VFP started as a joke shared between expats trying to explain Finland to the rest of the world. It grew into a community of 1.3 million people who get it — the silences, the saunas, the ruisleipa, and the very specific joy of being left alone in nature. Every design is created by Joel Willans, a Brit who's been living in Helsinki since 2002 and has had ample time to observe the Finnish condition up close.
If it made you laugh, you're one of us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you ship?
We ship worldwide. Shipping is free worldwide.
How long does delivery take?
Most orders arrive within 5–10 business days. You'll receive a tracking link once your order ships.
What if the size doesn't fit?
We offer a 30-day returns policy. If the fit isn't right, get in touch and we'll sort it out. Check the size chart before ordering if you're unsure.
How should I wash it?
Machine wash cold, inside out. Tumble dry low or hang to dry. This keeps the print sharp for longer.
Is it ethically made?
Yes — printed using DTG (Direct-to-Garment) technology on OEKO-TEX certified blanks. No batch overproduction; every item is made to order.
The shirt itself
This is not a tourist shop shirt that goes stiff and sad after one wash. The design is printed straight into the fabric using DTG, so it stays soft and will not crack, peel or fade the way a pressed on transfer does. The blanks are OEKO-TEX certified, which means they are tested free from harmful substances and safe against your skin. Every shirt is printed to order in small numbers rather than mass produced and left in a warehouse, so what arrives is made for you and built to be worn for years.
Designed in Helsinki by someone who actually lives here
Very Finnish Problems is run by Joel Willans, a British writer who moved to Finland over twenty years ago and never quite got around to leaving. Every design comes out of real Finnish life he's had with his Finnish wife, Anna and their kids, and a community of more than 1.3 million people who know exactly what no niin means.
