The British talent for discussing the weather is legendary, yet our practical preparation for it often falls woefully short. As the nation endures another severe Arctic blast with temperatures plunging well below zero and the year's first storm forecast for Thursday, many are left shivering and complaining. The conversation has now turned to those who know cold intimately: our Nordic neighbours.
The Nordic Winter Philosophy
Rolf Tverbakk, a Norwegian native now living in Fulham, embodies the Scandinavian adage: there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Hailing from Bergen, where winter averages -6.8°C and inland areas can hit a brutal -40°C, Rolf stresses practicality over style. "When it's really cold, you need multiple layers, with warm base layers. It's mostly about having a good, warm jacket," he advises.
His key tips are universal for battling the chill. A windproof jacket is crucial, as wind can be more punishing than cold alone. For the UK's damp cold, water-repellent footwear and a proper raincoat are non-negotiable. Most importantly, cover every inch of skin that can leak heat: the head, hands, wrists, ankles, and neck. "You need to dress for the weather, not primarily for style. You can look good when you get to your destination," he concludes, also warning of icy pavements and the need for grippy soles.
Layering and Lifestyle from Lapland
Polly Arrowsmith, 58, brings wisdom from Finnish Lapland, where her mother was from and temperatures can drop to an astonishing -50°C. For her, the secret lies in systematic layering: decent boots, socks, gloves, a hat, and a proper jacket. Currently in London, she wears two pairs of tights, cashmere socks, Uggs, a cashmere jumper, a fleece, and a warm collar.
"We tend to use natural materials, but anything that traps the air works well," Polly notes, recalling traditional Sami woollen mittens knitted by her cousins. However, she defends the British plight, pointing out a critical difference: Nordics experience a 'dry cold', while the UK endures a pervasive 'wet cold' where snow turns to damp sleet, making it feel more penetrating.
Warming up, she explains, starts before leaving the house. While Finns use saunas, she opts for a long hot bath with essential oils. Diet also plays a role, with Finns preserving summer berries and eating vitamin-rich rye bread, soups, stews, and porridge to bolster the immune system during the long winter.
Social Media's Straight-Talking Advice
The critique isn't confined to in-person experts. On TikTok, creator Anastasia Ova, originally from Russia, stated bluntly that "British people don't know how to dress for winter", declaring "this is not the season to be sexy." Her cardinal rule is to eliminate any gaps where cold air can penetrate.
"Don't wear anything loose," she instructs. "As soon as you get air in your body... you'll be absolutely freezing." She advises tucking loose clothing into boots, avoiding ankle socks, and ensuring coats are long enough to cover the lower back. Layering on the bottom half is vital, and the overall goal should be an outfit as snug as "a scuba suit." Her final verdict? "Winter is all about staying tight and warm."
As Londoner Elise Modeste lamented on TikTok about feeling her "tears turning to ice," and creator Lea described her windows as "basically decorative," the message from colder climes is clear. Surviving the UK's winter woes requires a fundamental shift from merely talking about the weather to dressing strategically for it, embracing the Nordic art of layering and preparedness.
