The 15 Best Minimalist Brands Getting Function and Form Right

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Before “quiet luxury” entered the lexicon, there was simply minimalism. I got interested in it after discovering Emmy-nominated Netflix stars, podcasters, and authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who call themselves “the Minimalists.” These two less-is-more lifestyle devotees have helped millions of people across the globe declutter, narrow down, and simplify their lives—showing them how to curate a streamlined wardrobe and remove nonessentials from their chaotic apartments. As a fashion lover with a penchant for accumulating kitten heels, I found this lifestyle complex. The minimalism of the past isn’t the same as minimalism today, and the best minimalist clothing brands concentrate on more than elimination. A reinvigorated group of contemporary designers are focusing on longevity, in the form of wearable, effortless, everyday options.

With sustainability, climate change, and repeatedly deviating trends having overwhelmed our minds and markets for the past few years, the shift toward timelessness and minimalist design has increased tenfold. Malene Birger, whose namesake brand reflects an eclectic vision of Scandinavian minimalism and contemporary bohemia, feels that uncertainty drives consumers to make better wardrobe investments. “There is a mindset shift in light of many things happening in our world, and we are so much more in tune with how our actions can impact the wider community and industry,” she tells Bazaar. According to a survey by First Insight and the Baker Retailing Center at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, consumers from every generation are willing to spend more on sustainable products now than even just three years ago.

At Tove, a beloved brand taking a refined, feminine approach to luxury wardrobing, shoppers were looking for quieter pieces that transcended seasons and ever-changing moods after the Covid pandemic. “It isn’t about outward and obvious displays of wealth,” according to founders Camille Perry and Holly Wright. Rather, “it is about investing in a wardrobe for the longer term that works hard for the wearer. Pieces will easily transition from city to vacation and from day to evening.”

Your wardrobe may already be ingrained with luxury, neutral-colored brands like the Row, Jil Sander, and Helmut Lang, but there are new contemporary and minimalist offerings like Maria McManus and BITE Studios to consider. This mash-up of labels has found success by providing fashion-conscious consumers with well-made, approachable, and long-lasting pieces. Their designs transcend fads, instead offering a refreshing stance on the current state of fashion.

“This turn toward neutral-colored, logo-less brands is encompassing the quiet luxury trend of investing in pieces that will last you a lifetime,” BITE Studios co-founder Veronika Kant said. “[It] is a forward-looking change that is paving the way for a more conscious consumption of fashion.”

With this ethos in mind, shop the 15 best minimalist clothing brands ahead to invest in now and own forever.

BITE Studios

BITE—which stands for “By Independent Thinkers for Environmental progress”—wants to be a label that is fundamentally about a way of thinking, acting, and relating to fashion, rather than just hitting “Add to Cart” rotely.

“Design has been deeply rooted in us from a very young age due to our Scandinavian roots. At our core, we rediscover the natural world with beautiful organic fabrications and techniques primarily focused on silks, cottons, and wool,” says co-founder William Lundgren. “The pursuit of beauty, knowledge, and uncompromising creativity is central to everything we do.”

Eden Sleeveless Top

Second Skin Ribbed Dress

Crease Midi Skirt

By Malene Birger

When I ask the creative director at my favorite brand, By Malene Birger, to describe it, it became clear the label was born with an emphasis on timeless, warm, and inclusive clothing.

“At the core of By Malene Birger, there has always been this bohemian spirit, and we worked to merge that with a minimalist, contemporary feeling for contrast,” creative director Maja Dixdotter says. “Our aim is to create investment pieces with a conscious approach—elevated yet free-spirited. We are not trying to be like any other luxury brands on the market; we are just trying to create our own universe.”

+ NET SUSTAIN Paige organic cotton-blend maxi dress

Cymbaria High-waisted Trousers

Dalya Maxi Dress

Maria McManus

Maria McManus is a minimal, luxury womenswear collection founded on responsible principles: Use less water, use fewer chemicals, and create less waste. During her numerous years in the fashion industry, McManus grew increasingly alarmed at fashion’s destructive impact on the environment.

At her label, McManus says, “Our goal is to create beautifully crafted garments that will last a long time, with the lowest environmental impact. Currently, all of our garments and packaging are made from either organic, recycled, sustainably farmed, or biodegradable materials, and we are currently looking to find more materials coming from regenerative farming to create truly circular garments.”

Oversized Button-Down Shirt

Crochet Polo Tunic in Crema

Banded Collar Dress in Fuschia Pink

Tove

Each piece in Tove’s arsenal is crafted with longevity in mind—combined with a modern twist on refined, feminine aesthetics. Friends and founders Camille Perry and Holly Wright wanted the brand to merge seamlessly into the lifestyles of busy women (and busy we are). The label produces each style in small, contemplated batches—with offerings from stretch-jersey maxi dresses to twill strapless tops.

Tamie strapless twist-front cotton-blend peplum top

Juliet Dress Ivory

Mahaney twist-front silk midi dress

Teurn Studios

Teurn Studios will allow you to assemble a contemporary wardrobe of evergreen masterpieces. Launched in 2021 by Anna Teurnell, the Stockholm-based label’s less-is-more strategy calls for cultured daywear—like drop-tail cotton shirts, oversize denim, and double leather jackets—that stands out for its slightly edgy tone.

Baggy Blue Jeans

Black Doublé Leather Jacket

White Droptail Shirt

House of Dagmar

House of Dagmar was founded in 2005 by three sisters who decided to pick up the legacy of their late grandmother Dagmar—a tailor and model of confidence with an extraordinary sense of craftsmanship and style.

At the label created in her likeness, the sisters established three sustainability pillars: high quality in fabrics, high quality in production processes, and high quality in designs. All of which you can easily spot upon browsing.

Sculpted Tube Top

Square Toe Slip Ons

Off-White Pinched Seam Turtleneck

St. Agni

The ’90s are always calling—you may have seen cult-favorite pared-back brand St.Agni on the likes of your favorite influencers, editors, and celebrities. This minimalist clothing brand is an independent Australian design studio, founded in Byron Bay, on the country’s eastern coast. St. Agni approaches contemporary wardrobing through thoughtful designs and meticulous tailoring, all of which speak to their grand vision of form and function.

Twill Midi Wrap Skirt

Asymmetrical Neck Top

Macrame Loafers

Loulou Studio

There’s something decidedly powerful and yet deliberately gentle about Loulou Studio. Chloe Harrouche, founder and creative director of the brand, likes to think of her designs as “soft armor.” The label offers covetable wardrobe essentials, from organic denim jumpsuits to satin bustier dresses and wide-leg trousers, steeped in genuine French simplicity.

Satin Bustier Dress

Espanto oversized cotton-poplin shirt

+ NET SUSTAIN pleated satin wide-leg pants

Nothing Written

Young-Ju Lee founded Seoul-based fashion label Nothing Written in 2010, and it has since grown to new levels, thanks to fans searching for contemporary cuts and high-quality knitwear. Within each collection, you’ll find pieces not affixed to trends but instead connected to timelessness and multi-seasonal styling. Pile on the layers (or don’t)!

2ND / Knit sleeveless (Khaki)

White Yena Shirt

Danish Cotton Vest

Marlies Grace

When I stumbled upon Marlies Grace on social media, I screenshotted several looks to save to my archives for inspiration. Then, when I noticed the brand’s exclusive Moda Operandi trunk show, I felt euphoria—finally, more people would discover it.

It’s no wonder so many creatives find Marlies Grace stimulating. The founder aspires to make pieces that resemble vintage archives, representing women who appreciate art, nature, and beauty.

Mar Ruffled Cotton-Blend Mini Dress

Ruby Blazer

Lou Dress

Anna Quan

Under the moniker Anna Quan, Australian designer Anna Hoang supplies neat, minimalist designs that are offset by sharp details, mini lengths, and exaggerated cuffs and volume. Best known for cotton shirting, the label also creates a sampling of oversize blazers, cutout evening dresses, and billowy skirts. I’m particularly fond of the Idy dress—a piece ideal for wedding weekends and beyond.

Idy Ivory Dress

Panel-detail Midi Dress

Ribbed-knit V-neck Dress

Leset

Let’s go back to the basics, shall we? No wardrobe, no matter how glitzy or printed or maximalist-leaning, is complete without foundational pieces needed to build and layer. That’s where Leset comes in. It offers a line of locally made, super-soft knitwear, biker shorts, and T-shirts that can be worn during the day or late at night, depending on the accessories you pair. When you do wear it, I guarantee you’ll gasp at how comfortable you feel.

Barb Wide Leg Boxer Pant

Rio Strapless Stretch-ponte Mini Dress

Lauren Jersey Wide-leg tTack Pants

Paris Georgia

As a reflection of the designers’ friendship and a response to their personal community of discerning women, Paris Georgia was launched in 2015. Designed in New Zealand, standout silhouettes team up with luxe fabrics that favor the female form and offer subtle design shifts over seasonal trends—there aren’t fleeting sensibilities here! The brand has quickly become a favorite because of this thoughtful, timeless care.

Otto Butter Bodysuit

Ballerina Draped scoop-back Dress

SSENSE Exclusive Blue Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Deiji Studios

I first discovered Deiji during a knee-deep internet dive for a matching set that would carry me from day-lounging indoors to airport comfort, and I was quickly enamored. Founded in 2016 by Juliette Harkness and Emma Nelson, the Australian label aims to integrate morning into the night by obscuring ready-to-wear and sleepwear—comfort and sophistication.

Belted Linen Robe Set

The Ease Trouser

The Halter striped organic-cotton pyjamas

Frenckenberger

If you haven’t heard of Frenckenberger yet, prepare your wallets. Co-founded by Terry-Ann Frencken and Nathalie Schönenberger, the brand, gives simple essentials a lush promotion through its variety of elevated cashmere wardrobe essentials. For fall and winter, prep your cold-weather closet with oversize nubby sweaters, felt cardigans, and utilitarian maxi dresses, to be worn inside or out.

Brushed Cashmere Jumper

High-neck Knitted Top

SSENSE Exclusive Off-White Deep V Maxi Dress

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