London has long been synonymous with fashion.
From McQueen to Quant, McCartney to Westwood, the city is home to hundreds of high-end and high-street stores. But if you're looking for something a little more one-off or pre-loved, then you should move away from Oxford Street and New Bond Street and hop on a tube to any number of London's boroughs.
The capital is teeming with some of the best vintage shops in the world, you just need to know where to look. To help you uncover these hidden gems, we've rounded up some of the best vintage shops in London.
Nordic Poetry, Shoreditch
Situated in the East End, this area is synonymous with street art and embracing individuality. Known for its indie bars and global street-food cuisine, you'll also find some of the best vintage shops in London, like Nordic Poetry.
Established by Swede Ameli Lindgren, the boutique offers a carefully curated mix of designer pieces, vintage sportswear, and timeless Scandi silhouettes.
Serotonin Vintage, Brick Lane
A popular destination for tourists in Shoreditch, Brick Lane is one of the most historic streets in London. A hub of activity for nearly 450 years, it's renowned for its melting pot of cultures.
Whilst you'll find some of the tastiest curry houses in the UK around the area, you'll also find the finest selections of vintage clothes shops in London. Serotonin Vintage is perhaps one of the most eclectic.
Featuring iconic 90s and early 00s clothing from powerhouse brands like Burberry, Fendi, Dior, and Moschino, it's a real treasure trove of nostalgia.
Atika, Spitalfields
Spitalfields has played an important role in fashion since the Huguenots of France began settling here in the late 1600s. Bringing with them their craft for weaving silk, the area has continued this trend for creating fine fashion.
Now known around the world for its bustling market, if you're looking to combine vintage shopping in London with art exhibitions, then Spitalfields is for you. And if over-the-top prints and colours are your thing, then a trip to Atika is a must.
A store whose motto is 'more is more', you won't be disappointed by the labyrinth layout in London’s largest vintage store.
Rellik, Ladbroke Grove
Situated between the effortlessly chic Notting Hill and the up-and-coming Kensal Green, Ladbroke Grove is awash with independent boutiques, quirky cafes, and an unrivalled collection of vintage furniture and clothes shops.
If you're a fan of the bohemian look of the 1970s, then we can't recommend a trip to Rellik enough. Bursting with OTT trinkets, it's renowned for its accessories and footwear. From gold bodysuits to Chanel jackets, sequin dresses to Gucci shirts, if you're looking for a vintage shop in London that has luxury items from every decade, Rellik should be top of your list.
Karen Vintage Boutique, Portobello Road
Where Ladbroke Grove is contemporary and eclectic, Portobello Road is very much its elegant cousin. Home to the world's largest antiques market, it's easy to spend a Saturday exploring all the wares on offer.
Whilst you're wandering, you might just come across Karen Vintage Boutique. Where some vintage shops in London evoke Brit-pop cool, Karen Vintage Boutique very much embodies the Sloane Ranger. The perfect place for a member of the 21st-century ton to find an outfit fit for a princess. Brimming with lace, ruffles, sparkles, and feathers, you'll find everything from disco-chic to 1920s-inspired flapper dresses.
Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney
Home to the modern version of the Bright Young Things, Hackney is renowned for its arty media crowd. Ideal for lovers of music, food, and fashion, it has a village-like feel that locals and tourists love.
And if you like your vintage shops in London to come with live music, then Paper Dress Vintage could be right up your street. With an outdoor courtyard area, the shop regularly hosts music events, so you can grab yourself a vintage 1950s prom dress and dance the night away.
Travelling to London’s vintage shops
Travelling to London by car is tricky, even at the best of times, with the notorious congestion charge and hectic roads. Whether you have a whole weekend of vintage shopping in London in mind or you’re planning a day in the capital, travelling by train to London is the easiest way to navigate the hustle and bustle of the capital whilst grabbing a vintage bargain.