They tie on our Quiet Luxury Index at 79.COS is stronger on no single criterion; Arket is stronger on no single criterion.
| COS | Arket | |
|---|---|---|
| Index score | 79 | 79 |
| Tier | Accessible | Accessible |
| Founded | 2007, London | 2017, Stockholm |
| Owner | H&M Group | H&M Group |
| Restraint | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Materials | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Craft | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Longevity | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Value | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Prices | Knitwear roughly $90–$250; coats roughly $250–$450 | Knitwear roughly $90–$250 |
| Signature | Wide-leg trousers, Boxy knitwear, Quilted crossbody bag | Heavyweight cotton T-shirts, Lambswool knitwear, Wool coats |
What is the difference between COS and Arket?
COS is the most widely available source of the minimalist silhouette: boxy knits, wide trousers, structured coats and, more recently, cashmere and leather goods. Quality varies by line, so composition labels matter, but the design language consistently borrows from Jil Sander, The Row and Lemaire.
Arket is the hard-wearing, slightly outdoorsy cousin of COS: heavy cotton tees, lambswool and cashmere knits, chore jackets and wool coats. It publishes material and factory information and keeps a permanent range of essentials.
Which should you buy?
Choose COS if you want Wide-leg trousers and Boxy knitwear and value its particular style. Fabric quality is inconsistent; check for pure wool or cashmere before buying knitwear.
Choose Arket if you want Heavyweight cotton T-shirts and Lambswool knitwear and value its particular style. Some lines use blends; pure fibres cost more but wear better.
Full profiles: COS · Arket. Or see brands like COS.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, COS or Arket?
They tie on our Quiet Luxury Index at 79. Choose COS for Wide-leg trousers and Boxy knitwear; choose Arket for Heavyweight cotton T-shirts and Lambswool knitwear.
Is COS more expensive than Arket?
They are in the same price tier (Accessible). COS: Knitwear roughly $90–$250; coats roughly $250–$450. Arket: Knitwear roughly $90–$250.
Are COS and Arket quiet luxury?
Yes. COS is one of the clearest examples of quiet luxury: its core products carry no visible branding, and their value lies in materials and construction. Yes. Arket is one of the clearest examples of quiet luxury: its core products carry no visible branding, and their value lies in materials and construction.