The 22 Best German Clothing Brands to Watch in 2023 (2024)

Jil Sander, No Faith Studios, A Kind of Guise

Published Sep 7, 2023

When it comes to what we call fashion capitals, we automatically go to the "forefathers" which are New York, London, Paris, and Milan. However, there's much to be said about the rise of the German fashion scene over these past several years in particular. For starters, Berlin has its own set of trends that it has produced and contributed to the fashion industry, along with having its very own Fashion Week, which continues to grow in popularity with each event. Similar to what we've done most recently with our Italian and Korean clothing brand pieces, today we'll be taking a look at the best German clothing brands to watch in 2023 and beyond, and how these brands are contributing to the "quiet luxury" trend that's starting to rise in the fashion industry.

Some of these brands you may have heard, while others may be completely new to you. All, however, are brands that you should add to your list/Pinterest/whatever you choose to keep track of your fashion files immediately. Scroll down to check them out below.

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• From:Cologne
• Product range: Pants, shirts, hoodies, outerwear, bags
• What we recommend from them: Wave Heavy Denim Pants, $302.30
• Price range: $250 - $750
• Something we love about them:Their commitment to the community

NO/FAITH STUDIOS is a brand who has been establishing authority and slowly making a name for themselves for the past several years. While the brand generally keeps a low profile, their creative approach to fashion, in particular their distressed designs and unique cuts, have spoken for themselves. From parachute-style cargo pants to leather denim trench coats that are slightly cut up, NO/FAITH STUDIOS is the place where you go to get the non-traditional takes on traditional fashion pieces, which you can thank creative director/label designer Luis Dobbelgarten for.

• From:Munich/Berlin
• Product range: Menswear, womenswear, accessories, eyewear, outerwear, knitwear
• What we recommend from them: Karli Knit Sweater, $426.46
• Price range: $250 - $750
• Something we love about them:Transparency and that they never go out of stock

A Kind of Guise is a brand that hones on contemporary look that's slightly elevated while also keeping an emphasis on quality as they only use high-quality fabricsthat are mostly made in Germany (with some being sourced from Italy). The result is beautifully crafted tops, bottoms, jeans, knitwear, and accessories that are top-of-the-line. In addition to the brand's online presence, there's also 80 boutiques and department stores scattered around along with retail outposts that you can check out if you are ever in the area.

• From:Herzogenaurach, Bavaria
• Product range: Men's athletic wear, women's athletic wear, accessories, outerwear, sneakers
• What we recommend from them: Forum 84 Low ADV Shoes, $110
• Price range: $50 - $300
• Something we love about them:Their community outreach and programs

adidas is, well, adidas, so there's no using in telling you what you already know—which is that they are one of the largest and most successful athletic brands in the world (the second largest actually). In fact, adidas has become so large on a global spectrum that you almost forget their technical classification is that of an "athletic brand." They've had/have tons of brand ambassadors that are partnered with them (Bad Bunny and Pharrell to name a couple of examples), and offer some of the best athletic wear and gear in the world. There's a reason why they're known as "the three stripes brand."

• From:Cologne
• Product range: Menswear, womenswear, jeans, underwear, socks
• What we recommend from them: Iaan x Stretch Slim-Fit Denim, $126.90
• Price range: $75 - $300
• Something we love about them:Their sustainability

With a focus on sustainability, Armed Angels is another German brand to check out. Hailing from Cologne, the company offers a variety of mens and womenswear in the form of t-shirts, pants, jeans, and hats, while also zeroing in on other essentials such as underwear and socks (which a lot of us have a problem with losing). According to Armed Angels, the brand aims to be an agent of change, with the approach of "changing culture, consumption and lifestyle choices by obsessively rethinking and re-engineering the way things are until they've created a more sustainable future and a pathway for others to follow.

• From:Cologne
• Product range: Everyday bags, hip bags, backpacks, apparel, outerwear
• What we recommend from them: Blok Medium Construct Travel Bag, $214.84
• Price range: $100 - $250
• Something we love about them: Their sustainability

Another German brand prioritizing sustainability is pinqpong, which is known primarily for its large offering of bags and apparel. The company offers many types of bags including backpacks, bags that are meant for traveling, biking bags, hip bags, and plenty more along with a range of hoodies, sweaters, t-shirts, and the whole nine yards when it comes to casual wear. Most importantly, pinqpong is a sustainable brand focused on social and ecological responsibility through their production efforts.

• From:Herzogenaurach, Bavaria
• Product range: Men's athletic wear, women's athletic wear, accessories, outerwear, sneakers
• What we recommend from them: Suede Classic XXI Sneakers, $75
• Price range: $100 - $200
• Something we love about them: Their community outreach and programs

PUMA is another brand that needs no introduction as they too are one of the largest athletic brands in the world, with notable faces (LaMelo Ball and Skylar Diggins-Smith to name a few) representing them as brand ambassadors. PUMA gives you loads of men's and women's athletic wear in the form of tanks, sports bras, basketball shorts, hoodies, jackets, and, of course, their sneakers. Their prices are very affordable, and the brand regularly has sales where you can get even more of a discount. Everybody needs at least one PUMA piece in their closets. Everybody.

• From:Hamburg
• Product range: Men's resort wear, women's resort wear, ready-to-wear, accessories, bags, jewelry, shoes
• What we recommend from them: Bomber Jacket, $1,360
• Price range: $1000 - $2000
• Something we love about them: Their community outreach

The influence and impact of Jil Sander as a luxury house cannot be understated. Since its founding in 1968, the company has become known for their offerings of the finest and most luxurious men's and women's resort and ready-to-wear pieces, alongside many accessories which include bags, shoes, jewelry, and more. Jil Sander (the legendary designer behind the brand) has long been lauded for her minimalist take on fashion that's still very much fashionable, and that's exactly what a purchase from the brand gets you—a minimalist piece that is very much fashionable.

• From:Hamburg
• Product range: Menswear, womenswear, kids, textiles, outerwear
• What we recommend from them: Knitted Sweater in a Mix of Materials, $52.90
• Price range: $50 - $250
• Something we love about them: Their responsibility

TOM TAILOR is a brand that's regarded for their assortment of offerings which span from elevated pieces all the way to casual closet staples. Whether you are searching for something crafted in a textile fabric or denim (both of which the brand is renowned for), you are almost sure to find it at TOM TAILOR—and for a reasonable bargain at that. TOM TAILOR is a brand that keeps it simple yet stunning, and that's primarily why you should consider purchasing from them.

• From:Berlin
• Product range: Menswear, womenswear, ready-to-wear, outerwear
• What we recommend from them: NEW SEASON Thor Vinyl Trousers Black, $529.03
• Price range: $300 - $600
• Something we love about them: Their sustainable efforts

If the 1990s/early 2000s theme of GmbH isn't enough to sell you, then their amazing clothes should be enough to seal the deal. Created by Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Isik, you can find tons of cool gems for both men and women as the brand boasts pieces that are funky, electric, eclectic, and cutting-edge. Punk style is at the root of many of GmbH clothes, which makes them an especially fun brand to play around with.

• From:Frankfurt
• Product range: Hoodies, crewnecks, t-shirts, tanks, shorts, sweatpants, underwear, accessories
• What we recommend from them: 6pm T-Shirt, $58.31
• Price range: $50 - $100
• Something we love about them: Their commitment to the youth

You barely find products that are in-stock at 6PM, which is a testament to their popularity and growth since being founded by Achraf Ait Bouzalim in 2016. The brand keeps it simple and sweet with its catalog—hoodies, sweatpants/joggers, tees, tanks, and anything else that qualifies as athleisure, but the quality is amazing, has been sported by multiple celebrities, and dare we say, is very much on its way to becoming a "cult brand."

• From:Hamburg
• Product range: Menswear, womenswear, denim, hats, socks, jewelry, accessories, sneakers, leather shoes
• What we recommend from them: Teddy Jacket, $680
• Price range: $100 - $1,000
• Something we love about them: Their sustainability

While CLOSED has been primarily known and recognized for their denim products (and famous faces who have worn them), there's plenty of other items in their inventory such as their fleece jackets and blazers that are high-quality and worth checking out. Additionally, CLOSED is a brand very much focused on sustainability, as all of their partners are subject to strict requirements on the use of chemical substances, and the company enforces their BETTER BLUE policy for their denim, meaning that all of their jeans are made in Italy using sustainable materials, eco-friendly dying methods and gentle washing techniques.

• From:Metzingen
• Product range: Menswear, womenswear, ready-to-wear, sports apparel, shoes, accessories
• What we recommend from them: Slim-Fit Suit in Wool, $447
• Price range: $100 - $600
• Something we love about them: Their brand messaging

Hugo Boss is a longstanding luxury brand that has withstood the very valuable test of time as it is over a hundred years old. With their focus being on men's, women's and ready-to-wear, Boss is a brand where you can go to for an elegant suit to wear to work, a wedding, or any other function that requires upscale wear, while still being able to find casual products for regular days. Most recently, Boss has partnered with the NFL, which means they now have NFL apparel in their catalog. Something worth checking out if you're a major football fan for sure.

• From:Munich
• Product range: Tops, bottoms, outerwear, hats, bags
• What we recommend from them: 3L Gore-Tex Pro Jacket, $1,645.78
• Price range: $1,000 - $2,000
• Something we love about them: Their community work

Since expanding into streetwear some time ago, ACRONYM has become one of the go-to brands in the streetwear scene. From utilitarian-style jackets to minimalist tops and cargo bottoms, ACRONYM is a brand that has everything you can think of—even bags and ACRONYM's own signature sneakers. Between their original offerings and epic collaborations, ACRONYM is a brand that you need to be following and keeping up with for their latest updates at all times.

• From:Hessee
• Product range: Outdoor apparel, menswear, womenswear, footwear, equipment, activities
• What we recommend from them: Bergland 3in1 Jkt M, $322.72
• Price range: $300 - $800
• Something we love about them: Their sustainability

Sustainability is something that should be always be appreciated, and Jack Wolfskin is a brand that checks all of the boxes in that regard. Offering a vast selection of outdoor apparel which also includes footwear, equipment, and activities, Jack Wolfskin says they are a brand "in pursuit of progressive innovation and environmental responsibility, harnessing the power of German engineering, technology and design," with the motto "Life is made by moments of discovery. WeLive toDiscover."

• From:Essen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
• Product range: Outdoor apparel, menswear, womenswear
• What we recommend from them: Vienna Puffer Vest, $129.50
• Price range: $100 - $300
• Something we love about them: That they are an ethical fashion brand

Not only is Embassy of Bricks and Logs a brand with very stylish clothes, they are also one that's focused on what they call their "ethical mission." According to the brand, even though they don't specifically identify as an "ethical fashion brand," they are always striving "new, sustainability-driven solutions to making great outerwear whileon the lookout for new materials and champion a forward-thinking approach." Premium outerwear that comes in a variety of jackets, coats, parkas, and more is what defines the brand, and the quality is amazing.

• From:Hamburg
• Product range: Menswear, womenswear, accessories, shoes, fragrances
• What we recommend from them: Hedde Linen and Cotton Shirt in White, $86.35
• Price range: $50 - $130
• Something we love about them: Their customer care and service

JOOP! is a luxury brand based in Hamburg that services menswear, womenswear, accessories, shoes, fragrances, and even living items (furniture, sheets, lamps, etc). As far as their clothing goes, you've got just about everything available from formal clothing such as suits and blazers, right down to casual clothes like t-shirts, knitwear, and jeans. Basically, if you're looking for it, JOOP! has it, and we can't forget the sustainability component when it comes to the company either, which is always a bonus.

• From:Chemitz
• Product range: Swimwear, underwear, socks, beauty, fragrance
• What we recommend from them: Badeshort Sea Side, $52.88
• Price range: $30 - $50
• Something we love about them: Their attention to customer feedback

Bruno Banani is a great brand to check out for all of your swimwear and underwear needs, which they offer for both men and women. Although that is what the brand is mostly known for, they do also have some basic sportswear options along with socks, and even products you wouldn't expect like fragrances. The prices are affordable and the customer service is stellar, with the brand paying close attention and making adjustments based on customer feedback. A great brand to shop from for sure.

• From:Berlin
• Product range: Prescription glasses, sunglasses, masculine glasses, feminine glasses
• What we recommend from them: Darcy, $599
• Price range: $500 - $600
• Something we love about them: The protection they offer with their glasses

From prescription all the way to standard sunglasses, MYKITA is the place you can go for handmade designer glasses that are made with the finest of care and quality. The company uses progressive approach to form, construction and surface when crafting their glasses which means you're not only getting modern looks and styles, but advanced technology as well. There's loads to choose from in each glasses category so make sure to have a good browse through their website.

• From:Rottendorf
• Product range: Menswear, womenswear, juniors, eyewear, jewelry, accessories, fragrances
• What we recommend from them: Regular Fit Cotton Shirt, $54.09
• Price range: $35 - $75
• Something we love about them: Their responsibility

S. Oliver is a brand that is beloved by many and taking over with a focus on menswear, womenswear, juniors, and more in accessories, jewelry, and grooming departments. With the motto "Fashion makes the heart beat faster," the brand is one driven by their values as they strive to be "a dependable organization with inspiring and sustainable products and growth, that takes on responsibility for other people and the environment with their many initiatives." That always you can ask for in a brand, and S. Oliver delivers quality products with care.

• From:Berlin
• Product range: Womenswear, ready-to-wear, bags, accessories, scarves, knitwear, outerwear, sweatwear
• What we recommend from them: Coat Odith, $646.14
• Price range: $250 - $600
• Something we love about them: Their mission to protect the planet

If searching specifically for "her," LaLa Berlin is a women's brand that is informed and inspired by rich cultural diversity offering womenswear, ready-to-wear, accessories, outerwear, and more. What's more, the brand is also specifically on a "mission to protect the planet," as they are partnered with Deloitte to create what they call a "fashion responsibility roadmap" with the goal of becoming a leader in social sustainability.

• From:Stephanskirchen
• Product range: Menswear, womenswear, shoes, accessories
• What we recommend from them: Court Sneaker, $180
• Price range: $100 - $400
• Something we love about them: Their sustainability

Founded in 1967 by Rolf Lind, Göte Huss and Jerry O'Sheets, Marc O' Polo is a Swedish-German fashion label where you go to get casual clothes at a refined standard. The company offers all the fashion basics at a slightly elevated level, and continues to head towards the sustainability direction with their SS23 collection having a good percentage of their pieces deemed as sustainable. While some of brands are just now starting to prioritize sustainable efforts, Marc O' Polo has actually been at it since 1967, meaning they've been incorporating this into their production for a long time.

• From:Hanover, Niedersachsen
• Product range: Bags, backpacks, accessories
• What we recommend from them: AB 105 Dust, $322.47
• Price range: $50 - $400
• Something we love about them: Their sustainability

Created by Philipp Bree, PB 0110 specializes in expertly crafted leather goods in the form various different types of bags, backpacks, wallets, cardholders, coin cases, phone cases, key rings, and plenty of other accessories. In addition to all the cool bags and accessories you can find via their website, the brand is also one that prioritizes sustainability as well, so you can feel comfortable knowing that PB 0110 creates with the goal of protecting the environment.

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