{2025} What NOT to Wear in Scotland: Avoid These Mistakes

Wondering what to wear for your trip to Scotland? Let your favorite Europe travel blogger help you avoid these common packing pitfalls when planning your Scotland outfits. From Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands, we'll cover exactly what you should, and shouldn't, wear in Scotland.

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Packing for a trip to Scotland?

Lucky you! 
A trip to Scotland is somehow both epic (queue the bag pipes!) and interestingly easy for an international trip (no language barrier, manageable airport, good public transit).

Planning what to wear in Scotland, on the other hand, can be intimidating. But it doesn't need to be! With a few easy tips from me, I'll have you dressed perfectly for Scottish weather, culture, and sight seeing. So let's dive right in!

​{2025} ​What NOT to Wear in Scotland: Avoid These Mistakes

The wrong shoes
Comfortable walking shoes are my #1 non-negotiable packing item for any vacation, especially to Scotland. For strolling the Royal Mile and walking The Old Course in St Andrews, you'll want sturdy shoes. I'd bring one pair of waterproof shoes to ensure you're prepared in the event of the inevitable Scottish rain. For a 10-day trip, I'd recommend two pairs of shoes: a pair of sneakers and a pair of water resistant boots/ankle boots (NOT RAIN BOOTS). There are tons of water resistant boots these days that look like normal boots but aren't "Wellington" boots. No sense hauling huge plastic boots across the Atlantic Ocean unless you're planning to stay.

FAQ: Can I wear sneakers in Scotland?
Yes! Sneakers have invaded everyday life in Europe similarly to the way they have in the United States, although perhaps in a slightly less athletic fashion. You can certainly wear sneakers for day-to-day tourism in Scotland, though I'd go with lower profile sneakers, no neon, and keep the logs to a minimum.

A massive purse 
I'd strongly suggest that you carry as little with you as reasonably possible during your day-to-day tourism in Scotland. If at all possible, do not bring a travel backpack, as it will very clearly brand you as a tourist, and can be a hassle as you'll have to check it or wear it on your front in museums.  In your "day bag," I'd bring only: credit cards, a small amount of cash, hotel keys, driver's license (it's a good idea to put passport in the hotel safe), and any small necessities like medications or hand sanitizer. Though pickpocketing/purse snatching is less common in Scotland than in many tourist destinations you may visit, you should always be vigilant on vacation. The less you have on you to lose, the better.

FAQ: Should I bring a travel backpack to Scotland?
Unless you are quite literally backpacking, I'd recommend against bringing a 'travel backpack' to Scotland. If you bring a backpack for your trip, I'd leave it in the hotel room to the extent possible. You'll often have to check large bags at museums, or wear them on your front, either of which can be a pain, and you'll certainly look like a 'tourist' (though, obviously some locals use backpacks to carry their laptop, etc.). On an "it's a pain" level, I'd take a second look at what you actually need to carry with you on a daily basis during your time in Scotland and, most likely, skip the backpack.

Insufficiently rain-proof clothing
A reality of any trip to Scotland is going to be rainy days. That said, many "rainy days" in the UK aren't "washouts," just afternoon rain showers or a sort of mist throughout the day. But rainy weather is going to be a part of your trip. Be sure to bring a waterproof jacket and waterproof boots. As I say, most rain isn't a solid downpour all day, so your "rain jacket" could be just a jacket like a windbreaker that you  can wear in the rain, with an umbrella, without it getting ruined.

Even in summer, bare arms and insufficient layers for outdoor activities might leave you feeling both chilly and a little over-exposed. And, yes, it does rain in Scotland in summer, more than it does in the States. 

FAQ: When's the best time to visit Scotland?
I'd personally say there's no bad time for a Scotland trip, but as that's incredibly unhelpful, your best bet is late September- anytime in October. Smaller crowds, cooler weather, and beautiful Fall leaves make for a perfect time of year to visit Scotland. ​

A skimpy top, tiny shorts, and a tank top, regardless of season
     There's a reason Brits are always going to the Caribbean and Spain on vacation. The UK is a bit damp, and a bit chilly. And Scottish weather can be unpredictable.
     With an average high temperature in July in Edinburgh of 66 degrees Fahrenheit, you're going to be perfectly comfortable wearing a little more clothing, even in the summer months, than you might be accustomed to at home.
   Given it's not as hot as most places in the United States, even in the summer months, Scots will wear more clothes and show less skin than Americans. Can you wear tiny shorts and tank tops? Sure. You are extraordinarily unlikely to encounter something like a modesty request in Scotland like you might in Southern or Eastern Europe. Will you stand out/feel a bit underdressed, potentially attract some unwanted attention, and be cold? Maybe.

FAQ: Should I bring my winter coat to Scotland?
The answer will definitely depend on what month you're visiting and where within Scotland you're planning to travel. Scottish winters aren't as chilly as you might expect, even in the colder months of the year. The average temperature in Inverness in January is a high of 44 and a low of 34 Fahrenheit, though with an average 12 days of rain. For comparison, January in Indianapolis is 34/18. So you'll definitely want a winter jacket for chilly weather, like a packable down jacket. I'd also bring gloves and a warm hat, if you're visiting in the depths of winter.

Excessive logos
Americans wear a lot of logos. I don't think we even realize how much corporate branding we all wear on a daily basis until we leave the country (one of the many benefits of international travel!) And it's not that Brits don't wear them, it's just that they tend to wear fewer logos, especially older Europeans and women. If you want to fit in during your time in Scotland, I'd largely give the logos a pass.​

Full tartan
As fun as it is to add a tiny bit of tartan or some Harris Tweed into your Scotland wardrobe, I'd try to avoid looking like an extra in Rob Roy. They raise a lot of merino wool in Scotland - buy some while you're there!

FAQ: Do Scottish men actually wear kilts?
Yes! Scottish men do actually wear kilts, occasionally, under very specific circumstances. One of the highlights of our trip to Scotland was seeing a 'posh' Scottish wedding at our hotel. A huge portion of the male guests were in kilts. I was entranced. Should you wear a kilt when you're in Scotland? Only if you're wearing it seriously, not as a joke, under the right circumstances. And, yes, the tartans have meaning and are specific to a clan. Curious if your family has a tartan? Check out the Tartan Finder.

Only denim
You've very welcome to wear jeans in Scotland, for daily tourism, or evening, and anytime in between. I would avoid heavily distressed denim, unless you're significantly younger and cooler than me. Fancier restaurants in Scotland, and throughout Europe, may have dress codes forbidding denim. Be sure to bring some "real pants" or a dress if you'll be going anywhere fancy for drinks or dinner.

{2025} Scotland Packing List [10 days]

• Waterproof Jacket/ Barbour coat/Trench coat/ waterproof shell jacket
• Small travel umbrella
• 2-3 pairs of comfortable shoes (ankle boots, sneakers, loafers/knee-high boots)
• Leather, crossbody bag
• 4 long-sleeve shirts/light sweaters (base layers)
• 2 heavier sweaters
• 1 dress & a pair of leggings or tights
• 2 pairs of jeans
• [summer only] 1 pair of longer shorts
• 2 pairs of black ankle pants/joggers
• Travel set for return flight
• 10 pairs of socks, underwear, etc.
• Toiletry bag
• Medications
• Travel documents
• Water bottle
• Reasonable amount of cash, converted for free before your trip
• Chargers/converters/ear plugs

What TO Wear in Scotland
​{2025} Scotland Packing Essentials

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope I've given you some food for thought as you plan your trip to Scotland! And while you're here, please take a moment to explore the many free resources I've created to help you plan no only what you wear/don't wear in Scotland, but also everything from day trips to easy itineraries!

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