3 Ways to Wear Wellies (2024)

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Co-authored byVictor Adrianand Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: May 3, 2023References

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   Pick classic black or dark green wellies for a practical look. Traditionally, wellies have been designed with dark, neutral colors, such as black, brown, navy, or very dark green.^[1] These smart, versatile colors go well with a wide variety of outfits.

   • The classic muted and neutral colors are a great option if you want to pair your wellies with a formal or business casual look (for example, if you need to walk to work in the rain).^[2]
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   Opt for bolder colors if you want to make a fun fashion statement. If you enjoy more fun and colorful footwear, there are also lots of brightly colored and patterned wellies available.^[3] For example, you might add a flash of color to your look with a pair of bright yellow wellies, or jazz up your outfit with a floral print or polka-dot pair.

   • If you’re looking for wellies for a kid, there are tons of fun options, including the classic frog wellies!
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   Choose a pair that fits your calf size. Traditional wellies are fairly tall, often reaching a height just below the knees, and they fit closely to the calves. Fortunately, most brands offer a variety of calf sizes, so you should be able to find a pair that fits your legs.^[4] Measure your calf size (or have a pro do it for you) and look for a wellie with the right shaft circumference.

   • To measure your calf circumference, sit in a chair with your knees bent at a 90° angle and your feet flat on the floor. Wrap a soft cloth tape measure around your calf at its widest point and write down the result.
   • Your wellies should also fit comfortably around your toes, heels, and the widest part of your foot.

   Tip: When trying on wellies, put on the socks that you would normally wear with your boots. If you wear thick socks, for example, you’ll want to get wellies that are big enough to comfortably fit over them.

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   Select tall or short wellies based on your personal preference. Wellies come in a variety of heights, typically ranging from ankle-length to just below the knees. You can even get thigh-high wellies! Choose a height based on what look you want to achieve and what feels most comfortable to you.^[5]

   • Keep in mind that tall wellies can be a pain to lug around, so you might want to opt for a shorter pair if you’re planning to switch out at some point during the day.

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   Wear your wellies with a slim pant leg to create a sleek profile. Wellies look best with slim pants or trousers that create a clean line all the way down your legs.^[6] Choose slim fit jeans, slacks, or leggings that can fit seamlessly under your boots without bunching up at the top.

   • Wearing your pants under your boots will also help keep your hems nice and dry.

   Tip: One of the great things about wellies is that they work equally well with both men’s and women’s fashions. Either way, the same “rule” applies—wellies look best with slim fit or straight cut men’s and women’s trousers.

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   Try wearing wellies with a skirt or shorts in warm weather. You don’t have to stick to wearing wellies with full-length pants or trousers. They also pair well with other types of bottoms, like skirts or shorts.^[7]

   • Skirts look great with tall, fitted wellies.^[8]
   • Shorts and wellies are a fashionable combination on rainy summer days.^[9]
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   Pair wellies with tights or long socks for a fun and fashionable look. Wellies look great over tights, stockings, or fashionable socks.^[10] In cool weather, try wearing your wellies over a pair of cozy cable-knit stockings or thigh-high socks. When it’s warmer, opt for some thinner knee-highs that just peek out over the tops of your boots.

   • When it’s cold out, you can add an extra layer of insulation with a pair of specially designed wellie socks or rain boot socks. These warm socks are made to fold over the tops of your wellies.
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   Choose colors that match or complement your wellies. Neutral wellies will go well with just about any color combination, but you may need to plan a little more carefully if your boots are more colorful. If your wellies are brightly colored or patterned, wear an element of a similar or complementary color somewhere else in your outfit.^[11]

   • For example, you might pair bright red wellies with a grey coat, but balance them out with a red scarf or gloves.
   • For a monochrome look, try matching dark blue wellies with a lighter blue skirt and top.

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   Opt for wellies when the weather is rainy. Most wellies are completely waterproof as long as they’re in good condition, making them ideal rain boots.^[12] If you need to walk somewhere in a downpour, grab your trusty pair of wellies!

   • Wellies will protect your feet when you’re splashing through puddles, and many also have straps at the top to help keep water from running in from above.
   • Keep in mind, however, that classic rubber wellies are not very breathable. In hot or humid weather, your feet might still end up wet if you work up a sweat inside your wellies!
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   Bring wellies for a muddy outdoor adventure. Wellies were originally designed to be worn while tramping around in the wet and muddy countryside. They’re ideal for outdoor work or recreation, especially when it’s damp out.

   • For example, you might wear wellies while gardening, fishing, hiking, or going to a music festival.
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   Add a chic vibe to casual outfits with wellies. Wellies were designed to be fashionable as well as practical, so there’s no need to restrict them to utilitarian uses.^[13] You can also make wellies part of a fun everyday ensemble.

   • For example, you might wear wellies while shopping or hanging out downtown with friends.
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   Avoid basic rubber wellies in extremely cold weather. Classic rubber wellies, such as Hunters, won’t keep your feet especially warm. If you’re planning to go out in weather that’s at or below freezing, it’s better to opt for a well-insulated winter boot.

   • If you’re really in love with the look of wellies but still want the insulating power of a winter boot, opt for a wellie-style boot that incorporates leather, such as the Dubarry Galway boot.^[14]
   • Le Chameau wellies come with a neoprene lining, which can also provide extra protection against the cold.
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   Use caution while driving in wellies. While there are no laws against driving in wellies, many drivers report feeling less in control of their vehicles when wearing them. Additionally, driving test simulations with various types of shoes show that wellies can impair your reaction time when you’re trying to put on the brakes.^[15] Avoid driving long distances or in dangerous conditions while wearing wellies.

   Did you know? Sneakers (or trainers) are the safest type of shoes to wear while driving. If you want to wear wellies but need to drive somewhere, keep a pair of sneakers on hand and switch into them when you need to hop in the car.

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