Wasteland Vintage, Studiestræde

Retro fashion heart in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter

Wasteland sits on Studiestræde, a narrow street right in Copenhagen’s historic centre, surrounded by cafés, bars and indie boutiques. Step inside and you move from cobbles to concrete, from medieval facades to a universe of denim, logos and colour. The shop focuses on vintage and second-hand clothing, especially casual and streetwear styles from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The space feels dense but considered: long racks form aisles of shirts and jackets, while central rails display seasonal highlights. Overhead, you might spot caps, bags or a lone pair of trainers perched as decoration. It is the kind of place where you can do a quick scan, but rewards those who take their time digging for the perfect piece.

Curated vintage from North America and beyond

Unlike many local thrift shops, Wasteland leans heavily on imported garments, especially from the United States and Canada. That gives the selection a distinctly North American flavour: think varsity jackets, branded hoodies, faded band tees and workwear labels more commonly seen across the Atlantic. Denim is a major draw, from baggy jeans and mini skirts to low-rise cuts associated with Y2K style. Alongside them you will find sportswear from global brands, checked flannels, leather jackets and the occasional statement coat. Accessories extend the look with belts, sunglasses, caps, jewellery and bags, allowing you to build a full outfit from head to toe.

Redesigned pieces and evolving trends

As well as pure vintage, Wasteland offers reworked garments, where older items have been altered, cropped or embellished to reflect current trends. This hybrid approach makes it easier to wear vintage silhouettes in a contemporary way, appealing to shoppers who like the idea of second-hand but still want pieces that feel of-the-moment. Themed rails and curated drops appear throughout the year, often spotlighting particular aesthetics such as workwear, early-2000s streetwear or bold graphic prints. Regular visitors can expect the stock to change frequently, giving treasure-hunt appeal for locals as well as travellers passing through.

Sustainability through second-hand style

At its core, Wasteland is part of Copenhagen’s broader shift toward more sustainable fashion habits. By championing reused clothing and accessories, it offers an alternative to fast fashion while keeping style front and centre. Buying a vintage jacket or pair of jeans here extends the life of those materials and reduces the environmental cost associated with new production. The shop’s approachable layout and emphasis on recognisable brands make second-hand shopping feel accessible rather than niche. It is an easy place to experiment with bolder looks knowing that every purchase supports a lower-impact wardrobe.

Atmosphere, music and browsing experience

Inside, the ambience is relaxed, with a low buzz of conversation layered over whatever is playing on the speakers, often nodding to punk, techno or hip-hop influences that echo the shop’s roots. The lighting keeps colours true without feeling clinical, helping when you are scrutinising the exact shade of a denim wash or print. Changing rooms at the back allow you to try full outfits before committing, and there is enough floor space to step back and see how oversized pieces hang. Even if you leave with only one small accessory, the experience of browsing, styling and imagining different looks is part of the visit’s appeal.

Who will enjoy Wasteland most

Wasteland particularly suits travellers who enjoy fashion as a form of self-expression: students, young professionals, creatives and anyone building a distinctive capsule wardrobe. It is also a fun stop for couples or friends exploring the Latin Quarter, breaking up museum visits and café stops with some tactile, hands-on shopping. With its central location, it works well as a spontaneous detour during a day in the old town or as a purposeful mission for vintage enthusiasts. Whether you are hunting one standout piece or an entire new aesthetic, this shop offers a concentrated slice of Copenhagen’s second-hand culture.