What Alaskans Wear
The best (or worst) of Alaska Fashion
Alaskans would never make the front cover of Vogue. When it comes to fashion, put simply, Alaskans have none. We are more of a function over fashion people. Growing up here, we didn’t have many shopping options to choose from. When it came to back to school shopping, we usually went to Fred Meyer*. If someone had labeled clothing, you knew they had traveled “outside*.”
It wasn’t until my late teen years, that some of the bigger chain stores started making their way north. Although we now have a few shops from the Lower 48*, it hasn’t really helped the fashion situation. And to be honest, Alaskans love to shop at Costco. Not just for your normal socks and underwear staples, but for your three pack of pants, plain sweater and pajamas. Nothing too fancy.
When my husband and I had our wedding in Alaska, we deemed the attire “Alaska Chic.” I knew this was open to a wide interpretation and we were okay with that. In my mind, it combines dress for the weather with comfort and a personal idea of class. Anything goes!
When visiting Alaska, here are some of the staple pieces that most Alaskans own that you won’t normally find when visiting other places. Keep your eyes peeled!
XTRATUF Boots (Especially from Salmon Sisters)
It doesn’t matter if you’re a commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay* or walking along the streets of downtown Anchorage, you wear Xtratufs. These boots are completely waterproof and some are even insulated to warm in below freezing temperatures. Aside from their functional purpose, you will often see them worn in bars, professional events and even weddings!
Xtratufs used to be made in the United States but were eventually outsourced to be produced in China in 2011. Some Alaskans make a big deal about this. You know you’re a true Sourdough* if you’ve got a pair of Made in the USA boots.
In recent years, Xtratuf partnered with a local Alaskan company called Salmon Sisters that creates charming designs of local creatures and images that line the insides of these boots. They have brought a fun Alaska flair to this traditional fishing boot.
Skhoop
Skhoop is actually the Scandinavian brand name of this garment, but it is extremely popular among women in Alaska. A Skhoop is a down skirt that comes in varying lengths from ankle to mini. They are easily thrown on over pants and add an incredible layer of warmth on cold days. There are zippers that go up and down each side that allow for easy in an out once you arrive at your destination. You will even occasionally see people wearing them while nordic skiing on the trails. In the winter, this is my one staple piece that I never leave home without and I’m sure many other Alaskan women (or men if that’s your thing) would agree.
Local Designs
Alaska is home to many talented artists. This art extends into fashion. Artists create designs that are printed on all sorts of garments from hats to skirts and everything in between. Some of these pieces depict comical ideas to the average local, display Alaskan pride, or show a beautiful artistic image. There are a number of businesses that make these including Hulin Alaskan Designs, Alaska Starfish Co., Alaska Love and Salmon Sisters to name a few.
You can find these brands in small local shops around the state and they are a great gift to bring back from your trip to Alaska.
Bunny Boots
Wearing Bunny Boots are like wearing two giant toasty marshmallows on your feet. This boot was originally designed for the US Army to wear during the Korean War for military work in extreme climates. In Alaska, the boot is traditionally owned and used by those that reside in frigid areas of the state.
Bunny Boots are large white waterproof rubber boots that are used for extreme cold (and I mean really REALLY cold, like -20 to -60F / -29 to -51C cold). The boot is filled with up to 1 inch thick wool and felt that is tightly sealed between two rubber layers. Borrow a pair for your mid winter northern lights excursion in Fairbanks if you’re worried about being cold. Although, many claim they don’t make ’em like they used to.
Carhartt
To really connect with Alaskan fashion, throw on a pair of Carhartts (preferably ones that are well worn, dirty and stained with use). They can be the traditional pant style or a full on bib. You will see Alaskans wearing these in any town you visit. People wear them not just for hard labor, but also for camping, fishing, grocery shopping and appointments. You can’t go wrong!
Honorable Mentions
Alaska Grown Hoodie
Black Hoodie form the Salty Dawg Saloon in Homer, Alaska
What Alaskans Don’t Wear
A Coat in the Middle of Winter
If you drive by the high school or downtown in the winter months, you will often notice, people are wearing very light jackets (if even wearing a jacket at all). I remember as a kid, putting up a giant fight about wearing a coat or any warm clothes in winter. I always wanted to wear flip-flops to school on a snowy day. Most of us own warm jackets, we just choose not to wear them.
And always, as soon as the temperature is above freezing, we put on shorts.
I hope this provides some insight into the Alaska fashion scene for you. It’s not glamorous, but it is what it is, practical.
Dictionary of Alaska Terms
Fred Meyer: A supermarket chain located in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Similar to a lower budget and less fancy version of Target.
Outside: Any non-Alaska location. Usually referring to other US states.
Lower 48: A term used by Alaskans for the contiguous 48 states excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Could also be viewed as the first 48 states as Alaska is the 49th and Hawaii the 50th.
Bristol Bay: Bristol Bay is located in Southwest Alaska. The original inhabitants were the Alutiiq, Yup’ik Eskimo and Athabaskan Native Alaskans. This area is home to the world’s largest salmon run. It is also the proposed site of the controversial Pebble Mine, which would destroy the region and create an estimated 10 billion tons of mining waste that would remain in the are indefinitely.
Sourdough: The nickname given to a person who has survived the winter in Alaska. It originates from a person maintaining a sourdough starter during the coldest months by keeping it close to their body.
Hello! Thanks for reading my articles! My name is Elizabeth and I was born and raised in Alaska. I am an avid traveler and outdoor explorer and have devoted the last few years to discovering amazing niche adventurers all around the world. I’ve lived in Colorado, Iceland and Poland, but finally Alaska called me back home. I currently live in Alaska with my husband (from Poland) where we run Key To Poland a family travel company and tend to our small garden.
Please contact me with any questions or for help planning your travels to Alaska, Poland and Iceland!
