Dress Code

Dress Code for males and females

Swedes pay a lot of attention to how they dress. Unlike other countries, where a casual shirt and denim jeans are considered appropriate if you are in public but not in a formal situation, that is not the case in Sweden. Most people will wear “dress casual” as defined by most European countries. This usually includes slacks, a warm shirt, and a jacket if the temperature warrants it. You can wear more casual clothing in the privacy of your home, but otherwise, you need to do your best to look your best.

For business appointments

You should dress more conservatively. Swedes themselves are usually fashionably well-dressed in public. Appropriate clothes would be a dark suit and tie for men, and a business suit or skirt and blouse for women. Trousers are also acceptable for businesswomen in Sweden. Swedes value quality and that is also true when it comes to clothes.

You should remember that there are four distinct seasons in Sweden. This should be taken into account when planning what to wear. During the height of summer, the weather can be hot and humid. The long winter requires appropriate winter clothes: heavy coats, warm gloves, hats, and boots. As is the case throughout all the Nordic countries, the colder weather allows women, and sometimes men, to wear heavy boots to work, and then to change into more comfortable office shoes. Because it is cold in Sweden, be prepared to dress in layers.

In summary

• Swedes wear fashionable, but often casual, European style warm clothing. It is important to be well dressed in public at all times.

• For business, men should wear conservative suits and ties. Women should wear dresses, suits, and pantsuits.

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