Keeping up with fashion trends or finding your own style is hectic and heavy on the pocket. However, as they say, old is gold. 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 favourite amongst students worldwide. Thrift stores in London have gone a step beyond, leaving you wanting more. Further, with the history associated with these items, especially those found in the best vintage second-hand clothes London has, one can transcend time and trends.

Thrift Stores London: Three Fantastic Reasons Why It's Awesome! 

Are you ready to discover why thrifting in London is cool and great for the planet and your pocket? Let's dive in and explore the exciting world of thrifting in London!

1. Economical Delight

Imagine finding hidden treasures at jaw-dropping prices! London thrift stores are a goldmine for mindful spenders. Whether it's trendy fashion, unique décor, or vintage gems, you'll snag fantastic deals that won't break the bank.

2. Eco-Friendly Magic

Thrifting in London are eco-warriors in disguise. When you shop secondhand, you're a hero in the fight against emissions and overflowing landfills. By reusing second-hand clothes London and items, you help reduce the need for new materials and decrease the environmental footprint. Thrifting in London is a stylish way to save the planet!

3. Charitable Impact 

Did you know that many thrift stores in London are charity shops? When you shop there, you're not just upgrading your wardrobe but also contributing to a brighter future. These second-hand shops in London often support disadvantaged communities, making your purchases a powerful force for good.

Top 16 Thrift Stores in London

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

1. Rokit Camden

Address: 225 Camden High Street, London, NW1 7BU

Timings: Monday To Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM

Top Review: "Staff are really friendly, and the store manager is very approachable."

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 in London, Rokit has sealed its name among the best thrift stores in London. With humble beginnings in 1986, Rokit has expanded the thrifting in London culture with an ever-growing and quality collection across its multiple stores. The treasures you unearth here might not be famous, but they are certainly worth the trouble. This thrift shop London’s collection is filled with dresses, belts, hats, and scarves, along with plenty of goodies for the men too! The store constantly brings out new deals and even offers a 10% student discount all year round, making it the go-to place. 

2. 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

Top Review: "Huge selection of retro and vintage clothing, shoes and accessories."

Website: Vintage Clothing & Accessories | Beyond Retro‍

Thrifting in London? 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, starting from £1, and a 20% Student discount if you shop from its online store. Located in Soho, you can access various quirky restaurants in London and London tourist attractions nearby, making it an ideal weekend getaway. This is no doubt one of the best thrift stores in London has to offer.

3. 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

Top Review: "A wide selection and well organized so worth popping in if you are in the area."

Website: ATIKA London

As one of London's largest and best thrift stores, 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 in London experience. As one of the second-hand shops London has to offer, Atika certainly has a humongous collection of more than 20,000 pieces, consisting of everyday wear as well as swimwear. Collaborating with independent designers, you are bound to find individualistic pieces. One visit is enough to keep you hooked! If you are moving to London to pursue education, check out these London student accommodation options.

4. 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

Top Review: "Lovely selection of vintage pieces.Great customer service !"

Website: Vintage Menswear - Camden | A Dandy in Aspic

Are you craving a vintage experience or looking to go sustainable and contribute to the world while being fashionable? 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, this fantastic thrift 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 and stand out with authentic classic wear sourced from around the world.

5. Oxfam, Kentish Town

Address: 160 Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, London, NW5 2AG

Timings: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 4 PM, Sunday closed

Top Review: "Good selection of used and old books, CDs and records."

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. This store is a one-stop solution for most of your requirements, from clothes and accessories to books, collectables and furniture. 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 in London with a cause is as easy as possible.

6. 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

Top Review: "Great music, unique clothing, and amazing atmosphere overall."

Website: Brick Lane Vintage Market

Thrifting in London 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 at one of the best thrift stores in London. 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!

7. 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 one of the sustainable best 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.

8. Paper Dress Vintage

Address: 352a Mare Street, London, E8 1HR

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM

Top Review: "Stylish vintage boutique by day, grassroots music venue and club by night.”

Website: By Day // Paper Dress Vintage Bar & Boutique, London

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.

9. 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 

Top Review: "Super clean shop and vintage pieces are in great condition."

Website: Reign Vintage | Vintage Clothing and Accessories

Established in 2002, it offers the public has 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. 

10. FARA

Address: 27 BEDFORD HILL, LONDON, SW12 9EX

Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM

Top Review: NO REVIEW

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 best thrift stores in London, it has also contributed significantly to the cause. The FARA stores are the staple thrifting in London hang-out for the people of London, and the store has grown through numerous donations and offers its wares at reasonable prices.

11. 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 

Top Review: "It’s inundated with gloves, shoes, clothing, and people."

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 it's going in the bag with their one-off collection of vintage clothes and accessories from different decades. 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. 

12. 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

Top Review:  NO REVIEW

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.

13. Retromania

Address: 6 Upper Tachbrook Street Victoria, London, SW1V 1SH

Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM

Top Review: "Fantastic selection at bargain prices!"

Website: Retromania London - Vintage & Retro - FARA UK

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 ensure you are ready to hit the clubs of London!

14. Annie’s Vintage Clothes

Address: ANNIE’S, 12 CAMDEN PASSAGE, ISLINGTON, N1 8ED

Timings: Monday to Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM

Top Review: BAND

Website: Annie's

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 second-hand shops in 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 purchase antique lace and beaded flowers under 15 pounds 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 best thrift stores in London, worth a visit.

15. 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

Top Review: "Penny (the owner) made me feel welcome and created an amazing atmosphere."

Website: Pennies Vintage

A store similar to Annie’s, it houses eveningwear and wedding dresses predating the 1960s. 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. With an incredible collection, Pennies Vintage is no doubt one of the best vintage clothes shops London has to offer.

16. Portobello Green Market

Address: 281 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TZ, UK

Timings: Friday to Sunday

Top Review: “This is a cute area of the market. There are multiple types of antiques (art, prints, items, jewelry, silver, etc.). It’s also a few steps away from the main market.”

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 London's unique and best thrift stores. 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 best thrift stores in London are easily accessible by public transport, which you can get more details about here, how to use the London underground. The London thrift stores are affordable and perfect for standing out in London's fashion streets or parks. Get thrifty and shop smart; shop vintage! If you wish to know more about London, check out our blogs on London's best cafes, best museums, and best restaurants in London!