What is hygge?
Imagine wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, sipping hot cocoa, and enjoying a soft glow from candlelight on a chilly evening. Now, imagine wearing that feeling! That’s what hygge fashion is all about: creating a sense of comfort, warmth, and well-being through what you wear. This all stems from the philosophy of hygge.
Hygge, pronounced "hoo-gah," (no, not “higgy”) is a Danish concept that involves taking time away from the daily grind to relax with people you care about (or even by yourself) and enjoy the simpler things in life. You can see how this ties in with the concept of a slow (and possibly sustainable) lifestyle.
To put a simple definition to the term, we’d say…
Hygge means a nuanced version of cosiness that comes from warmth, comfort, and contentment from life’s simple pleasures (e.g. spending time with family at home).
The principles underpinning this philosophy have been influencing the world of fashion such that hygge fashion has become a trend. Let’s explore what hygge fashion really is and how you can bring that effortless comfort into your wardrobe.
What is hygge fashion?
As we’ve hinted at already, hygge fashion takes inspiration from the Danish lifestyle of comfort and contentment.
This means that it’s not about following the latest fast fashion trends or sporting something extravagant. Instead, hygge fashion emphasises a slower, more thoughtful approach to how we dress. Think soft textures, loose fits, and clothes that invite you to feel relaxed. Based on what you’ve read so far, you might think that we’re talking about onesies at home but that’s not the case. This is because hygge fashion is not something just to be worn in the privacy of your home but also in your daily (i.e. also outdoor) life.
Ultimately, it’s about embracing a wardrobe that makes you feel snug, regardless of the season, but read on for some more practical details.
How to incorporate hygge fashion into your style
If you're ready to bring a little more comfort into your wardrobe, here’s how you can get started with hygge fashion:
1. The cosy sweater
A hygge wardrobe starts with a great cosy sweater. Look for oversized, soft knits made from natural fibres like wool, cashmere, or cotton. Chunky cable knits and turtlenecks are staples that can easily be paired with leggings or relaxed jeans. A well-chosen sweater can make you feel wrapped up in warmth, almost like wearing a hug. Of course, if you’d rather avoid animal products or if woolly knits are irritating, adopting organic cotton clothing could be kinder on your skin. Which brings us on to…
2. Natural, soft fabrics
Hygge fashion is all about how clothes feel against your skin. Choose soft, breathable materials that help you feel at ease. Fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo are great choices for creating a hygge-inspired wardrobe. Conversely, it’s a good idea to stay away from synthetic materials, such as polyester, which can feel scratchy and therefore irritate your skin. Remember, the focus here is on comfort, so you really want to opt for materials that are kind to your skin instead.
Of course, hygge does not necessarily mean sustainable so note that our suggestions here are focused on sustainable approaches to hygge and our fabric recommendations follow from that.
3. Neutral colour palette
Hygge fashion favours an understated colour palette—think shades that reflect nature, like creams, soft browns, and earthy greens. These neutrals make layering easy and create a feeling of warmth and simplicity. There is in fact some crossover here with the quiet luxury aesthetic but with some nuance.
Monochrome looks and tonal outfits help build that hygge aesthetic. However, the tone selection is important. Formal monochromes (think navy, certain shades of grey, black) evoke the coldness of the very rat race you’re seeking to escape so avoid those. Bright shades can also be overwhelming colours that can trigger or antagonise. Instead, softer, welcoming tones that blend in with nature will appear more casual, which is also a part of the hygge aesthetic.
4. Layering for warmth and comfort
We’ve already mentioned a cosy jumper but it is worth considering layers in more detail. This is because you can layer up or down to transition between indoor and outdoor settings while retaining that cosy hygge look. Start with a base layer of a soft cotton tee or tank, add an oversized sweater, and finish it off with a blanket scarf if appropriate for the weather on the day. Using a neutral colour palette for all layers will make it easier for you to manage your look whether you’re on the first layer through to the third or fourth.
Layering not only keeps you warm when you head outside but is also particularly helpful for those of us who get unpredictable weather where we live. *Clears throat*.
5. Comfortable footwear
Hygge doesn’t end at clothing; it extends to your footwear too. Choose shoes that are supportive and comfortable, like slippers for at-home lounging, or a regular pair of trainers that are your “daily drivers”. Footwear should make you feel grounded (no pun intended) so anything that leaves you in discomfort is a definite no-no. Also worth noting is that you’re not necessarily looking for a pair of squeaky-clean white trainers here. Anything that has a lived-in feel to it is likely to be preferable to something spotless as it will feel more authentic and natural (for most people anyway!).
6. Minimalistic accessories
In keeping with the hygge theme, accessorise with items that bring you joy but keep things simple. Think chunky knit scarves, wool berets, or soft gloves. Even jewellery in a hygge wardrobe is minimalist: small gold or silver pieces that subtly enhance rather than dominate an outfit can work. It can be tempting to accessorise a casual outfit to make it pop but standing out is not the aim so less is more when it comes to accessories.
Why hygge fashion is perfect for you
Hygge fashion goes beyond simply looking good; it’s about feeling good too. Embracing this style means investing in pieces that bring you warmth and joy, rather than the stress of keeping up with fleeting trends. The hygge approach focuses on well-being, a reminder that clothing can provide comfort, security, and as odd as it may sound to some, even mental relaxation.
It’s a great style choice for anyone who loves simplicity, warmth, and quality. Whether you’re staying in on a rainy day, meeting friends for a casual coffee, or working from home, hygge fashion lets you look effortlessly put together while feeling entirely comfortable.
Final thoughts
While we referred to the hygge fashion trend earlier, the reality is that it isn’t just a trend. Hygge is in fact a way of life that invites you to slow down, appreciate the little moments, and be mindful of what makes you feel your best. As the fashion world frantically chases the next big thing, against the backdrop of an increasingly tumultuous world, clothes should be returning to ideas that are rooted in non-fleeting principles, even emotions. Just as we did with our explanation of quiet luxury, we try our best to explain the timelessness of certain Lindy philosophies.
Going for your tried-and-tested comfortable outfits will embody the spirit of hygge fashion more than putting together a fit by ticking off all of the bullet points in this article. Don’t overthink it. Go for what makes you feel good.
Ready to get started? Explore our sustainable essentials collection for cosy, stylish essentials that embody the spirit of hygge.
