Feature Photo Credit: Alpaca Love by Darja Bilyk Photography @dashiee for Those Were The Days Vintage Bridal
I first wrote about the environmental benefits of buying Pre-loved fashion back in January 2021, but since then I’ve moved back to the UK from Vietnam, and have been collating all the best places to buy vintage, pre-loved or pre-worn clothing.
In the United Kingdom, approximately 350,000 tonnes of used but still wearable clothing ends up in landfills each year. This staggering amount equates to roughly £140 million worth of clothing that is discarded rather than being reused or recycled. Unfortunately, this means that more than 30% of unwanted clothing meets its fate in landfills, contributing to environmental waste and resource loss. This disposal of clothing exacerbates environmental harm, as waste sent to landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
There is hope however, as today, the growing popularity of vintage, retro, pre-loved, and rental fashion is making a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
why we need to change
There’s no doubt about it, climate change is the biggest crisis we will ever face. According to climate experts, we don’t have long before the damage already done is irreversible and this means we have to act now. Even if we reduce our emissions as fast as possible, we will barely be able to keep global warming below 1.5°C. That figure seems tiny, but at just 1°C warming, at an increase of 0.2°C every decade, we are already experiencing the destruction of our Arctic ice and warm water corals. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will therefore require far-reaching changes in human activity, and in terms of fashion, it means changing both the way we produce clothes and how we consume them.
THE BENEFITS OF BUYING VINTAGE & PRE-LOVED
It’s really hard not to sound all doom and gloom when faced with these facts, but things are changing. Buying pe-owned clothing enables it to have a second life and offers the opportunity to utilise manufactured items which may no longer serve their initial buyer, but still have a long-life use and can benefit another.
With 6.5 million #preloved posts on Instagram as of now, this shows that the trend to reuse and repurpose fashion items is on the rise all over the world.
Related – NO TIME TO WASTE – WHY BUY PRE-LOVED AND REMADE FASHION?
a- z
In the era of fast fashion and ever-evolving trends, there’s a charm to vintage and pre-loved clothing that transcends time. From unique finds to sustainable fashion choices, the UK boasts an array of remarkable vintage and pre-loved shops and marketplaces. Let’s take a journey through some of the best ones, listed alphabetically, that capture the essence of fashion from bygone eras.
1stDibs
1stDibs is a leading online marketplace for extraordinary design that has been at the forefront of connecting enthusiasts with the most exquisite items since its establishment in 2000. Capturing the magic of the Paris flea market, 1stDibs serves as a platform linking discerning buyers with sought-after sellers and makers in vintage, , antique and contemporary furniture, home décor, art, fine jewellery, watches and fashion.
Aladdin’s Cave
This family-run vintage jewellery store sells a carefully hand-picked selection of pieces provide a unique alternative to the mass-produced items often found on the high street. They specialise in antique gold and silver , including diamond period pieces and jet, and also stock a wide spectrum of jewellery other items from Art Nouveau and Art Deco to more contemporary send-hand pieces. They are known for excellent customer service with the staff going out of their way to help you track down the perfect item for a gift or a truly unique engagement ring.
Address: 19 Queens Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6LF
All About Audrey Vintage & Bohemian Clothing
All About Audrey is a vintage and bohemian fashion brand located in Brighton’s North Laine. They offer beautiful bohemian and vintage clothing, mainly from the 60s and 70s, with a special love for Indian prints.
Their boho dresses, tops, and skirts often use vintage fabrics, making each handmade piece unique. Although items made from vintage fabrics might have some imperfections, they try to describe everything in detail. All their handmade bohemian clothing is ethically sourced and produced, mostly from vintage Indian sari fabrics.
Besides their online store, they also have a physical shop with different items, so it’s worth visiting both if possible. They showcase items on Instagram, where you can message them if something catches your eye – it might be dispatched quickly!
All About Audrey welcomes questions and offers styling tips, even providing appointments after working hours to help build your wardrobe for any season.
Audrey, the founder, lived a nomadic life, collecting bohemian clothing and accessories during her travels. Her designs are inspired by 1970s fashion, with a love for wildflowers and flowing dresses, evident in her peasant, prairie, and smock dresses.
American Graffitti
American Graffitti has two shops in Manchester with a great range of vintage/retro/fancy dress clothing, shoes, accessories and wigs.
Address: 12-14 Hilton Street, Manchester, M11JF / Afflecks Place, 52 Church Street, Manchester M41PW
W. Armstrong & Son
Established in 1840 by William Armstrong in Edinburgh’s Cowgate, W. Armstrong & Son has become a world-renowned vintage emporium specializing in traditional men’s attire. Despite its humble beginnings, the business has remained within the family, now owned by Carol and Greg McMorris, who have expanded to four city centre locations.
Offering a cornucopia of well-curated vintage wonders, the store is celebrated for its high-quality clothing and accessories, including kiltwear, military uniforms, Harris Tweed, cashmere, and vintage accessories.
Bags of Flavor
Bags of Flavor: Originally known for its custom-made bags from repurposed fabric (duvet sets featuring Ninja Turtles and adidas jackets) Bags of Flavor sell a great range of Adidas as well as quality vintage clothing from the 70,s and 80,s. vintage clothing sourced from around the world.
Address: Bags Of Flavor, 33 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LX
BEST
BEST is a three floor, treasure trove of selected vintage pieces and reworked items and their own branded goods. With handpicked items sourced from around the globe. Its contemporary flagship store is a must-visit for shoppers with a love of retro clothing, quality and attention to detail.
Reworked clothing has become their specialty with one off pieces, catering to modern day trends.
Address: 22-24 Newmarket Street, Leeds, LS1 6DG
Beyond Retro
Beyond Retro began in 2002 as a single warehouse-turned-retail store in East London, stocked with an eclectic range of vintage from the 1960’s – 1990’s sourced from around the globe. Today Beyond Retro have a network of trained treasure hunters scaling literally mountains of second-hand clothes from what the industry calls “raghouses” around the world to find the vintage diamonds that match their trends.
With locations in London, Brighton, and Bristol, Beyond Retro is a vintage haven offering a diverse range of clothing from statement pieces to everyday essentials, this shop promises a nostalgic shopping experience.
Address: London: 92 -100 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB (Dalston) / 110-112 Cheshire St, E2 6EJ, (Brick Lane) / 58-59 Great Marlborough St, W1F 7JY (Soho) / 23 Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 4AD / 20 Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3HA
Blank Vintage
Blank Vintage offers a unique selection of vintage menswear, filling a gap often noticed in other vintage shops, alongside a range of womenswear, all priced affordably – they proudly claim to offer the cheapest vintage in Bristol! It’s worth noting that Blank Vintage opens its doors exclusively on Saturdays from 1-6pm.
Address: Unit 19, Bartley Street, Windmill Farm Business Centre, Bedminster BS3 4DB
Blue Collar Boys
Blue Collar Boys are in the Victoria Quarter and offer vintage American sports tees and sweaters, old school tracksuits, pre-loved coats and retro denim.
Address: 20 King Edward Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AX
Blue Rinse
Blue Rinse sell a selection of men’s and women’s clothing, their Remade in England range breathes a new lease of life into vintage garments sourced from around the world. forgotten or otherwise unusable vintage finds are transformed in their Leeds based sewing room, by reworking, dyeing or altering each item. In addition to their retail outlets, they also provide a wholesale service to numerous vintage boutiques and stores across Europe. If you are looking to purchase mixed grades of clothing and accessories, or specific items in bulk.
Address: 14 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 6DN / Merrion Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8NG / 29 – 31 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JG
Bobby & Dandy
Bobby & Dandy Vintage sells vintage from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, as well as vintage French and American work clothes.
They’ve won awards and were a finalist for the Natwest Venus Awards ‘Best Small Business’ and have also been featured in Condé Nast magazine ‘Insider Guide’, Time Out, and on the BBC and Channel 4’s French Collection. Their pieces are frequently sourced for use in film, theatre and television and have recently been worn in the award winning series, ‘Sex Education’. Their clothes are unique and high quality, carefully chosen for their style and condition.
After over a decade in Hove, Bobby & Dandy is now located in a Grade II listed building in historic Old Town, Hastings.
Address: 45a George Street, Old Town, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3EA
Carnivàle Vintage
Carnivàle Vintage is a vintage boutique owned by Rachael Coutts, who loves vintage clothes and jewellery so much that her house got too full, and she decided to open a shop. They sell clothes from the 1940s to the 1970s for both men and women, as well as accessories, jewellery, and furniture.
Address: 51 Bread Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9AH
COW
Cow is an independent vintage clothing and accessories retailer stocking everything from big brands and one of a kind custom-made clothing from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and even nostalgic 00s pieces.
Each store is different, with interiors mostly made from recycled materials. You can visit them in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, and Nottingham. They also have an online store called We Are Cow.
Address: 82-85 Digbeth High Street, Birmingham B5 6DY / 82 Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS1 7JH / 15 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4DN / 61 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PD / 3 Carlton Street, Hockley, Nottingham, NG1 1NL / 156-160 West Street, Sheffield, S1 4ES / Wearecow.com
Depop
Depop is a global platform for secondhand and vintage items with an edge. You can buy, sell, and discover their stylish pieces through their app. Depop is all about community, helping empower a diverse community of sellers and small businesses, many of whom upcycle, restyle or design their own items as well.
Designer Exchange
Designer Exchange started with a simple goal: to make designer fashion accessible to everyone, no matter who they are or where they live. They welcome everyone, whether they’re buying, selling, or just looking around. They’ve grown into a premier destination for second-hand luxury fashion, offering a wide range of clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories for women and men.
With a focus on trust and authenticity, Designer Exchange employs cutting-edge technology alongside expert authenticators to ensure the genuineness of each item. Through its Double Lock Authentication process, combining AI technology and human expertise, the brand guarantees peace of mind for both buyers and sellers, offering immediate payments and a money-back guarantee.
Address: Unit 25, Great Western Arcade, Birmingham, B2 5HU / Unit 15, Royal Exchange, Manchester, M2 7BR / 5 Egerton Terrace, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2BX /328 King’s Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UH / 22 Queens Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LF / U174, McArthurglen Designer Outlet Centre, Kinsey Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 9JJ // Calle de Lagasca 39, Madrid, 28001
Dirty Harry
Dirty Harry has three whole floors of vintage, retro and second-hand clothing, footwear and accessories, as well as upcycled clothing which attracts customers from all over the world. They stock a colourful and diverse range of sportswear, workwear to womenswear.
Address: 6 Sydney Street, Brighton, BN1 4EN
Don Majors Streetwear
Don Majors Streetwear has been at heart of Bristol’s vintage and designer streetwear for over 12 years. Specialising in ‘90s sports and streetwear, the vintage selection features classic Ralph Lauren shirts, Levi’s jeans and jackets, quirky tees and one-offs at comparatively low prices.
Address: Stonebridge House 233A Cheltenham Road, Bristol BS6 5QP
Dukes Cupboard
Dukes Cupboard: Founded by Milo Harley and Ned Membery, Duke’s Cupboard evolved from a market stall on Berwick Street in Soho, London to a store and website, specialising in vintage menswear with limited-editions and rare logos and graphics.
Address: 14 Ingestre Place, London, W1F0JQ has quickly become the capital’s most renowned vintage stall thanks to impeccable editing and an approachable attitude to fashion with a good sense of humour and an even better eye for a gem.
Address: 14 Ingestre Place, London, W1F0JQ Dukescupboard.com
East Street Emporium
East Street Emporium is a collective of independent shops and there are two vintage stockists here: Lou Mack – @hand-picked vintage and vintage inspired clothing, and @Secondtimearoundns, selling clothes from recycled fabrics.
Address: : 127 East Street, Bristol, BS3 4ER.
Flock
Flock’s founders are three local creative labels Pick up Sticks Vintage, Hearts & Guns and Palomita Jewellery. The concept was to bring together a ‘flock’ of like-minded makers, designers and vintage collectors, offering the very finest clothing, jewellery, textiles, homewares, accessories and gifts.
Flock has a bohemian style and a love for detail and authenticity. Brighton is a big part of what Flock is all about, its ethos is to champion high quality, handmade and hand curated pieces and to provide customers with unique items and great personal service. It’s a place where people feel free to be themselves and express their creativity.
Address: 46 Sydney Street, Brighton, BN14EP
Grin
If you are looking for something unusual then you may find it at GRIN; they offer a wide range of unique products including vintage clothing and sunglasses.
Grin are located in Afflecks, a lively market in Manchester with lots of small shops run by independent traders who really care about what they sell. Afflecks is like a hub for creativity, where people can try new things and grow their businesses. Grin isn’t just about selling things; they want to support anyone with a cool idea. They’re all about being different and reflecting the spirit of Manchester.
Address: Afflecks, 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW
HEWI
HEWI: Hardly Ever Warn It launched in 2012 and is a slick website focusing on reselling luxury fashion pieces and accessories, many of which are from only a season or two ago. Brands include Prada, Christopher Kane, Hermes to name a few.
Hope & Harlequin
Hope & Harlequin, located in Brighton (and on Etsy), is known for their unique curated vintage items for daywear and special events. They specialise in vintage dresses, including wedding gowns made from old patterns.
Their sister company, Hope & Harlequin Bride, offers both vintage originals and new, vintage-style wedding dresses.
They source their items from all over the UK and the world to make shopping easy for you. They can also alter or repair items to your liking.
Some of their dresses have even been worn on TV shows like Downton Abbey and they recently won an award for being the best vintage wedding dress supplier.
House of Vintage
The House of Vintage is a curated selection of menswear and womenswear from the 1920’s through to the 1970’s, with particular emphasis on rare and unique clothing and accessories. The first shop opened in Toronto, Canada in 2003, the second opened in 2010 in Shoreditch, East London and then in 2018 their third shop opened in the heart of Hackney Central. This is a favourite sourcing destination for film and TV stylists looking for vintage and was one of the sources for building the wardrobe for Marianne in the BBC’s Normal People.
Address: UK: 4 Cheshire Street, Shoreditch, London, E2 6EH / 28 Amhurst Road, Hackney, London, E8 1JN
Independent Rag
Independent Rag is a vintage and retro boutique in the North Laines with plenty of bargains for every season selling ladies and men’s clothing. Their outside sale rails offer items of clothing for as cheap as £3, making vintage fashion affordable.
Address: 38 Sydney Street, Brighton, BN1 4EP
Katie's Kind Closet
Katie’s Kind Closet is a recently launched online store providing a platform for customers to discover pre-owned designer, unique, and timeless fashion pieces for women and children. Founded by Katie Shelton-Innes during the ‘lockdown’ period in 2020, her frustration with traditional selling methods led her to establish her own online and social media shop, showcasing new pieces daily on Instagram. With low commission rates and a commitment to charity, sellers donate a minimum of 10% of the sale price to charity on every transaction.
Kilo Sale
Kilo Sale is vintage clothing sold by the kilo – free admission and £20 per kilo.
Address: 29-31 Oldham Street, (Entrance by Crazy Pedro’s), Manchester, M11JG & Various Pop-Up Venues: Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP / Leeds Beckett Students’ Union, Portland Building, Portland Way, Leeds LS1 3HE / Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Rd, Brixton, London SW9 8PQ / Peckham Springs, 4-5 Dovedale Trading Estate, Peckham, London SE15 4QN / Hanbury Hall, 22 Hanbury St, Spitalfields, London E1 6QR
Little Blue Door
Little Blue Door offers a collection of colourful 80’s and 90’s vintage clothing, all meticulously handpicked by their team. They harbour a passion for unearthing remarkable preloved pieces deserving of a second chance. Any vintage treasures procured from their website are swiftly delivered to customers’ front doors utilising eco-friendly packaging.
Address: 25 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QG
Loot Vintage
With over 15 years in fashion and vintage, Loot Vintage is a temple for the creative and unique with rare, hand-picked one-offs from all over the globe amalgamating and reworking styles, eras, traditions and cultures with a balanced collection of branded and non-branded, original and reworked items. Its trendy interior showcases its 90s treasures and promises an exciting experience for all who visit.
Address: 6-9 Haymarket Walk, Bristol, BS1 3LN
Madam Popoff Vintage
Madam Popoff Vintage: Often visited by celebs, stylists and designers, this little vintage boutique in the seaside town of Margate initially started off online and is a real gem with cherry picked vintage items, which are glamorous, sexy and stylish. Check out some of their wicked photo shoots on Instagram and Facebook, for example this beautiful 1970s silver lurex dress.
Address: 4 King Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1DA
Mary's Living and Giving Shop
Mary’s Living and Giving Shops for Save the Children: Mary Portas is a Retail expert, author, TV personality and Save the Children’s Retail Ambassador. She had a vision for a new kind of charity shopping experience, which developed into a successful chain of second-hand Mary’s Living and Giving Shops throughout the UK.
These are charity shops with a difference; a boutique feel with high-end, high-street and designer gear at second-hand prices.
Address: Raeburn Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1HN / Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4HG / High Street, Teddington TW11 8HG & Various Locations Throughout London
Morning Tea
Morning Tea invites customers to step into the past with their carefully handpicked selection of vintage garments in store at one of their at the clothes cycle pop-ups. From curated vintage Stüssy products embodying the brand’s essence and heritage to timeless Nike pieces narrating their athletic legacy and style, Morning Tea offers an exploration of various brands. With a commitment to vintage fashion, they provide high-quality, genuine, branded vintage products.
Address: 53 St Leonard’s Street, Edinburgh EH8 9QN
One Scoop Store
One Scoop Store was founded in 2017 by Holly Watkins, who with 15 years experience working in the fashion industry decided it was time to spread the word about second-hand clothing.
There is a physical store in East London which which serves as a platform for creatives with a unique mixture of resident brands – from sustainable fashion, lifestyle, beauty, home to health and fitness. One Scoop Store was included in British Vogue’s list of The Best Vintage Shops in London in 2020; they also have an online store featuring a range of designer, contemporary brands and eccentric vintage items from markets, car boot sales and a network of private sellers.
Address: The Factory 21 — 31 Shacklewell Lane, Dalston, London, E8 2DA
Oxfam
Oxfam: In June 2019, Oxfam launched Second Hand September at Download festival, asking people to be part of the fight against fast fashion. In 2020 Emma Grant, eBay’s Head of Pre Loved, celebrated second hand with a joint auction of over 100 fabulous items of curated vintage and Oxfam pieces, selected by stylist Lucy Tempest Walker
There are physical stores throughout the UK and an online store where you can buy a wide range of second-hand clothing in all sizes and styles and check out some interesting blog posts.
Address: 123a Shawfield St, King’s Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4PL / 23 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5RH & in Numerous Locations Throughout London and the UK.
Patina
Patina offers a diverse selection of high-quality true vintage pieces spanning from the 1930s to the 1990s. With a keen eye for uniqueness and a dedication to sustainability and ethics, Patina continuously seeks out distinctive items while also keeping a lookout for beloved classic labels. The store’s mission is to make dressing well an experience that is both sustainable and exciting for its customers.
Peony Vintage
Peony Vintage opened its Margate doors in 2016 and has grown online ever since. Founded by Georgina Roberton, a freelance stylist and costume designer who handpicks every single item and works hard to make sure the store stocks a careful edit of impeccable garments.
A “Virtual Vintage Reworked Market” founded by Emily Sturgess takes place once a month on Instagram on their Reworked account page with up to 20 virtual stalls selling beautiful pieces of re-worked and re-claimed vintage.
Address: 12A King Street, Margate CT9 1DA
Pop Boutique
Pop Boutique was first opened by founder by Richard Free in 1994, Pop Boutique is a reliable source of vintage clothing and sunglasses and the Manchester store now boasts its own café on the basement floor and also sells the shop’s own branded goods.
UK Addresses: 34-36 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JN / 52 Church Street, Afflecks Place, Manchester, M4 1PW / 110 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4HY / 12 – 16 Central Road, Leeds, LS1 6DEA / 30 Shorts Gardens, London, WC2H 9PX /
Poshmark
Poshmark is an online marketplace designed for individuals to sell items from their closet for cash. With over 70 million community members across the U.S. and Canada and 200 million items for sale, diverse collection of styles, brands, sizes, and price points there is something for every budget on this site.
Preloved of Brighton
Preloved Of Brighton are a consignment boutique selling used clothing and accessories. Their shop opened in 2013 in Fiveways, north of the city centre, and they enjoy being part of the lively community there.
Address: 267a Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6FL
Pre Loved Kilo
Pre Loved Kilo: The whole concept of a ‘kilo sale’ was created by vintage wholesalers to off-sell any old or low grade stock on the cheap to not only trade buyers, but to the wider public and to individual customers too. But finding good stuff in these sales was rare until Preloved Kilo came along. They’re different because they carefully choose high-quality items for their events. They check each piece to make sure it’s in good shape and has a mix of sizes, colours, styles, and eras.
Preloved Kilo lets people buy quality vintage clothes by weight, meaning you pay for what the clothes weigh instead of a fixed price. Everything in the store is a rate of £15 per kilo, with super heavy items at a maximum fixed price of £15. Preloved Kilo Pop-up Shops are the exact same concept as buying online, but in a more permanent space. Preloved Kilo Pop-up Shops visit some of the UK’s most iconic venues – Town Halls, Cathedrals, Guildhalls, Assembly Rooms, bringing a whole new shopping concept direct to your local community.
Preloved wholesale is for trade: a 5kg purchase will typically consist of 15-20 items of Grade A vintage and branded clothing – perfect if you are new to the second-hand market, especially those trading on Depop.
76 Division Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 4GF
PREWORN
Preworn is on a mission is to help clean up the fashion industry. They are a leading retailer in the UK, specialising in offering a wide array of high-quality second-hand clothing sourced in bulk from major UK suppliers. With a commitment to sustainability, Preworn ensures rigorous quality control through its dedicated sorting department and expert listing team, who process over 4,000 items daily with a bespoke listing process.
Operating online, Preworn keeps prices affordable, making sustainable fashion accessible to all. Any items that do not meet quality standards undergo various waste streams to avoid landfill or incineration, reflecting Preworn’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
Join their mailing list and get 25% off your order.
Rag Trade Boutique
Rag Trade Boutique: This is a dress agency embracing sustainable, ethical fashion, where you can buy sell or trade preloved designer and selected high street women’s clothes, shoes and accessories. Despite its name, the shop sells exclusive items and high-end vintage.
Address: 39a Cotham Hill, Bristol, BS6 6JY
Re-Fashion
Re-Fashion: This online marketplace has a wide variety of second-hand clothes and a Style blog featuring items for sale. It also encourages upcycling by selling cheap “Rag Bags” which contain garments that have slight defects, which are perfect for upcycling and de/reconstruction into hybrid clothing.
Rellik London
Rellik London: Opened in December 1999, Relliklondon is an independently owned vintage store selling stylish designer women’s pre-owned clothing and accessories, with pieces by Comme des garçons, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Alaia, Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood, Thierry Mugler and many more. The store attracts a loyal customer base including stylists and designers from all over the world.
Address: 8 Golborne Road, London, W10 5NW
Rhubarb Jumble
Rhubarb Jumble specialises in 1950’s-1970’s clothing, homeware and furniture selling handpicked pieces from all over the globe. Despite being smaller than some of the more established stores, this high-quality boutique has a unique retro style and stocks superior vintage items.
52 North Street, Bristol, BS3 1HJ
Rebound Store
Rebound Store is a service for buying and selling authentic pre-owned items based in Brighton, East Sussex. The are an award winning vintage and pre-loved designer consignment store selling a variety of brands including; Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Isabel Marant and Ganni, as well as modern brands you’d find on premium sites like Net a Porter.
Address: 97-99, Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 2FN
RePsycho
RePsycho: Starting out as a stall on Portobello Road, RePsycho was opened in 1994 and is one of the oldest vintage shops in Bristol, located in bohemian heart of the city. Repsycho vintage is a ‘treasure trove’ of retro fashion and homeware, and vintage fashion for men and women, sourced from all over the world, as well as handpicked, quality, vintage inspired brands such as Run & Fly.
Address: 85 Gloucester Road, Bristol, B37 8AS
Ryan Vintage
Ryan Vintage: This is one of the oldest vintage shops in Leeds, packed with retro clothing. The shelves are particularly full of vintage sportswear, including Adidas, Ellesse, Umbro and occasional designer brands.
Address: 13 Duncan Street, Leeds, LS1 6DQ
Shpock
Shpock ia an App that works as an online marketplace and classifieds platform selling amongst others items sells pre-loved clothing – it brings millions of private buyers and sellers across the UK together.
Snooper’s Paradise & Snoopers Attic
Snooper’s Paradise & Snoopers Attic: This is an emporium of vintage goods with a diverse range of antique, retro, vintage and second-hand one-off items from independently owned stall owners. The attic houses everything from delicate designs using vintage and antique textiles, high quality and collectible hand-selected vintage and bespoke millinery to curious oddities and stylish menswear.
Some stall holders have set up their own websites, Facebook or Instagram pages: Hazy Dayz Vintage / Cuckoo Cherry Tree / Future Folklore
Address: 7/8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
Something Elsie
Something Elsie is a Retro Vintage Boutique that first started trading in 2013. Located at Wapping Wharf, a space for independent businesses that contributes to the vibrant community, they offer a carefully curated collection of high quality 80s and 90s vintage clothing.
Address: Unit 20 CARGO 2, Wapping Wharf, Museum Street, Bristol, United Kingdom
Still White
Still White: This is the UK’S largest online pre-worn wedding dress marketplace. You can filter the listings for designers or by size and style and can pick up a designer dress at a fraction of the retail price. Sellers generally give details about alterations, care advice as well as any faults or how the dress has been stored.
Stockxchange
Stockxchange, is one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after agencies for ladies’ clothing and accessories. Offering a comprehensive shopping experience, Stockxchange caters to those seeking their favourite designer styles and those looking to consign their pre-loved items.
Beyond mere retail, Stockxchange invites patrons to host exclusive ladies’ nights, welcoming both women and gentlemen. Attendees at these events have the opportunity to explore the entire collection, featuring esteemed brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, DVF, and more. Complementing the shopping experience, Stockxchange provides beverages and snacks, while guests enjoy exclusive discounts on the inventory.
The Real Real
Arguably the most recognizable name in the consignment business, The Real Real is a leader of luxury resale online. One of the most trusted in the business, the platform is known for curating high-quality, gently used luxury fashion.
Those Were the Days Vintage Bridal
Those Were the Days Vintage Bridal boutique’s rare and ever-changing bridal collection is internationally sourced, hand-selected, and expertly curated, spanning from the Edwardian era to the 1990s. It features glamorous gowns, suits, jewellery, and accessories such as veils, tiaras, hats, and handbags. Specialising in unique vintage dresses, the collection offers a distinctive alternative to modern wedding attire.
Address: 26 Saint Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AL
ThredUp
ThredUp. This is one of the largest online platforms for women’s and children’s second-hand clothing. They also aim to educate consumers and bring awareness to the global fashion waste crisis and have created a first of-its-kind carbon calculator to help consumers understand how their fashion habits contribute to climate change.
Thrift +
Thrift +: Thrift+ aims to create the single best online destination to shop for second-hand clothes, with a Click & Collect app for high street charity shops. There is a wide choice of high street brands and designer brands. As a seller half the profits are donated to a charity of the seller’s choice, with the remaining given as Thrift+ credit or as vouchers with their range of partners.
Having a spring clean of your wardrobe has never been so hassle free. Order a Thrift+ Bag and sent your items to them to sort, photograph, list, pack and ship your clothes.
To Be Worn Again
To Be Worn Again is a Brighton-based vintage clothing company, specializing in high quality vintage items for both men and women. They are located in Brighton’s North Laines independent shopping district and are also open monthly to the public for kilo sales in their warehouse in Worthing.
Address: 13 Southcourt Road, Worthing, BN14 7DF / 24 Sydney Street, Brighton BN1 4EN / 12 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
TRAID
TRAID is a charity that aims to turn clothing waste into funds and resources to reduce the environmental and social impacts of our clothes, tackling disposal, production and consumption by funding international development projects.
No longer the fusty old granny shops of before, charity shops have had the biggest growth thanks to the sustainable fashion movement in recent years.
TRAID has also launched Behind the Seams – a free resource to support educators to promote education for sustainability. The toolkit uses participatory teaching methods to explore the socio-environmental impacts of how we produce, consume and waste clothes to equip young people with the knowledge and actions needed to shape a more sustainable society.
They have shops throughout London and online marketplaces on ebay and Depop.
Addresses: 41 – 43 Lewis Grove, Lewisham, , London, SE13 6BG, 2 Acre Lane, Brixton, London, SW2 5SG, 154 Camden High Street, London, NW1 0NE, 28 St John’s Road, Clapham Junction, London, SW11 1PW, 106 – 108 Kingsland High St, London, E8 2NS, 119 King Street, Hammersmith, London, W6 9JG, 324d Station Road, Harrow, London, HA1 2DX, 70 – 72 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 4HS, 14 – 16 Rye Lane, Peckham , SE15 5BS, 154 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London, W12 8AA, 61 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 4UA and 51 – 53 High Road, Wood Green, London, N22 6BH.
Uncle Sam’s American Vintage
Uncle Sam’s American Vintage: A vintage clothing store specialising in US clothing from western shirts, varsity jackets to Hawaiian shirts and much more.
54A Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5JN
Urban Village
Urban Village is a purveyor of vintage fashion, specializing in original clothing and accessories from the 1960s and 1970s. They operate both a physical shop and an online platform.
Address: 92 High Street, Henley-in-Arden, B95 5BY
Vestiaire Collective
Offering the largest Vestiaire Collective, a certified B Corp, stands as the premier online marketplace for authenticated pre-owned luxury fashion and vintage, headquartered in Paris. With a dedicated team of experts committed to upholding quality standards and identifying counterfeits, Vestiaire Collective offers a diverse array of labels with an editorial touch, featuring a “We Love” category, and blog-style articles on Fashion Stories. Since its inception in 2009, the company has been pioneering luxury authentication, boasting six authentication academies worldwide and training directly with top luxury brands.
Embracing a “Long Live Fashion” philosophy, Vestiaire Collective fosters a community of fashion enthusiasts dedicated to sustainable practices, offering tools for buying and selling unique pieces from wardrobes worldwide.
Vintage Boutique
Vintage Boutique: Offering the largest collection of vintage and antique items in Leeds, Vintage Boutique is an emporium of vintage and retro reminiscent of London’s Carnaby Street in the 1960’s with an extensive vinyl record collection, furniture and cameras, glassware and suitcases. The shop has a floor dedicated to vintage clothing and accessories from the 60s, 70s and 80s, with a staggering range of iconic retro pieces: from sheepskin fleeces, Hawaiian shirts, sequin dresses, tie-dyed tops, basketball jerseys, tweed coats, military surplus, cable-knit jumpers, designer sportswear, graphic t-shirts of long-obscure celebrities to name a few.
Address: Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 2AS
Vinted
Vinted is an online marketplace facilitating the buying and selling of items among its vast community of over 75 million members. With a focus on second-hand fashion, users can give pre-loved items a new lease on life while earning money by selling items they no longer need.
The platform, supported by a team of over 1000 individuals, offers a user-friendly experience where listing items is free and simple through the Vinted app. Sellers box and ship their sold items within 5 days using prepaid shipping labels provided by Vinted. Notably, Vinted charges zero selling fees, ensuring sellers keep what they earn, with payments processed promptly once the buyer confirms satisfaction.
Watchfinder & Co
Award-winning Watchfinder & Co., established in 2002, has emerged as the leading destination for buying and selling premium pre-owned watches. With a vast selection of over 50 brands, including Rolex, Omega, and Cartier, coupled with international locations and a manufacturer-certified service centre, Watchfinder offers unmatched expertise and resources for luxury timepiece enthusiasts.
Investing in a pre-owned watch not only allows for savings but also potential appreciation over time, without the depreciation associated with showroom purchases. With a focus on employee knowledge, Watchfinder ensures customers receive comprehensive information to make informed purchasing decisions, recognizing that acquiring a luxury watch entails investing in a rich heritage and legacy.
We Are Cow
We Are Cow: This is the online store for COW, specialising in on-trend pieces and reworking second-hand clothes into customised pieces, and is a favourite with the student community.
Wolf & Gypsy Vintage
Wolf & Gypsy Vintage was established in 2009, and is celebrated for its carefully curated selection of blended vintage charm and and designer clothing, gifts and accessories. Named one of Britain’s best vintage shops by the Telegraph and Homes & Antiques, Wolf & Gypsy Vintage offers a meticulously chosen range of wearable classics and lifestyle pieces, handpicked to appeal to fashion enthusiasts seeking unique finds.
Address: 30 Sydney St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4EP
If there are any vintage or pre-loved shops or marketplaces that you think should be included in this list please send me details in the message box below.
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