With its temperature varying by as much as 50 degrees throughout the year, what to wear in Nanjing all depends on when you plan on visiting, so we begin with a guide by season.
In summer, expect 40 degrees and humidity north of 70 percent. Winter is similar to northern coastline Europe and can be either dry or humid.
As a result, bring a lot of summer wear for the warmer months, given that the humidity may make you want to make two changes of clothes per day.
Sweating, therefore, is considered normal. There is no need to feel unduly embarrassed.
For the swimmers, Nanjingers are largely a conservative bunch, meaning bikinis are, while not frowned upon, somewhat of a rarity.
In the winter, locals keep the chill off with long johns (long thermal underwear), especially if not frequenting places without central or underfloor heating. Pop into any larger Suguo supermarket for a couple of pairs of long johns; after the initial embarrassment, you’ll thank us that you did.
Likewise, the bulk of locals will in the winter wear some kind of padded down jacket which can keep the winter humidity away from one’s bones.
Note that many of Nanjing’s older and cheaper rented accommodations have no insulation of any kind. Reports of being able to see one’s breath in bed in the morning are not uncommon.
Regarding the rest of the year, Nanjing’s spring and autumn both have been traditionally very short, perhaps just 2 weeks. But climate change has played havoc with that to a large degree.
We hence happily have a year with more distinct and lengthy seasons, although these also can be often measured with a short stick. And as to when the change will take place, no one knows, but every Nanjinger is expecting the temperature to rise or fall by 10-15 degrees overnight at least twice a year.
Come what may, these two seasons are Nanjing’s most pleasant, and most will feel comfortable in just a shirt and trousers/skirt, day or night.
For business attire, Nanjinger’s don’t dwell unnecessarily on etiquette, but a shirt and tie will be appreciated. In all but the most formal of instances, the tie can largely be disposed of.
If considering to simply buy clothes whilst in Nanjing, that is an option which mostly shall present itself to only the more petite.
Finding shoes larger than European size 45 is unusual, and even then, don’t expect much of a choice. Formal footwear remains a challenge for only the very brave. As an emergency measure, French sports retailer, Decathlon, has numerous branches in Nanjing and shoes in sizes up to 46 and sometimes above, albeit all in the sporting/outdoor vein. Likewise for any Adidas outlet store you may happen to come across.
