Maya Sargent
These clothing brands epitomize everything we love about Scandinavian clothing brands. From wardrobe staples to pieces with more playful touches, Scandinavian women are known for their effortlessly cool style. If you want to inject some of that nonchalant aesthetic into your own wardrobe, these are the brands you need to know
Whether you’re after muted tees and sweaters for your capsule wardrobe or one of the best midi dresses for a head-turning look, these Scandinavian clothing brands will give any outfit added edge. Comfort is a running theme when it comes to Scandi style with plenty of billowy dresses, wide-leg trousers, and oversized silhouettes. A comfortable and yet stylish look, the easiest way to add this feel to your wardrobe, is via the brands that have made the aesthetic a hit.
Not quite as tailored or polished as French clothing brands or as flamboyant as Italian clothing brands, Scandi style appeal lies in its effortlessness. These are clothes that will make everyday dressing a breeze and comfortable too. With a strong focus on wardrobe basics, many Scandinavian clothing brands champion a slow fashion approach, producing high-quality pieces that largely ignore prescriptive fashion trends, making them amongst the best sustainable fashion brands, too.
The best Scandinavian clothing brands as chosen by our fashion editors
While some of the best Scandinavian clothing brands are household names - take H&M for example, there are plenty smaller Scandinavian indie clothing brands that should be on your radar. Mega hits with the fashion crowd, these are the Scandi labels to love.
1. & Other Stories
One of the most recognizable brands on the list, we couldn’t resist throwing this iconic brand into our round-up. At the more affordable end of the scale, & Other Stories is the Scandi equivalent of brands like Zara. With design studios in Paris, Stockholm, and Los Angeles, it takes inspiration from all three cities infusing the pared-back Scandi style with a carefree LA attitude and a dose of Parisian flair.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: £27 (UK only) | This Parisian-inspired Breton top is ideal for summer. Made from 100% breathable cotton, running oversized for maximum comfort, reach for this top when you're next deciding what to wear on a plane.
RRP: £95 (UK only) | Ideal for summer outfits for work, pair these flattering, front-creased, tailored trousers with neutral hues such as cream and camel. For a smarter, meeting-ready look add one of your best blazers.
RRP: $129 / £95 | This elegant midi dress boasts an attractive sweetheart neckline, puff sleeves, and smocked back to create a form-fitting bodice, before falling into a flattering A-line silhouette. Choose between 3 prints.
2. Baum und Pferdgarten
Founded by two friends Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave in 1999, Baum und Pferdgarten fuses the two women’s distinctive styles. The brand blends masculine tailoring with playful textures. Expect fluid dresses in vibrant hues, feminine frills, and sporty jackets - all guaranteed to get you noticed.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $299 / £229 | This structured blue mini dress boasts a fit and flare shape in a sophisticated textured fabric. Easily taking you from boardroom to bar, this dress has a waisted silhouette that glides over hips and will look great with heels.
RRP: $279 / £219 | Featuring an on-trend utilitarian style, this cotton-blend jacket is ideal for warmer months. The contrasting navy patch pocket, against the classic khaki hue, renders this jacket utterly timeless, one you can love and wear forever.
RRP: $199 / £159 | A super chic summer option, style this knitted striped design with everything from jeans or an on-trend denim midi skirt to a pair of white linen trousers. The flattering V-neck is ideal for fuller busts, while the sporty feel gives it that Scandi stamp.
3. Flippa K
If you’re on a mission to build a collection of wardrobe essentials, then Flippa K is for you. Founded in 1993 by Flippa Knutsson, the brand emphasizes elevated basics, nodding towards 90s minimalism. With versatility and longevity at the forefront, Flippa K is a one-stop shop for your future classics from the blazers to the best cashmere sweaters, all in a neutral color palette.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $220 / £150 | If you're looking for new basics, Filippa K offers unique twists on classic items. This short-sleeved shirt is made from one of the most sustainable fabrics, lyocell, for an eco-friendly focus. The kimono-style sleeves and tie at the side offer a chic point of difference.
RRP: $260 / £180 | Keeping it classic with on-trend, high-waisted jeans, we love this pair from Scandinavian clothing brand, Filippa K for its relaxed and comfy fit. A loose fit with lightly tapered leg makes these universally flattering and the mid-wash blue renders them summer-ready.
RRP: $330 / £225 | Filippa K is well-known for its use of neutral tones and innovative silhouettes. This yak and merino wool sweater has us excited for Fall weather. The boxy shape and high neck give this design a structured shape, ideal for pairing with slim-fit tailored trousers.
4. Ganni
Who doesn’t want to be a #Gannigirl? Arguably one of the coolest brands out there, Ganni fans include Dakota Johnson and Beyoncé. Husband and wife duo Ditte and Nicolaj Reffstrup run the brand and have transformed it from a small cashmere label to an internationally-recognized label and the place to go for breezy dresses, cocktail cardigans, and the best winter boots. The prices hit that sweet spot between high-street and designer, making it both affordable and luxe-looking.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $195 / £145 | We love a poplin blouse and this embroidered, floral number features a feminine peplum fit, ideal for highlighting and creating curves. Made from 100% organic cotton, this breathable shirt is perfect for warmer months.
RRP: $325 / £245 | A nod to the fashion color trends 2022, this summer-ready pastel frock is bound to become a wardrobe staple. Just right for picnics and barbecues on sunny days, this seersucker-checked dress is ideal for teaming with your best sandals.
RRP: $475 / £345 | Get behind the shoe trends 2022 and incorporate some clogs into your closet. The silver stud detailing, and chunky wedge mark these shoes out as a summer statement piece. Pair with midi dresses or wide-leg trousers for height.
5. Rotate Birger Christensen
Scandi style isn’t just about minimalism and Rotate Birger Christensen is here to prove it. Created by influencers Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimarsdottir in partnership with Danish brand Birger Christensen, Rotate is unapologetically glamorous. There are eighties-inspired shoulder pads, shiny metallics, and sequin textures: the ultimate ‘going out out’ wardrobe.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $390.50 / £310.50 | Stop the search, we may have just found the perfect party dress. With dramatic puff sleeves, an open back and a sweet polka-dot print, this ticks all our boxes. The tie at the waist creates a figure-flattering silhouette. Wear with simple black sandals and let the dress to the taking.
RRP: $281.16 / £223.56 | Rotate Birger Christensen has the best occasionwear dresses, so if you're struggling with what to wear to a wedding this summer, this brand is a strong choice. The ruched detailing at the front and slim sleeves create a midriff flattering silhouette for a dress that packs a punch.
RRP: $187.44 / £149.04 | A skirt that will take you through the seasons, if you loved the best pink dresses, then this bold knitted skirt will be a welcome addition to your wardrobe. Channeling the dopamine dressing trend for mood-boosting hues, pair this skirt with a white blouse for office-ready attire.
6. Samsøe and Samsøe
Launched in Copenhagen by two brothers back in 1993, Samsøe and Samsøe started with jewelry. A few years later it expanded to clothes, footwear, and accessories and is now an international fashion powerhouse, stocked at Nordstrom and Selfridges. Its Scandinavian heritage still dominates, with sleek easy-to-wear separates and subtle nods to runway trends.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: £170 (international shipping available) | A-line dresses are great for the summer, as the airy shape will keep you cool. The capped, frilled sleeves offer added detail, while the relaxed fit shape makes this a stylish dress to hide a tummy.
RRP: £210 (international shipping available) | A great jacket is a Scandi style staple and this cream military-inspired jacket can be layered over or under multiple pieces as a transitional item. The self-fabric tie belt offers a waist-defining finish.
RRP: £240 (international shipping available) | Turn heads at events this summer in this icy blue gown. The Victorian-inspired high collar gives this dress a more sophisticated look, while the modern capped sleeve offers a reimagined take on the maxi.
