Scandi-Wear, Streetwear's Unlikely Ally

If you know a thing or two about fashion, you might already know how much of a source of creativity Scandinavia can be. For years now, many of us have looked to our Swedish, Danish and Norwegian friends for inspiration, with apparel heavyweights such as Acne Studios and Our Legacy paving the way for other brands to be embraced by the worldwide fashion industry, and more specifically, the streetwear community.

It's fair to say Scandinavia doesn't quite boast the largest streetwear scene by itself. Sure, you could argue skatewear brands such as Polar Skate Co. are right there at the forefront, but for the most part, Scandinavians are masters at contemporary styling instead. With practicality and minimalism at its core, it's not exactly hard to figure out just how Scandi contemporary wear has bridged its way into streetwear over the last few years.

Given the recent explosion, we here at The Sole Supplier thought we would highlight some of our favourite Scandinavian brands flying the flag for their peninsula in the streetwear scene.

First up on the list, we have the previously mentioned Polar Skate Co. Hailing from Malmo, Sweden, Polar Skate Co. launched back in 2011 and has since grown to have quite the presence across the European streetwear scene. As the name might suggest, Polar started out as a skate crew, eventually transforming into an apparel and lifestyle brand known for its raw DIY energy.

Within Polar Skate Co.'s offerings, you'll find an array of classic skateboarding silhouettes, including classic flannel shirts, baggy and relaxed jeans, and an array of graphic T-Shirts and hoodies. By combining playful visuals with tailored looks, Polar offers a unique and distinctive approach to classic styling.

Next up on the list, we have Norse Projects, a Copenhagen-based label with years in the game under its belt. Since 2004, Norse Projects has drawn upon its Danish history to champion and produce some of the finest subdued and minimalistic silhouettes on the market, and it isn't stopping any time soon.

Included within Norse Projects' range, you'll find a sheer scope of styles available, most of which draw upon classic tailoring heritage. Standout pieces include the brand's waterproof GORE-TEX jackets alongside their vast range of button-down shirts. If you're a fan of layering, you're going to want to check out Norse Projects.

Once again, hailing from Copenhagen, we have Soulland - a skateboarder-owned label with a distinctive eye for the fine arts. With twenty years in the game, Soulland has carved its own path in fashion thanks to its cutting-edge approach to subtle touches, design and materials.

Elaborate embroideries, floral patterns and bold block logos grace the exterior of Soulland's range, offering a distinguished approach to contemporary clothing. The brand even collaborated with Nike SB back in 2016, staying close to creator Silas Adler's skateboarding roots.

Finally on the list, we have Trés-Bien, a brand that, despite its french name, fully embraces its Malmö roots. Trés-Bien initially started out as a well-stock menswear store, but eventually decided to launch its own in-house label later on.

Trés-Bien manages to cohesively blend notes of contemporary and streetwear styling within its goods, forming its own unique idea separate from that of its Scandi-roots in the process.

To find more Scandinavian style, checkout END. Clothing's full selection of brands right here!