10 Scandinavian Brands You Should Know About
Scandinavian fashion has become popular for its minimalist look. A lot of people all over the world are inspired not just by the Nordic interiors but also by the region’s fashion, which focuses on timeless designs that are sustainable.
The designs are mostly inspired by the natural beauty of Scandinavia and the Nordic way of life.
Most people know that the fast-fashion retail giant H&M comes from Sweden, but Scandinavia is also home to many great fashion brands and designers. Here are a few of our favourite Scandinavian brands:
ACNE STUDIOS
Acne Studios is a Swedish clothing company started by Jonny Johansson in 1996. His interest in photography, art, and contemporary culture is greatly reflected in the brand’s designs. It began as a part of the creative collective ACNE but became a standalone company in 2006.
The brand’s designs often have unexpected details or twists that add a bit of playfulness to what would otherwise be simple looks. Take Scandinavian minimalism but edgier!
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The brand has both men’s and women’s ready-to-wear clothing, footwear, and accessories like handbags, and my favorite is their denim. Their denim collection, Acne Studios Blå Konst (blue art in Swedish), was relaunched in 2017.
Fun fact: Have you heard of the infamous term Stockholm syndrome”? The brand’s flagship store in Stockholm is on Norrmalmstorg, which was also the location of the 1973 bank robbery where the term “Stockholm syndrome” was coined.
Their pieces cost way more than fast fashion brands but still less than other major luxury fashion brands.
FILIPPA K
Filippa K is another Swedish fashion brand that was founded in 1993 by Filippa Knutsson. In 2017, she returned as the brand’s creative director, but in January 2022, Liisa Kessler became her successor.
The brand is known for its timeless and sustainable designs that pioneered the signature Scandinavian minimalist look. Filippa K also highlights mindful consumption.
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If you want to nail the Scandinavian look, I think Filippa K has the best pieces. When it comes to the price range, I would also consider it mid-range, and in fact, I got to score a great trench coat from the brand for $600-700, which I’m sure would have cost double or more in other luxury brands.
STUTTERHEIM
Stutterheim was founded in 2010 by Alexander Stutterheim. It is a Swedish fashion brand popular for its quality and stylish raincoats, inspired by the traditional Swedish fishing jacket.
Stutterheim’s clothing blends functionality and style. The brand’s raincoats are typically made from rubberized cotton or other waterproof materials.
The brand also offers a range of clothing, accessories, bags, and other items that are timeless.
In terms of price range, Stutterheim is a mid-to-high-end brand. Their raincoats are generally priced between $250 and $400 USD, with some styles priced higher. Other clothing and accessories from Stutterheim are also priced at a premium, reflecting the brand’s focus on quality and craftsmanship.
COS
COS (Collection of Style) is a Swedish fashion brand that was launched in 2007. It’s also part of the H&M brand so of all the Scandinavian brands we have listed here, this is perhaps the most affordable although it is still priced way higher than other fast fashion brands.
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COS’s clothing combines Scandinavian minimalism with trendy prints. Their designs often feature architectural shapes, understated prints, and subtle details. The brand describes itself as a contemporary style designed to last.
I have some pieces from this brand and I can attest that their quality is good and the prices don’t hurt my pocket!
GANNI
Ganni is a contemporary Danish fashion brand that was founded in 2000. It started as a cashmere apparel line, and in 2009, husband-and-wife team Ditte Reffstrup took over as the creative director and Nicolaj Reffstrup as the CEO . The brand is one of the best-selling brands on Net-a-Porter and is often called a luxury brand, but like Acne, it is still less priced than other major luxury brands.
I personally love their playful and feminine designs that often feature bold prints, bright colors, and unique details while still keeping their Scandinavian touch.
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Ganni also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. In 2019, they launched Ganni Repeat. This allows clients to be able to rent Ganni items for three weeks. They also launched more European sizes from 32 to 52 to be more inclusive
NORSE PROJECTS
Norse Projects is another fashion brand from Denmark. It was founded in 2004 by Tobia Sloth, Anton Juul, and Mikkel Grønnebæk. The brand is popular for blending streetwear design and casual workwear with high-end fashion.
They came out with a line for men in 2009, and they are currently known as one of the best Scandinavian brands in terms of menswear.
Like other Scandinavian brands, you can see that the designs from the brand are inspired by Scandinavian minimalism. Most of their designs are monochromatic and laid back but they also gained a reputation for craftsmanship.
I would consider their prices to be mid-range as well. As mentioned, these prices are way higher than fast fashion brands but less than major luxury brands.
SAMSØE SAMSØE
This brand defines itself as an international brand rooted in Scandinavian simplicity. Samsøe Samsøe reflects the Nordic lifestyle, which is reflected in the brand’s designs.
Their headquarters in Copenhagen are located in Nrrebro, which is known to have a democratic approach in terms of fashion. Peter Sextus and Per-Ulrik Andersen took over the brand in 2000 and turned it into an international fashion house with a focus on modern clothes, shoes, and accessories for men and women. Samsøe Samsøe actually has humble beginnings since it started as a small jewelry shop in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter.
I also consider Samsøe Samsøe as a mid-range brand that is a fit for fashion enthusiasts who want to achieve the Nordic look with a contemporary twist.
RAINS
Rains is a Danish brand that makes clothes and accessories that are waterproof and rain-resistant.
Like other Scandinavian brands, you can see the Scandinavian minimalism highlighted in the designs of their pieces. The brand also highlights sustainability by using some recycled materials to create their products.
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Rains is also a mid-range brand, and a bagpack from them will only cost you $60-$100, which is a decent price for a Scandinavian brand. I’ve noticed that in Gothenburg a lot of people who cycle carry a Rains waterproof bag because you’ll never really know when it rains here! This is a good choice for people who value sustainability and most Scandinavians do.
WOOD WOOD
Wood Wood is another contemporary fashion brand from Copenhagen, Denmark.
The label distinguishes itself from other Scandinavian brands through its fusion of high fashion and streetwear, with a touch of avant-garde style.
Wood Wood’s designs often feature bold graphics, experimental prints, and unexpected details. Their style is definitely more eclectic and draws inspiration from music, art, and pop culture.
I personally love that a Scandinavian brand has gone beyond the typical Nordic monochromatic, plain look and gone for a bolder signature. So yes, the brand fits people with bolder styles!
The brand can also be classified as mid-range to high-end, but I personally think their pieces are reasonably priced for their quality.
BY MALENE BIRGER
By Malene Birger is a Danish fashion brand that carries the name of its founder, Malene Birger. The brand prides itself on its sophisticated and classic designs.
By Malene Birger’s clothing is designed to be both elegant and comfortable, with a focus on classic silhouettes and versatile pieces.
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In terms of style, By Malene Birger’s designs are often described as classic with a modern twist. I find their designs to be very feminine and elegant. If you are trying to nail a classic, feminine, and Nordic look, this brand is a good option.
By Malene Birger is also a mid-to-high-end brand, but I think it’s worth it since the items they have are mostly timeless. If there’s one word I can associate with the word, that would be sophistication.
Final Thoughts
I personally love prints and colors, but as I grew older, I focused on having items that were classic and timeless. Most Scandinavian brands have high-quality pieces that are classic and timeless, which don’t require me to splurge as much as I would with major luxury brands. If you are reinventing your style, I think it’s worth noting to consider Scandinavian brands on your next shopping spree.
These are all personal recommendations and we are not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned. Please also take note that there might be changes in prices and other details so we highly encourage you to please double check should you decide to purchase any items from the brands mentioned.
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