How To Stay Warm in The Hague
By Mateo Lung
THIMUN takes place in the middle of winter, and for many delegates, the cool temperatures, coastal wind, and occasional rain can come as a surprise. This guide is meant to help you stay warm, comfortable, and prepared so you can focus on what really matters: debate, diplomacy, and enjoying the experience.
If you haven’t yet arrived in The Hague, there’s still time to rethink what’s in your suitcase and make a few smart additions. If you’re already here, don’t worry, the city offers plenty of easy options to adjust your wardrobe as needed.
Clothing is integral to Model UN, and one of the most surefire ways to stay warm. From last year’s THIMUN Foundation document, I found the dress code outlined exactly: “All male Panellists should wear their ties and blazers at all times; female Panellists may use their discretion to dress appropriately, formally and professionally.” It’s a decent baseline to use to plan what to bring. After asking around the foundation, I deduced that the dress code hovers around business formal. Thus, you’re going to need to wear at least a suit, tie, and loafers or dress shoes.
“Formal dress and appropriate footwear are required at all meetings, reflecting what real UN diplomats wear.” – THIMUN Foundation
Often, a wool coat is a nice option. I purchased a coat from Danish Brand Libertine-Libertine from the menswear boutique Uptown Barretta in The Hague near the city center. It was very warm, yet not super waterproof. Thus, puffer jackets will work just fine for keeping you warm and dry. Stores such as COS, Arket, Zara, Mango, H&M, Uniqlo and Bever are commonplace throughout the cityscape, providing affordable and easy options for coats in case you forgot to pack one. If you run colder, thermal undergarments are helpful. I tend to find that Uniqlo Heattech or similar options work well. Gloves, scarves, and hats are also valuable. Standard scarves and hats will work fine, but I recommend lined touchscreen gloves for the conference.
Another factor to mention is that the temperature in The World Forum can vary from room to room, thus layering is another important aspect to consider when picking your wardrobe for THIMUN.
Last but not least, THIMUN involves a lot of walking, whether that be lunch runs to the nearby Frederik Hendriklaan with its many cafés and shops, city exploration, or just moving around The World Forum. For The Hague, I’d recommend two pairs of shoes: one formal, and one comfortable. Last year, I brought a pair of oxfords for formality and a pair of on clouds for going on runs and walking around off duty. This year, I’m bringing a pair of waterproof Blundstone Boots and black rubber soled penny loafers for better comfort. Although only formal shoes are outlined on most MUN packing lists, walking shoes are vital for every moment outside of the conference. For further warmth, I’d recommend wool socks.
In conclusion, winter in The Hague is manageable with the right preparation. A solid outer layer, thoughtful layering, suitable footwear, and small accessories go a long way in keeping you comfortable throughout the conference. With these precautions in place, you’ll be well equipped to enjoy everything THIMUN and the city itself has to offer.
