“I only buy oversized clothes from thrift stores”—influencer Miia Johansson shares how she finds hidden gems at second-hand shops

These days, I only buy responsible brands on online second-hand platforms and in vintage stores. I love the Swedish brand Residus, the Portuguese label Guaja, and the Finnish brand Alpa. I know clothing from responsible brands lasts for years.

Stylist Allison Bornstein once said: “Don’t buy yourself problems.” If clothing I buy ends up in bad shape, it only causes trouble. How do I get rid of it, and who would want a poor-quality garment? By choosing a responsibly made piece, I’m much more likely to have a longtime companion.

I got excited about thrift stores about five years ago—maybe a bit too much. I was a shopping addict who spent a lot of time at malls. Then I discovered second-hand shops, especially the UFF chain of vintage stores. It soon became another form of addiction. I visited thrift stores every few weeks and always came home with two to ten items.

I eventually opened my own vintage shop in Porvoo when I realized I could turn my passion into a job. I learned how to find vintage pieces that would sell, and I priced them a bit higher. I knew that in the summer, people liked pastel-toned, simple blouses, and that high-quality materials like silk and cotton always found a buyer.

Both of Miia Johansson’s favorite cardigans came from thrift stores. The one on the right is a merino wool cardigan by The Knotty Ones, which costs nearly 300 euros new. Miia paid 70 euros. “One person’s trash is truly another’s treasure.”

Eventually, running the shop became too demanding. Preparing clothes for sale—washing, airing out, ironing, and listing them—was very labor-intensive. I now have huge admiration for people who run vintage boutiques.

It’s easy to chase a dopamine rush at thrift stores, just like in regular clothing shops. When you find something really lovely second-hand, you may end up buying plenty that isn’t truly your style. That happened to me, too.

I got tired of chasing dopamine at thrift stores and decided my motivation for buying clothes had to be deeper. I learned which things I actually like.

Now I focus on fabrics that suit my skin and hold up well. My skin is sensitive and atopic, so I prefer natural fibers. I avoid mohair, which many people find soft, but it makes me itch. I love the soft merino wool from The Knotty Ones. I only buy synthetic fabrics for sportswear.

This retro-style Tenerife vintage top was a find in Porvoo for about 25 euros. The vintage Levi’s jeans cost around 40 euros. “People often gasp at how expensive my thrift-store finds are, but they last for years, and I often marvel at how lovely clothes I have.”

I only buy oversized clothes from thrift stores. I like roomy cuts, and that way sizing rarely goes wrong, even when buying online. If I'm purchasing directly from a private seller, I always ask for the garment’s measurements first.

I’m a color analysis trainer, so I know which shades suit me. I love muted blues, for instance. I also think carefully about whether a piece will match my existing wardrobe.

Miia also bought Understatement-brand bras second-hand. “People were shocked on Instagram when I mentioned buying bras from a thrift store. But I already knew this style and size would suit me.” The Dior sunglasses cost 100 euros on Vestiaire last winter. “I’d seen the same pair at the airport for over 400 euros, so this was a great find.”

This denim shirt, likely from the 1980s, was found at UFF. Although Miia usually goes for minimalism, she fell for the flowers, silver shimmer, and strong shoulder pads. “It’s perfect for cool summer evenings.”

I might buy a slightly stained item online, because stain remover soap often works wonders. The only thing I wouldn’t buy is something with a bad odor—cigarette smoke or mold can be nearly impossible to remove.

I’ve bought two bras second-hand, too. When I shared this on Instagram, people were horrified, but I love them! According to the listing, they had only been worn a couple of times.

Even though I’m really good at using online second-hand platforms, I don’t need anything at the moment because I already have everything I want. I declutter my closet regularly, and I’m basically living a capsule wardrobe life. When your closet is packed with favorites, you can happily decide each day which wonderful piece to wear.”

This dark blue jumpsuit is a UFF find. “I wear it pretty often with stiletto heels at parties.”