In men’s fashion, only a handful of brands have succeeded in elevating something as personal as underwear into a symbol of modern luxury.

CDLP, the Stockholm-based label established by Christian Larson and Andreas Palm in 2016, has done just that. The brand has redefined everyday basics (think boxer briefs, T-shirts, socks, and loungewear etc.), with a sense of understated elegance. At its core lies a clear and compelling idea: to design with a focus on how a man feels, rather than solely on how he appears.

The brand blends comfort with conscious design, all while keeping things effortlessly understated. The result? Basics that don’t just look good, they feel good too, proving that true style starts with what’s underneath. The women’s line is equally compelling, spanning refined essentials from thongs, Y-briefs and boxer briefs to scoop and triangle bralettes, alongside a considered wardrobe of ribbed tanks, T-shirts, lightweight dresses, swimwear, and everyday accessories.

Art is Alive catches up with Andreas on attention to details, brand ambassadors, and that Tom of Finland line.

“From the beginning, CDLP set out to elevate the most intimate layer of a man’s wardrobe. We approach underwear with the same mindset as tailoring or design classics: obsessive attention to fit, fabric innovation, and longevity. By using advanced materials like TENCEL™ Lyocell and premium merino wool, we combine comfort, performance, and understated luxury in a way that feels effortless rather than showy.” Andreas explains.

This attention to detail extends beyond fabrics and cuts. It’s also in its philosophy. CDLP’s approach to masculinity is equally considered, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be a modern man, or what they should be: “In terms of masculinity, CDLP rejects outdated ideas of bravado or rigidity. We believe modern masculinity is confident, emotionally aware, and quietly expressive. Our pieces are designed to support the wearer, not define him, allowing masculinity to be personal, fluid, and self-assured rather than performative.”

CDLP’s journey so far has been nothing short of impressive, evolving from a cool niche startup into a fast-growing global brand with a clear point of view. Now entering a more mature phase, the company is focused on refining and strengthening its business model, turning its strong brand equity into sustainable, long-term profitability. It’s a natural and confident progression, signalling a brand that’s not just built on hype, but on lasting substance and ambition.

Andreas reflects on some of the brand’s most meaningful synergies: “Collaborations are where CDLP’s cultural curiosity really comes alive. One of the most meaningful was our collaboration with the Tom of Finland Foundation, a project rooted in artistic freedom, sexual identity, and the power of imagery. Tom of Finland’s work challenged norms and expanded representations of masculinity decades before it was widely accepted, and that dialogue felt deeply aligned with CDLP’s values.”

Over the years, the brand has partnered with a diverse range of collaborators, including Sebastian Tellier, Ruben Östlund, Sting, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Jonas Åkerlund, Cuix Mala, and more. The brand’s ambassadors embody this philosophy, representing thoughtful, modern masculinity rather than commercial promotion: “Our ambassadors reflect the same philosophy. Jon Kortajarena is a close friend of ours, and we believe he represents masculinity without clichés. He is creative, thoughtful, politically engaged, and visually iconic. We don’t work with ambassadors to sell products; we collaborate with people who genuinely resonate with what the brand stands for.”

Art is a constant reference point at CDLP too and it shows. Every collection, campaign, and product is informed by architecture, photography, and fine art, reflecting a design language that is both disciplined and expressive. As Andreas puts it: “We are drawn to artists who combine elegance with provocation. That sensibility translates directly into CDLP’s design language: clean lines, disciplined palettes, but always with an undercurrent of emotion or edge. We think of each collection almost like an exhibition, we want to create objects that feel culturally anchored and emotionally relevant.”

So what does the future hold for the brand? For Andreas, the future of CDLP is about deepening what they already do best rather than chasing fleeting trends: “The next chapter for CDLP is about depth rather than breadth. We’re continuing to refine our core categories while expanding into adjacent areas that feel natural, loungewear, swim, and elevated everyday pieces, always with the same design integrity. Culturally, we’re excited about more art-driven collaborations and storytelling-led projects that blur the line between fashion, art, and hospitality. CDLP has never been about scale for scale’s sake; it’s about building a lasting brand with a clear point of view. The future is quieter, more confident, and more intentional than ever.”

Last but not least, the CDLP Journal extends the brand beyond product into a thoughtfully curated editorial space, exploring the intersection of fashion, culture, travel, and art too. Through interviews, collaborations, and visual storytelling, it offers a deeper look into the world that inspires the brand. With striking covers featuring creatives such as Iwan Josef, Alexander Ekman, Costas Nanga and more, the journal reinforces CDLP’s commitment to creativity. It’s cool, really cool.

CDLP has quietly redefined men’s essentials, transforming the intimate into the aspirational, and proving that true luxury lies not in ‘showiness’, but in craftsmanship, cultural engagement, and the confidence of the wearer. Make sure you visit
CDLP Flagship Store, at Mäster Samuelsgatan 9, Stockholm, Sweden.

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