Sustainable Finnish Clothing Brands for Winter: How to Stay Warm and Eco-Friendly
As winter sets in, staying warm and comfortable becomes a top priority, especially in the chilly climates of Finland. Fortunately, Finnish brands are renowned for their high-quality winter clothing essentials that blend functionality, style, and sustainability. From cozy merino wool base layers to waterproof outerwear, these brands have a range of must-have items to keep you warm while embracing the beauty of the great outdoors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best winter clothing essentials from Finland that will ensure you’re well-equipped to tackle whatever the season throws your way!
What's in this article:
How to Build a Sustainable Winter Wardrobe?
- Buy less, buy better:
Building a sustainable winter wardrobe is all about being thoughtful with your choices and investing in pieces that stand the test of time. Rather than chasing fast fashion or micro-trends, focus on timeless, high-quality staples that will be just as stylish in one, five, or even ten years. Think classic cuts, durable fabrics, and tones that are always in season or you’ve always liked. - Pieces that go together:
One of the easiest ways to curate a sustainable wardrobe is by selecting pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. Start by choosing a color palette that you love and feel confident in. This makes it much simpler to create outfits, allowing you to rotate fewer items in more combinations. When your clothes work well together, you’ll need fewer pieces overall, which means less clutter and less waste. - Versatile clothing:
Look for versatile garments that can transition seamlessly from an outdoor to an indoor setting. This will save you time, space, and money. Plus, when your wardrobe works for any occasion, getting dressed in the morning becomes a breeze—leaving you with more brainpower for everything else your day demands. - Kind & safe fabrics:
Incorporating sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, recycled materials, and ethically produced wool also helps reduce your environmental footprint as well as protects you from harmful and toxic substances for your skin to absorb. Quality over quantity is key—opt for well-made pieces that will last through many years to come. Sustainable doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style; it’s about finding the balance between fashion, functionality, and doing good for the planet.
In this list we include sustainable brands and pieces that follow these four simple but powerful philosophies, so that you can easily make good choices.
Finnish Winter Clothing Materials
The materials in winter clothing are essential for staying warm, dry, and comfortable during the long, cold months. Finnish brands are experts at selecting natural and technical fabrics that perform well in harsh climates while maintaining sustainability and quality.
Merino Wool is one of the top choices for winter wear. Its natural temperature-regulating properties make it perfect for base layers, socks, and hats. Merino wool keeps you warm when it’s cold and cools you off when it’s warm. It’s also moisture-wicking and naturally antibacterial, so it stays fresh with less frequent washing. Best of all, it’s soft and non-itchy, making it comfortable to wear all day.
GORE-TEX is another widely used material in outer layers like jackets and trousers. Known for being 100% waterproof, windproof, and highly breathable, GORE-TEX provides excellent protection against rain, snow, and wind, while allowing moisture to escape, keeping you dry from both the outside and inside.
Recycled and Sustainable Fabrics are gaining traction in Finnish winter clothing. Brands increasingly use recycled polyester, cotton, and other sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. These materials are often found in outerwear and mid-layers, offering durability and warmth with a lower carbon footprint.
When choosing winter clothing, avoid materials like cotton, which absorbs moisture and leaves you cold; acrylic, which lacks breathability; untreated nylon, which can become clingy and cold; low-quality fleece, which isn’t windproof; and polyester in base layers, which traps sweat.
Finnish Winter Clothing Materials Cheat Sheet
Look for:
- Merino wool
- Finnsheep wool
- GORE-TEX
- Recycled materials
Avoid:
- Synthetic materials, like:
- Polyester
- Acrylic
- Nylon
- Cotton
Essential Finnish Winter Clothing 2024
Base Layers
Keeping warm in the Arctic climate is all about layers. The key is to have pieces that can be worn on their own inside and layered up when the temperatures drop and you spend time outside.
Knit Sweater
Knit sweaters are perfect for layering, providing warmth without sacrificing style. They can be worn as a regular sweater or be put on top of many layers due to its big and comfy size. It’s a classic go-to toward the years’ late months.
Finnsheep wool and merino wool are great choices of fibers. Finnsheep wool make sweaters exceptionally soft and comfortable, similar to merino wool but with a character all their own.
A standout choice is the Rosmariini Viikko Sweater, hand-knitted by the local Myssy Grannies in Pöytyä, Finland. Made sustainably and responsibly from 100% Finnsheep wool, with love.
Undershirts
A good long sleeve is an essential base that keeps you warm without adding bulk. Finnish brands offer durable, stylish long-sleeve tops made from sustainable materials, perfect for wearing under jackets or sweaters, or on their own during milder days. These tops are designed to be breathable and versatile, making them a smart choice for layering in cold weather.
A great option for layering is the Pure Waste long sleeve T-shirt, crafted from 60% recycled cotton and 40% recycled plastic bottles. This lightweight, lightly fitted shirt features a low hem and crew neck, making it easy to pair with any outerwear. The shirt is responsibly made and offers a much lower environmental impact, using 99% less water and producing 50% fewer CO2 emissions compared to traditional shirts.
Base Pants
For cold weather activities, base layer pants are your first line of defense, providing warmth while keeping you dry and comfortable. High-quality base layers wick moisture and insulate against the chill, making them ideal for winter sports, outdoor work, or simply staying cozy on cold days. Designed to fit under your outer layers, these pants ensure that your body heat stays in while allowing sweat to escapes.
A standout option is North Outdoor’s merino wool base layer pants, crafted from 100% mulesing-free merino wool. These pants are soft, stretchy, and naturally antibacterial, reducing the need for frequent washing.
Whether you’re on the slopes or just navigating a chilly day, merino wool base layer pants are the perfect foundation for staying warm and comfortable in any winter weather.
Recommended Finnish base layer brands:
Outerwear
Jackets
Finland is an expert at crafting jackets from materials that can withstand rain, snow, and wind. Designed to handle the harsh Nordic climate, Finnish jackets offer durability, insulation, and style all in one. Many brands focus on sustainability, making sure their outerwear is both functional and environmentally responsible.
A great example of this craftsmanship is the range of jackets made from ethically sourced materials, often with features like water resistance, windproof fabrics, and practical designs to keep you cozy during even the coldest days.
From the skislopes to the city streets, your jacket will be your best friend in the winter, so invest in a jacket that’s not just warm, but built to last through many winters while supporting sustainable production practices.
Outdoor and softshell trousers
A quality pair of outer-layer trousers is just as important as your jacket in the wet and unpredictable winter weather. Finnish brands excel in designing durable, weatherproof trousers that keep you comfortable no matter the conditions. These trousers are built to handle snow, rain, and wind, while still being breathable enough to keep you from overheating during active outdoor adventures.
A great example is the Rukka trousers for women, equipped with GORE-TEX technology. Waterproof, windproof, and highly breathable. With fully taped seams and a breathable mesh lining, these trousers are perfect for any rainy or snowy day.
Whether you’re exploring the wilderness or in the city in bad weather, a good pair of waterproof trousers keep you dry, comfortable, and ready for anything.
Recommended Finnish outerwear brands:
Accessories
Winter really makes you realize how many parts of your body are not covered by pants and a jacket! Good winter accessories make sure everything is kept warm, from your toes to your ears.
Wool Socks
When the Finnish winter hits, even warm shoes quickly start to feel icy on your toes. That’s when layering warm socks becomes necessary. Merino wool is a perfect choice: these socks keep your feet warm, and adapt to changing temperatures, providing cooling relief when it’s warmer.
What’s impressive is merino wool’s ability to wick away moisture and retain warmth even when wet, making it a reliable choice for all-day wear. Plus, the natural antibacterial properties of merino wool mean that these socks resist odors and stains, keeping your feet fresh. Easy to care for, just hanging them out to air is usually enough to refresh them.
VAI-KO’s merino wool crew socks are a perfect example of this versatility. Made from a blend of 56% Nativa™ merino wool, these socks are incredibly soft, lightweight, and itch-free. With VAI-KO’s commitment to responsible sourcing, you can feel good about wearing socks made from fully traceable, mulesing-free merino wool, crafted right here in Finland. Treat your feet to the comfort they deserve this winter!
Warm headwear
When it comes to surviving the Finnish winter, warm headwear is an absolute must! Finnish brands are known for their high-quality, stylish options that keep you cozy while battling the chill.
Many brands use sustainable materials, like mulesing-free merino wool, making sure your headwear is as eco-friendly as it is functional.
Costo makes beanies from 100% mulesing-free merino wool. Made in Finland, they feature customizable, detachable pom-poms, allowing you to switch colors or go without depending on your mood. Their unisex, one-size-fits-all beanies are a solid option for a sustainable choice.
Scarves and Shawls
As winter rolls in, there’s nothing quite as cozy like wrapping yourself in a warm scarf. Sooner than you expect, the wind starts to feel really cold on your neck – the usual suspect for those stubborn winter flus.
What’s great about Finnish scarves is their blend of functionality and design. Many brands draw inspiration from the stunning Nordic landscapes, resulting in beautiful patterns and colors that can brighten up any winter outfit. Plus, supporting local brands means you’re also investing in sustainable fashion—so you can feel good about staying warm!
Lapuan Kankurit makes warm, soft scarves from locally sourced Finnsheep wool, designed for comfort on cool days. Woven and finished in Lapua, Finland, it blends functionality with local craftsmanship. The production process is carefully managed, ensuring responsibility from yarn sourcing to the final product.
Balaclava
A balaclava is an essential accessory for those who love outdoor winter activities, providing full-face protection while keeping you warm and comfortable. Finnish people usually wear these under their helmet when skiing, but recently the Nordics have seen these rise as a fashion trend with versions that can be worn as a fashion statement as well, like knitted ones.
North Outdoor makes balaclavas from mulesing-free merino wool, perfect for active winter sports enthusiasts, as it wicks moisture away, dries quickly, and regulates temperature. The naturally antibacterial properties of merino wool help keep odors at bay, while the smooth, non-itchy fabric feels soft against the skin.
Waterproof Gloves
Gloves are a cold weather must-have, and if you plan on touching anything snowy, waterproof gloves is the way to go. Look for gloves made from breathable and waterproof materials to ensure comfort and protection.
Halti’s gloves are made from a blend of 50% recycled polyester and feature Thinsulate insulation for warmth, along with a brushed tricot lining for comfort. Waterproof and windproof, they’re ideal for chilly, rainy days. With a unisex fit and synthetic leather palm for grip, these eco-friendly gloves ensure comfort and protection during outdoor activities—plus they’re PFC-free!
Recommended Finnish accessory brands:
Shoes
Boots
A good pair of boots is essential. With snow and icy conditions, look for boots that offer a warm lining, a gripping sole for icy roads, and a waterproof outside.
Finnish brands balance functionality and style, offering rugged, utilitarian designs and sleek, modern looks. Features like non-slip soles and reinforced toe caps ensure stability on slippery surfaces. Whether you’re hiking or navigating the snowy streets, sturdy winter boots are a must-have for your winter wardrobe.
These ankle boots from Pomar are vegan, GORE-TEX®, and water resistant.
Rainboots
Feeling inspired and ready to liven up your wardrobe with new, eco-friendly pieces? Check out our library of sustainable small brands to support our mission and innovative companies on the quest for a better planet!