BEST PLACES IN THE UK TO SHOP SECOND HAND AND VINTAGE FASHION
We all know that shopping more sustainably is the future of the fashion industry. One of the ways our Co-Founder Natalie has been doing this is shopping vintage and second hand. But where do we start? Here’s some of the best places in the UK where you can shop second hand and vintage fashion.
There are many ways to shop consciously, and the main one is by shopping in local charity shops or vintage stores, and luckily there are plenty of great ones to choose from in the United Kingdom.
Thrift shopping is an incredible way to grab yourselves a bargain, and keep clothing in the loop as opposed to going into landfill.
Shopping at charity not only helps the planet, but it helps support the charity that runs the shop too, and it’s often cheaper than buying new! So in our eyes it’s a win-win for everyone!
We have compiled a list of our favourite shops in the UK:
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Mary’s Living and Giving
Save The Children is one of the big ones with hundreds of locations throughout the country. What makes them even more special is that their ambassador is none other than Mary Portas aka the Queen of Shops. Mary’s Living and Giving shops are a boutique branch of Save The Children, and you can be assured that you will find a stylish bargain or two - and very often, designer. We love what she does and what she stands for!
Learn more about the Living & Giving boutique’s by following the link below:
2. W. Armstrong & Sons.
W. Armstrong & Son is an Edinburgh vintage staple. Located in the heart of the Old Town on the Grassmarket, this gem holds a wondrous amount of vintage goodness. The store was established in 1840 and has been known for its eclectic and edgy pieces and this has kept them at the forefront of fashion for centuries. Whether you are looking for pieces from the 60’s, 80’s or 00’s, Armstrongs have you covered. They strive to find unique vintage pieces and find them a new home.
Have a look at their incredibly quirky website below:
3. Cancer Research UK
Another very familiar name is Cancer Research UK. There are currently six hundred stores across the country and are a firm favourite in the charity shopping game. You can find anything from fashion, to homeware, to books, to records; the list is endless. So whether you are in the market for a new mug or a new scarf, Cancer Research will have something for you. Plus, every penny you spend is donated directly to the charity, helping to fund research into cures for Cancer, which is a concept that everybody can get on board with.
4. Rokit Vintage
This brings us to the UK’s leading vintage brand store, Rokit Vintage. Located in the heart of Camden, Rokit is a goldmine for vintage finds. Housing infamous brands such as Christian Dior, Gucci and Converse to their own vintage garments, there is a plethora of amazing choices. They specialise in unique vintage clothing in the trendiest borough of London. Camden is the ideal location for Rokit, and they are a must when in London.
Check our their fabulous blog guide on how to style your vintage t-shirts:
5. Oxfam
Oxfam is a household name within the charity shopping world. They have hundreds of stores across the country and you can find many incredible bargains within them. Oxfam is very special as it has now turned to e-commerce. You can now shop second hand online, which especially during these trying times is an excellent move on their behalf. Don’t just take our word for it, see for yourself.
6. Depop
Depop is a revolutionary app that has completely changed the ways that we shop second hand. Depop allows its users to take photos of an item, add hashtags and a price, then post it for sale for anyone to buy. It’s incredible because you can find almost anything on the site, from designer handbags to just a set of new trainers. Have a little look.
Here are just a few choices to get you started, but there are plenty more, showing just how simple it is to shop more sustainably yet remain fashionable and trendy.
As you know, we’re huge supporters of shopping with small businesses, and also shopping local. So why not head to your local highstreet and see what other charity shops you can find?!
More and more people are using charity and vintage stores to up-date their wardrobe whilst also shopping consciously. It might be a bit more effort than shopping new to find those absolute gems, but we think it’s worth the effort to find one off pieces! Happy shopping.