10 great German fashion brands

While Germans are certainly not the most fashionable people (though Karl Lagerfeld was German! Philip Plein is too, however I don't know if that's a good thing), there are some great German brands that I appreciate and would like to share. They all have one thing in common - their impeccable quality. So while it might not be advisable to dress German head to toe (it does get a bit boring and maybe somewhat too functional, at least for my taste), I do suggest to be on the lookout for certain items like shoes and for materials like silk, cashmere and organic cotton! Here are my faves:

1) Adidas 

I'm not sure if people outside of Germany know that Adidas is German? Adolf ("Adi") Dassler - back then that name was harmless - was the mastermind behind this brand. Their sneakers are great and classic staples. I'm not an athleisure type of girl, but I've been buying at least one Adidas item a year since I was a teen and never had any complaints. Most recently, I've gotten this extremely comfortable pair of "mom" sneakers (I always make sure that they are leather on the outside).

2) Puma

The most hilarious thing about Puma is that it was founded by Rudolf ("Rudi"), the brother of the Adidas founder Adi! Rudolf, the older one, initially started making shoes with Adi in the 1920s, but after a legendary feud (it has everything from war snitching to soccer rivalry) moved on with Puma, Adidas's arch nemesis. Puma was founded in 1948, Adidas in 1949. Puma might be less popular worldwide, but is well loved in Germany. 

3) MCM

technically not German owned anymore, but the brand remains true to its original style, founded in 1977 in Munich. A Louis Vuitton wannabe, sure. But the colors, the variety, the quality! Their bags are indestructible. I've had the Neverfull pendant called the 'Liz shopper' for ages. I love its black color. And everything they have in hot pink, obviously! Currently, I'm also thinking of getting their travel tote, preferably vintage.

4) Closed

a fashion brand with headquarters in my hometown Hamburg. Minimalist, durable, stylish. Good jeans. Have a look:

https://www.closed.com/en/online-shop/

5) Birkenstock

You knew this one was coming, am I right? Not the prettiest shoe, but ideal for beach vacations, supermarket trips, gardening, picking up kids from school, and most importantly for walking because they are designed to actually support the feet instead of hurting them... The black sole is better to maintain a clean look, but the white one looks nicer. I get the extra soft cushion sole, my current pair is the rose metallic one:

6) Schiesser

I promised good materials and Schiesser definitely delivers, making great underwear and basics for men, women and kids. Founded in 1875, it's supposedly one of the first companies to have developed men's underwear as we know them today. Good job. 

7) Falke

Even Martha Stewart once said on her instagram that Falke make the best socks. They are pretty, have a nice thin material and are - like most things made I Germany - able to withstand high washing temperatures. I will name no names but the socks that are most popular in the States look worn out after one spin in my very gentle yet effective German washing machine. If you need tights, Falke is perfect as well. But if you live in Texas like I do you probably really don't... Though I continue buying them for those few cold days that can take one by surprise.

8) Hugo Boss

The Nazi history is well known and non negotiable. The suits are beautiful. Their wool is very thin and works even in Texas climates. Tall German men like my husband and his colleagues tend to look all the same from afar in the signature navy blue. I'm not the biggest fan of Boss's dress shirts, however. They are often stiff and hard to iron. Though I stopped ironing almost two years ago, a German habit I've outgrown in the States, hehe! I love their female line too - the dresses and blazers are perfect for the corporate world and cocktail parties. I've bought some silk shirts from Boss over the years, this is my latest:

9) Allude

Cashmere is big in Northern Europe because it's so cold. Though the amount of bad cashmere is pretty annoying. It's the same as in the States - impossible to know how it's going to hold beforehand and in many cases, items that are advertised as cashmere aren't even real cashmere. Allude has been trustworthy, long lasting and gorgeous so far. I only get it on sale, obviously.

10) Jil Sander

founded in Hamburg in 1976, when Sander was just 24, it's since been known for its simplicity - a very German fashion virtue. This is the only brand from the list that I do not own anything from but I believe it needs to be mentioned here because it has really made it in the high fashion world (bought by Prada! Raf Simmons designed for them!) - and hardly any German label has made it that far.

Also:

Upscale German shop (similar to shopbop, oftentimes better deals on European brands) that ships worldwide:

www.mymytheresa.com

& chic department store with worldwide shipping:

www.unger-fashion.com

Which of these brands do you know / like?

Thanks for reading and

talk to you soon,

J.

PS: This post contains affiliate links.