What to wear to Carnival
In Germany, wear a costume over warm basics: thermal underlayers, a fleece or knit, and waterproof flat shoes, because street parades are long, cold and wet. Pick a costume you can sit, walk and visit the toilet in.
Two outfits that work
Costume over a warm fleece and thermals
- purple fleece jumper (costume base)
- dark thermal leggings or jeans
- black waterproof boots
- gold scarf or wig-friendly headband
- small cross-body bag
A costume that is loose enough to fit a thermal layer under it keeps you warm through hours of standing at a parade, and waterproof boots survive confetti, beer and puddles.
Costume over a hoodie, dark jeans and padded jacket
- grey hoodie (costume base)
- dark jeans
- olive padded jacket
- brown lace-up boots
- small cross-body bag
A padded jacket that matches the costume colour, over a hoodie, works for outdoor parades and can be left in a cloakroom for the party indoors.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Rare in Germany, but in Rio or Tenerife wear a light costume, sunscreen, a hat and sandals you do not mind losing. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | Costume over a long-sleeved top, with a light jacket in a matching colour for the evening. |
| ColdBelow 10° | Thermal underlayers, a fleece, tights or long johns under the costume, wool socks and waterproof boots. |
Do and don’t
- Wear thermal layers under the costume
- Choose waterproof, comfortable shoes you can stand in
- Carry a small cross-body bag with ID, card and a little cash
- Check the local custom: in some towns people wear costumes only on certain days
- Wear a costume that blocks your view or is hard to sit in
- Choose costumes that mock a culture, religion or disability
- Wear new white shoes or anything you love; confetti and drinks stain
- Bring a large bag; many parades and venues check them
Check the night before
- Try the costume with the layers you will wear under it
- Waterproof the shoes and test them for an hour of standing
- Check the parade route, start time and forecast
- Put ID, card, a little cash, phone and tissues in a small bag
- Plan how you get home, since public transport is busy
Questions people ask
Do I have to wear a costume to Karneval in Germany?
In Cologne, Mainz and Düsseldorf on the big street days, almost everyone does, though a simple one is fine: a hat, face paint or a themed jumper counts. At events in a town where you are only watching a parade, you will not stand out in normal warm clothes.
What shoes should I wear to Karneval?
Flat, closed, waterproof shoes or boots with good grip. Streets get wet and sticky, and you will probably stand for hours.
What should I wear under a Karneval costume?
Thermal underlayers, a fleece or knit, and thick socks. Costumes are often thin, so the base layer does the warming.
Is it acceptable to wear any costume?
Most ideas are fine, but avoid costumes that mock a culture, religion, disability or a recent tragedy. When in doubt, choose something funny, historical or fantastical.
Pick Carnival in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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