Designing Yesteryear Today

Clothes are more than fashions that pass or throwaways. It's an investment—a part of one's soul, which develops confidence and one's everyday living. But nowadays, elegance and modesty of 1930s clothing are a thing of the past, replaced by badly fitting, mass-produced alternatives. Thus a vision of creating not just the same clothes as those found then but to create something inspired by it began.

Finding the right balance between old-fashioned styles and modern elements takes time. Often times leading to a design simile to a custome rather than a statement piece. Nevertheless, I persevered and a vision was born - a vision to impact the world of fashion and opt for qualitative, and unique pieces that both last long and serve the wearer for long ways to come.

With every collection comes a corresponding care kit, The Tailor’s Kit, that contains fabric scraps, thread, needle, and repair instructions—so your piece's life can continue after its initial season. Sewing on button, patching holes, and thoughtful solutions guarantee your piece will be worn and loved season after season.

Black background with a stylized signature in the center that says "Bygdén" in cursive handwriting.

Our Process

Vintage illustration of three men in suits at a formal event, showcasing fashion styles from the mid-20th century. The man on the left is in a light-colored suit holding a hat, the man in the center is in a checkered suit with a hat and glasses, and the man on the right is in a pinstripe suit holding a cane.

Inspiration

M ost of the inspiration comes from the golden age of men's wear, late 19th to early 20th century. Mainly sourced from old images, photos and of course old garments.

A drawer containing various tools including a tweezer, a thread cutter, a fabric turner, and a seam ripper, with a and a small blue blue box containing sewing pins and next to it a tailors chalk sharpener

Tools

A ll of our tools are either gathered from second-hand locations or from modern sewing stores in Sweden.

➤ Ohlssons tyger

➤ Selfmade

➤ tyg.se

Stack of folded cloth, including dark, teal, gray, and white cloth.

Fabric

T he fabrics sorted on all of the designs are gathered from second hand stores here in Sweden or from a fabric shop listed below.

➤ Gårda textil

Close-up of a waistcoat lapel pat stitched to its interior cotton canvas.

Techniques

T he techniques are inspired by—and often borrowed from—the Golden Age of Men’s Wear, when every component of a garment was shaped and fitted using specialized stitching. Examples include shoulder pads, pad stitching, and darts.

E very garment begins with inspiration—most often drawn from the mythology of classic menswear such as George Raft, Frank Sinatra, and Clark Gable. There are garments that look even further back, drawn from silhouettes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Influences and era details for every collection are provided in detail on our website.

Thus we proceed into the pattern-cutting process wherein drawings are translated into hand-sketched patterns. A first prototype is put together to create fit, proportion, and drape—such that silhouette respects principles of traditional tailoring but meets modern comfort standards.

The garment finally takes life with precise menswear cutting practices such as hand pad-stitching, canvas cutting, and pressing—all stitching done with attention to detail that defines enduring craftsmanship.

A brown cardboard box labeled 'nouri' placed on a light wooden surface with trailing green and white variegated leaves.

The Tailor’s Kit

T he tailor's kit includes spools of thread to help extend the life of your order by allowing you to maintain and care for them. Each kit is made in Sweden by me and is tailored specifically for each collection, including 12x12 cm fabric scraps that match the garments exterior and interior fabrics. These can be used to mend any rips or tears that may occur after years of wear. These collections are long-term investments—pieces meant to be worn for many years to come. Each kit includes two needles suited to the fabric's weight, though it’s expected you’ll already have basic supplies like fabric scissors, measuring tape, and rulers on hand. To further extend the garment’s lifespan, several matching buttons are also included—both for interior and exterior detailing—in case any go missing over time. Every kit is handmade, carefully curated, and bespoke to your particular order, and features a signature as a mark of authenticity.

Black background with a stylized signature in the center that says "Bygdén" in cursive handwriting.
The Tailor's Kit - a piece of navy blue fabric with white stitching lying on a beige surface, partially folded.
The Tailor's Kit prototype basted with a spool of white thread on top, on a cream-colored surface.

Not an Ordinary Purchase

E ach order includes a certificate guaranteeing the authenticity of the collection you’ve purchased. This certificate is also signed as further proof of its legitimacy. Additionally, every order comes with a digital copy of our guide detailing how to repair any potential rips or tears in the fabric of your piece. Quality, sustainability, and uniqueness are at the heart of all our collections.

Thank you letter from Viggo Bygdén expressing appreciation for a purchase and emphasizing sustainability and unique style.

Make an Impact on Fashion

5% Cover the Fee

Helps me to buy supplies and evolve my craft.

When it comes to fashion most of it is mass produced low qualitative pieces meant be worn once or twice. But it doesn’t have to be, join me in my vision for a more sustainable, qualitative and timeless fashion industry today.