10 brands like COS for timeless Scandinavian style

If you love minimalist pieces, clean lines, and understated elegance. or if spend hours planning your perfect capsule wardrobe, chances are you’re probably a fan of COS.

Launched in 2007 and now part of the Swedish H&M Group, COS—which stands for “Collection of Style”—has won over the world with its timeless, high-quality pieces.

But the world of Scandinavian-inspired minimalism extends far beyond this beloved brand.

Whether you’re looking to expand your style horizons or are simply looking for brands with a similar aesthetic, we’ve curated a list of 10 brands that share COS’s commitment to timeless design and quality craftsmanship.

From A.P.C. to Filippa K, these labels offer a range of options for those who crave sophisticated simplicity in their wardrobe.

Another member of the H&M Group, Scandi brand ARKET has established itself as a major player in contemporary high street fashion in just under a decade. ARKET is more than a clothing store—it’s a “design and lifestyle destination” offering wardrobe basics for women, men, and children, homeware, travel essentials, and even a seasonal vegetarian café and coffee shop.

With its concept of “sustainable and accessible fashion”, the brand combines Nordic minimalism, high quality, and a positive commitment to recycled materials and trusted suppliers.

ARKET stands out for its modern approach to fashion, offering sleek and timeless collections that favour sustainable materials and environmentally friendly production processes.

Is there anything UNIQLO can’t do? Founded in 1949, this Japanese label went from a textiles manufacturer to a global brand with over 1000 stores around the world.

The reason behind this incredible success? A commitment to high-quality fabrics and affordable prices. When they’re not crafting HEATTECH essentials and viral nylon bags, their collaborations with designers like JW Anderson and Jil Sander reinforce the brand’s credentials as a major player in the fashion world.

UNIQLO’s focus on functionality and simplicity makes it a natural fit for COS fans.

The third member of the H&M Group, & Other Stories, combines Parisian elegance with Scandinavian simplicity.

Their modern, romantic, and chic approach to minimalism sets & Other Stories apart from the other H&M Group brands

& Other Stories is all about a curated shopping experience: customers are encouraged to explore their style and create whole looks, from clothing, shoes, and accessories to skincare and make-up.

Weekday is a Swedish fashion brand founded in 2002, also part of the H&M Group.

Designed to offer urban, casual, and contemporary fashion, the brand is distinguished by its minimalist and modern aesthetic, inspired by youth culture and street style trends.

Weekday’s vision is to offer accessible, high-quality clothing that perfectly adapts to a dynamic urban life and is based on a functional and modern aesthetic.

The brand’s collections take inspiration from current trends while remaining resolutely anchored in a minimalist vibe. Weekday focuses on elevated, stylish basics, ideal for an everyday look that is urban yet refined. The result: versatile clothing that is easy to wear and style, with an emphasis on clean cuts and neutral colours.

Acne Studios is a Stockholm-based fashion house with a multidisciplinary approach. Founded in 1996 as part of the creative collective ACNE (an acronym for Associated Computer Nerd Enterprises, later changed to Ambition to Create Novel Expressions) by creative director Jonny Johansson, the brand has established itself as one of the essential references of contemporary fashion.

The house specialises in women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and denim, but also magazines, furniture, books, and exhibitions. Johansson’s philosophy is to create a “framework for individuality” by offering pieces that seamlessly fit with the wearer’s existing wardrobe.

With its unique approach to design, the brand has become a symbol of modern luxury, mixing artistic influences with experimental aspirations. Acne Studios stands out for its ability to fuse art, street culture, and minimalist aesthetics, creating collections that marry boldness with sobriety. It takes minimalism to luxurious heights, offering cutting-edge designs rooted in Scandinavian simplicity.

Founded in 2009 in Copenhagen, Norse Projects has quickly gained a following thanks to its minimalist and functional pieces.

Combining traditional Scandinavian aesthetics with a modern and innovative approach, the brand is known for its clean designs, commitment to quality, and truly Nordic influences.

One reason Norse Projects are so popular is their commitment to functional and sustainable clothing. The brand favours natural and recycled materials while ensuring the durability and longevity of its products. Their wool coats or Gore-Tex jackets are designed to withstand the elements while remaining stylish and practical for urban environments. The functional Scandinavian style is also reflected in the cuts designed to offer comfort and ease.

Sandro is a French high-end ready-to-wear brand founded in 1984 by Evelyne and Didier Chetrite. Based in Paris, it embodies a contemporary elegance that blends sophistication and nonchalance.

Unlike COS, which favours clean minimalism, Sandro takes a more structured approach with precise cuts, refined details, and a strong Parisian flair.

While less conventionally minimalist in its aesthetic, Sandro appeals to those looking for modern and timeless pieces, and who appreciate a certain sobriety when it comes to fashion.

A.P.C. (which stands for Atelier de Production et de Création) is a French brand founded in 1987 by Jean Touitou.

Known for its chic minimalism, understated, and refined approach, A.P.C. embodies the very essence of contemporary Parisian fashion, combining elegant, timeless designs with modern functionality.

Initially launched as a denim workshop (and still well-known for their jeans), over the years A.P.C. has grown into a high-end ready-to-wear brand, offering womenswear and menswear collections that blend simplicity with luxurious minimalism.

A.P.C.’s commitment to quality and simplicity makes it a natural choice for those who appreciate the COS aesthetic.

Filippa K is a Swedish fashion brand founded in 1993 by Filippa Knutsson, who set out with the goal to create a modern, minimalist, and timeless brand.

Known for its unique take on Scandinavian minimalism, the brand embodies the essence of contemporary fashion with a strong imprint of sustainability and understated elegance.

Their designs combine quality with functionality, with particular attention paid to materials and manufacturing practices.

Today, Filippa K is a major player in the Nordic fashion landscape and is popular for its chic, stylish, and practical clothing.

Founded in 2000 by Cecilie Johannessen and Nicolaj Reffstrup, Dutch brand Ganni has quickly become one of the most iconic Nordic brands thanks to its ability to merge modern, bold influences with a playful, feminine spirit.

Since its inception, Ganni has distinguished itself through its approach to fashion, which combines a sustainable mindset,  contemporary designs, and a vibrant sense of creativity.

Today, the brand is incredibly popular with fashionistas and influencers around the world, and has become a true international phenomenon.

Original text and content: Elisabeth Sall, Stylight FR