I didn’t expect to like Arket as much as I do. On paper, it’s one of those minimalist Scandinavian brands you scroll past thinking, yeah, I get the vibe. But in person? The pieces feel different. The fabrics have weight, the cuts are sharp without feeling stiff, and there’s this quiet, functional beauty to everything. It’s not precious. You can actually live in their clothes.
I first wandered into an Arket store on a rainy afternoon in Stockholm. My coat was wet, hair doing its own thing. I slipped into Arket to get warm. It smelled faintly of coffee, maybe wool too. Racks of camel, navy, deep green lined the room. Everything in its place. Almost too much… So, I stopped at a wool jacket and ran my hand over it. Heavy. Smooth. The kind of thing you’d wear on a cold walk and not think about once. I didn’t buy it. I’ve spent the rest of the season wishing I had.
When I finally ordered one online the following winter, it felt exactly as I remembered, structured but easy, warm without being bulky. It was one of those rare purchases where I thought, this will be in my closet for years, and I wasn’t wrong.
Why Arket feels different
The best way I can describe Arket is as the bridge between high street and investment luxury. You’re not paying couture prices, but you’re not dealing with the flimsy fabrics or throwaway cuts that plague fast fashion either. The quality holds up. Stitching is neat, fabrics lean heavily toward natural fibers, and most designs are pared-back enough to outlast trends.
It’s very much in the “quiet luxury” category, only without the $2,000 price tag. The clothes don’t scream for attention, but they’re unmistakably considered. A double-breasted coat with perfect pocket placement. A chunky knit that doesn’t sag at the elbows after a week. A crisp poplin shirt that holds its shape all day.
I’ve learned to shop Arket the way I do vintage: slowly, selectively. You don’t need ten pieces. Just a few you’ll actually reach for year after year.
1. Wool jackets and coats
If you get just one thing from Arket, make it one of their wool outerwear pieces. The cut is tailored enough to look sharp with trousers, but relaxed enough for jeans. Last week I threw mine over a silk blouse and straight-leg jeans. Somehow it just worked… looked put together without me even trying.
Most of their coats stick to the classics: camel, navy, grey, black. Easy to wear with pretty much anything. I’ve got a charcoal one that’s been out with sneakers, heels, even my old ankle boots. It hangs nicely, the shoulders keep their shape, and the lining’s smooth so it slides over a thick sweater without a fight.
2. Blankets and throws
Okay, it’s homeware, but still, don’t skip it. My Arket blanket lives on the arm of the sofa and somehow ends up around my shoulders most mornings when I’m having coffee. It’s pure wool, tightly woven, solid in your hands but still soft. I’ve had it for two winters now, given it a few careful washes, and honestly, it doesn’t look any different from when I first brought it home.
3. Knitwear
Arket does knitwear particularly well. Their chunky crewnecks, fine merino turtlenecks, and ribbed cardigans hit that sweet spot between soft and durable. I have a beige lambswool sweater from three years ago that hasn’t pilled into oblivion (but it looks like they’re temporarily out of stock at the moment). If you’re up for that soft lambswool texture, it might be worth checking Arket’s site periodically or joining their stock alerts.
How Arket holds up over time
I’ve had my first Arket coat for three winters now. The shape hasn’t collapsed, the fabric hasn’t gone limp, and the buttons are still firmly attached. I store my heavier coats properly, folded with cedar blocks during the off-season (if you’re curious, see my post on clothing storage ideas), but even with regular wear, the longevity has been impressive.
The same goes for knitwear. Yes, you need to follow care instructions (most of their wool is hand wash or dry clean only), but that’s true for any quality garment. Treat it well, and it rewards you.
Styling Arket in real life
The beauty of Arket is how seamlessly it fits into an existing wardrobe. Their pieces aren’t “special occasion” clothes that collect dust; they’re the kind of staples you actually wear. Some of my go-to pairings:
- Wool jacket with wide-leg trousers and loafers when I’m running weekday errands
- A fine-knit turtleneck tucked into high-waisted jeans with a camel coat on top
- A chunky sweater with a silk midi skirt and ankle boots for dinner
- Arket coat outfit with tailored black trousers, sneakers, and a leather crossbody for travel days
Their color palette leans into that old money color palette I love: camel, navy, charcoal, deep green, so everything works together without much effort.
The in-store experience
Stepping into Arket feels a bit like walking into a bright, modern kitchen somewhere in Scandinavia. Light everywhere. Nothing crammed. Coats with space to breathe, knits stacked in small, neat piles. In one corner, a café. Coffee, maybe a cinnamon bun if you’re lucky. It’s calmer than most high street stores, which makes it easy to take your time.
If you can, go in person at least once. The fabrics, the textures, the colors, they make more sense when you see them up close.
Things to know before buying
Sizing – Coats and jackets run a bit roomy. If you’re between sizes, I’d go smaller. Knitwear’s usually true to size, but it’s worth checking the measurements online before you order.
Care requirements – Many of their wool and cashmere pieces are dry clean only. If you don’t mind the upkeep, you’ll be rewarded with longevity.
Seasonal drops – Their coats go fast in autumn, especially in camel and navy. If you spot one you really like, grab it. Waiting for a sale usually means it’s gone.
Price point – Arket’s not exactly cheap, but it’s still a lot less than luxury labels using the same kind of fabrics. I think of it as spending on mid-range pieces you’ll keep, not fast fashion you’ll toss.
Who Arket is for
I think Arket appeals most to people who want their clothes to work hard but look effortless. You don’t want to change your style every season. You’d rather invest in a handful of good pieces and mix them endlessly. If you gravitate toward minimalism, neutral tones, and clothing you can wear both to work and on the weekend, this is your sweet spot.
It’s also a great entry point for someone looking to upgrade from fast fashion without jumping straight into luxury price brackets. You get a noticeable bump in fabric quality and construction without having to spend four figures.
Where Arket falls short
No brand is perfect. I’m into their coats and knits, but some of the lighter tops and dresses miss the mark for me. A few fit too boxy to be flattering, and some fabric blends lean heavy on synthetics, which takes away from the feel. And if you like bold prints or bright colors, this isn’t the place, most of what they do stays in that muted, minimalist lane.
My final take
This Arket review comes down to this: if you like clothes that feel good now and will still look right five winters from now, Arket is worth your attention. Not every piece will stick around forever, but the right ones do, maybe it’s a wool jacket with the perfect cut, maybe it’s a blanket you end up using every single morning. Those pieces earn their spot in your home.
Buy selectively, take care of what you choose, and you’ll have pieces that stay in rotation for years. And maybe, like me, you’ll find yourself reaching for that same coat every autumn without even thinking about it.
