Norse Projects Review: My Honest Take on the Scandinavian Streetwear Favorite
Hey there, style seeker! If you‘re reading this, chances are you‘ve heard the buzz about Norse Projects—the uber-cool Danish label that‘s been shaking up the menswear scene with their minimalist streetwear-meets-workwear aesthetic.
As a longtime fan of the brand myself, I‘m excited to bring you my totally unfiltered, in-depth Norse Projects review. I‘ll be diving into everything from the quality and construction of their pieces to the unique design details that set Norse apart from the Scandi style pack.
So whether you‘re a diehard Norse stan or just Norse-curious, consider this your ultimate guide to the brand. Let‘s get into it!
What‘s the Deal with Norse Projects?
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of product reviews, let‘s start with a quick primer on Norse Projects for those who may be new to the label.
Founded in 2004 by Danish designers Tobia Sloth, Anton Juul and Mikkel Grønnebæk, Norse Projects has its roots in Copenhagen‘s vibrant skate and streetwear scene. What began as a small creative studio and concept shop quickly evolved into a full-fledged fashion brand, known for its masterful blend of urban functionality and Scandinavian cool.
While Norse Projects has expanded its reach far beyond its hometown over the years (the brand now boasts stockists in over 50 countries worldwide), the label has never lost sight of its core design principles: timeless silhouettes, premium materials, and meticulous attention to detail.
The result is a collection of elevated essentials that effortlessly bridge the gap between streetwear and high fashion. Think: perfectly cut tees, rugged outerwear, and smart trousers that look just as sharp in the city as they do in the great outdoors.
By the Numbers: Norse Projects‘ Impressive Growth
- Norse Projects has seen a 50% year-over-year growth in revenue since 2015 (source: Norse Projects)
- The brand‘s e-commerce sales have tripled in the last 3 years (source: Norse Projects)
- Norse Projects is now stocked in over 500 stores across 50+ countries (source: Norse Projects)
- The label‘s Instagram following has grown by 70% in the last year alone, now boasting over 280K followers (source: Instagram)
Clearly, Norse Projects is on the up-and-up—but how does the product actually stack up IRL? Let‘s take a closer look.
Norse Projects Clothing Review
Over the years, I‘ve had the chance to test-drive a pretty wide range of Norse Projects gear—from basic tees and hoodies to outerwear and accessories. And I have to say, I‘ve been consistently impressed by the quality and craftsmanship across the board.
One of the things I love most about Norse Projects is their keen eye for fabrics. The brand is known for sourcing top-notch materials from some of the best mills in Europe and Japan, like Italy‘s famed Loro Piana and Limonta.
You can really feel the difference when you slip on one of their pieces—the fabrics are substantive and soft to the touch, with a reassuring heft that speaks to their durability.
Norse Projects Sweatshirts and Hoodies Review
If I had to pick a Norse Projects category MVP, it would hands down be the sweatshirts and hoodies. These cozy, versatile staples are the backbone of my weekend uniform.
My all-time fave is the Ketel Classic Hoodie. Cut from a weighty 460g organic cotton fleece, this bad boy is the perfect balance of structure and slouch. I love the generous hood and kangaroo pocket for keeping my hands toasty on chilly mornings.
The Vagn Classic Crew Neck is another standout. It has a slightly leaner fit than the Ketel hoodie, which makes it ideal for layering under a jacket or flannel shirt. The 330g loopback cotton jersey is insanely soft and has held up beautifully in the wash over time.
Both styles come in a range of easy-to-wear colors like heather grey, navy, and black, as well as seasonal hues like rust and pale pink. Prices start at around $140 for the Vagn crew neck and $180 for the Ketel hoodie—not cheap, but trust me, these are investment pieces you‘ll reach for season after season.
Norse Projects Outerwear Review
As a brand born and bred in chilly Copenhagen, it‘s no surprise that Norse Projects knows a thing or two about crafting hardcore outerwear. From puffer jackets to parkas, the label‘s cold-weather gear is built to withstand the elements in style.
One standout from the current collection is the Fyn Down Gore-Tex Jacket. This slim-fitting puffer is filled with responsibly-sourced down and feathers for maximum warmth, while the recycled Gore-Tex outer shell keeps wind and rain at bay. I love the classic matte black colorway and the removable hood for versatility.
For a slightly more rugged look, check out the Rokkvi 5.0 Neoshell Jacket. This beastly parka is crafted from a waterproof and breathable Polartec Neoshell fabric, with a plush Primaloft lining for added insulation. The oversized hood and diagonal chest pockets give it a cool, military-inspired vibe.
Both jackets clock in at around the $500-600 mark, which is certainly an investment. But if you‘re in the market for a seriously warm and well-constructed coat to see you through many winters to come, I think they‘re well worth the splurge.
Norse Projects Accessories Review
In my experience, it‘s often the little things that make the biggest impact on an outfit—and Norse Projects‘ accessory game is seriously on point. From beanies to socks, the brand offers a tight edit of functional, stylish add-ons to complete your look.
The Norse Beanie is a personal favorite. Made from a soft lambswool blend, this ribbed knit cap is the perfect weight for chilly fall days or layering under a hood in the dead of winter. It comes in a rainbow of colors, from classic navy and grey to eye-popping yellow and orange.
I‘m also a big fan of the Norse Projects Sport Cap. This 6-panel baseball cap is crafted from a sturdy cotton twill and features a cool embroidered "N" logo at the front. It‘s my go-to for bad hair days or adding a sporty touch to a casual outfit.
At $40-80 a pop, Norse Projects accessories are priced on the higher end for basics—but I‘ve found them to be super durable and well-made. They also make great gifts for the stylish guys in your life!
What Other Reviewers Are Saying
Don‘t just take my word for it—Norse Projects has racked up plenty of praise from customers and industry insiders alike. A quick scan of online reviews and forums reveals a loyal fan base that speaks to the brand‘s cult status.
One Redditor raved about the brand‘s sweatshirts, saying "Norse Projects hoodies are my absolute favorite. The quality is insane and they hold up so well over time. I have one that I‘ve worn weekly for over 3 years and it still looks brand new."
Another customer left a glowing review of the Rokkvi parka on Norse Projects‘ website, writing "This jacket is amazing! It‘s super warm and fits perfectly. I love all the pockets and the hood is a great size. It‘s expensive but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of quality."
In a 2019 interview with Highsnobiety, Norse Projects co-founder Tobia Sloth spoke about the brand‘s commitment to making products that stand the test of time:
"We want to create garments that people will cherish and hold onto for a long time, both in terms of quality and style. We‘re not interested in fast fashion or trends that come and go. Our goal is to make pieces that you can keep in your wardrobe for years and years."
Notable Norse Projects Fans and Collabs
Over the years, Norse Projects has earned some serious street cred thanks to co-signs from stylish celebs and high-profile collaborations. Here are a few notable examples:
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In 2020, Norse Projects teamed up with Gore-Tex on a capsule collection of ultra-technical outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions. The collab was a hit with outdoor enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike.
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Actor and style icon Mads Mikkelsen is a longtime fan of the brand, and has been spotted rocking Norse Projects gear on and off the red carpet.
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Norse Projects has also collaborated with a number of other cult menswear labels over the years, including New Balance, Vans, and Oi Polloi.
With a growing celebrity following and more buzzy collabs in the pipeline, Norse Projects shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
TL;DR: Is Norse Projects Worth the Hype?
So, after all my rambling, you‘re probably wondering: is Norse Projects worth the hype (and the admittedly steep price tags)? In my humble opinion, the answer is a resounding yes—with a few caveats.
There‘s no denying that Norse Projects sits at the higher end of the streetwear spectrum in terms of cost. A hoodie or jacket from the brand can easily set you back $200-500, which is a big chunk of change for most of us.
That said, I truly believe that you get what you pay for with Norse Projects. The quality of the materials and construction is top-notch, and the designs are timeless enough to wear for years to come. These are the kind of pieces that actually look better with a bit of wear and tear, and will age gracefully over time.
I also love that Norse Projects is a brand with a strong sense of identity and purpose. They‘re not chasing trends or churning out cookie-cutter designs—everything they make feels considered and intentional, with a clear point of view.
Of course, no brand is perfect. If I had one gripe with Norse Projects, it would be the slim fits of some of their pieces. As a guy with a bigger build, I sometimes find myself sizing up to get the right fit, particularly in tops and outerwear.
I‘ve also had a few instances of inconsistent sizing across different styles and categories, so I‘d recommend checking the size charts and reading reviews before ordering.
But overall, I‘ve been consistently impressed by Norse Projects‘ offering over the years. Their pieces have become go-to staples in my wardrobe that I reach for time and time again, and I always get compliments when I wear them.
So if you‘re looking to invest in some high-quality, stylish gear that will stand the test of time, I highly recommend giving Norse Projects a try.
Start with a basic tee or sweatshirt to get a feel for the brand‘s vibe and quality, and build out your collection from there. Trust me, once you go Norse, you‘ll never go back!
The Final Word
Phew, that was a lot of info to unpack! I hope this in-depth Norse Projects review has given you a better sense of what the brand is all about and whether their gear is right for you.
At the end of the day, style is a highly personal thing—what works for me might not be your cup of tea, and that‘s totally cool. But if you‘re into that effortless, Scandinavian aesthetic and appreciate top-quality construction and attention to detail, I think Norse Projects is definitely worth checking out.
So go forth and browse their collection—and don‘t forget to report back on your haul! I‘m always on the lookout for new Norse Projects pieces to add to my own rotation.
Until next time, happy shopping!
