19 Brands Like COS for Minimalist Fashion Essentials

Explore brands like COS offering minimalist fashion essentials with clean lines and timeless styles. Discover where to build your chic, cohesive wardrobe.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

If you're a fan of minimalist design, clean lines, and timeless wardrobe staples, you probably already have COS on your radar. The brand has mastered the art of creating modern, functional pieces that feel both high-quality and understated, making it a go-to for building a chic, cohesive closet.

But if you’re looking to broaden your horizons and discover other brands that share that same sophisticated, less-is-more approach, you’re in luck. Here are 19 amazing brands like COS that deliver on minimalist fashion essentials.

1. Everlane

Everlane is all about radical transparency and timeless design. They offer a huge range of minimalist must-haves, from perfectly cut t-shirts to tailored trousers and simple slip dresses. Much like COS, they focus on quality basics you can wear for years, but Everlane puts a bigger emphasis on its ethical manufacturing and transparent pricing model. It's the perfect choice if you want clean, modern essentials with a strong commitment to sustainability.

Shop now at everlane.com

2. & Other Stories

& Other Stories feels like COS's cooler, more fashion-forward sister. While still rooted in a minimalist aesthetic, their collections often feature trend-driven details, making their pieces feel modern and fresh. You'll find everything from sleek blouses and simple knits to tailored separates that can easily mix and match. They offer that curated, elevated vibe but with a little more personality and flair.

Shop now at stories.com

3. Uniqlo

For affordable and incredibly functional basics, Uniqlo is unmatched. The brand is famous for its simple, clean designs and innovative fabrics like HEATTECH and AIRism that blend style with performance. While COS has a more design-focused, architectural angle, Uniqlo prioritizes practicality and value, making it the ideal place to stock up on high-quality essentials like tees, turtlenecks, and versatile outerwear on a budget.

Shop now at uniqlo.com

4. Arket

Another brand under the H&M group, Arket channels a distinctly Scandinavian minimalist vibe. Their collections are built around a core of well-made, durable wardrobe staples designed for everyday life. Like COS, Arket is committed to quality, function, and sustainability, but its pieces often have a more casual, practical feel. Think perfect crewneck sweaters, crisp poplin shirts, and classic trenches.

Shop now at arket.com

5. A.P.C.

A.P.C. embodies classic Parisian chic with its minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on clean lines. Famous for its raw denim, timeless knitwear, and beautifully simple bags, A.P.C. offers wardrobe essentials with a more refined, fashion-forward sensibility than COS. The pieces are investment-worthy and designed to be effortlessly cool, making it a favorite among an international trend-setting scene for understated elegance that never goes out of style.

Shop now at apc.fr

6. Muji

Muji's 'no-brand quality goods' philosophy extends perfectly to its clothing line. Rooted in Japanese minimalism, the brand offers simple, functional apparel made from high-quality natural fabrics like organic cotton and linen. Their clothes are often unisex and focus on comfort and utility. If you love COS for its no-fuss approach, you'll appreciate Muji's even more stripped-back and practical take on minimalist style.

Shop now at muji.com

7. Vince

If you're looking for a luxury upgrade to your minimalist wardrobe, Vince is the answer. The brand is known for its incredibly soft fabrics, like cashmere and silk, and its expertly tailored essentials. Think refined sweaters, fluid blouses, and perfect-fitting trousers in neutral color palettes. Compared to COS, Vince delivers a more elevated, sophisticated feel with an emphasis on luxurious materials and impeccable craftsmanship.

Shop now at vince.com

8. Sézane

While known for its romantic, vintage-inspired Parisian vibe, Sézane’s essentials collections are a goldmine for minimalist staples. They produce high-quality knitwear, classic blouses, tailored trousers, and chic outerwear that feel incredibly timeless. Where COS uses sharp lines and architectural shapes, Sézane adds a touch of feminine softness, making it a great alternative if you want minimal pieces with a slightly prettier feel.

Shop now at sezane.com

9. Madewell

Madewell offers an effortless, laid-back approach to minimalism, with a strong focus on denim and casual basics. If you love COS's structured trousers and blazers but want something more relaxed for the weekend, Madewell is for you. They create reliable, easy-to-wear pieces like relaxed tees, simple shirt dresses, and their famous jeans that still feel clean and versatile but with a much more casual cool-girl vibe.

Shop now at madewell.com

10. H&M Conscious

H&M's Conscious collection is an excellent and budget-friendly alternative for finding minimalist pieces. The line focuses on using more sustainable materials, like organic cotton and recycled polyester, to create simple styles in neutral tones. You can find minimalist dresses, basic tops, and versatile separates that echo the COS aesthetic but at a more accessible H&M price point.

Shop now at hm.com

11. James Perse

James Perse is the king of laid-back, West Coast luxury. The brand specializes in ultra-soft essentials like cotton tees, elegant loungewear, and relaxed-fit knits in sophisticated, often muted colors. While COS leans towards structured, modern design, James Perse is all about effortless comfort and understated luxury. It’s perfect for building a minimal wardrobe that feels incredibly comfortable without sacrificing style.

Shop now at jamesperse.com

12. Cuyana

Cuyana lives by the mantra "fewer, better," making it a perfect match for anyone who appreciates minimalist design. The brand focuses on creating timeless essentials, from sleek leather bags and travel accessories to cashmere sweaters and silk blouses, all made with high-quality, sustainable materials. While COS often plays with modern silhouettes, Cuyana leans into classic, enduring designs meant to last a lifetime.

Shop now at cuyana.com

13. Nanushka

Based in Budapest, Nanushka offers a more fashion-forward, slightly bohemian take on minimalism. Known for its innovative vegan leather pieces, soft knits, and relaxed-fit trousers, the brand combines function with flair. They share COS's love for clean lines but add unique details and textures that feel fresh and directional. It's a great choice if you're looking for minimalist clothes with an artistic, contemporary edge.

Shop now at nanushka.com

14. Reformation

Reformation brings a cool, feminine touch to sustainable fashion. While famous for its flirty dresses, the brand also offers a great selection of minimalist essentials like simple tops, sleek bodysuits, and perfectly cut jeans. Compared to COS's modern and sometimes androgynous shapes, Reformation's pieces are often more figure-flattering and subtly sexy while still maintaining a clean, effortless versatility.

Shop now at thereformation.com

15. Frank And Oak

With a strong focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials, Frank And Oak creates modern, minimalist essentials for everyday life. Their collections include everything from clean jackets to versatile sweaters and basics, all with a practical and stylish appeal. Their vibe is a bit more casual and grounded than COS, but they share the same commitment to a timeless aesthetic and conscious production.

Shop now at frankandoak.com

16. Aritzia

Aritzia is a one-stop shop for high-quality, contemporary fashion, and its in-house brands like Wilfred and Tna are particularly great for minimalists. They offer an endless supply of chic staples, from relaxed trousers and cozy knitwear to elegant tops and minimalist dresses. While COS offers a distinctly European feel, Aritzia's aesthetic is clean chic made for real all-day wear with a consistent emphasis on immaculate fit and luxe fabric options.

Shop now at aritzia.com

17. Lemaire

For those seeking the ultimate in refined, high-fashion minimalism, Lemaire is the benchmark. The Parisian label, led by Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran, is celebrated for its luxe fabrics, fluid silhouettes, and muted color palette. Lemaire offers an elevated, art-world take on the modular wardrobe - a more sophisticated and investment-worthy alternative to COS’s accessible design.

Shop now at lemaire.fr

18. Veja

While exclusively a footwear brand, Veja is the perfect companion to a COS-inspired wardrobe. Their sleek, minimalist sneakers are designed with sustainability at their core, using materials like wild rubber and organic cotton. Veja's understated designs are incredibly versatile and perfectly complement the clean aesthetic of minimalist outfits, making them the go-to sneaker for conscious fashion lovers.

Shop now at veja-store.com

19. Khaite

New York-based Khaite offers modern luxury with a sensual and sophisticated edge. Known for balancing masculine and feminine elements, the brand creates minimalist pieces from impeccable materials. Think plush cashmere sweaters (including their famous 'bralette' sets), sharp tailoring, and timeless gowns. Khaite elevates the core principles of minimalist fashion to high-fashion heaven for its most devoted consumers.

Shop now at khaite.com

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