Scandinavia has been punching above its weight in the menswear department for decades. For a relatively small corner of the world, Denmark, Sweden and Norway have produced a disproportionate number of brands that have gone on to shape the way men dress far beyond their respective borders.
There are certain qualities we’ve come to associate with Scandinavian style: clean lines, functionality, quality materials and a general aversion to unnecessary fuss. But reducing it all to tasteful minimalism would be doing the region a disservice. Yes, there are plenty of beautifully made basics and pared-back outerwear, but there’s also directional fashion, technical mountain gear, luxury luggage and some of the best contemporary casualwear around.
From established names like Acne Studios and Our Legacy to Copenhagen’s new guard, these are the Scandinavian menswear brands worth knowing.
Scandinavian Edition
Scandinavian Edition was established in 2010 with a vision to revolutionize outerwear. Initially crafting 100 jackets for close circles, the overwhelming response propelled us to expand. Today, our jackets transcend borders, reaching global destinations from Taiwan to New York, symbolizing our journey from humble beginnings to a renowned global brand.
Inspired by the minimalist ethos of Scandinavian design from the 1950s, Scandinavian Edition champions the belief that elegance and functionality should be accessible to all. Our commitment to offering exceptional value without compromise is evident in every meticulously crafted piece. We prioritize patience and precision, ensuring each detail and material is meticulously selected to deliver unrivalled quality and comfort in every garment.
ASKET
“The world doesn’t need another fashion brand”, says ASKET, and we’re inclined to agree, especially when labels like ASKET already exist. The Stockholm-based brand is committed to fighting fast consumption by designing for forever rather than one season.
ASKET envisions a future of reduced wardrobes built of eco-friendly clothing that stands the test of time in terms of design and craftsmanship. The label’s permanent collection comprises premium quality staples of all types. From minimal outerwear to luxury underwear, the whole spectrum is covered.
Mismo
As is the case with many of the best Scandinavian menswear brands, Mismo’s designs are suitably minimalist and pared back. The Danish label takes an innovative approach to manufacturing, making use of waterproof fabrics for its backpacks and tote bags, which are perfect for commuting and travelling with.
The brand's signature M/S backpack for example is a classic, boasting a simple roll top that owes its design to vintage military styles. Like all Mismo products it shines in the details, with hand-polished YKK zips, solid brass hardware and vegetable-tanned leather detailing. Its contemporary minimalist wallets are also well worth checking out.
Myrqvist
Swedish footwear label Myrqvist is the brainchild of Sebastian Öhrn, a style obsessive who noticed a gap in the market for premium handcrafted shoes that don't cost a fortune.
The brand produces everything from elegant loafers to smart-casual sneakers, all of which are made using the finest leathers from the very best tanneries in the world, with calfskin from the Hermes-owned Tannery du Puy in France and suede from Charles F. Stead in England. Goodyear welted construction means they'll last for decades.
Steele & Borough
Sustainable luggage brand Steele & Borough creates vegan leather bags that are crafted primarily from PETA-approved polyurethane, one of the most planet-friendly vegan materials.
All of Steele & Borough's backpacks, briefcases, weekender bags and wash bags adhere to the same minimalist design philosophy, with quality of craftsmanship prioritised over fussy extraneous aesthetic details. Artist Nandi Nobell was enlisted to design the pattern on the lining of each bag, which complements the subtle elegance that Steele & Borough champions.
mfpen
Copenhagen’s mfpen is proof that minimalism doesn’t have to mean boring. The brand takes recognisable menswear staples – suits, overcoats, shirts, knitwear and trousers – and loosens everything up. Tailoring is relaxed, shirts hang easy and trousers tend to be roomy, resulting in clothes that feel smart without looking particularly corporate.
Fabric is a major part of the appeal too, with deadstock and recycled materials regularly appearing throughout the collections. But sustainability isn’t used as an excuse for dull design. The clothes have character, texture and just enough weirdness to separate them from conventional wardrobe basics. If you like tailoring but have no desire to look like you’re heading to a quarterly earnings meeting, mfpen is well worth knowing.
Norse Projects
Norse Projects sits at the intersection of functionality and fashion, blending Scandinavian practicality with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Established in Copenhagen, the brand is renowned for its seasonless staples – from expertly crafted outerwear to minimalist knitwear.
With a focus on premium materials and timeless designs, Norse Projects aims to create clothing that works seamlessly in both urban and outdoor environments. The label’s mantra, “created for life – good for all seasons,” encapsulates its ethos of versatility and durability.
Our Legacy
Founded in 2005 in Stockholm, Our Legacy has redefined Scandinavian menswear with its offbeat yet sophisticated approach. Known for its experimental fabric choices and effortless tailoring, the label strikes a balance between timeless design and a playful disregard for convention.
Whether it’s a deconstructed blazer or a meticulously washed denim shirt, each piece carries a unique narrative. Our Legacy’s commitment to craftsmanship and understated luxury ensures that its garments feel as fresh as they do familiar.
Acne Studios
A pioneer in Scandinavian style, Acne Studios has carved out a reputation as the go-to label for those who want their minimalism with a bold twist. Hailing from Stockholm, the brand made its mark in the late 1990s with its now-iconic raw denim jeans, but today it offers everything from oversized outerwear to avant-garde tailoring.
With an emphasis on distinctive silhouettes and subtle branding, Acne Studios continues to push the boundaries of modern menswear without losing its unmistakable Nordic cool.
Houdini
Houdini has been making technical outdoor clothing in Stockholm since 1993, long before performance gear became acceptable attire for drinking £4 flat whites.
The Swedish brand combines highly functional fabrics and understated styling with a particularly strong focus on circularity. Its clothing is designed with longevity, repairability and eventual recycling in mind, and the company has experimented extensively with rental, resale and closed-loop systems.
None of that would matter much if the kit wasn’t good. Thankfully, it is. Lightweight shells, insulating layers, fleece and activewear form the backbone of the collection, with designs clean enough to migrate effortlessly from trail to city. The Power Houdi fleece is the obvious icon, but there’s plenty more worth exploring.
Klättermusen
Founded by a group of climbers in Umeå in 1975, Klättermusen makes some of the most distinctive outdoor gear on the market.
Where many technical brands play things visually safe, Klättermusen embraces asymmetry, unusual pocket placement, diagonal zips and colours that occasionally stray well beyond the standard mountain palette of black, navy and red. The result is genuine mountaineering equipment that also happens to look fantastic.
Its jackets, trousers, backpacks and insulating layers are built for serious use, with durability and environmental impact central to the design process. But the unconventional aesthetic has also earned Klättermusen a following among people whose closest encounter with an alpine expedition is probably walking up Primrose Hill. That crossover appeal is part of what makes it so interesting.
Soulland
Copenhagen-based Soulland injects a dose of personality into the world of Scandinavian menswear. Drawing on traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, the brand delivers everything from graphic-heavy streetwear to sharply tailored classics.
With collaborations spanning iconic brands and artists, Soulland’s playful yet refined approach resonates with those who value individuality. It’s Scandinavian design with a touch of cheek – and we’re here for it.
Séfr
Séfr offers a slightly different vision of Swedish style. Where the stereotype is crisp, functional and restrained, this Malmö label is softer, slouchier and distinctly more sensual.
Originally founded as a vintage store, Séfr began producing its own clothing after struggling to find the sorts of pieces its founders wanted to stock. That background still comes through in collections that often carry echoes of the 1970s without slipping into outright retro pastiche.
Textured shirts, fuzzy knitwear, leather jackets and fluid trousers are recurring strengths, usually rendered in earthy colours and tactile fabrics. The overall effect is relaxed, slightly louche and very easy to wear. Think less Scandinavian architect, more Scandinavian architect who plays bass in a band at weekends.
NN07
NN07 stands for “No Nationality”, which gives a fairly good indication of the Copenhagen brand’s outlook. Rather than leaning heavily into Scandinavian clichés, it takes inspiration from all over the place and translates it into extremely wearable everyday clothing.
Founded in 2007, the label has built its reputation on the sort of pieces men actually live in: chinos, overshirts, knitwear, relaxed tailoring, polos and jackets. There’s usually some colour and texture involved, but rarely anything that makes an outfit difficult to put together.
That makes NN07 a particularly useful brand for building out the middle of a wardrobe – those dependable pieces that sit between basics and statement items. The now-famous knitted polo worn by Jeremy Allen White in The Bear certainly raised its profile, but there’s considerably more to the brand than one piece of television knitwear.
Peak Performance
Peak Performance was born in the Swedish ski resort of Åre in 1986, when three skiers decided they wanted technical clothing that looked better than much of what was available at the time.
That combination of performance and aesthetics remains the brand’s calling card. Skiwear is still central, but the modern collection stretches into hiking, golf, running and everyday outerwear, with plenty of pieces that work perfectly well away from their intended sporting environment.
For menswear purposes, it’s the jackets and insulating layers that deserve the most attention. Technical fabrics, bold colour blocking and a healthy archive of 1980s and 1990s references give Peak Performance a slightly sportier character than some of the other outdoor brands on this list.
Another Aspect
Another Aspect is part of a newer generation of Copenhagen labels making everyday clothing feel interesting again.
Established in 2019, the brand works primarily with familiar menswear staples: shirts, trousers, knitwear, tailoring and uncomplicated outerwear. The silhouettes are relaxed, the colours are restrained and the emphasis is firmly on fabric and fit rather than logos or novelty.
There’s also a strong focus on materials, with recycled fibres, deadstock fabrics and organic materials featuring throughout the collection. Production is handled largely by specialist factories in Portugal and Italy.
The end result is the sort of clothing that’s easy to underestimate on a hanger but makes a lot of sense once worn. Nothing shouts for attention; everything simply looks considered.
Berner Kühl
Berner Kühl is one of the newer names helping to push Copenhagen menswear beyond the minimalist stereotype.
Founded by Frederik Berner Kühl, the label approaches everyday clothing with an almost obsessive interest in materials and construction. Familiar pieces – overshirts, jackets, trousers, knitwear – are tweaked through proportion, texture and fabric choice rather than obvious decorative flourishes.
There’s an industrial quality to some of it, but also a softness that keeps the clothes from feeling overly severe. Fits are relaxed, colours are muted and details tend to reveal themselves slowly rather than announcing themselves from across the room.
It’s still a relatively young label compared with the Scandinavian heavyweights, but for anyone interested in where Danish menswear is heading next, Berner Kühl is one to watch.
