Scotch & Soda has carved out a unique place in contemporary fashion, seamlessly blending classic tailoring with eclectic, free-spirited design. Founded in Amsterdam in 1985, the brand is known for its bold patterns, unexpected fabric combinations and special attention to details. Whether it’s a perfectly structured casual blazer or a relaxed knit with rich texture, Scotch & Soda offers elegant closet pieces that feel both timeless and refreshingly modern.
But it’s not the only brand that offers the perfect blend of sophistication and individuality. Many brands, from the laid-back aesthetic of AllSaints to the sophisticated yet playful tailoring of Ted Baker, capture the essence of Scotch & Soda’s design philosophy while bringing their own unique perspective. Others, like Sandro and Maje, draw on Parisian elegance and crisp silhouettes, while brands like Desigual use color and artistic expression.
For those who appreciate thoughtful fashion that combines quality and individuality, these 17 brands offer equally appealing options. Expect premium fabrics, precision tailoring and versatile pieces that transition easily from casual outings to polished, put together looks. Whether you’re drawn to bold prints or understated luxury, there’s something on this list that will complement your closet.
# Best for minimalist and timeless fashion
A.P.C.
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1987
Origin: France
A.P.C., the Parisian label founded by Jean Touitou in 1987, has perfected the art of understated luxury. Known for its raw Japanese denim ($240) that molds to the wearer over time, crisp cotton t-shirts ($95), and classic Gabardine trench coats ($650), the brand champions clean lines, impeccable tailoring, and lasting functionality—effortlessly merging refinement with everyday wearability.
# Best for Scandinavian contemporary fashion
Norse Projects
Prices: $$$
Founded: 2004
Origin: Denmark
Norse Projects is a Danish brand founded in 2004 in Copenhagen. It combines elements of streetwear, classic workwear and high-end fashion, designed in a minimalist Scandinavian style. The brand is recognized for its clean lines, functional designs and attention to quality. A unique trait of Norse Projects is their ability to combine utilitarian elements with modern design to create versatile and stylish pieces. Their best-known products include their classic beanie hats, minimalist shirts, and functional jackets.
# Best for avant-garde Scandinavian fashion
Acne Studios
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1996
Origin: Sweden
Founded in 1996 by Jonny Johansson, Acne Studios is a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism with an avant-garde twist. The brand’s signature 1991 Straight-Leg Jeans ($300) and oversized leather biker jackets ($1,900) exemplify its fusion of precision tailoring and bold aesthetics. Meticulously crafted fabrics and unconventional silhouettes ensure each piece balances statement-making style with everyday wearability.
# Best for modern classic fashion
Massimo Dutti
Prices: $$
Founded: 1985
Origin: Spain
Massimo Dutti is a Spanish clothing brand founded in 1985, offering a classic, timeless collection of pieces. With an emphasis on quality fabrics and exquisite designs, the brand provides a wide range of clothing and accessories that combine contemporary trends with timeless style, suitable for both casual and formal occasions. A unique feature of Massimo Dutti is their ability to offer elegant and sophisticated pieces at affordable prices. Their most famous products include their classic suits, cashmere sweaters and leather accessories.
# Best for luxury casual wear
Club Monaco
Prices: $$
Founded: 1985
Origin: Canada
Club Monaco is a Canadian brand founded in 1985, initially creating ‘the best basic pieces’, offering luxurious casual classics at a low price point. Their collections are characterized by clean lines, quality materials and versatile pieces that can be worn both casually and at more formal events. A unique feature of Club Monaco is their ability to combine everyday comfort with elements of luxury, creating elegant and affordable outfits. Their most popular products include their classic shirts, knitwear and stylish coats.
# Best for contemporary minimalist fashion
Our Legacy
Prices: $$$
Founded: 2005
Origin: Sweden
Refined restraint, their Legacy has been quietly reshaping Scandinavian fashion since 2005. The Stockholm-based label fuses minimalist silhouettes with avant-garde textures—see the Chamonix Shirt ($320) in sheer Italian wool or the Box Jacket ($750) in distressed leather. With meticulous craftsmanship and innovative fabric treatments, each piece delivers lasting wearability without sacrificing effortless sophistication.
# Best for utilitarian-inspired fashion
Engineered Garments
Prices: $$$
Founded: 2002
Origin: United States
Engineered Garments was founded in 2002 in New York by Japanese designer Daiki Suzuki. The brand is inspired by American work, military and sportswear, creating unique pieces with unexpected details and intricate cuts. People love this brand for its attention to functionality and thoughtful design. A unique feature of Engineered Garments is its eclectic approach to classic styles, where each piece contains elements of asymmetry, interesting pockets or unusual textures.
# Best for American-inspired Japanese fashion
Beams Plus
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1999
Origin: Japan
Beams Plus emerged in 1999 as a division of iconic Japanese retailer Beams, inspired by the classic American style of the 1960s. People love this brand for its perfect blend of vintage charm and Japanese attention to detail. A unique feature of Beams Plus is their ability to reinterpret Ivy League style by adding modern cuts and premium fabrics. Their most iconic items include their oxford shirts, knit vests and vintage sports jackets.
# Best for traditional craftsmanship shirts
Portuguese Flannel
Prices: $$
Founded: 2013
Origin: Portugal
Portuguese Flannel was founded in 2013 in Portugal by two brothers who sought to preserve local textile traditions. The brand is popular for its high quality fabrics and classic yet modern style. A unique feature of Portuguese Flannel is their commitment to hand labor and ancient fabric processing techniques, which makes each shirt special. Their most iconic products include soft flannel shirts, linen summer patterns and classic plaid prints.
# Best for minimalist modern fashion
COS
Prices: $$
Founded: 2007
Origin: United Kingdom
COS was founded in 2007 as a premium line of the H&M brand, focusing on minimalist design and quality fabrics. People love this brand for its architectural silhouettes and versatile pieces that are easy to combine. A unique feature of COS is their ability to create concise yet expressive pieces that stay relevant regardless of trends. Their most iconic items include their structured coats, minimalist dresses and loose pants.
# Best for luxury everyday essentials
Sunspel
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1860
Origin: United Kingdom
Sunspel was founded in 1860 in England and is one of the oldest manufacturers of premium knitwear. The brand is known for its attention to quality and use of the finest materials such as Egyptian cotton and merino wool. People love Sunspel for its casual luxury and comfort. A unique feature of the brand is their innovative approach to creating basic pieces that appear simple but are made with the utmost attention to detail. Their most iconic items include classic t-shirts, cashmere sweaters and cotton shirts.
# Best for retro-modern streetwear
Drôle de Monsieur
Prices: $$$
Founded: 2014
Origin: France
Drôle de Monsieur was founded in 2014 in France by two designers who wanted to create a brand with a retro aesthetic and modern comfort. People love the brand for its unique style, combining nostalgic elements of the 80s and 90s with a relaxed street style. A unique feature of Drôle de Monsieur is their signature slogan ‘Not From Paris Madame’, which reflects their independent approach to fashion. Their most iconic items include tracksuits, vintage bomber jackets and graphic print t-shirts.
# Best for modern workwear-inspired fashion
Universal Works
Prices: $$$
Founded: 2009
Origin: United Kingdom
Universal Works was founded in 2009 by David Kijt, who sought to create modern clothing with elements of work uniforms.David clearly had a sense of where trends were going long ago. People love this brand for its balance. A unique feature of Universal Works is their ability to combine style and relaxed fit to create comfortable pieces. Their most iconic items include their work jackets, loose pants, and oversize shirts.
# Best for refined casual menswear
Oliver Spencer
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2002
Origin: United Kingdom
Oliver Spencer was founded in 2002 in London and offers clothing for men who appreciate quality and individuality. The brand has gained popularity for its sophisticated yet informal collections that are perfect for the modern man. A unique feature of Oliver Spencer is their attention to fabrics and cuts that allow for an elegant yet relaxed style. Their most iconic items include their unlined jackets, linen shirts and premium knitwear.
# Best for effortless Parisian style
Hartford
Prices: $$$
Founded: 1979
Origin: France
Hartford was founded in 1979 in Paris and offers clothing inspired by classic American silhouettes with a French twist. People love this brand for its ease, casualness, and ability to create stylish yet comfortable pieces. A unique feature of Hartford is their attention to soft, natural fabrics that make clothing as comfortable as possible. Their most iconic items include their linen shirts, corduroy pants, and retro-inspired knitwear.
# Best for Parisian tailoring with a modern twist
Officine Générale
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 2012
Origin: France
Officine Générale was founded in 2012 in Paris and quickly became known for its modern approach to classic cuts. People love this brand for its impeccable quality and understated elegance. A unique feature of Officine Générale is their use of premium Italian and Japanese fabrics that give the clothes a sophisticated yet relaxed look. Their most iconic items include their wool jackets, unstructured coats and premium quality cargo pants.
# Best for Southern-inspired luxury menswear
Billy Reid
Prices: $$$$
Founded: 1998
Origin: United States
Billy Reid was founded in 1998 in the United States and is characterized by a unique aesthetic that combines traditional southern style with elements of modern luxury. People love this brand for its attention to quality and sophisticated silhouettes. What makes Billy Reid unique is their approach to design: they create clothes that look elegant, yet are comfortable to wear. Their most iconic items include their double-breasted coats, linen suits and premium plaid print shirts.
