You can buy everything you need after you arrive in Sweden. 🛍️

Clothes here are designed to handle Swedish winters, so it’s a better investment to buy them locally. What should you bring then? The basics! Think long-sleeve t-shirts, a few sweaters, comfortable pants—anything you can layer underneath the big puffy jacket you’ll buy once you’re here.

In Sweden, layering is everything. You’ll wear cape after cape (layer after layer) outdoors, but once you’re indoors—with the heating on—you’ll want to take things off quickly. So, bring what’s easy to layer!

Shoes? 👢🧦

When it comes to shoes, here’s what I’ve learned: a good pair of boots is essential. I love sneakers too—they’re comfy!—but when it rains or snows, sneakers can be your worst enemy. Wet socks = miserable day. 😩

So, bring at least one pair of fully closed boots. They don’t need to be fancy—just something practical to get you through the first few weeks. Later, you can buy better ones depending on your needs and location. Up north, you’ll probably need anti-slip soles, but in the south, simple boots from H&M worked just fine for me.

If You’re Short… 👖👧

This might just be for me and my fellow short girls, but hear me out. I’m 1.64 cm tall, which is average in Peru—but in Sweden, I’m definitely on the shorter side. That means finding pants that fit can be a nightmare. 😅

So, if you’re also petite, I recommend bringing pants that fit you well from home. Also, don’t forget to pack a few cozy pieces that remind you of home—something that makes you feel comfy and connected. Having a little piece of your country with you is always comforting. ❤️