Trifting Treasures in Hämeenlinna

Thrifting is more than just a way to shop; it's a treasure hunt, a creative outlet, and a sustainable lifestyle choice all rolled into one. In thrift shops every item has a story, and every find can be a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

As you might know by now, Finns care a lot about time and sustainability. Thrifting culture is a huge thing here and second-hand shops, flea markets and apps play a crucial part curating a sustainable wardrobe with a budget.   

Going thrifting here is quite an experience. The flea markets are usually big, clean spaces filled with endless shelves full of clothing, shoes, hobby equipment, homeware, glass and  ceramics objects, books and even board games. There are specialist markets for vintage furniture and antiques. Prices are fair and usually clearly marked. If you can discuss with the seller in person, some bargaining can happen, but in self service flea markets the price is what it says in the tag.

Here are some pro tips and thoughts about thrifting from some our style savvy design students! 

Ella Liimatainen: I frequently shop at thrift stores whenever I need something. Thrifting has become a passion of mine, and I love the thrill of finding unique and affordable items.

I typically thrift clothing, accessories, shoes, and various items for my apartment. My favorite places to thrift here in Hämeenlinna are Fida, Kantolan kellari and local recycling centers, where I often find hidden gems.  

One of my best thrift store finds is a pair of Camper Traktori shoes. They were almost brand new and priced at just one-third of the original cost. These shoes have become my absolute favorite; they're comfortable, stylish, and durable. I still can't believe the great deal I got on them!  

I also enjoy exploring thrift stores in small towns. These stores often have a different selection compared to those in larger cities, and you can find truly unique items that you wouldn't come across elsewhere. The charm of small-town thrift stores is unbeatable, and I've made some of my best discoveries there.

“You can find truly unique items that you wouldn't come across elsewhere”

Thrifting not only helps me save money, but it also allows me to contribute to sustainable fashion by giving a second life to pre-loved items. The sense of satisfaction I get from finding something amazing at a fraction of the original price is unmatched. Plus, it's a great way to express my personal style with items that have a story behind them. 

MM: Thrifting allows me to find unique, high-quality clothing at affordable prices. It also enables me to avoid fast fashion brands and keep quality clothes in circulation, reducing the need to buy new items.  

“Thrifting enables me to avoid fast fashion brands and keep quality clothes in circulation”

Each piece I discover in thrift stores becomes a favorite, making it difficult to choose just one. I usually thrift at Kirppis Vanajankulma and Kantolan Kellari. Among my preferred thrift stores, Kantolan Kellari stands out. It's a large store with a wide variety of items, and there are several other thrift stores nearby, making it a convenient and enjoyable thrifting destination. 

Lauri Leino: I thrift all around. If I see cool shop I will go there, but I thrift mainly in UFF, Kantolan kellari and Fida. I started thrifting when I was 13-15 years old. I didn't have money for newer clothes, and I thought that they weren't cool. So, I started going to my hometown’s thrift shops. I used to rock XXL pants and raggedy t-shirts. That was the skater boy aesthetic... Thrifting is a cheap way to find quality clothes. It used to be a lifestyle, but now it's just something that I do.  

“You need to know how to style”

I have no idea what my best piece are... I have found so much of cool stuff and my aesthetic is changing all the time. I think maybe my winter trench coat, or supreme x mf doom t-shirt or maybe my Christian Dior silk shirt from the 90’s. I don't have favourite thrift shop because they change all the time. For example, in my hometown there was this one shop that didn't have anything ever. Everything looked like it was from a grandpa or grandma. It doesn’t matter if you know how to style. But one day there were this bright blue huge canvas pants and I went crazy. They didn't fit me at all, but the colour was something that will drop your jaw down.

Nea Myllykangas: I love thrifting at local thrift shops, charity shops, and recycling centers. Recently, I've also been finding great items through secondhand apps. Thrifting is both a hobby and a passion for me. It’s thrilling to discover something that’s old to someone else but new to me, and I enjoy imagining the stories behind each item. Additionally, the sustainability aspect is very important to me. With so many pieces already in the world, thrifting is a more sustainable way to indulge my love for clothes and experimenting with style. 

“With so many pieces already in the world, thrifting is a more sustainable way to indulge my love for clothes and experimenting with style.”

There have been too many great finds to pick just one! However, one standout piece is an old trench coat I bought for 2.5€. I stored it in my cellar for five years, and when I rediscovered it last year, it became my favorite. It's nicely oversized and fits perfectly. I don’t have a particular favorite place to thrift. I enjoy visiting recycling centers the most, and I often find the best and cheapest items in random small city flea markets.