Icelandic Clothing & Fashion Brands
What do people wear in Iceland? Is it all woolen sweaters and rubber boots? Or does the famed creativity of Icelanders extend to their clothing, as well as their design of said clothing? Read on and get to know the ins and outs of Icelandic clothing and fashion design.
For many people, the phrase “Icelandic clothing” instantly brings to mind the iconic woolen sweater.
From its humble beginnings as everyday wear for farmers huddling from the elements in the dark of winter, it has grown in stature and fame to become a defining piece of clothing for people of the island and beyond—stylish, rugged, and appropriate in almost any situation.
But Iceland has a great deal more to offer than just the (admittedly lovely) woolen sweater. Take a small glance beneath the surface—or, even better, a short stroll through downtown Reykjavík—and you will discover a variety of beautiful and inventive designs for every occasion. To assist you in navigating this wealth of riches, here is our list of Iceland’s 11 most notable design houses.
- Get to know 13 Amazing Icelandic Design Projects
- Find out more by reading Shopping in Reykjavík | A Local's Guide to the City's Originals
- Read The Ultimate Guide to Downtown Reykjavík
66° North
The wizened grandparent of Icelandic clothing design, 66° North, is long established as a premium purveyor of high-end outerwear. Founded in 1926 in Reykjavík, the company originally provided fishermen with the rainwear they needed to withstand the buffeting fury of the Northern oceans, but it’s grown several nautical miles beyond that by now.
Over nearly a century, 66° North has remained active and innovative, continuously incorporating the latest in textile technologies into its technical wear. Known for its durability, functionality, and timeless style, 66° North is a trusted choice for anyone venturing beyond Reykjavík and into Iceland's challenging landscapes.
While their pieces can be on the pricier side, the quality is undeniable—you truly get what you pay for. For those looking to join our VIP club, enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your next 66° North purchase. Sign up here and elevate your Icelandic adventure.
Click to see All 66° North Retail locations.
KRON by KRONKRON
Photo from Kronkron. No edits were made.
Though they create a wide variety of women’s clothing, including dresses, shawls, and leggings, the husband-and-wife team behind Kron is best known for their shoes.
Their vibrant, often floral patterns and intricate craftsmanship make their designs instantly recognizable, earning them international acclaim for their distinctive aesthetic and consistently high quality.
Since its launch in 2008, Kron has captivated the fashion world with its innovative style, attention to detail, and unique combinations of fabrics and textures. Defying tradition and charting their own path, they have established themselves as a leading name in contemporary fashion.
In addition to their original designs, Kron also offers an impressive selection of pieces from renowned brands such as Comme des Garçons and Vivienne Westwood, making their collections even more diverse and appealing.
Their curated approach and commitment to bold, imaginative fashion have solidified their reputation as a must-visit destination for style enthusiasts.
KRON by KRONKRON
Laugavegur 63, 101 Reykjavik
Laugavegur 80, 101 Reykjavik
- See also: Shopping in Iceland
KIOSK
Photo from Kiosk. No edits were made.
Ran by a group of big names in Icelandic fashion - AND ANTI MATTER, Andrea Maack, Bahns, EYGLO, Helicopter, Hlín Reykdal, and more - KIOSK has become something of an institution on the Reykjavik fashion scene. Co-owned by Icelandic designers, each of whom takes turns behind the counter, it is an elegant boutique filled with premium designs from a carefully curated set of labels.
On offer: a wide variety of dresses, sweaters, shirts, and trousers, mostly skewing female but sporting some unisex pieces as well.
BAHNS focuses on durable, versatile clothing for active lifestyles, while EYGLO is known for bold patterns and designs inspired by themes like crime and religion. Helicopter infuses joy into every collection with playful prints and artist collaborations, and Hlín Reykdal blends traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
Andrea Maack transforms art into luxury fragrances, creating emotional and sensory experiences through unique scents. AND ANTI MATTER adds a contemporary edge, emphasizing creativity and individuality.
Together, these brands highlight the diversity of Icelandic design, offering everything from functional outdoor wear to innovative artistic expressions. Kiosk Grandi’s curated collections make it a must-visit for those seeking bold, locally crafted fashion in Iceland.
KIOSK Reykjavík
Grandagardur 35, 101 Reykjavik
Farmers Market
Photo from Farmers Market. No edits were made.
Started in 2005, Farmers Market (also known as Farmers & Friends) is a parade of contrasts: according to their own manifesto, they position themselves “on the crossroads between past and present, national and international, country and city.”
True to that creed, they are a fascinating combination of new and old, mixing classical Nordic design themes with more modernist touches.
Their choice of fabrics is old school, with a focus on sustainability, and their entire aesthetic—right down to the environs in their two boutiques—is charmingly rustic, with wood and wool featuring prominently.
Their textiles are always prime grade, not just Icelandic but from places as far-flung as India and Australia. With their uncompromising attention to detail and quality, this is one design house you won’t regret shopping with—and regardless of what you get, you’ll most likely own that garment for the rest of your days.
Farmers Market
Laugavegur 37 , 101 Reykjavik
Holmaslod 2, 101 Reykjavik
Herrafataverzlun Kormáks & Skjaldar
Another institution, Kormákur & Skjöldur, has long ago ensured that in the hearts and minds of any even remotely traditionally fashion-conscious male in the greater Reykjavík area, they are the one, the only, and the ultimate. And with good reason: entering the store itself is like a rite of passage.
They gently ask you what you’re looking for today. If you say a bow tie, you will be gently directed towards the bow ties. If you say a suit, you will be gently directed towards a cavernous space where choice paralysis will soon overtake you; there is simply too much beautiful clothing on offer for you to parse it properly.
Your best bet is to just spin in a circle, point at something, and have someone bag it up for you. In this place, you can’t possibly go wrong.
Herrafataverzlun Kormáks & Skjaldar
Laugavegur 59, 101 Reykjavik
STEiNUNN Boutique
In a design landscape that already tends to draw heavy inspiration from the country’s actual landscape and culture, STEiNUNN’s natural influence is possibly the most striking.
This is evident in the names of her collections (“The Lava Glass Collection” and “The Black Snow Collection” among them), but also in the flavor of her designs: Knitwork is prominent, and she often uses traditional Icelandic fabrics with inventive modern twists.
Since coming onto the scene in 1986, she has won over 15 international awards, in addition to giving dozens of lectures and exhibitions. One of the most celebrated designers in Iceland’s history, her boutique is another must-visit.
STEiNUNN Boutique
17 Grandagardur (Old Harbour), 101 Reykjavik
Hildur Yeoman
Another of the scene’s biggest stars, Hildur Yeoman is known for her frequent and distinctive use of imagery, with pictures—sometimes even photographs—featuring heavily in her designs.
Though she is known primarily as a fashion designer, the essence of her work is found in these visual elements, and a case could legitimately be made for her being a visual artist, first and foremost, just one who happens to specialize in clothing.
Her boutique, which opened in 2017, features a number of other designers’ work in addition to her own. It’s not limited to clothes, either; along with beautiful garments of many types, the shop offers a variety of goods, including jewelry, shoes, lingerie, and various interesting trinkets and ornaments.
Hildur Yeoman Boutique
Laugavegur 7, 101 Reykjavik
Another Creation
One of Iceland’s most innovative and forward-thinking design outlets, Another Creation offers personalized avant-garde high fashion, with the distinguishing element being a sort of modular functionality: each garment has parts that can be removed, mixed, and matched, allowing the customer to decide for themselves the final configuration of the piece.
The designs themselves tend towards monochrome and beige, sometimes shot through with veins of gold, favoring more reflective fabrics such as silk and leather rather than earthier textures. Unique among its peers, this house is well worth checking out.
Another Creation
Klapparstigur 16, 101 Reykjavik
The Handknitting Association of Iceland
Last but not least, special mention must be made of this small basement shop in the center of Skolavordustigur.
It’s a cramped and cozy no-frills space that offers what are very simply the finest-quality traditional Icelandic woolen sweaters you can find (in addition to everything you could possibly need if you want to do some knitting of your own).
Despite the homey environs, it's not a budget shop—a sweater will run you around USD $200, with a tax rebate to the tune of $30—but out of all the expensive things you can get in Iceland, this is one of the best buys you can make.
This is where you will find a beautiful garment that will last you a lifetime, and they don’t make ‘em better anywhere.
The Handknitting Association of Iceland
Skolavordustigur 19, 101 Reykjavík
- See also: Secret Spots & Hidden Gems in Reykjavík
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