Top 10 Vintage Shops in London for Students
London is a vibrant capital city which is known for its rich history and culture, along with being a haven for vintage enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a student living in London on a budget or simply someone with an appreciation for timeless fashion, the city’s vintage shops offer a treasure trove of unique finds.
In this guide we’ll be taking a look at what makes London’s vintage scene so special, so stick with us to find out!
Iconic London Neighbourhoods
From the bustling stalls of Portobello Road in Notting Hill to the eclectic offerings of Camden and the chic boutiques of Covent Garden, each London neighbourhood offers a distinct vintage experience.
Dive into the retro vibes of Brick Lane or explore the upscale vintage finds in Ladbroke Grove, the options are endless.
Each area reflects London’s diverse culture and history, making exploring vintage shops in London not just a retail experience but also a journey through time.
Sustainability Meets Fashion
One of the recurring themes in London’s vintage shops is the emphasis on sustainability.
By choosing to shop second hand, you’re not only getting a unique piece but also contributing to a more eco-friendly fashion industry, rather than the negative impact of fast fashion.
It’s a win-win for both the environment and your wardrobe!
Celebrity-Endorsed Vintage Treasures
It’s not uncommon to find shops in London that boast of their celebrity clientele. From Lady Gaga to Kate Moss, many celebrities have been spotted hunting for vintage gems in the city.
So, the next time you pick up a vintage dress or accessory, know that you might be sharing style preferences with the stars!
If you’re wondering what it is about London’s vintage scene that attracts such a star-studded clientele, there are a few reasons.
First, London has a long and illustrious history of fashion, from the swinging sixties to the punk era, this city has always been at the forefront of fashion trends.
This means that there is a vast selection of vintage clothing to choose from, from iconic pieces from the past to more obscure finds.
Second, London is a global city, and this is reflected in its vintage scene.
You can find vintage clothing from all over the world in London, from the United States to Japan to Africa, making it a great place to find unique and one-of-a-kind pieces.
The next reason is that London is home to a number of talented vintage dealers, who have a passion for vintage clothing and accessories, and they are experts in finding the best pieces.
This means that they can help you find the perfect vintage item to suit your style and budget.
Now let’s look at our top picks that you just have to visit – in no specific order of course!
1. Portobello Road Market
Looking for top vintage fashion picks for students? Portobello Road Market is a must-visit.
This world-famous market is located in Notting Hill and is known for its vintage clothing and collectibles, as well as its wide variety of food stalls.
The market is open every day from Monday to Saturday, and it is especially busy on weekends.
The market is divided into two sections: the antiques market and the sustainable fashion market.
The antiques market is located at the northern end of the road, and it is home to a variety of antiques dealers selling furniture, jewellery, and other collectibles.
The vintage clothing market on the other hand is located at the southern end of the road, and it is home to a wide variety of stalls selling vintage clothing, accessories, and homewares.
If you are looking for a unique piece of vintage clothing or an antique, Portobello Road Market is the place to go – just be prepared to bargain!
2. Rellik
Rellik is a vintage clothing store in Ladbroke Grove, London that has been a favourite among university students since 1999.
The store stocks a wide variety of unique and stylish pieces from the 1960s to the present day, including pieces from iconic designers like Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, and Yohji Yamamoto. They also stock a small selection of menswear instore and online.
The store is owned former Portobello market stallholder Fiona Stuart, who is passionate about vintage and sustainable fashion. Since starting, the shop has continued to grow in strength and now has a online store and ships worldwide!
They are always on the lookout for new pieces to add to their collection, and they are happy to help students find the perfect outfit for any occasion.
Rellik is a great place to find unique and affordable clothing that you won’t find anywhere else.
The prices are reasonable, and the staff are friendly and helpful, and are always happy to help you find the perfect outfit for your next night out or for your next lecture.
If you’re a university student looking for unique and stylish vintage clothing, Rellik is the place for you.
Be sure to head down to Ladbroke Grove today and check it out!
3. What Goes Around Comes Around
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What Goes Around Comes Around is a high-end sustainable fashion store in Camden Market that is a must-visit for any fashionista.
The store specializes in 80s and 90s fashion, and it has a wide selection of designer labels, including Chanel, Gucci, and Dior.
The store’s inventory is constantly changing, as they are always on the lookout for new pieces.
They also have a small selection of newer vintage clothing, as well as a selection of accessories and homewares.
What Goes Around Comes Around is a great place to find unique and rare pieces of vintage clothing. The prices are high, but the quality of the clothing is excellent.
Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a more subtle addition to your wardrobe, you’re sure to find something you love at What Goes Around Comes Around.
The staff here are lovely and are always happy to help you find the perfect outfit for your next outing with your besties.
So if you’re in the market for some unique vintage fashion, be sure to check out What Goes Around Comes Around.
Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!
4. PICKNWEIGHT
PICKNWEIGHT is a vintage store in Covent Garden, London that is known for its unique pricing system.
Items are priced by the kilo, which means you can find some real bargains if you’re willing to dig through the racks.
The store has a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and homewares, from all eras to choose from.
You can find everything from vintage Levi’s jeans to Chanel handbags, and the best part is, they also have a great selection of rare and unique pieces.
PICKNWEIGHT is a great place to find hidden gems, as the prices are reasonable, and the staff are friendly and helpful.
5. Rokit
On the hunt for the best places to shop until you drop? Rokit is one of the most popular vintage stores in London.
Here, they have a wide selection of vintage clothing and accessories from all eras.
You can find everything from vintage Levi’s jeans to Chanel handbags at Rokit, as well as a great selection of rare and unique pieces.
Rokit has several locations in London, making it easy to find one near you.
They even have an online store, so you can shop from the comfort of your student flat.
Rokit offers a 20% student discount, making it even more affordable for students to shop there.
6. Beyond Retro
Beyond Retro is another popular vintage store in London, which has a curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories from all eras.
They also have themed sections, making it easier to find specific styles. Beyond Retro offers a 20% student discount online and in-store.
The men’s section has a wide selection of clothing from the 1950s to the 1990s.
You can find everything from suits and jackets to jeans and T-shirts, as well as dresses and skirts.
Beyond Retro has several locations in London such as Shoreditch, making it easy to find one near you.
They also have an online store, so you can shop from the comfort of your own home – what a winner!
7. Brixton Vintage Kilo Sale
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Brixton Vintage Kilo Sale is a shop that sells vintage clothing by the kilo.
You can choose from a variety of categories, such as dresses, skirts, tops, trousers, and coats.
The prices are very affordable at £15 per kilo so you can often find some great deals for your student budget.
Vintage Kilo Sale is a great place to find unique and affordable vintage pieces, with a good selection of accessories, such as jewellery, handbags, and hats.
8. Paper Dress Vintage
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This vintage clothing boutique has been a fixture on the Hackney scene since 2007, and is known for its eclectic selection of clothing from the 1900s to the 1980s.
You’ll find everything from flapper dresses to punk rock jackets, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect for your personal style.
The best part about Paper Dress Vintage is that it’s student-friendly.
The prices are affordable, and the staff is always happy to help you find the perfect outfit.
So what are you waiting for? Head to Paper Dress Vintage today and start your shopping spree!
9. The Vintage Showroom
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The showroom is located in a small alleyway off of Neal Street, and is open by appointment only.
It’s worth the effort to get there, as the selection of clothing is truly amazing.
You’ll find everything from 1960s mod dresses to 1980s rock ‘n’ roll jackets, all in excellent condition.
The prices are also very reasonable, making it a great place to find affordable vintage clothing.
And the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, so you’re sure to find the perfect outfit for your next night out.
So if you’re looking for a unique and stylish way to stand out from the crowd, be sure to check out The Vintage Showroom in Covent Garden.
10. Oxfam Vintage
Oxfam Vintage is a charity shop that has several locations in London.
The shop sells a wide variety of vintage clothing, including men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing.
Oxfam Vintage is a great place to find affordable vintage pieces, and the proceeds from your purchase go to support the charity’s work in helping people in need.
The prices at Oxfam Vintage are very reasonable, and you can often find some great deals.
They also have a good selection of hard-to-find pieces, such as vintage wedding dresses and military uniforms.
Your Turn To Explore!
So, there you have it, our top vintage shops in London. These are just a few of the many great vintage shops in London.
So, next time you’re in the city, be sure to do some vintage shopping and see if you can find a celebrity-endorsed piece!
These hidden gems are destined to add some colour and style to your outfits without breaking the bank and might just find yourself sharing style preferences with the stars.
Which store will you be visiting? let us know @_homesforstudents.