Written by Menswear Style
in
Travel
on the
7th November 2025
The ship cuts through slate-blue water, spray freezing almost instantly on the railings. Up ahead, a glacier face gleams in rare sunlight while somewhere on the distant shore, Arctic foxes dart between rocks. Welcome to Svalbard—that remote Norwegian archipelago halfway between civilization and the North Pole. It’s magnificent, wild, and absolutely unforgiving if you’re dressed wrong.
The Unpredictable Arctic
Most travelers book trips to Svalbard dreaming of polar bears and midnight sun, not realizing that Mother Nature runs the show here. One minute you’re bathed in sunshine crossing the deck; the next, you’re hit with winds that feel like they’ve traveled straight from the pole. Even summer days hover between a brisk 3°C and a “balmy” 8°C, though the wind chill can make those numbers meaningless.
A veteran expedition guide once put it perfectly: “There’s no such thing as bad weather in Svalbard, only badly dressed tourists.” Harsh, perhaps, but watching shivering passengers retreat from spectacular wildlife sightings because they packed for a typical cruise is a common sight.
The Layering Game
Think of dressing for Svalbard as a strategy, not an afterthought. The locals call it the “Arctic onion”—peeling layers off when active, adding them back when still. Your base layer against the skin should never be cotton, which keeps moisture trapped against your body (and in the Arctic, damp equals cold equals misery). Instead, go for merino wool or technical synthetics that wick sweat away.
Mid-layers trap heat without bulk—a good fleece or wool sweater does wonders. Some travelers swear by lightweight down vests that compress easily in backpacks when the rare warm moment strikes. Just remember that whatever you wear might be visible in all your photos, so maybe skip the neon yellow unless being spotted from space is your goal.
Outerwear That Actually Works
Here’s where cruise rookies often misjudge: a fashionable wool coat from home isn’t built for zodiac rides where sea spray soaks everything. Your outer shell needs to be genuinely waterproof and windproof—not water-resistant, not quick-drying—actual technical gear that keeps the elements out. Gore-Tex or similar fabrics earn their reputation here.
Equally important are waterproof pants. Nothing ruins a landing like soaked jeans that never dry in the ship’s humidity. Spend the day waddling uncomfortably among thousand-year-old glaciers? Not exactly the adventure you’d hoped for.
A down or synthetic insulated parka with a hood becomes your best friend for evening deck wildlife spotting. The cold that sets in when the ship stops moving can be shocking—standing still watching seabirds or breaching whales will chill you faster than you’d expect.
The Little Things That Matter Most
A Svalbard cruise quickly teaches which accessories make all the difference. That neck gaiter you tossed in as an afterthought? It’ll become your constant companion, pulled up against bitter winds or serving as an impromptu hat. Bring waterproof gloves for active excursions and thicker mittens for long observation periods—cold hands have ended more wildlife viewings than actual wildlife disappearances.
Good wool socks might seem boring until you’ve experienced the alternative. Pack more pairs than seems reasonable. They take up little space and nothing feels better than fresh, dry socks after returning from a wet landing.
Footwear Philosophy
The humbling moment comes for many travelers during their first zodiac landing. As the small boat approaches shore, the expedition team jumps out into knee-deep icy water, expecting you to follow. This is when proper waterproof, insulated boots become worth every penny and every inch of suitcase space they consume.
Look for boots with aggressive treads—Svalbard’s shores aren’t pristine beaches but rather collections of slippery rocks, mossy patches, and occasionally, actual ice. Nothing undercuts the majesty of spotting your first walrus like an ungraceful face-plant into Arctic mud. Break those boots in beforehand unless blisters are on your souvenir list.
Beyond Clothing
The midnight sun does strange things to perception—time feels elastic when the light barely changes. But that constant sunlight bouncing off ice and snow can burn exposed skin faster than tropical beaches. Quality sunglasses aren’t just for looking cool; they prevent snow blindness and headaches from constant squinting.
A waterproof daypack might seem excessive until that sudden snow shower appears while you’re halfway to a bird cliff. Inside that pack, smart travelers keep their camera gear in dry bags—because the difference between “amazing Arctic photos” and “expensive paperweight” is often just a splash of salt water.
Shipboard Life
After days exploring this frozen frontier, the ship becomes a warm haven. Evenings aboard aren’t formal affairs—most expedition vessels keep things casual. Still, having something clean and presentable for dinners gives a psychological break from constant outdoor gear. Think comfortable layers rather than fancy clothes; nobody’s judging your fashion when there’s Arctic char on the menu and stories of the day’s polar bear sighting to share.
When Things Go Sideways
The Drake Passage has its fearsome reputation, but the waters around Svalbard can be equally challenging. Seasickness remedies deserve space in your toiletry bag, as do lip balm and heavy moisturizer—the dry Arctic air leaves skin feeling like parchment.
Hand warmers seem like a luxury until that magical moment when a bowhead whale surfaces nearby and you’ve been holding your camera motionless for twenty minutes, fingers slowly freezing. Those little packets can extend an incredible wildlife encounter by crucial minutes.
The Final Word
Cruising Svalbard isn’t just travel—it’s an encounter with one of Earth’s last truly wild places. The right clothing doesn’t just keep you comfortable; it’s your ticket to fully experiencing this magnificent landscape. When properly dressed, you’ll find yourself standing longer on deck as the ship navigates ice floes, hiking further into flower-dotted tundra, and sitting quietly enough for that Arctic fox to approach within camera range.
The cruise itself may last only days, but the memories—those crystal ice formations, the heart-stopping moment a polar bear meets your gaze—last forever. Just make sure those memories include your awestruck face, not your shivering shoulders.