24 Brands Like Calvin Klein for Modern Minimalist Style

Explore brands like Calvin Klein offering sleek minimalist style - chic essentials from iconic underwear to cool denim and sophisticated ready-to-wear pieces.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

If you love the sleek, modern minimalism of Calvin Klein, you're not alone. The brand has perfected the art of creating understated, chic essentials, from iconic underwear to effortlessly cool denim and sophisticated ready-to-wear.

Lucky for us, there's a whole world of brands that share that same affinity for clean lines, neutral palettes, and high-quality staples. Whether you're looking for sustainable options, luxury investment pieces, or affordable basics, here are 24 other brands that capture that modern minimalist vibe.

1. Theory

Theory is your go-to for sleek, minimalist clothing with an emphasis on luxurious fabrics and impeccable tailoring. They excel at incredibly versatile pieces like crisp shirting, tailored trousers, and simple dresses that feel polished and cool. Similar to Calvin Klein's clean aesthetic, Theory leans a bit more into elevated workwear and contemporary office staples, making it perfect for building a sophisticated wardrobe.

Shop now at theory.com

2. COS

As a champion of modern, functional design, COS brings a Scandinavian twist to minimalism. Their collections are filled with simple yet innovative pieces, like structured coats and clean-cut basics, often crafted from sustainable materials. Like Calvin Klein, COS emphasizes sleek, timeless style but with a more experimental take on silhouettes and a conscious approach to production. It's the perfect destination for minimal staples with a bit of an architectural edge.

Shop now at cos.com

3. A.P.C.

Known for its distinctly Parisian take on minimalism, A.P.C. (Atelier de Production et de Création) specializes in high-quality raw denim and wardrobe staples that just get better with age. Their clean-cut jeans, simple tees, and understated outerwear have a refined, slightly artsy vibe. If you love Calvin Klein's pared-back style but crave something with a chic, French sensibility, A.P.C. delivers it perfectly.

Shop now at apc.fr

4. Everlane

Everlane built its brand on "Radical Transparency," offering modern essentials made from ethically sourced materials without the traditional retail markups. Their collection is full of minimalist basics like high-quality tees, trousers, and cashmere sweaters designed for everyday life. Much like Calvin Klein, Everlane provides simple, clean designs, but with a major focus on sustainability and sharing the story behind each product.

Shop now at everlane.com

5. Jil Sander

If you're looking to take your minimalist aesthetic into high-fashion territory, Jil Sander is the ultimate destination. The luxury brand is celebrated for its ultra-sleek, refined designs and ridiculously gorgeous fabrics. While Calvin Klein is more attainable, Jil Sander offers a purely luxurious, pared-back vision of minimalism. Think impeccably tailored coats and elegant accessories that are true investment pieces.

Shop now at jilsander.com

6. Uniqlo

Uniqlo is the undisputed king of affordable, high-quality basics for a minimalist wardrobe. The Japanese brand offers everything from versatile tees and jeans to innovative outerwear (like their famous Ultra Light Down jackets) with practicality and durability in mind. Sharing Calvin Klein's focus on essentials, Uniqlo makes building a functional, stylish capsule wardrobe accessible to everyone.

Shop now at uniqlo.com

7. Vince

Vince nails the art of laid-back California luxury with its elevated essentials. The brand is known for its luxe knitwear, perfectly draped silk blouses, and tailored trousers in go-with-everything neutral shades. Where Calvin Klein often has a sharper, more urban edge, Vince offers a softer, more relaxed kind of minimalism. It's for anyone who wants pieces that feel effortlessly polished and incredibly comfortable.

Shop now at vince.com

8. Arket

Part of the H&M group (along with COS), Arket is a Swedish brand centered around a "modern-day market" concept, offering well-made essentials with a sustainable focus. Their collections feature clean-cut basics for men, women, children, and the home. Compared to Calvin Klein, Arket places a strong emphasis on materials and traceability, appealing to the shopper who wants responsibly made, stylish staples that last.

Shop now at arket.com

9. Lemaire

Helmed by Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran, this high-end Parisian brand offers an artistic and sophisticated take on minimalism. Lemaire's collections are known for soft tailoring, flowing silhouettes, and muted tones crafted from luxurious fabrics an everyday poetry. While Calvin Klein’s look is more direct and defined, Lemaire feels quieter and more artisanal, perfect for someone who appreciates subtle, design-led details.

Shop now at lemaire.fr

10. Mango

For trendy pieces with a minimalist foundation, Mango is an excellent and affordable choice. The Spanish retailer offers everything from sleek blouses and tailored trousers to simple dresses that feel stylish and current. While Calvin Klein focuses on timeless American classics, Mango incorporates more of-the-moment trends into its collections, making it easy to sprinkle some newness into your minimalist wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Shop now at mango.com

11. Filippa K

Another brand proving the Swedes do it best, Filippa K champions clean, timeless minimalism with amazing craftsmanship. You can count on them for essentials you’ll own forever, like understated coats, crisp poplin shirts, and perfect-fitting trousers in neutral palettes. It shares Calvin Klein’s ethos for creating lasting wardrobe staples, but with a distinctly refined, Scandinavian aesthetic that whispers sophistication rather than shouts it.

Shop now at filippa-k.com

12. J.Crew

J.Crew is a master of classic American style with a modern, pragmatic twist. While often known for its preppy leanings, the brand's foundation is built on minimalist-friendly staples like versatile blazers, well-made cashmere, and simple sheath dresses. Where Calvin Klein sticks to a more neutral, pared-back aesthetic, J.Crew offers a great entry point for adding subtle pops of color and pattern into a classic wardrobe.

Shop now at jcrew.com

13. Brunello Cucinelli

Dubbed the "king of cashmere," Brunello Cucinelli is the pinnacle of quiet Italian luxury. The brand combines minimalist design with exquisite artisanal craftsmanship, specializing in buttery-soft knitwear, elegant outerwear, and understated tailoring. While Calvin Klein is an accessible luxury brand, Brunello Cucinelli operates in a much higher stratosphere, offering true investment pieces for those who value unparalleled quality and timeless, sophisticated style.

Shop now at brunellocucinelli.com

14. Saint Laurent

Under the direction of Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent takes minimalism and gives it a slick, rock-and-roll edge. The brand masters wardrobe staples like sleek leather jackets, ultra-sharp tailoring, and understated tops, almost always in a monochrome palette of black, white, and grey. While CK’s minimalism is clean and classic, Saint Laurent’s is sharper, sexier, and a bit more dangerous.

Shop now at ysl.com

15. Acne Studios

Acne Studios is the cool kid of the minimalist world. The Stockholm-based brand is known for its contemporary, artistic approach to fashion basics. They infuse pared-back staples like denim, knitwear, and leather jackets with creative details, quirky proportions, and unexpected pops of color. It shares a minimalist ethos with Calvin Klein but caters to a more fashion-forward crowd who wants their simple pieces to have a distinctive, artful twist.

Shop now at acnestudios.com

16. Madewell

If you love Calvin Klein's casual side - especially their iconic jeans - you'll feel right at home at Madewell. The brand is all about effortless, easy-to-wear essentials, with a heavy focus on denim that fits like a dream. Their aesthetic is relaxed, approachable, and designed for real life, sharing a similar everyday practicality to CK but with a warmer, more youthful vibe. It's the place for unfussy tees, wear-everywhere tote bags, and, of course, your new favorite jeans.

Shop now at madewell.com

17. Reiss

Hailing from the UK, Reiss offers contemporary, polished fashion with a minimalist edge. The collections are filled with sleek dresses, tailored jackets, and sophisticated separates perfect for both professional settings and dressy nights out. Reiss shares Calvin Klein's affinity for clean, refined silhouettes but often incorporates more modern prints and on-trend details, making it a great option for feminine-yet-powerful minimalism.

Shop now at reiss.com

18. Vince Camuto

While often celebrated for its stylish and accessible footwear, Vince Camuto also produces an apparel line that fits right into a minimalist wardrobe. The collections feature pieces with clean lines and versatile, neutral tones that are easy to mix and match. It’s a great under-the-radar choice for modern, chic staples that complement Calvin Klein’s vibe, especially if you're looking for great shoes and bags to complete the look.

Shop now at vincecamuto.com

19. Norse Projects

Norse Projects is a Danish brand that beautifully blends minimalist design with a functional, workwear-inspired practicality. Their pieces, from simple outerwear to high-quality tees, are designed with durability and timelessness in mind. Think classic minimalism with a rugged, Scandinavian sensibility. It aligns with Calvin Klein's focus on essentials but with a greater emphasis on performance and utilitarian details for everyday life.

Shop now at norseprojects.com

20. Loro Piana

Stepping into the world of Loro Piana means stepping into ultimate understated luxury. This Italian heritage brand is revered for using the most exquisitely rare and fine raw materials in the world, from vicuña to baby cashmere. Their pieces are deceptively simple yet impossibly refined. If a hefty lottery win leaves you craving the highest-quality minimalist staples money can buy, Loro Piana is the dream brand to explore.

Shop now at loropiana.com

21. Helmut Lang

Helmut Lang was one of the defining voices of '90s minimalism, and the brand continues to be a go-to for an edgier, more avant-garde take on the aesthetic. You'll find sharp tailoring, monochrome basics, and sleek leather pieces that feel both utilitarian and subversively cool. While Calvin Klein's minimalism is often more clean and classic, Helmut Lang offers a raw, deconstructed, and fashion-forward vision of minimalism.

Shop now at helmutlang.com

22. COS

Beyond their general minimalist vibe, what truly makes COS a standout is its commitment to innovative forms and fabrics. Far from being boring, their staples often feature unique draping, asymmetrical cuts, or textural knits that add interest to an outfit. For those who want their practical, eco-conscious clothing to come with a dose of architectural flair, it’s an unbeatable choice.

Shop now at cos.com

23. Theory

It's worth mentioning Theory again specifically for its iconic materials that make minimalism feel truly luxurious. Fabrics like their light and fluid Admiral Crepe or the structured Precision Ponte are why Theory's pieces hang so beautifully and last so long. If you love the effortless look of Calvin Klein but are ready to invest in essentials defined by their impeccable fabric and fit for a professional environment, Theory remains a top-tier option.

Shop now at theory.com

24. A.P.C.

We're finishing with another look at A.P.C. because its approach to casual essentials is second to none for minimalists. Beyond their famous denim, the brand crafts perfect crossbody bags, leather ankle boots, and timeless trench coats that form the backbone of a sophisticated closet. If Calvin Klein's basics appeal to you, A.P.C. offers a slightly more curated, Parisian version of that same philosophy - fewer items, better quality.

Shop now at apc.fr

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