Traditional Clothing of Arctic Men: Winter and Summer Gear

Surviving the extreme Arctic climate required specialized clothing crafted from local animal skins. The traditional attire of Arctic men varied significantly between the harsh winter and the brief summer.

Winter Attire

• Jacket/Anorak: Made from caribou or seal skin, often with a hood.
• Trousers: Constructed from caribou, seal, or bearskin for maximum insulation.
• Footwear: Mittens and slippers (kamiks) made from sealskin or caribou, frequently lined with fur.
• Hood Ruff: A fur ruff attached to the hood protected the face from frostbite and wind.

Summer Attire

• Shirt/Tunic: Lighter sealskin garments.
• Trousers: Sealskin, often unlined or lightly lined.
• Footwear: Sealskin kamiks (moccasins with upturned tips).
• Headwear: Fur cap or headband to retain warmth.
• Handwear: Mittens or gloves, still essential even in summer.

All clothing was meticulously sewn using sinew thread, with seams designed to be water-resistant. The layering principle—trapping air between garments—was key to survival.