It might be unbeknownst to you, but Scandinavia encompasses a portion of Northern Europe, specifically Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, all of which share similar climates, cultures, and lifestyles. It is these distinct factors, as well as their shared heritage, that has resulted in the world-renowned Scandinavian design.
Already a signature aesthetic in certain circles (we’re looking at you, Ikea), the Nordic fashion sense hasn’t yet caught on in quite the same way as interior design, despite how cool it is.
Unpretentious, minimal, and effortless are just a few of the words that come to mind when we think of the clean cut Scandinavian style. But how do you actually pull it off? Before we get into some of our favourite Scandinavian brands, here’s a quick crash course.
Defining Scandinavian men’s style
In our comprehensive guide to dressing like a Scandinavian – which you can read here – we highlighted that the Scandinavian look is effortless, and is accentuated by simplicity and elegance. Winter is when Scandinavian style shines; think the art of layering, as well as the importance of quality fabrics – be it mohair, wool, cashmere, and fur – to keep warm.
Denim is a key element of a Scandinavian wardrobe. Jeans are seen as an investment piece, underpinning both casual and smarter outfits with an air of cool always thrown in. Luxury sneakers help Scandinavians retain such street chic, as well as their mastery of minimalism — this region’s biggest contribution to fashion yet.
How to style Scandinavian menswear
The most common styles of Scandinavian menswear fall under these combinations. Follow these rules and you’ll look like you effortlessly rolled off the chic streets of Stockholm.
- Dark overcoats with denim or trousers
- Dark suits with leather shoes
- Casual-wear with sneakers
- Knitwear & layering
Eton
Pros
- They make any man look sharp
- High-quality fabrics that make the clothing last for a long time
- It’s a brand with decades of experience in the industry
- Their clothing is made to catch the eye
Cons
- Some clothing can be a bit expensive
Founded in 1928, Eton has grown from the small village Ganghester in Sweden, where founder Annie Petterson would sew for her friends and neighbours, into a global brand, best known for their incredible shirts. The company mantra is “made to be remembered” and this most definitely rings true when looking at their impeccable garments. Eton pairs a range of unique, high-quality fabrics with modern cuts and designs to help men look their sharpest.
RAINS
Pros
- Ideal clothing for wet weather
- They mix polyurethane and polyester to make their items waterproof
- Stylish clothing that will make you stand out
Cons
- Some products run small
Since 2012, RAINS has been making wet weather gear for the world. Their ethos? That highly functional wet weather clothing should not come at the compromise of good design and sleek looks. All of their products feature a distinct fabric that is a blend of polyester and polyurethane which in combination makes all of their products completely waterproof without sacrificing style.
Tiger of Sweden
Pros
- Perfect pieces for younger professionals
- Crafted from high-quality materials that don’t deteriorate easily
- Minimalist pieces that you can pair with other clothing very well
Cons
- Not all of them have attractive colours
Founded in 1903, Tiger of Sweden is a traditional menswear brand. Their designs are attractive and clean cut, aimed at younger professionals who are style-conscious. A focus of the brand is the sourcing of high-quality materials that will age well, and the result is minimalist yet elegant clothing that’ll elevate any wardrobe.
Our Legacy
Pros
- Clothes with a modern twist
- Pices that make you look stylish
- They have over 15 years of experience
- Made partly from sustainable materials
Cons
- Some items must be hand-washed
Our Legacy started out in 2005 and originally only made graphic t-shirts, however, since then the company has evolved to offer a full line of cool menswear. Our Legacy has gained quite a following for their ability to put a modern twist on high-quality fabrics and traditional styles, and we highly recommend you check out their appealing clothes collection immediately.
Nudie Jeans
Pros
- Clothing made from 100% organic cotton
- They offer free repairs
- Very stylish jeans that will turn heads
Cons
- You may need 6 months of “break-in” period
Nudie Jeans has made waves in the denim world, not only with their ultra-stylish, quality jeans but with their alternative approach to the world of denim. All of Nudie’s jeans are made with 100% organic cotton with no treatment or washes. The brand recommends a 6-month ‘break-in’ period and will offer free repairs for any damage caused to your beloved denim.
Wood Wood
Pros
- Graphic patterns with fine details
- Bold details that will make you stand out
- They’re easy to take care of
Cons
- The materials are not the best
Based in Copenhagen, Wood Wood is a contemporary fashion and lifestyle brand founded in 2002. Wood Wood’s clothing is typified by sleek silhouettes and pared-back shades, which in turn puts the label’s fine detailing centre stage. Their clothing also often features bold graphic patterns and clever styles influenced by pop culture and art. One of the coolest Scandinavian brands, Wood Wood’s stylish clothing should be added to every man’s wardrobe.
NN07
Pros
- It’s an open-minded brand
- They make clothing with unique craftsmanship
- The attention to detail is incredible
- The designs will keep their charm for many years
Cons
- You don’t get many choices in terms of colours
NN07 is a Danish label that was founded in Copenhagen in 2007. They describe themselves as an ‘open-minded brand with no borders’ and are dedicated to producing garments with perfect fits, unique craftsmanship, and attention to every detail. NN07’s clothing is built to last and their designs will look fresh for years to come.
Arket
Pros
- The designs are durable
- They use sustainable materials
- Timeless look that never goes out of style
Cons
- They don’t ship everywhere
At Arket’s core is their passion for long-lasting design. Not only are their designs timeless but they put significant effort into sourcing sustainable materials and high-quality manufacturing processes. If you’re looking for clothing that will last a lifetime and is timeless enough to look good for decades to come, look no further than Arket.
Norse Projects
Pros
- They provide a combination of streetwear, workwear, and luxury fashion
- The designs are timeless
- You can find something that fits your style
- They have minimalist designs
Cons
- They’re not the cheapest
Started in Copenhagen, Denmark, Norse Projects seamlessly blends traditional workwear, streetwear, and high end fashion. As with most Scandinavian brands their clothing is minimalist with an emphasis on quality and timelessness. Their blend of blue collar and corporate workwear styles creates a unique, rugged-esque look, that’ll give you an elevated casual look.
Fjallraven
Pros
- Perfect for men who like to explore the outdoors
- Comfort is constantly maintained
- The brand has decades of experience in the industry
Cons
- Not everyone may appreciate the shoulder straps
Originally famous for their Kånken bag, Fjallraven makes a selection of durable, timeless, and progressive outdoor clothing and equipment. It was originally started by a young boy who created a bag to carry his equipment into the mountains back in 1950, but since then the brand has evolved to offer clothing in their lineup as well as other accessories. If you’re the adventurous type – camping, hiking, etc. – Fjallraven will keep you comfortable in chic Scandinavian style.
A Day's March
Pros
- Affordable prices
- Everything is made from top-notch materials
- They pay attention to details to create unique pieces
Cons
- They’re not easy to take care of
Founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 2014, A Day’s March makes high-quality basics for men at an affordable price. They strive for excellence in everything they do from t-shirts to sneakers. Defined by their exquisite details – that makes them one of the best Scandinavian brands available – basics from A Day’s March are the staples you need in your closet.
J Lindberg
Pros
- Amazing sports clothing for new or experienced athletes
- The pieces will make sure you look strong and cool at all times
- Made using recycled materials
Cons
- Returns must be made within 14 days
Johan Lindeberg was originally the marketing director at Diesel. After his own ideas were continually repressed, he left the company and started his own label; which is now regarded as one of the coolest Scandinavian brands. J Lindeberg offers a range of elevated sport clothing that perfectly aligns with the current trend of athleisure, and will give you a casual chic look.