Cos Vs Totême: Which Brand Looks More Expensive?

You want your outfit to whisper “quiet luxury,” not scream “I got this on sale!” But which label nails that elevated look better: Cos or Totême? Both deal in clean lines and sleek neutrals, but they play very different games. If you’re deciding where to spend for a wardrobe that looks expensive, let’s get into the details that actually matter.

Brand Vibes: Minimalist Cousins, Different Personalities

Cos feels like the design student who knows proportion better than your tailor.

It delivers architectural shapes, modern basics, and clever details at a price that doesn’t sting. Totême, on the other hand, is that friend who always looks like she stepped out of a magazine—pared-back, polished, and very Scandinavian-rich-aunt energy.

Bottom line:

Cos = smart minimalism for everyday.

Totême = curated minimalism with a luxury filter.

If you crave that “I summer in Copenhagen” look, Totême leans in harder.

Silhouette & Fit: The Fastest Signal of Luxury

Expensive-looking clothes start with shape. Cos often experiments with oversized cuts, cocoon sleeves, and boxy tees. These silhouettes read modern and cool, but they can swallow you if you don’t balance the volume.

Totême goes for elongated lines: long coats, tailored trousers, refined knits that skim instead of cling. The proportions look deliberate and calm—aka “I have a stylist.”

How to style for the expensive effect

• Cos: Pair voluminous pieces with something fitted. Boxy shirt + slim trousers = intentional.

• Totême: Stick to long, clean lines.

  Add sleek boots or a structured bag for quiet drama.

Fabric Quality: What Your Eye Catches First

Both brands know their textiles, but they approach them differently. Cos uses a lot of cotton poplin, wool blends, and technical fabrics. You’ll find crisp shirting, smooth knits, and great drape at its best. Some pieces feel luxe; others feel “good high street.” You need to check the hand feel.

 

Totême leans into elevated materials: double-faced wool, silk blends, soft cashmere, and refined denim.

The fabric weight and finish often give away the price point. Totême’s coats and knits, especially, look rich from a mile away.

Quick fabric checklist (for that expensive look)

• Favor weighty knits, double-faced wool, and tightly woven cotton.
• Avoid shiny synthetics unless they’re deliberately technical.
• Check stitching density and seam finish—clean edges elevate everything.

Brand Signatures: The Pieces That Do the Talking

Let’s be real: some items just carry more prestige.

Cos standouts:

 

• Architectural shirts and dresses with sculptural volume
• Boxy tees and tanks that hold shape
• Minimal tailoring that looks more expensive than it is

Totême standouts:

 

• Tailored coats (the double-faced ones are chef’s kiss)
• Iconic scarf jacket and sleek denim
• Refined knitwear with elongated sleeves and elegant ribbing

IMO: If you want one piece that instantly reads “luxury,” go Totême outerwear. If you want several elevated basics that stack into a chic wardrobe, Cos delivers.

Price vs.Perception: Are You Paying for Design or Aura?

Totême costs more. Not shocking. But are you paying for quality, design, or the vibe?

Honestly, all three. The polish shows in the finishing and the silhouettes, which do a lot of heavy lifting if you want that rich-minimal aesthetic. Cos offers a smarter cost-to-style ratio.

You won’t always hit that “designer-adjacent” look, but when you do—a sharp poplin shirt, a sleek wool coat—you’ll fool people. FYI, Cos can swing between “wow” and “just fine,” so choose carefully.

Where to invest vs. save

• Invest (Totême): Coats, structured knitwear, tailored trousers.

 

• Save (Cos): Tees, poplin shirts, simple dresses, everyday trousers.

 

• Wildcard: Try Cos premium capsule pieces for a Totême-adjacent moment without the bill.

Color Palettes & Details: The Subtle Language of Luxury

Minimalism lives and dies by color and finishing. Totême goes for deep, nuanced neutrals—ecru, biscuit, inky navy, mottled greys—that look expensive because they’re complex.

The seams lie flat, the buttons feel weighty, and nothing fights for attention. Cos likes a broad neutral palette with the occasional bold color pop. Great when you want a statement.

To keep the expensive vibe, stick to the subdued shades and avoid anything too shiny or loud. Minimal hardware, clean lines, and matte textures win every time.

Micro-details that matter

• Buttons: Tonal and matte beats chunky and glossy.
• Length: Slightly longer sleeves and hems often look more luxe.
• Seams: If the topstitching looks precise, your outfit looks pricier.

Versatility & Styling: Building Outfits That Read “Luxury”

You can make either brand look expensive if you style it right. The trick?

Edit, edit, edit.

• Monochrome formula: Black on black or cream on cream instantly elevates. Mix textures for depth.

 

• Footwear matters: Sleek leather boots or minimal loafers make basics look intentional.

 

• Proportions: Balance volume. Long coat + tapered trousers = rich silhouette.

 

• Accessories: Structured bag, small hoop earrings, thin belt.

  Keep it deadly simple.

IMO: Totême gives you a plug-and-play wardrobe where most pieces naturally harmonize. Cos offers more variety, which can look incredible with a little editing.

Durability & Care: Keeping That Luxe Look Long-Term

You can’t look expensive in a pilled sweater. Totême’s heavier knits and dense wools tend to hold shape better.

The payoff: better longevity, especially in coats and trousers. Cos can hold up well too, but you need to be choosy and care for items properly.

Care tips for long-term polish

• Steam, don’t iron, to keep fibers smooth and edges crisp.
• Use a fabric shaver on knits and a lint brush on wool.
• Tailor hems and sleeves. A perfect length instantly looks luxury.

So… Which Looks More Expensive?

If we’re judging the straight-up “looks expensive” meter, Totême takes the crown.

The silhouettes, materials, and finishing create that quiet-luxury aura with less effort. You throw on a Totême coat and people assume you know your wine regions. But don’t sleep on Cos.

With smart choices—especially in their structured shirts, coats, and trousers—you can absolutely achieve a refined, designer-adjacent look. Cos wins for value and for experimenting with modern shapes without committing to luxury prices.

FAQ

Which brand is better for workwear?

Totême, if your office leans polished and minimal. The trousers and coats give instant sophistication. Cos works great too, especially their crisp shirts and simple blazers.

Just keep the silhouettes tailored, not too oversized.

Do the pieces fit true to size?

Totême generally runs true to size with clean lines and slightly elongated proportions. Cos often runs larger, especially in outerwear and knitwear. If you’re between sizes at Cos, consider sizing down unless you want that intentionally oversized look.

Are the fabrics worth the price difference?

For outerwear and knitwear, yes—Totême’s materials and construction usually feel more elevated.

For everyday cottons, poplin, and simple trousers, Cos can match the look for less. Choose based on category, not brand loyalty.

Which brand photographs better?

Totême. The long lines, dense fabrics, and neutral palette translate flawlessly on camera.

Cos can photograph beautifully, especially in black or white, but oversized pieces sometimes read shapeless in photos if you don’t style them carefully.

Can I mix Cos and Totême in one outfit?

Absolutely. Pair a Totême coat with a Cos tee and trousers for a balanced high-low look. Keep colors tonal and accessories minimal to blend the aesthetics seamlessly.

What should I buy first if I want the “rich look” fast?

A Totême coat or tailored trouser will transform your closet instantly.

On a budget, grab a structured Cos poplin shirt, a matte black belt, and sleek ankle boots. Monochrome it, and you’re set.

Conclusion

If you want maximum “expensive” with minimal effort, go Totême—especially for outerwear and tailoring. If you want clever design and solid fabrics at friendlier prices, shop Cos and edit your silhouettes.

Either way, aim for clean lines, rich textures, and tonal colors. That’s the quiet-luxury formula—no trust fund required.