If you have been following me on Instagram, you will know that I’ve recently been to Iceland. An incredibly beautiful country that I highly recommend you visit.

In today’s article I will whet your appetite about this beautiful country and show you what to wear to Iceland and what to pack.

What to wear in Iceland in summer

As the name Iceland suggests it does not really get very warm in summer. Although you may be lucky to see the sun regularly (I was) it’s still very cool most of the time so warm clothing is essential. However, the weather changes all the time so wearing layers is key to being comfortable.

Dream destination: Lavender field in Iceland | 40plusstyle

Since Island is very much about exploring its beautiful nature you will also want to pack mainly practical clothing that will help make exploring comfortable and pleasurable.

Beautiful waterfall landscapes in Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

Here is what I wore most days

Camisole

My  first layer was a regular singlet. I like wearing these as a first layer to streamline my clothes and get warm and comfortable. You can review our article on the best camisoles here.

Travel diary: Kerið, Iceland's volcanic crater lake| 40plusstyle.com

Uniqlo heat tech t-shirts with long sleeves

An ideal second layer is a form fitting stretchy t-shirt with either long or short sleeves. I love my heattech tops from Uniqlo.

A lovely lavender meadow in Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

I have them in various thicknesses and brought them in black, white and burgundy. As I get cold easily I like my long sleeved versions but you could also suffice with short sleeves.

Breathtaking falls and scenery in Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

A fleece jacket

I got a fancy fitted one in Lila and this is what kept me nice and warm. Since I wore thin layers underneath, even with this jacket on I still did not look bulky. It’s easy to put in my back pack when it got too hot, but I wore this most of the time.

Comfortable and stylish fleece jacket for travel | 40plusstyle.com



(Skinny) stretchable jeans

I took very stretchable skinnies in black (2 versions) and my blue jeans. All 3 were very comfortable to wear and I did not need any special pants. You can also consider water proof pants or special tracking pants.

Exploring the sites of Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

Geysirs in Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

A good rain coat

Bringing a rain / wind jacket is absolutely essential in Iceland. Hardly a day goes by when it doesn’t rain (although we were very lucky to get very little of it) and you want to keep warm and dry.

Travel diary in Iceland Antartica | 40plusstyle.com

I invested in a really good rain jacket that looks good as well. Longer than a regular rain jacket and super light weight, it was easy to take it on an and off and store in my back pack when I didn’t need it.

Visual Travel Diary Of Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

Note that it even has a bit of a high low feature!!

Iceland by day | 40plusstyle.com

Useful tips when hiking in Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

I also like the fact that it’s quite neutral. although  a lot of active wear is bright coloured I actually think that the pictures look nicer when you blend in a bit with the landscape rather that stand out too much.

Dream destination: Iceland and it's flower fields | 40plusstyle.com

Comfortable walking shoes

Due to a bad experience 20 years ago with tracking shoes I never purchased these anymore. This time my husband encouraged me to do so as he didn’t feel the soles of the booties I was planning to take were safe enough.

A guide to proper layering for Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

I invested in lightweight waterproof walking shoes and I’m so glad I did. I wore these all the time and they were so comfortable. Walking in the mountains will never be the same again!

I had lightweight ankle shoes that were water resistant. Forgot brand could be the North face.

The majestic waterfalls in Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

Good socks for your shoes

On an iceberg in Iceland! | 40plusstyle.com

Majestic glaciers of Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

A scarf

My travel to Gullfoss, also known as Golden Falls near south Iceland Gullfoss

I would take 2. A light scarf for milder weather and a warmer one for colder weather.

Snow and mountain view | 40plusstyle.com

One or 2 fancy sweaters

If you go out in the evening or for your visit to Reykjavik, you may like to take 1 or 2 fancier items.

Street art and ideas on what to wear in Reykjavik Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

I brought my asymmetrical sweater (on sale) that I could layer over one of my long sleeved t-shirts.

On a galleon in Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

Extra booties

Exploring Iceland: A pre-historic galleon | 40plusstyle.com

I wore my other comfortable booties for those days that I wasn’t trekking or exploring. Mainly for the airport and in Reykjavik.

A sleeping mask

Postcard like photos of quaint houses in Iceland | 40plusstyle.com

It’s light 24/7 in Iceland which can play havoc with your sleep. If you think that the country has prepared for this and has black out curtains think again! They do the exact opposite. We stayed in 7 different places and none of them blocked the lights. One of them even had see through curtains.

Optional light down jacket

I actually did not pack mine and did not miss it. If you have a good fleece jumper and combine that with your rain coat, that will be enough for summer.

I had an amazing trip and was happy with the things I packed. I hope this packing and inspiration guide will have gotten you clear on what to wear In Iceland in summer and perhaps even have inspired you to visit Iceland yourself.

Have you visited Iceland? What did you wear?

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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