Level with us for a moment… Do you dread getting dressed during the winter? If your response is a resolute “yes,” trust that you’re not alone in the sentiment. It’s not easy to muster up the energy to embrace the elements when it’s below freezing outside, much less choose the perfect ensemble. Even for those who might relish in the delights of this time of year—albeit for the chance to buy the best gifts for loved ones or break the cozy coats from storage—it’s hard to deny that dressing for this time of year comes with its fair share of challenges. You not only have to consider whether your winter wardrobe is functional for frigid weather but whether or not it’s fashionable, too. While the latter might not seem as imperative, that’s not the case. Anyone who’s lived most of their lives in a cold climate knows that the key to combatting the winter blues is having a few chic winter staples in their closet.
We’d go so far as to argue that some of the chicest cities in the world are fashion capitals because of their cold climates. After all, looking sophisticated during the summertime? It’s simple. Wintertime? Not so much. It takes a particular skill set to look stylish during a snowstorm, period. Therefore, it’s only natural to look to cold-weather regions for guidance when trying to overcome the conundrum of dressing for cold weather. While plenty of places provide ample inspiration, nowhere is better than Scandinavia. With much of the Nordic region boasting temperatures below freezing throughout the winter, the climate requires locals to learn how to dress for the cold—making the Scandi style set masters in the art of dressing stylish during the winter. That’s apparent not just in the ample amount of cool winter outfit ideas spotted on the streets of Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm but also in the boom of buzzy brands from these Nordic capitals.
Some of the best winter clothing brands come from this region, but you don’t just have to take our word for it. We’ve curated a list of the 15 best scandinavian clothing brands based on their offering of foundational winter staples and, most importantly, their dedication to sustainability and craftsmanship. With each brand, we’ve included a little information about the brand, what pieces you should buy from them, and a sliding scale of price ranges—i.e., four-dollar signs represent luxury brands, while contemporary brands have two-to-three, and so on. Whether you’re a fan of the wintertime or not, these Scandi brands will help you embrace the elements in the utmost style.
Price Range: $$$$
Founded by: Elin Kling and Karl Lindman in 2014
Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
Aesthetic Mood: A modern take on the minimalist’s uniform
Best Place to Buy: Buzz-worthy basics
Price Range: $$$
Founded by: Anne-Dorthe Larsen in 2009
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Aesthetic Mood: Scandinavian minimalism with feminine touches
Best Place to Buy: Foundational basics
Price Range: $
Founded by: Karl-Johan Persson in 2007
Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
Aesthetic Mood: Corporate, but make it Scandi
Best Place to Buy: Affordable winter basics
Price Range: $$$$
Founded by: the sister duo, Maja and Ellen Dixdotter, in 2003
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Aesthetic Mood: Refined staples with a dash of bohemian sensibilities
Best Place to Buy: Quality knitwear
Price Range: $$
Founded by: Filippa Knutsson, Karin Hellners, and Patrik Kihlborg in 1993
Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
Aesthetic Mood: Capsule-worthy items with contemporary touches
Best Place to Buy: Cozy layering pieces
Price Range: $$
Founded by: Mother and daughter duo, Birgitte and Andrea Herskind in 2013
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Aesthetic Mood: A blend of timeless elements with contemporary trends
Best Place to Buy: Tailored outerwear
Price Range: $$$
Founded by: Karin Söderlind, Kristina Tjäder, and Sofia Wallenstam in 2005
Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
Aesthetic Mood: Clean-cut tailoring with a feminine twist
Best Place to Buy: Cozy knitwear
Price Range: $$
Founded by: the sister duo, Julie and Marie Skall, in 2014
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Aesthetic Mood: Staples with whimsical, feminine, and vintage-inspired details
Best Place to Buy: Sustainably-made clothing
Price Range: $$$
Founded by: Mark Kenly Domino Tan in 2014
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Aesthetic Mood: Scandinavian minimalism with a focus on tailoring
Best Place to Buy: Tailored seperates
Price Range: $$
Founded by: Charlotte Eskildsen in 2020
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Aesthetic Mood: Vintage silhouttes through a contemporary lens
Best Place to Buy: Trend-forward staples
Price Range: $$
Founded by: Sanne Sehested in 2008
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Aesthetic Mood: Scandinavian minimalism with a rock and roll influence
Best Place to Buy: Trend-forward denim
Price Range: $$$
Founded by: Nellie Kamras in 2014
Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweeden
Aesthetic Mood: Scandinavian minimalism with a French twist
Best Place to Buy: sustainably-produced outerwear
Price Range: $$
Founded by: Denise Christensen in 2019
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Aesthetic Mood: Structured silhouettes with sophisticated details
Best Place to Buy: Unique leather separates
Price Range: $$$$
Founded by: Cathrine Saks and Barbara Potts in 2014
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Aesthetic Mood: Bohemian meets minimalism
Best Place to Buy: A good fur coat
Price Range: $$
Founded by: Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave in 1999
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Aesthetic Mood: Scandi maximalism
Best Place to Buy: Statement outerwear
Price Range: $$$
Founded by: Ditte and Nicolaj Reffstrup in 2000
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Aesthetic Mood: Maximalism through a Scandinavian lens
Best Place to Buy: Winter boots
Source: WhoWhatWear
