16 Best Thrift Stores In London

“London, a city with royalty and a vast history, it only makes sense to be fashionable and trendy. How else to do it economically, but by being thrifty.”

Keeping up with fashion trends or finding your own style is hectic and heavy on the pocket, however, like they say, old school is the best. Thrift shopping has become the norm, while it may be second-hand items, the London thrift stores have quality checked and maintained their wares to rival the brand-new pieces. Due to low rates, thrift shopping is a favorite amongst students worldwide. Thrift stores in London have gone a step beyond, and you will always be left wanting more. Further, with the history associated with these items, one can transcend time and trends.

Why is thrifting good?

The modern world has its own plethora of problems, and thrifting is a solution. 

• ECONOMICAL. That’s right, thrift shopping’s biggest boon is its suitability for mindful spending. With various wares available in London thrift stores, one can find what they require at discounted rates.
• London thrift stores encourage the reuse of clothes and other items, reducing emissions for making new materials while reducing landfills.
• The thrift stores in London are charity shops that contribute to a sustainable future while assisting disadvantaged communities.

Read on for insight into how the London thrift stores are paving the way for a sustainable and bright future.

Best thrift stores in London

Here, we have compiled a list of the 16 thrift stores in London that are bound to meet your thrifty needs and make sure you stand out in the London neighbourhoods, so read on.

Rokit Camden

Address: 225 Camden High Street, London, NW1 7BU
Timings: Monday To Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM
Website: Vintage Clothing | Retro Clothing | Rokit Vintage Clothing

‍Known for having one of the largest collections of vintage, designer and branded clothing available for thrifting, Rokit has sealed its name among some of the best thrift stores in London. With humble beginnings in 1986, Rokit has expanded the thrifting culture with an evergrowing and quality collection across its multiple stores. The store constantly brings out new deals and even offers a 10% of student discount all year round, making it the go-to place.

Beyond Retro, Soho

Address: 19-21 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TR
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM; Sunday, 12 PM to 6 PM
Website: Vintage Clothing & Accessories | Beyond Retro‍

Thrifting in London? and Looking to go sustainable and contribute to the world while being fashionable? Look no further, Beyond Retro has dedicated itself to recycling clothes with over 7 million pieces and established itself as one of the genuinely sustainable thrift stores in London. The store has an exchange programme where one can turn in their old clothes and avail discounts keeping your wardrobe fresh and stylish. With a unique vintage collection, Beyond Retro offers affordable clothing and a 20% Student discount if you shop from its online store, as such, you can thrift on the go. Located in Soho, you can access various quirky restaurants and tourist attractions nearby, making it an ideal weekend getaway. 

Atika London

Address: 55-59 Hanbury Street, London, England, E1 5JP
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 7 PM; Sunday, 12 PM to 6 PM
Website: ATIKA London

As one of the largest thrift stores in London, Akita (formerly the Blitz) is a favourite amongst most thrifters due to its vast collection of premium vintage clothing. Refurbished as a thrift store from an old furniture factory, the building itself is aesthetically pleasing and adds a unique element to your thrifting experience. Collaborating with independent designers, you are bound to find individualistic pieces. One visit is enough to keep you hooked!

A Dandy in Aspic

Address: Unit 748-749, North Yard, The Stable Market, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AH
Timings: Monday to Friday, 11 AM to 6:30 PM; Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM to 6:30 PM
Website: Vintage Menswear - Camden | A Dandy in Aspic (adandyinaspic-camden.co.uk)

Are you craving a vintage experience? A Dandy in Aspic is a vintage store located in Camden’s Stable Market offering a classic collection from 1900-1979, which are handpicked, assuring a satisfying purchase. Hold up, what if I don’t want to be a classic forever? Well, the store offers its collection on rent as well, so be it an event or just a themed party at a friend’s place, you can steal the show with authentic classic wear sourced from around the world.

Oxfam, Kentish Town

Address: 160 Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, London, NW5 2AG
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 4 PM, Sunday closed
Website: Oxfam GB | leading UK charity fighting global poverty

Oxfam is the jack of all trades, and while the saying goes master of none, Oxfam is an exception. From clothes and accessories to books, collectables and furniture, this store is a one-stop solution for most of your requirements. Oxfam stores are high-end thrift stores in London with affordable prices. Wait, it gets better, they are out and about to eradicate global poverty and welcome all donations by having dedicated donation centres. With multiple outlets around London, a strong team of volunteers, and an online store, thrifting with a cause is as easy as possible.

The Brick Lane Vintage Market

Address: F Block, 85 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
Timings: Monday to Friday, 11 AM to 6:30 PM; Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM; Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM
Website: Brick Lane Vintage Market (vintage-market.co.uk)

Thrifting just got more fun at the Brick Lane Vintage Market, with its variety of restaurants, bars, galleries and street art, it's going to be an eventful day. One can thrift for vintage clothes from the 1920s to the ’90s. Various vendors sell glam furs, bridal wear, suits, vinyl and miscellaneous accessories from around the world. 
Check out some of the best restaurants in London while out thrifting!

Triad London

Address: 154 Camden High Street, London, NW1 0NE
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM – 7 PM; Sunday, 12 PM - 6 PM
Website: Home - TRAID

A charity and Thrift store combined, Triad has laid its foundation as some of the sustainable thrift stores in London by turning waste into funds. They are rescuing more than 3000 tons from landfills and incineration. The Triad store in Camden houses the best second-hand and vintage selections for men and women. One can find a variety across their numerous stores, which are easily accessible. With up to 11,000 new additions weekly, Triad guarantees a good thrift shopping experience.

Paper Dress Vintage

Address: 352a Mare Street, London, E8 1HR
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM
Website: By Day // Paper Dress Vintage Bar & Boutique, London // Fashions fade – style is eternal.

Thrift shopping goes up a level at Paper Dress Vintage with its exotic vintage collection of clothes from the 20s to the 80s and an in-house bar. The store offers a quality hand-sourced collection of dresses, shoes, handbags, and gloves on quirky mismatched displays. Visiting the store on Saturdays, one can have clothes altered to the best fit at low rates while having access to make-up and hair styling services. Parties are also hosted at the store, making it a truly unique experience.

Reign Vintage

Address: 12 Berwick Street, Soho, London W1F 0PN 
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM; Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM 
Website: Reign Vintage | Vintage Clothing and Accessories

Established in 2002 offering the public an affordable and reliable collection to give people their own individual vintage style, indeed reign vintage. Recently, Reign Vintage opened its online thrift store to accommodate its increasing customer base. Imported from suppliers across Europe, quality checked at multiple levels and cleaned thoroughly, the clothes are on the rack, ready to wear. Reign Vintage is definitely a store you want to check out. 

FARA

Address: 27 BEDFORD HILL, LONDON, SW12 9EX
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM
Website: FARA Charity - A family for those without

A Charity organisation, FARA aims to help the vulnerable, disadvantaged and homeless youth while tackling poverty in Romania through its success. With numerous thrift stores in London, it has also contributed significantly to the cause. The FARA stores are the staple thrifting hang-out for the people of London. The store has grown through numerous donations and offers its wares at reasonable prices.

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PickNWeight

Address: 14-18 NEAL STREET, WC2H 9LY LONDON, COVENT GARDEN
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM; Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM 
Website: PICKNWEIGHT - VINTAGE KILO STORE

Tired of traditional shopping with each piece having a rate? How about we switch it up and buy clothes by weight? That’d be fun. Just pick up your choices, and when it gets too heavy, head to the checkout because with their one-off collection of vintage clothes and accessories from different decades, it's going in the bag. Moreover, being a one-off, you can be assured no one will be able to copy your style, and you can flex your "the one and only". The online thrift store also offers gift cards which can make a perfect gift for someone to expand their uniqueness. 

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Scope

Address: 73 Camden High Street, Camden, London, NW1 7JL
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 6 PM; Sunday, 12 PM to 6 PM 
Website: Charity shops | Disability charity Scope UK

A chain of London thrift stores selling an assorted range of second-hand and new acquisitions, it aims to promote equality for disabled people. The store showcases clothes, shoes, electricals, accessories and much more. The Scope online thrift store can assist in easy access to the collection at low rates. One can also donate their items for the greater good. One could say this thrift store has a lot of 'scope’ for a regular visit.

Retromania

Address: 6 Upper Tachbrook Street Victoria, London, SW1V 1SH
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM
Website: Retromania London - Vintage & Retro - FARA UK (faracharity.org)

Retromania is a store run by the FARA Charity and houses all the retro and vintage pieces donated at the various FARA thrift stores in London, along with an iconic designer collection with the likes of Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Pierre Cardin and much more. The store is restocked weekly, which warrants regular visits, keeping the wardrobe fresh with vintage goodies, which is pretty ironic. The designer items may be on the steeper end however, it has a dedicated bargain basement where one can buy at affordable rates and make sure you are ready to hit the clubs of London!

Annie’s Vintage Clothes

Address: ANNIE’S, 12 CAMDEN PASSAGE, ISLINGTON, N1 8ED
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM
Website: Annie's (anniesvintageclothing.co.uk)

Quirky dresses do not usually fancy everyone, but Annie’s may change that. With the likes of Ralph Lauren, and John Galliano raiding the store for its fantastic collection and regulars like Kate Moss, it is among the best vintage shops in London and will not disappoint. Being greeted by a display of flowers, fabrics and floaty dresses, it’s an experience you won’t forget. On a good day, you may even purchase antique lace and beaded flowers under 15 pounds acquired from Paris. Want to make your wedding old school? Annie’s displays 20’s lace wedding dresses as well. All in all, it is one of the thrift stores in London worth a visit.

Pennies Vintage

Address: 41A Amwell St, London, EC1R 1UR
Timings: Tuesday to Thursday, 11 AM to 7 PM; Friday to Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM 
Website: Pennies Vintage

A store similar to Annie’s, it houses eveningwear and wedding dresses predating the 1960’s. For occasions, one can view the collection outside of working hours through appointment booking. For a fee, photographs can be taken in the vintage dresses here, perfect for a Phoebe, Rachel and Monica trio.

Portobello Green Market

Address: 281 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TZ, UK
Timings: Friday to Sunday
Website: Portobello Green Market (portobellofashionmarket.com)

A perfect weekend getaway, the Portobello Green Market is the people’s market and maintains its tradition as one of the unique thrift stores in London. It features stalls selling fashion, books, records, antiques and accessories at affordable rates. The market is easily accessible by tubes and, with some bargaining skills, will be easier on the pocket. The market sells different wares on the three days, with Friday catering for antiques and art decorations while Saturday features the fashion, jewellery and accessories stalls. Sunday hosts clothes, books, CDs and records.

With these 16 Best thrift stores in London, you are in for a good time and a good buy. Most of the thrift stores in London are easily accessible by public transport, which you can get more details about it here, How To Use London Underground. The London thrift stores are affordable and perfect for standing out in the fashion streets or parks of London. Get thrifty and shop smart, shop vintage!