I’ve been curious about Toteme for years, quietly bookmarking their pieces and wondering if they lived up to the quiet buzz around them. Minimalist brands can be tricky. Sometimes they’re all hype and no substance. Sometimes they surprise you and become the clothes you reach for without thinking. This Toteme review is my attempt to put those questions to rest, at least from my own closet’s perspective.
First impressions: the Toteme look
When you land on Toteme’s site, the vision is clear. A palette of camel, black, ivory, and the occasional stripe. Sharp coats, fluid trousers, understated knitwear. It feels Scandinavian but not cold. More like the wardrobe of someone who knows themselves and doesn’t need to fuss.
When I first walked into the Toteme store in Paris, it felt quiet and uncluttered. Just a few racks, soft light, and space to actually see the clothes. The racks weren’t stuffed. Each hanger carried something that could hold its own. That restraint gave me confidence before I even tried anything on. It felt like stepping into a home where everything had a reason to be there.
Fit and tailoring
Toteme’s tailoring runs relaxed. Think soft rather than strict. The coats have structure but don’t feel heavy. Trousers are cut with room in the leg, which makes them easier to wear on a real day, not just in a lookbook. Knits are oversized, but not in the way that swallows you. More in a way that makes layering natural.
If you’re used to fitted silhouettes, Toteme might feel unfamiliar at first. But the pieces settle once you see them in motion. I remember trying their signature wool coat. At first glance, I thought it would overwhelm me. But when I belted it and stepped back, it looked balanced, even elegant. The proportions are intentional, even if they ask you to trust them.
Fabrics and feel
Here’s where Toteme stands out. They use fabrics that make you pause. Wool that feels dense and warm without scratch. Cashmere that’s soft but not flimsy. Their cotton poplin shirts hold their shape after a day of wear, which is rare.
I own one of their striped knits, and it’s become a weekend uniform. The cotton-wool blend has the weight you want in cooler months, but it still breathes. No pilling so far, and I’ve worn it on repeat. Compared to a lot of contemporary labels, Toteme’s fabrics feel thought through.
They aren’t chasing trends, and they hold up. I notice it most on busy mornings when I throw something on quickly and still look like I tried.
Price point and value
Toteme is not inexpensive. Coats run high, knitwear too. Shirts, while less steep, are still an investment. The question is whether the cost aligns with what you get.
For me, it depends on the category. Their coats, yes.
The tailoring and fabric quality make the price feel justified. Knitwear, mostly yes, though you need to choose carefully since some blends are stronger than others. See our guide on how to spot quality fabrics.
Accessories, I find harder to rationalize, especially when you can find similar scarves or belts from other heritage labels at the same price.
But one thing to note: Toteme pieces are designed to work together. The trousers match the proportions of the knits. The coats layer over everything. So you’re not just buying one item.
Over time, the pieces start to line up with each other, and getting dressed feels easier. That kind of ease is worth something on its own.
Everyday wearability
Minimalist brands sometimes fall flat in real life. They look great in editorials but feel too plain at lunch with a friend. Toteme avoids this. Their pieces have small design details that anchor an outfit.
A shirt with slightly extended cuffs. A knit with the perfect stripe width. Trousers that fall just right on a loafer. Those details keep the clothes from disappearing.
I wore their black trousers on a trip last fall. Paired with a cream sweater and trench, I didn’t feel styled, just comfortable. That’s what makes Toteme practical: it doesn’t ask you to perform fashion. It lets you live in it. And that’s why their clothes end up in the repeat pile rather than the “only for special occasions” section.
How Toteme compares to other brands
Toteme sits in an interesting middle ground. More refined than high street labels, but not quite as storied as heritage houses like Max Mara or The Row.
Compared to Sezane, Toteme feels more grown up, less playful.
Compared to Massimo Dutti, it’s more consistent in vision, though the prices are steeper.
Compared to The Row, it’s more approachable, both in cost and attitude.
If you’re building an old money capsule wardrobe, Toteme slots in naturally.
You could wear their trousers to the office, their coats to a dinner, their knits on the weekend. Few brands manage that kind of versatility without losing focus, and that’s where Toteme quietly shines.
What to buy (and what to skip)
If you’re testing the waters, I’d start with:
The coats
Their wrap coats and tailored wool coats are worth saving for. They’re the kind of outerwear you’ll wear for years.
The knitwear
It’s practically a Toteme signature. Timeless, easy, and surprisingly sturdy.
Trousers
A safe bet if you want to dip into their tailoring. Look for wool or cotton blends.
Pieces I’d be more cautious with:
- Shoes. Minimal but not distinct enough to justify the price.
- Accessories. Lovely, but you can often find similar quality elsewhere.
- Seasonal prints. Rare for Toteme, but when they do experiment, they don’t always hold up like their classic neutrals.
The old money connection
Toteme isn’t overtly “old money” in the way Ralph Lauren or Brunello Cucinelli can be. But it speaks to the same idea of longevity. The clothes don’t announce themselves. They move quietly, relying on quality and proportion rather than logos.
I wore their cream blouse under a navy blazer one evening, and a friend asked where it was from. She noticed not because it screamed “designer,” but because the drape and collar looked right.
That’s the kind of recognition Toteme offers. It’s subtle, but you notice it. After a few wears, it stops being about anyone else noticing and just becomes part of how easily it slips into your routine.
Who Toteme is for
If you love experimenting with trends, Toteme may not be the brand for you. It doesn’t chase novelty. But if you want a wardrobe that feels like a calm baseline, Toteme shines.
It’s for the woman who wants to buy fewer, better things. The one who’d rather repeat a coat fifty times than buy five cheaper ones she doesn’t love. The one who sees clothing as a companion to her life, not the main event. If that’s you, Toteme will probably feel like a relief, not a compromise.
Final thoughts
Writing this Toteme review reminded me of why I started buying less but better. The pieces don’t shout. They don’t flatter everyone instantly. They ask you to meet them halfway, to trust the cut and the quality. And when you do, they slip into your life with surprising ease.
Toteme may not be for every budget, or every style preference. But if you care about quiet details and fabrics that last, it’s worth paying attention. The few pieces I own have settled into my closet naturally, and that feels like the real proof.
