Denmark, much like Sweden, which was featured in our previous country-specific post, is a nation often bandied into that vague category of ‘Scandinavia’ – an umbrella term that conjures images of blonde hair, recycling and progressive policies.

However, the country has every right to step out of Sweden’s shadow. For instance, DID YOU KNOW: Denmark has 407 archipelago islands? And only four universities? EU students studying there don’t pay tuition fees either (a particularly sore topic now I’m mining mere pebbles from an Everest of student debt).

With Denmark’s population consuming an average of 321.7 pounds of meat per year, the term ‘carnivore’ doesn’t even cover it. They’ve produced musical greats like Aqua and Sylvester Stallone’s ex-flame Brigitte Nielsen, and they even won Eurovision. Colour me impressed.

Joking aside, the Danes are purported to be some of the happiest people on the planet, and after examining their home-grown fashion, it’s easy to see why. This week, we look to the region of north-west Europe to compile our list of five Danish brands you should know.

Every single name below deserves their place and with a similar climate to us Brits, they’re a perfect choice for some seasonal reinvention. After all, nobody does functional, high quality menswear quite like the Danish…

1. Forét

Established in 2014 by two Danish friends, Jeppe and Jesper, Forét wants everyone to slow down. It’s easy to get lost in our high-paced society, but as lifelong friends who don’t do it for the ‘gram, this duo found themselves in the forests that surrounded their homes in rural Denmark.

Inspired by revitalizing childhood memories of the great outdoors, this clothing brand covers all aspects of a contemporary wardrobe with a hint of nostalgia. With pieces that stretch across occasions, Forét is also characterised by high-quality timelessness. Using heavy, organic cotton twills stand, vivid corduroys, and two-tone constructions, they work to find the balance between style, function, and sustainability.