Scandinavian fashion - a tale full of minimalism and functionality

The story of the Scandinavian fashion

Scandinavian fashion comes from the North countries - Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland - where everyday life has been for centuries shaped by harsh weather conditions and closeness to nature. Its roots go back to the traditional clothes worn by people from these regions i.e. thick woolen sweaters, layered clothes and practical coats, which were supposed to ensure warmth and protection against rain, wind, and snow. Originally, it wasn’t about fashion in the modern sense but about functionality. The clothes were supposed to be durable, practical and reliable.

Over time, Scandinavian pragmatism started intertwining with modern design. In the 20th century, alongside the development of Scandinavian design in architecture and furniture, fashion got a new identity; simple, minimalistic in form but incredibly aesthetic. The designers started choosing neutral colours, clear lines and natural fabrics creating style, which represents the “less means more” idea.

The modern Scandinavian fashion is the synonym for simplicity and functionality but also a conscious attitude to fashion. Over the last decades, the North became one of the leaders in promoting sustainable development, ethical production and slow fashion. Scandinavian men treat their clothes like an investment, they opt quality over quantity and classic cuts and natural fabrics will make your clothes trendy for many seasons.

The philosophy of the Scandinavian fashion

The philosophy of Scandinavian fashion is about making the clothes practical and long-lasting. The most important values of the style are:

• functionality – clothes are above all comfortable and adjusted to everyday challenges.
• minimalist design – simple forms without unnecessary decorations.
• sustainable development – ethical attitude towards production is very important.
• quality – precise manufacturing and the use of high quality materials, e.g. linen, wool, cotton.

What sets Scandinavian fashion apart?

We’ve prepared a set of the most important elements of the Scandinavian style that make this trend invariably inspire the world. What comes to the fore is the ability of combining contrasts – simplicity intertwines with distinctive details, classics with modernity, and elegance and with a casual look. It’s the play of opposites, which makes the Scandinavian style fresh.

The play with structures and fabrics is also characteristic – silk skirts paired with thick wool sweaters, lightweight shirts worn with heavy coats or minimalistic dresses matched with sports shoes. It’s a fashion, which gives a huge freedom to experiment and maintain a natural harmony at the same time.

We can’t forget about the northerners’ passion for sport. Comfort always goes hand in hand with style. Tracksuits, sneakers or oversize sweatshirts can be easily paired with elegant elements creating trendy looks.

One of the fundamental elements of the Scandinavian aesthetics is layering. In countries where weather is capricious, skillfully building a styling from many layers isn’t just about practicality but making the outfit unique. A coat on a blazer, a sweater on a shirt or a dress paired with trousers ideally represents the northern philosophy of dressing.

Apart from that, it’s worth mentioning a neutral palette of colours, which dominates the Scandinavian style - white, grey, beige and black create a basis, which can be paired with bold colours and interesting prints. Thanks to this, the wardrobe is coherent and easy to compose and doesn’t lack the unique style.

Scandinavian fashion - which clothes should be present in your wardrobe?

If you want to build stylings in the Scandinavian style, get these clothes:

• white shirts,
• blazers,
• simple classic jeans,
• minimalistic T-shirts,
• oversize coat,
• cosy sweaters made from wool or cashmere,
• down jacket,
• waterproof parka.

Unisex fashion

Scandinavian fashion is becoming more and more popular because, among other reasons, it’s an androgynous fashion, which is designed for both men and women and coherently combines all these elements. Simple cuts, neutral colours, oversize fit create stylings, which can be worn by men and women.

Scandinavian clothes

• Helly Hansen – brand, which was created in 1877 in Moss, a Norwegian town, its collections ensure comfort in difficult northern conditions. For more than a century, it has remained faithful to its mission to create clothes, which protects against cold, wind and rain.Rainproof jackets, yachting or skiing clothes by Helly Hansen represent the essence of functionality and technology. Nowadays, the brand is an ideal choice for users, who search for simplicity, practicality and the best quality.

See the Helly Hansen collection

• Db – brand, which quickly became popular thanks to its innovative solutions in such categories as bags, backpacks and travelling accessories. The products are minimalistic, lightweight and functional at the same time. Db combines simple forms with practical solutions in the spirit of Scandinavian design. Backpacks and bags will serve you well in everyday situations and on long journeys. The brand exemplifies how North redefines the modern lifestyle without giving up on comfort and style.

See the Db collection

• Dale of Norway – is one of the most recognizable Norwegian brands, which has existed since 1879. It specializes in the production of the best quality wool sweaters, its design draws from traditional Norwegian patterns and knitting techniques. Every Dale of Norway sweater combines manufacturing, cultural heritage and modern functionality. Natural wool regulates temperature and ensures comfort in a cold climate. This brand became the icon of the Scandinavian style, it’s classic, authentic and timeless.

See the Dale of Norway collection

Nordic fashion - a summary

Scandinavian fashion is a balance between functionality and aesthetics, comfort and elegance. Scandinavian minimalism always emphasises authenticity. No superfluous glamour, instead a large dose of naturalness and simplicity. Stock up on warm woollen jumpers, clothing in muted colours, play with contrasts and layering, and you will create perfect styles full of Nordic charm. The Scandinavian aesthetic does not try to impose itself on the world. Rather, it invites you to slow down, to appreciate quality, functionality and conscious choices.