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Guide to the Best Thrift Vintage Shops in London & Beyond
With sustainability on the tip of everyone’s tongue at the moment, an easy way to transition to a more eco-friendly wardrobe is to shop 2nd hand. Lucky for you, I’ve spent my fair share of years traipsing around vintage shops and have gathered my knowledge into 1 easy list of the best vintage shops in London and beyond.
Over the past couple of years, there has been a huge rise in popularity for vintage clothes. I absolutely love digging around and finding a gem that’s totally unique, at a great price! Many vintage shops like Rokit are taking old clothes and ‘upcycling’ them into more up-to-date styles. What is ‘upcycling’ you might ask?
[UPCYCLE] 1990’s
Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality and environmental value.
Without further ado, and in no particular order, here is the list of my favourite vintage / thrift shops in London:
1. Beyond Retro
110-112 Cheshire St, London, E2 6EJ
92 -100 Stoke Newington Road, London, N16 7XB
(Also Soho, Brighton, Bristol & Sweden)
Beyond Retro is a treasure trove full of everything and anything! You're bound to find something for every occasion, from menswear, womenswear, fancy dress and Christmas jumpers! Don't be fooled by the entrance, the single door opens up to a cacophony of vintage miscellanea.
2. Rokit
101 &107 Brick Lane, London, E1 6SE
225 High Street, London, NW1 7BU
(Also Covent Garden)
You can't miss Rokit as you walk down Brick lane, the brightly dressed mannequins entice you in. There are 2 shops as you walk down Brick Lane, pop into both and you're bound to find something!
3. Atika(previously known as Blitz)
55-59 Hanbury Street, London, E1 5JP
Just off Brick Lane, Atika is a two floored store dripping head to toe in vintage wear. The vibe is great and there are plenty of dressing rooms to try things on and do a little fashion show for your pals. A must see!
4. Brick Lane Sunday Street Market
Brick Ln, Spitalfields, London E1 6QR
A great place to find a bargain! You might not be able to try it on and there might be a little stain but I've found some amazing things that I love wearing after a wash! At the weekend, you can find these stands right at the far end of Brick Lane near the famous bagel shop.
5. Vintage Market – Brick Lane
85 Brick Ln, Spitalfields, London E1 6QL
Try not to miss the entrance as you start your journey down Brick Lane! Walk down the stairs and find an underground labyrinth of vintage stalls overflowing with everything and anything! You can find any style of vintage you want down here. (Personally, I find it a little pricey but it's irresistible as you just fall in love so many items)
182 Brick Lane, London, E1 6SA
On your journey down Brick Lane, you'll find this shop on the corner. Everything in there is cool, unique and there is a great East end vibe. P.S. Don't forget to go downstairs!
7. Kilo Sales
Keep an eye out for kilo sales in your area! - East End Thrift Store & Preloved Kilo
Nothing beats the buzz of going to a kilo sale, ready to dig your way through the piles of clothes to discover those hidden diamonds in the rough.
Once you’ve filled your bag with your chosen goodies, just head to the tills to weigh your haul and badabing badaboom, pay per kilo!
8. Special Events
There might be special events happening over summer like Traid x Anthropologie (ending 4th August) that could be worth checking out!
My favourite vintage shops Outside of London:
If by any chance you're outside of London - Check out these!
3 Carlton St, Nottingham NG1 1NL
(Also Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham)
With the rise in popularity of vintage shops, sadly Cow has become more and more expensive but the style is 2nd to none. With 2 floors full of vintage clothes and upcycled items, you'll end up wanting to buy everything.
2. Braderie
19-21 Pelham St, Nottingham, NG1 2ED
If you're on the hunt for a retro shirt at a great price, this is the place to go. Plus all things chic and a bunch of cool vintage accessories and trainers too.
4-6 Broad Street, Nottingham, NG1 3AL
Wild Clothing is a sweatshirt paradise! Cheapest place in Nottingham and everything in there is awesome! Don't forget to go downstairs for some snazzy items.
6 Sydney Street, Brighton, BN1 4EN
I love love love this shop. As you walk down Sydney street, it's hard to miss. Great finds on the sale rail outside and the best place if you're in search of some dungarees!
5. Try your hand at visiting your usual charity shops like OXFAM, Cancer Research, Thames Hospice, Traid etc. Plus your contributions are going to a good cause! Charity shops can be really hit and miss but sometimes you can find some real gems for a great price! Especially if you're in an area where people are dropping off some beauties.
6. ASOS Marketplace
If you’ve been to a vintage fair recently and are fretting that you’ll never find them again, worry not. They can usually be found on ASOS marketplace – also handy if you fancy doing a bit of thrift shopping from the sofa.
https://marketplace.asos.com/boutiques/vintage
Everything in this article is through my personal experience and I'd love to hear more recommendations! Send us an email to team@cariki.co.uk or leave us a comment and I'll go check it out!
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