This article is part of FT Globetrotter’s guide to Copenhagen
I have a problem. I know it, my collapsing clothes rail certainly knows it and a good fraction of Copenhagen probably knows it too, after witnessing me zipping around the city’s flea markets on Sunday mornings, wired on coffee and frantically digging through rack upon rack of second-hand clothes. As far as vices go, the loppemarkeder (flea markets) of Copenhagen are pretty harmless — for all but my wallet, that is.
In the Danish capital, a philosophy of low-waste and re-use is reshaping the way people shop. “Copenhagen is a very community-based city filled with flea markets, communal dining spots, running clubs, baby play cafés, and more,” explains Thea Ringby, the owner of consignment-based second-hand store Reseller. “Vintage shopping fits perfectly with that mindset. It is all about sharing and reusing within a close-knit community.”
This mentality is undoubtedly bolstered by Copenhagen’s noble (if thus far unsuccessful) ambition to become the world’s first carbon-neutral city. “If you study fashion in Copenhagen, sustainability is always part of the conversation. It is just naturally built into the way we think and create,” Ringby continues. In 2020, for example, Copenhagen Fashion Week — dubbed the greenest in the world — launched its first sustainability action plan, introducing a set of minimum requirements that all participating brands must meet. The plan outlined everything from working conditions to consumer engagement, mandating a ban on single-use plastics and requiring that at least 60 per cent of each collection must consist of certified, low-impact or deadstock materials.
Fashion here exists as part of a broader circular economy, and its expression is underpinned by deep cultural values; most notably, Janteloven, an unofficial — almost subconscious — civic code prevalent across Scandinavia. The philosophy discourages bragging or believing you’re better than others, instead prioritising collective wellbeing and, often, conformity. In Denmark, its stamp of influence can be seen everywhere from education policy and work norms to the country’s famed democratic design principles. Such an ethos naturally lends itself to thrifting as a measured rejection of conspicuous consumption.
Though many Danes reject the term, Janteloven has inevitably had an impact on the capital’s shopping habits and sense of style. One only need look at the ubiquity of the “Ganni Girl” or the recent resurgence of flip-flops as an everyday shoe (the latter of which, in my not-so-Janteloven opinion, should be made illegal) to see how it can manifest as a kind of uniform.
But the grip of conformity invariably produces a counter-desire for distinction. “I have a strong feeling that Copenhageners both dare and love to be different,” argues Ferial Berri, the owner of Frederiksberg gold mine Paloma Vintage. “There’s a mix of styles here . . . and it shows in the streets. This diversity paves the way for all kinds of vintage outlets: thrift stores, flea markets and more high-end boutiques too.”
And therein lies the paradox: the city’s rich and varied second-hand offering gives collectors the chance to bag one-of-a-kind items while demonstrating that individual style needn’t be individualist. Rather, it can function as an organic extension of a sustainable, community-serving framework. Perhaps that’s Janteloven in practice: not either/or but a mindful mix of both. And with Copenhagen “girlies” dominating Pinterest boards across the globe, their dynamic, second-hand style isn’t going away soon. So next time you’re in the City of Spires, here’s where to head to find a new-to-you look.
Time’s Up
Krystalgade 4, 1172 Indre By
One of the first high-end vintage stores in the city, Time’s Up Vintage has been a firm favourite of Copenhagen’s thrift scene since it first opened two decades ago. Now a local institution, it is helmed by the magpie-eyed Jesper Richardy, who sources items on his frequent travels, always with a focus on quality over quantity. It’s this globe-trotting edit that attracts A-list shoppers from Naomi Campbell to Lady Gaga — even the OG It girl herself, the late Jane Birkin, was a fan. Expect era-spanning archival pieces ranging from 1940s Hermès scarves and Christian Dior cocktail dresses to classic Nineties Helmut Lang. Website; Directions
Gentofte Loppemarked
Bregnegårdsvej 2, 2920 Charlottenlund
Copenhagen’s leafy northern suburbs are known for their sea-gazing mansions, upscale restaurants and wind-lashed beaches. But the main draw for vintage lovers is Charlottenlund’s Gentofte flea market, which runs every Sunday from April to October, and is well worth the 20-minute train ride. Interspersed with antiques and Danish homewares are international labels like Chloé and Bottega Veneta, alongside Danish brands such as Stine Goya, Saks Potts and Skall Studio. Be warned: as it’s one of the city’s largest markets, there is a lot to sift through, and when you find something you love, it’s best to snap it up. I still dream about a brocade floral Marc Jacobs SS17 dress I lost out on; a brutal lesson in what I know now to be true — nothing haunts you like the vintage you didn’t buy. Opening times: Sundays, 8am-2pm, from April 12 to October 4. Website; Directions
Reseller
Klareboderne 4, 1115 Copenhagen
Housed in the former home of famed Danish designer Nanna Ditzel, Reseller is a consignment-based, second-hand and concept store in the centre of Copenhagen. Founded in 2019, it is the vision of Thea Ringby, a local with a background in sustainable fashion, trend forecasting and retail. “It’s always been about creating an accessible, sustainable and social way of consuming fashion,” she says, going on to describe the playful, irreverent style of her Copenhagen clientele: “You’ll see people in track pants with kitten heels, puffy dresses with hiking boots or wool socks and sandals.” In store, you’ll find all the necessary ingredients to recreate the look, with regularly replenished stock spanning established brands like Maison Margiela and Acne Studios alongside smaller labels such as Birrot, and carefully handpicked, unbranded items. For inspiration, check out the store’s Instagram, where the staff style new pieces as they come in. Opening times: Monday-Saturday, 11am-6pm; Sunday, noon-4pm. Website; Directions
Paloma Vintage
Alhambravej 22, 1826 Frederiksberg
When I first met Ferial Berri from Paloma Vintage, she was wearing white bloomer-style trousers tucked into zebra-print knee-highs, dressed down with a grey, oversized knit. Her style embodied Copenhagener’s effortless ability to layer and contrast, and her enthusiasm for vintage was immediately obvious. “It instantly triggers something in me when I come across a vintage piece that I like,” she told me later. “It’s hard to explain — and maybe I never want to. It’s the same kind of feeling as when you hear a piece of music you love or are touched by a painting.” And look, if curation was an Olympic sport, Berri would be going for gold. Think 1980s Saint Laurent jacket — in chocolate-brown velvet with a silk ruffled trim, no less — hung next to a Moschino biker jacket and some leopard-print D&G. Naturally, I left Paloma that day with an incredibly special purchase: a herringbone Galliano jacket with a sculptural, built-in sash. Opening times: Wednesday-Friday, noon-5.30pm; Saturday, 11am-3.30pm. Instagram; Directions
Magnolias
Købmagergade 5, 1150 copenhagen
Despite its perch smack-bang in the city centre, Magnolias is one of those places you can easily walk right past if you’re not paying attention. Occupying the basement of a hat shop on Købmagergade, a pedestrianised shopping street, this store is crammed wall-to-wall with vintage designer pieces, so it’s worth spending some time sorting through the rails, which are helpfully ordered by colour. Prized finds include a pink vinyl Miu Miu raincoat, a lime-green Prada beach bag and Chanel ski goggles — none of which, I regret, made it home with me, though I did manage to bag an incredible paisley Etro coat which remains the jewel of my transitional wardrobe. Due to the next-to-new condition of these pieces, and the kind of high-end brands on offer, the store errs on the pricier side. But if you’re looking for a unique investment piece, this is your spot. Opening times: Monday-Friday, 11am-6pm; Saturday, 11am-5pm. Website; Directions
Jerome Vintage
Vesterbrogade 36, 1620 Vesterbro
This Vesterbro go-to is a masterclass in Scandi minimalism. Step inside and you’ll find a sleek showroom of polished concrete, clean lines and mirrored steel. Unlike the jumble of other vintage spots, Jerome operates on the basis of restraint. The pieces here, though few compared with other places, are rigorously curated and perfect for those who appreciate clean lines and architectural silhouettes.
The focus here is on timelessness, with a selection that reflects the polished, minimal style often associated with Swedish design houses. It’s the perfect pit stop if you’re looking for that hard-edged, contemporary classic to anchor your wardrobe. And if you’re not? Rosy Vintage, the brand’s more casual — and affordable — arm, is housed under the same roof. Opening times: Monday-Friday, 11am-6pm; Saturday, 11am-5pm. Website; Directions
Veras Market
NørrebroHallen, Nørrebrogade 208, 2200 copenhagen and Bispeengen 20, 2000 Frederiksberg
Veras Market is a popular wellspring of preloved pieces that draws a primarily younger crowd. The prices here are generally cheaper than other markets, making it ideal for shoppers on a shoestring. Its popularity is largely thanks to its weatherproof locations in a sports/community hall in winter and under a bridge in summer — a crucial detail in Copenhagen, where the changeable weather means you never know what the next 10 minutes have in store. You can find a mix of high street and genuine vintage, but Veras is famed for its bountiful supply of popular Danish brands, including high-turnover pieces from Ganni and Samsøe Samsøe. The key to striking gold here is to arrive early, even a little bit before the official opening time of 10am. By noon, the crowds can become a tad overwhelming. Opening times: January 24-25, February 21-22 and March 14-15, 10am-4pm, at Nørrebro Hall (Directions). From April to November (except July), Sunday, 10am-3pm, at Bispeengen 20, 2000 Frederiksberg (Directions). Website
Where do you shop for vintage in Copenhagen? Share your recommendations in the comments below
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