Switzerland Fashion: Interesting Things You Didn’t Know

The Fashionisto

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Updated April 20, 2024

Switzerland FashionPin
Explore the Switzerland fashion scene.

Switzerland’s fashion scene is a captivating tapestry of luxury, innovation, and sustainability. From the avant-garde designs of emerging talent to the timeless elegance of established brands, the country has carved out a unique identity in the global fashion landscape.

Switzerland Fashion

Discover how Switzerland’s rich history of craftsmanship, commitment to ethical consumerism, and picturesque cities and towns have shaped a fashion industry that is as diverse as it is dynamic.

Home Talent

Julian Zigerli Carpenter JacketPin
Julian Zigerli represents Swiss fashion talent with a modern point of view on classics. Photo: Julian Zigerli

Switzerland has a thriving fashion industry, with several notable young designers emerging recently. One such designer is Julian Zigerli, born in 1984, who gained recognition in the 2010s for his innovative and unconventional menswear designs.

After graduating from the Berlin University of the Arts in 2010, Zigerli launched his eponymous label in Zurich. His bold prints, bright colors, and experimental cuts quickly caught the fashion world’s attention.

Giorgio Armani supported Zigerli during Milan Fashion Week by showcasing his fall-winter 2014 collection at Armani’s Teatro Space.

Luxury Shopping

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Geneva, the second largest city in Switzerland, hosts global fashion brands such as Ferragamo. Photo: Arsenie Krasnevsky / Shutterstock.com

If you love to shop for luxury items, you will be impressed by the Swiss fashion scene. This country is home to numerous high-end brands, catering to those seeking the finest in jewelry, clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Renowned watchmakers like Rolex and Omega have a strong presence in Switzerland, alongside iconic jewelry brands such as Cartier. The country also boasts a thriving luxury fashion industry, with brands like Ferragamo adding to the mix.

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Bally blends luxury and casual wear for a modern Swiss experience. Photo: Bally

Switzerland has a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and attention to detail, which is evident in the quality of its luxury goods. Many nationwide companies deal exclusively with high-end brands like Bally, a Swiss luxury label founded in 1851.

You Can Shop Across the Market

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Trendy Swiss store Tally Weijl in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: Grzegorz Czapski / Shutterstock.com

In addition to luxury offerings, Switzerland is home to numerous affordable fashion brands. For example, Tally Weijl, a Swiss fashion retailer founded in 1984, offers trendy clothing and accessories at reasonable prices.

Moreover, Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva host a mix of high-end and more affordable shopping options. Department stores such as Manor and Globus offer a wide range of fashion brands at different price points, making it possible for shoppers to find stylish items without breaking the bank.

Menswear in Switzerland

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Strellson stands out in Swiss fashion, offering men a contemporary wardrobe. Photo: Strellson

Among the local brands, Strellson has established itself as a key player in the Swiss fashion industry. Founded in 1984 by Uwe and Jochen Holy, Strellson offers a range of clothing and accessories that combine classic style with modern trends, appealing to men who seek both sophistication and contemporary flair.

Alongside homegrown labels, Switzerland welcomes renowned international brands like the Italian luxury menswear brand Zegna. The Italian fashion house adds to the country’s diverse fashion landscape.

The Swiss Value Their Formal Wear

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It’s not uncommon to see couples coordinate their outfits when dressing formally. Photo: Shutterstock

In Switzerland, formal events are governed by elegant dress codes, with evening dresses, known as “Abendkleider,” being particularly admired. The Zurich Opera is a prime example of an event where impressive fashion trends can be observed for both men and women.

At such events, it is common to see couples coordinating their attire, men donning their finest suits, and women choosing evening dress colors that complement their partner’s outfit. This tradition of matching is considered the epitome of elegance and is executed with great finesse in Swiss formal settings.

The Country Leads in Fair Trade

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Switzerland leads European countries in fair trade. Photo: Haidamac / Shutterstock.com

Switzerland is a leader in the fair trade industry, consistently ranking among the top nations regarding fair trade product consumption. According to the Swiss Fair Trade Association, Switzerland has the highest per capita spending on fair trade products worldwide (Swiss Fair Trade, 2021).

In 2020, the Swiss spent an average of 87 Swiss francs (approximately $94) per person on fair trade goods, which has grown steadily over the years (Swiss Fair Trade, 2021). This commitment to ethical consumerism has become a defining characteristic of the Swiss fashion industry and has contributed to the country’s unique identity in the global fashion landscape.

Switzerland Hosts Several Fashionable Cities & Towns

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A Louis Vuitton boutique in the German-speaking section of Gstaad, Switzerland. Photo: gurb101088 / Shutterstock.com

Switzerland has several stylish cities and towns that attract fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and high-end shoppers. Bern, Gstaad, and Geneva are among the most popular destinations, with Gstaad standing out as a luxurious resort town renowned for its upscale shopping.

These fashionable hotspots showcase Switzerland’s all-encompassing appeal in the fashion world, solidifying its position as a crown jewel in the industry.


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