London’s best thrift stores

Beyond Retro’s flagship vintage superstore houses a vast but well-edited collection of vintage and second-hand clothing for men and women, all under a pleasingly Art Deco roof. Once you’re done rifling through the racks – or perhaps when you just fancy a mid-shopping refuel – take a pew in the on-site café, which keeps up the kitsch vibes with vintage tea sets and tables made from old Singer sewing machines.

Best for: an encyclopaedic selection of vintage togs

Address: 92-100 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB

As Rokit’s flagship store, this branch stocks the most comprehensive selection of second-hand items, from tutus and military gear to cowboy boots and sunglasses. You won’t find many well-known labels here, but it’s still worth a rummage; on previous visits, a Gunne Sax prairie dress and a Marimekko day dress were unearthed, and they were an absolute steal. There are also scarves, belts and hats galore. For men, there's plenty of the usual male Americana. Still can’t find something to satisfy your second-hand needs? There are two more branches in Camden and Brick Lane, with the latter taking on more of a boutique feel.

Best for: accessories to top off your vintage look

Address: 42 Shelton Street, WC2 9HZ

Formerly Blitz, Atika opened in 2011 and instantly put the other vintage shops in the capital to shame. This is a vintage department store, covering all floors of a glorious old furniture factory, with the building beautifully renovated by the Atika team. On the racks, you’ll find immaculate seersucker blazers, coloured denim, brogues and silk kimonos drawing the fashion-focused clientele in. The selection is all killer and no filler – and cleaned, steamed and folded before it hits the shop floor.

Best for: a seriously stylish shopping experience

Address: 55-59 Hanbury Street, E1 5JP

Reign Vintage started out in 2002 and really established themselves in the vintage fashion world, and now boast two London stores to their name. Handily, they have a decent, regularly updated online store, too, making it easier than ever to shop for second-hand treasures. They source a lot of their stock from Europe, and shoppers can expect to find fun logo sweatshirts and kitsch dresses mixed in with Gucci loafers and Versace blazers. Prices are fair – £25 or so for a pretty vintage shirt. Check out the second location in Stoke Newington for even more bargains. 

Best for: carefully-picked European treasures

Address: 12 Berwick Street, W1F 0PN

This well-curated Shoreditch shop takes the guesswork out of vintage shopping, offering immaculately arranged rails of pieces from '20s gowns to point-collared '70s shirts. If you’re looking for one-offs, this is the place to come – the team focuses on the rare and unique, rather than stocking the shop with bits you’d be able to find in any other vintage store in town. Make sure to check out both branches, in Shoreditch and nearby Broadway Market.

Best for: rare and unique retro pieces

Address: 4 Cheshire St, E2 6EH

This high-end Islington shop offers a very curated assortment of (predominantly pre-1960s) vintage evening wear and wedding dresses, as well as unusual collectables. Pennies previously sold an intricately beaded 1920s wedding dress to Downton Abbey, for Lily James’ character to wear, so you know this is costume-worthy vintage wear. In the market for your own show-stopping wedding gown? You’ll find some gorgeous options here for around £200.

Best for: dazzling special occasion gowns

Address: 41A Amwell St, EC1R 1UR

Run by charity FARA, Retromania is just a short walk from Victoria and Pimlico stations. With super fashion-savvy staff, items are priced knowledgeably and range from £15 to upwards of £200. Fun memorabilia like vinyl and magazines are mixed in amongst pretty embroidered shirts, wacky 70s dresses and eye-wateringly bright oversized sweaters.

Best for: cool and kitsch retro finds

Address: 6 Upper Tachbrook St, SW1V 1SH

With a spread of clothing, shoes and accessories dating from 1900 to the 1980s, what you’ll find in east London’s Paper Dress Vintage is anyone’s guess. The scope offers alterations should your dream purchase need adjusting. It also doubles as an events space, hosting comedy, live music, burlesque, dance classes and so much more, so once you're done shopping, make sure you stick around to be entertained. 

Best for: partying amongst the rails

Address: 352a Mare St, E8 1HR

As far as London’s chicest charity shops go, Boutique by Shelter is definitely in the running for the crown. Head to the Barnes flagship and you’ll find an industrial interior by Hemingway Design, an art student fanbase and staff with their fingers firmly on the pulse of fashion. On the rails, there are quality vintage, premium labels and ‘how did I miss that the first time round?’ high street gems, all handpicked with care but priced reasonably. Similarly trendy stores can be found across the city, including Coal Drops Yard, Islington’s Upper Street, and Hampstead Heath, so you're never too far from a potential great find. 

Best for: feelgood finds to help end homelessness

Address: Barnes, SW13 9HH