Swedish fashion has become a global phenomenon, with multiple fast-fashion brands from the Nordic country now available worldwide. But when you’re in Sweden, make sure to look out for smaller, local brands as well as the big names. Malmö, in southern Sweden, has some of the best shopping in the country – we’ve collected the must-visit fashion and lifestyle stores in the city here.
APLACE is one of the best designer stores in the city, and has a good selection of both menswear and womenswear, as well as a variety of homeware. Launched in 2007 to support progressive Scandinavian fashion, the company also has a store in Stockholm. Check out clothes from Stockholm’s Stand or Copenhagen’s Ganni, and admire the fashionable accessories and shoes on display.
Cosy Grandpa is a stylish multi-brand store on Malmö’s main shopping street, Södra Förstadsgatan. It has a well-curated collection of fashion and interior design brands in addition to books and other gift items. The sustainability-focussed retailer, which also has stores in Stockholm and Göteborg, has been a popular Malmö destination since opening in 2017.
A “greener lifestyle concept store” in the middle of Malmö, AB Småland sells refurbished vintage furniture and fashion, mixed with newly designed items in organic or recycled materials. The focus is on sustainable pieces in muted, calming colours, but you might also find kimonos made from vintage saris or a raincoat produced from recycled PET bottles. The store’s café does a first-class vegetarian buffet lunch.
Åhléns is one of the most well-known department stores in Sweden, with shops all over the country. The Malmö branch is filled with great brands for men and women, including Acne, Rodebjer and Tiger of Sweden. Own-brand Carin Wester designs well-priced, classic everyday garments. There’s a good lingerie selection on the first floor, while the ground floor has accessories, homeware and beauty products.
One of Malmö’s main shopping destinations, the beautiful Hansa mall houses a number of upscale stores as well as popular chains such as COS, & Other Stories and Weekday. Don’t miss Whyred’s stylish tailored looks or Gant’s preppy styles. Hansa also has a nice bistro, if you fancy sitting down with an espresso or a glass of wine after shopping.
Swedish fashion designer Filippa K’s neutral, well-tailored pieces have amassed a global following. Her Malmö store, which has both womenswear and menswear, is as elegant and pared-down as the timeless essentials it sells: trench oats, slip dresses, polo-neck jumpers and minimalist accessories. Whether you’re after something for a special occasion or just beautifully made clothes that will stand the test of time, you can’t go wrong with Filippa K.
H&M’s latest brand concept is taking a step away from fast fashion. Instead, it’s about reselling pieces from other H&M brands such as & Other Stories and Weekday, as well as items from designer labels including Prada and JW Anderson. The large store in central Malmö has a wide selection of labels – mostly Swedish – at really good prices, so put aside plenty of time to explore.
Lifestyle and fashion store Miloii is run by stylist Karolina Vertus and sells womenswear, accessories and interior design pieces, including scented candles from French brand Astier de Villatte. While Miloii stocks a range of brands, including Danish favourites Baum und Pferdgarten, it’s probably most notable for being the only place in southern Sweden to sell French label A.P.C.
Menswear retailer Très Bien has been a force to reckon with since it launched in 2006, and its Malmö shop is worth a visit for anyone interested in streetwear. The minimalist space is one of the few places in Malmö to sell brands such as Raf Simons, Jacquemus and Bode. It’s only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so make sure to plan ahead.