When it comes to fashion, few countries do ‘cool’ quite like Sweden. Stockholm’s style set may have perfected the art of making minimalism look anything but boring, but Swedish fashion is far from one-note. In fact, there’s a diverse mix of established names and emerging designers putting their own stamp on the country’s fashion identity.
From the global success of Acne Studios and Totême to the more experimental Hodokova, Swedish designers are gaining well-deserved recognition. Whether you’re looking for your next cult denim label, a new wardrobe staple, great shoes or something just generally a little more unexpected, these are the Swedish fashion brands worth knowing.
Acne Studios
It’s near impossible to talk about Swedish fashion without mentioning Acne Studios. Founded in Stockholm in 1996, the brand has become one of Sweden’s most recognisable fashion exports, known for its playful take on familiar wardrobe staples (the long-sleeved logo tee went viral this year), girly-meets-edgy sensibility and distinctive yet wearable denim.
Totême
Founded by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman in 2014, Totême has become synonymous with wearable wardrobe staples. The collections are designed in Stockholm, and focus on strong silhouettes crafted from beautiful materials, as well as accessories that you’ll love forever, and wear with everything. If that wasn’t enough, they’ve also recently dipped into menswear.
Our Legacy
Since launching in Stockholm in 2005, Our Legacy has developed a cult following. The brand specialises in relaxed tailoring and reworked classics – with an experimental edge that’s particularly evident through Our Legacy Work Shop, where deadstock and existing garments are transformed into limited pieces.
Hodakova
This Stockholm-based brand, founded by Ellen Hodakova Larsson, has built its identity around upcycling and reconstruction, turning existing garments and surplus materials into sculptural, playful designs. It’s also one of the newer names on the Paris Fashion Week lineup.
House of Dagmar
Founded in 2005 by three sisters, House of Dagmar errs on the more feminine side of Scandinavian dressing. The Stockholm label balances clean silhouettes with unexpected proportions, textures and materials – its denim is also designed in Sweden and made in Italy, with an emphasis on fit and longevity.
Filippa K
Filippa K is one of the founding names behind Sweden’s enduring reputation for well-made, understated wardrobe staples. Founded in 1993, the Stockholm label focuses on clean, versatile pieces designed to slot easily into an existing wardrobe.
Tiger of Sweden
With a history dating back to 1903, Tiger of Sweden brings a long history of tailoring to the Swedish fashion landscape. Today, the brand is known for sharp suiting and contemporary interpretations of classic menswear, while also designing with the same codes for a women’s line.
Nudie Jeans
For denim, look to Gothenburg’s Nudie Jeans. Founded in 2001, the brand has built its reputation around jeans designed to age rather than be replaced – after all, there’s nothing better than a well-worn pair of denim. Repair services also an important part of its approach, so you can love and wear the same pair year after year.
Rodebjer
Founded by Carin Rodebjer, the Stockholm-based label is known for pieces that straddle the rare line between Scandinavian minimalism and a more bohemian sensibility. Flowing silhouettes, interesting prints and easy tailoring give Rodebjer a softer take on Swedish dressing.
Stand Studio
It’s rare we’d ever wish for winter to last a little longer, but if it meant getting to wear Stand Studio’s outerwear for a few more months, we would. The Swedish label has made faux fur and leather-look pieces central to its identity – proof that Scandinavian dressing doesn’t always have to mean keeping things understated.
Eytys
Founded in Stockholm in 2013, Eytys is perhaps best known for footwear, but it’s also expanded into denim, ready-to-wear and accessories. The brand’s unisex collections have a youthful, irreverent edge – the kinds of pieces you’ll wear with anything.
Deadwood
Stockholm-based Deadwood has built its identity around leather, with a particular focus on recycled and repurposed materials. Founded in 2012, the label specialises in classic leather jackets, with an emphasis on deadstock and recycled leather.
