Finland has a long and storied history in clothing manufacturing and design. The Nordic country is home to some of the most innovative and sustainable fashion brands in the world. Finnish clothing companies are known for their minimalist aesthetic, high-quality materials, and emphasis on eco-friendly production practices.
From major international brands to small startups, Finland’s clothing scene is thriving. Companies big and small are finding creative ways to design beautiful, functional apparel while minimizing their environmental impact. Finnish fashion is characterized by its timeless, versatile pieces that can be worn year after year.
In this article, we will highlight ten of the top clothing manufacturing companies that call Finland home. The brands featured represent the diversity and ethos of Finnish fashion, from heritage labels to cutting-edge designers. Whether you’re looking for weatherproof outerwear, everyday basics, or statement runway pieces, Finland has a clothing company that fits your style. Keep reading to learn more about the top ten clothing manufacturing companies in Finland.
Marimekko
No list of top Finnish fashion brands would be complete without Marimekko. Founded in 1951, Marimekko is arguably Finland’s best-known fashion house worldwide. The iconic brand is beloved for its colorful, graphic printed fabrics designed by rotating artists. Marimekko pioneered the “democratization of fashion” by making bold, artistic prints available for everything from apparel to home goods.
While Marimekko has grown into an international lifestyle brand, it still maintains production facilities in Finland. The company prides itself on printing its fabrics locally rather than outsourcing. Marimekko’s simple, matchable prints have a timeless appeal. Its dresses, blouses, and other garments made from these prints have a playful, easy-to-wear aesthetic. Marimekko also partners with major retailers like H&M and Target for affordable capsule collections that expose new audiences to Finnish design.
Reima
When it comes to outdoor and kids’ clothing, Reima is the market leader in Finland. The family-owned company has provided outerwear for Finnish children since 1944. Reima incorporates cutting-edge technologies into clothing engineered to withstand the elements while keeping kids comfortable. Its jackets, snowsuits, and other cold weather gear allow Finnish children to stay warm and safe while playing outside year-round.
In recent years, Reima has also expanded into designing adult outerwear as well. Reima’s expertise in creating weatherproof, insulating fabrics and technology makes the brand suitable for all ages. The company’s focus on sustainability also attracts eco-conscious parents. Reima makes its products from bluesign® approved materials and recycles leftover fabrics into new clothing when possible.
Some of Reima’s most popular jacket lines for children include the Vilma series for girls and the Lauri series for boys. These waterproof, breathable jackets contain insulation technology that adapts to activity levels. Reima’s kids’ jackets, snow pants, and snowsuits also come in reflective colors to improve visibility in winter conditions. For adults, top-selling products include Reima’s Nedoja3 jacket made from recycled materials and the Lumi wool-blend coat. Reima constantly improves its materials and designs based on customer feedback for optimal comfort and protection.
Makia
Makia takes sustainability even further by manufacturing all of its clothing in Finland from locally-sourced, organic materials. The high-end brand was one of the first in the world to gain Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification in 2005. Makia makes its clothing from natural, non-toxic dyes and fabrics like merino wool, organic cotton, and linen.
In addition to organic and ethical production methods, Makia is also known for its minimalist yet stylish aesthetic. The brand’s clothes feature timeless, neutral-colored designs suitable for work or casual wear. Makia’s understated garments allow shoppers to build a versatile, ethical wardrobe that will last for seasons to come. The dedication to organic, natural materials does come at a price, but Makia provides an eco-luxury clothing option made entirely in Finland.
Some of Makia’s most popular pieces include:
- Siro Organic Pique Polo made from organic cotton
- Vakka Organic Merino Women’s Sweater made from sustainable wool
- Takki Organic Cotton MA-1 Bomber Jacket made from GOTS-certified cotton
- Rui Organic Linen Shirt featuring finely woven organic linen
Makia also makes organic loungewear, underwear, and accessories. The brand proves that comfort, ethics, and style can go hand-in-hand with its organic, local clothing production in Finland.
Globe Hope
Globe Hope takes sustainability one step further by creating clothing and accessories made entirely from recycled materials. The brand makes each piece by hand in Helsinki from surplus materials like factory textiles, leather, and rubber. Globe Hope rescues these discarded materials from landfills and transforms them into new garments, bags, and jewelry.
The result is a collection of one-of-a-kind, ruggedly chic pieces. Globe Hope’s recycled clothing features utilitarian silhouettes and neutral, earthy color schemes. Items like workwear jackets and boxy backpacks have a distinctly Finnish aesthetic while also embodying ethical production. By sourcing only recycled and surplus materials, Globe Hope provides eco-conscious shoppers with a way to reduce fashion’s environmental impact.
Some popular upcycled items from Globe Hope include:
- Denim jackets and bags made from discarded jeans
- Backpacks and accessories created from old truck tarps
- Totes and pouches sewn from recycled cotton and polyester fabrics
- Rings, earrings, and necklaces cast from reused metals
Globe Hope gives used materials new life and purpose while preventing additional waste. The brand’s resourceful designs appeal to minimalists and environmentalists alike.
Papu
Papu is a Helsinki-based clothing brand creating knits and wovens from all-natural, sustainable materials. The company uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, linen, and wool to design relaxed, minimalist pieces. Papu’s clothes have an understated yet contemporary look suitable for any age.
In addition to organic fibers, Papu works with small manufacturers in Finland and Portugal that share its values. The brand’s production remains transparent and localized as much as possible. Papu knits are known for their extreme softness and durability. Simple dresses, sweaters, and other wardrobe staples from Papu make sustainable dressing effortless.
Papu’s easy, organic basics include:
- V-neck and crewneck sweaters in muted solids
- Soft organic cotton tees and tank tops
- Dresses and tunics made from Tencel or organic linen
- Cardigans and other knits made from recycled wool
By sticking to natural, sustainable materials, Papu offers clean, ethical takes on everyday closet essentials.
Samuji
Samuji is an internationally successful sustainable label that started as a small T-shirt printing business in Helsinki. Designer Samu-Jussi Koski launched the company in 2003 and has since grown it into a coveted luxury brand stocked by retailers like Net-a-Porter. Samuji creates refined, minimalist womenswear using natural materials like silk, cotton, and linen.
While Samuji now works with ateliers abroad, it still maintains production partnerships across Finland. The brand also continues partnering with artists to create its signature graphic prints. Samuji’s understated, relaxed silhouettes allow the beauty of the natural fabrics and prints to shine through. The success of Samuji on the global sustainable fashion scene is a major feather in Finland’s cap.
Top-selling Samuji pieces include:
- Printed silk dresses and blouses
- High-quality linen culottes and trousers
- Cashmere and cotton-blend sweaters
- Recycled wool cardigans and coats
- Organic loungewear
Samuji masterfully balances sustainability with luxury by thoughtfully sourcing its natural fabrics. The brand has brought elevated, eco-friendly Finnish fashion to the world stage.
Pure Waste
Pure Waste is one of Finland’s most cutting-edge sustainable fashion startups. The brand transforms textile industry waste that would otherwise be incinerated or landfilled into new knitwear. Pure Waste collects leftover yarns and fabrics from factories, deconstructs and sorts them, and re-spins the material into renewable yarns.
These upcycled yarns become sweaters, cardigans, and loungewear with a distinctly “undone” handmade look. Pure Waste knits are earthy, organic, and utterly unique. The brand also utilizes digital knitting technologies to reduce waste and energy use compared to conventional knitting techniques. Pure Waste proves that clothing manufacturing waste can be innovatively recycled into new garments.
By giving discarded textiles new life, Pure Waste creates sweaters and cardigans like:
- Boyfriend and Oversized knits from recycled cotton
- Multi-colored, handcrafted women’s sweaters made from textile waste
- Knitted hoodies, crewnecks, and robe cardigans for men
- Cropped sweaters and vests crafted from regenerated factory yarns
Pure Waste’s one-of-a-kind offerings appeal to the sustainably minded consumer.
Nanso Group
Transitioning from startups to heritage brands, Nanso Group has manufactured clothing in Finland for over 60 years. The company owns multiple labels creating hosiery, underwear, and loungewear for men, women, and children. Nanso’s various brands like Nanso, Vogue, and FinnFlare all produce clothing in Oulu, Finland.
Nanso Group has proudly maintained domestic manufacturing as its production has scaled over the decades. The company combines its decades of expertise crafting intimate apparel with contemporary design and sustainable practices. Nanso’s brands offer quality basics that appeal to consumers of all ages seeking comfort, style, and Finnish craftsmanship.
Top products from Nanso Group include:
- Nanso’s warm wool socks and underwear essentials
- Vogue’s lace intimates and silk nightgowns
- FinnFlare’s colorful and printed underwear for young shoppers
- Long-lasting hosiery and thermals for men and women
- Comfortable loungewear and sleepwear for all ages
By keeping production local, Nanso Group supports jobs and the economy in Finland. The company’s commitment to domestic manufacturing has helped it thrive for over 60 years.
Finlayson
From blankets to bedding to clothing, Finlayson has manufactured textiles in Finland since 1820. The heritage brand operates Finland’s oldest textile factory which was founded all the way back in 1820. Finlayson is renowned both for classic home textiles and more recently, fashion as well.
Finlayson relaunched as a clothing label in 2014 with a collection of socks, accessories, and T-shirts featuring vintage motifs from the company archives. Today Finlayson creates full collections of men’s and women’s clothing featuring updated versions of recognizable archival patterns. By pairing heritage with innovation, Finlayson has found a new audience while continuing centuries of Finnish manufacturing tradition.
Finlayson’s clothing collections reimagine iconic prints from the brand’s 200-year history into:
- Sof vk shirts and sweatshirts showcasing vintage florals and graphics
- Colorful socks decorated with archival Finlayson designs
- Scarves, hats, and gloves featuring heritage prints
- Business wear including shirts and ties with classic patterns
- Casual t-shirts, sweatpants, and hoodies referencing old motifs
By remixing its extensive archives, Finlayson produces Finnish fashion with a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship.
Ivana Helsinki
Last but not least is Ivana Helsinki, the eponymous label of Finnish designer Paola Suhonen. Ivana Helsinki has brought Finnish fashion to runways around the world since 1998. Suhonen spotlights Finnish nature and culture through dreamy, feminine designs handmade in Helsinki.
Ivana Helsinki utilizes natural materials like silk, cotton, and wool to create its lightly printed dresses, blouses, and skirts. As a brand leader among Helsinki’s fashion scene, Ivana Helsinki merges Finnish heritage and contemporary design for a romantic, artistic aesthetic. The brand manufactures its runway collections locally to maintain its close connection to Finnish craftsmanship and the capital city’s creative community.
Ivana Helsinki is known for:
- Ethereal, feminine dresses combining silk and cotton
- Skirts, blouses, and knits featuring nature-inspired prints
- Locally hand-sewn details like tucks, pleats, and draping
- Ruffled trims and soft, pastel color palettes
- Collaborations with Finnish artists, photographers, and set designers
By spotlighting local artisans, Ivana Helsinki represents the very best of Finnish fashion and craftsmanship on the world stage.
Conclusion
From heritage labels to cutting-edge designers, Finland’s clothing industry combines quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. The brands featured in this article represent both Finland’s fashion history and its innovative future. While small in size, Finland’s clothing sector delivers exceptional products by focusing on local materials and production. The top 10 manufacturers highlighted here prove that sustainability, ethics, and great design can thrive together in Finland. By supporting these exceptional Finnish clothing companies, consumers everywhere can experience the quality, ingenuity, and care that makes fashion from Finland so extraordinary.
