Indoor Jacket Etiquette: What to Wear Inside in Ireland

When it comes to indoor jacket etiquette, the unwritten rules around wearing outerwear inside buildings. Also known as indoor layering norms, it’s not about being rude—it’s about surviving Ireland’s damp, chilly climate that clings to everything, even indoors. You won’t find people taking off their jackets the second they walk through the door in Dublin, Galway, or Cork. Why? Because the heating’s patchy, the walls are thick but cold, and the wind doesn’t stop at the threshold. A light wool coat, a hooded sweater, or even a well-worn puffer isn’t fashion here—it’s functional armor.

This isn’t just about warmth. It’s tied to Irish indoor fashion, the practical, low-key style that prioritizes comfort over formality in everyday spaces. Also known as casual indoor wear, it’s what you see in cafés where people keep their scarves on while sipping tea, or in pubs where someone’s still got their waterproof jacket draped over the chair beside them. You’ll rarely see someone in a full suit indoors unless it’s a formal event. Most Irish people dress for the weather they just came from, not the room they’re in. The same logic applies to footwear—slippers or boots stay on until you’re deep inside, often past the kitchen. Irish weather clothing, garments designed to handle rain, wind, and sudden temperature drops. Also known as all-weather layers, it’s the backbone of daily life here. A hoodie isn’t just for the gym—it’s for the bus ride, the grocery run, and the 10-minute walk from the car to the front door. That same hoodie? It’s still on when you sit down for dinner.

So, is it rude to wear a jacket inside? Not in Ireland. In fact, taking yours off might raise eyebrows. People notice. If you walk into someone’s home and strip down to a T-shirt, they might offer you a blanket—not because you’re cold, but because they’re surprised you didn’t come prepared. This isn’t about status or style. It’s about respect for the climate. You don’t walk into a pub in a swimsuit. You don’t walk into a house in summer clothes when it’s 8°C and raining sideways. The jacket stays. The hoodie stays. The boots? Maybe not on the rug—but they’re right by the door, not in the hall closet.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of dos and don’ts from some rulebook. It’s real talk from people who live it. You’ll learn why a hoodie isn’t just a garment—it’s a ritual. Why UGG boots show up in living rooms. Why people call sneakers "trainers" and still wear them with socks pulled up. And why, in a country where the weather changes every hour, the only rule is: stay warm, stay dry, and don’t overthink it.