This Is Where You Can Buy The Best Vintage in London

We've previously discussed the positive effects of second-hand fashion and how it contributes to a more circular fashion system. By purchasing pre-loved clothing, we are giving these items a new lease on life, preventing them from ending up in landfills, which is just wonderful for our planet. 

As we know, fast fashion is one of the most environmentally damaging industries globally, accounting for 10% of annual global emissions. By embracing second-hand fashion and being mindful of where we shop, we learn to prioritise quality over quantity, fostering a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption.

This week, we've done some research to compile a list of the best in-person places where you can find second-hand fashion, whether it’s designer or not.

IRL London Vintage: Where To Shop?

London is famous for its diverse thrift shops landscape, where you can uncover hidden treasures to enhance your collection or simply do your seasonal wardrobe refresh. Here are some stores that we believe are definitely worth a visit:

• Princess May Car Boot Sale, Dalston: This classic British jumble sale is known for its hidden treasures. Clothes from different people's wardrobes and stories are up for grabs, so you are sure to find something unique. 
• RSPCA, Stoke Newington: This small charity shop is run by knowledgeable ladies who have a passion for their job. You will always find something you love here. 
• Dress For Less, Islington: The beautifully curated collection of secondhand clothing at this shop is sure to tempt you. From Ganni to Burberry trench coats, you will find it all here. 
• Salvation Army, Mayfair: This shop is likely one of the best-kept secrets just off Oxford Street. This store is the ultimate destination for designer pieces, and it’s rumored to be the drop-off spot for last season’s items from Vogue House fashionistas. If you're seeking high-quality designer finds, this shop is definitely worth a visit.
• Charity shops, St John's Wood: Start at the top of St John's Wood High Street and work your way down, stopping at every charity shop along the way. You will find hidden gems like vintage YSL cashmere and box-fresh Le Creuset. 
• Seconda Mano, Angel: This hidden gem is a little hard to find but filled with secondhand and sample designer clothes, from Galliano, Gucci to Paul Smith. 
• Shop From Crisis, Finsbury Park: This spacious store offers a wide array of items and frequently garners media attention for its iconic presence within the community and its stunning window displays. Additionally, the shop organises regular events and boasts a vibrant Instagram page, allowing you to experience the store's atmosphere before your visit.
• Beyond Retro, Soho: This classic thrift shop is known for its goldmine of unique pieces waiting to be discovered. The West End branch is a must-visit for those on the hunt for something special. They recently did a collaboration with Stuart Trevor and we were fortunate to attend the launch party in Soho!
• One of a Kind, Notting Hill: A west London institution that offers rare vintage designer pieces. You can find great 90s Versace and Chanel items here. Though the major pieces can be a bit costly, there are bargains to be found as well.
• Duke's Cupboard, Soho: Best known for secondhand designer vintage clothing. The shop has an American theme, with a large collection of dead-stock, Palace, Supreme, Stussy, and rare band tees.
• Mind, Camden: As you would anticipate from a charity shop in Camden, this Mind location boasts an impressive array of quality clothing alongside some intriguing curiosities. There’s even a special section for ‘cool, weird, and funky’ items, in addition to a vintage rail. Not only is the selection remarkable, but the shop is also recognised as the ‘most affordable charity shop in Camden Town.’
• Blue 17 Vintage, Holloway: This shop offers a great selection of vintage clothing from the 1930s to the 90s, as well as accessories and jewellery. 
• Retromania, Victoria: This unique store in Victoria gathers all retro and vintage donations from Fara's charity shops, offering them for sale in one special location. In addition to stunning vintage items, you'll discover unique designer treasures here. The prices are affordable, with clothing from the 60s, 70s, and 80s available. You can also find beautiful vintage wedding dresses among the collection.
• The Reloved Club: This platform is a community resale fashion platform. They host a monthly pop-up events a year around London and allow their community to buy and sell there! You can keep track of their upcoming events through their Instagram as they always update their audience here.

The reality is that these are merely a handful of the incredible second-hand and vintage shops found in London. Given the city's vastness, it’s nearly impossible to compile an exhaustive list of every shop worth exploring. While we’ve shared our favourites, we recommend that as you wander through the city, if you come across a vintage or charity shop, take a moment to pop in. You might just discover hidden treasures waiting for you.

That being said, various neighborhoods offer different styles of clothing and bric-a-brac based on their residents.

• For designer clothing, visit Chelsea, Kensington, or Hampstead. However, keep in mind that you might encounter higher prices for the items you find here.
• If you’re looking for unique and edgy clothing, East London or Camden are your best options. These areas often feature fun second-hand pieces and possibly some vintage finds.
• To discover the lowest prices, explore neighbourhoods located further from central London. Generally, the farther you venture from central London, the more affordable the prices will be. Neighbourhoods in zone 3 can provide you with the best of both worlds.

[All imagery sourced on canva.com, info sourced on goodonyou.eco and thriftylondoner.com]