6 London Thrift Stores For Affordable Second-Hand And Upcycled Shopping

Thrift Stores In London

When we think of thrift shopping, we often think of run-down warehouses or disorganised piles of clothes.

Instead of pilfering through piles of musty garments, thrifting in London is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, with clothes hung neatly on racks in a clean and organised manner. If you’re planning a trip to London soon, check out these 6 stores.

1. Atika 

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Don’t be surprised to find yourself lost in Atika, a vintage paradise where styles from the late ’70s to the early aughts are aplenty. This two-storey thrift store carries preloved clothes ranging from kimonos to trendy streetwear, sportswear, and workwear. Some of its items are even brand new.

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Adidas, Burberry, Carhartt, Champion and Tommy Hilfiger are just some of the many attractive labels you’ll be able to get your hands on here. 

Address: 55-59 Hanbury Street, London, England, E1 5JP, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 11am to 7pm (Mondays to Saturdays) | 12pm to 6pm (Sundays)
Nearest Tube station: Aldgate East Underground Station (7 minutes walk)
Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Rokit

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Rokit started out with a stall in Camden Market, a well-known flea market in London, in 1986. Today, it has 4 stores dotted around the city in shopping hotspots such as Brick Lane and Covent Garden.

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Besides endless racks of vintage clothing and accessories, you can also look forward to checking out Rokit Originals. This collection consists of the store’s own reworked vintage pieces as well as new designs intended to become staples in your wardrobe.

Address: 42 Shelton Street, London, England, WC2H 9HZ, United Kingdom (Covent Garden) | 225 High Street, London, England, NW1 7BU, United Kingdom (Camden) | 101 and 107 Brick Lane, London, England, E1 6SE, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Covent Garden: 10am to 7pm (Mondays to Saturdays) | 11am to 6pm (Sundays) | Camden: 10am to 7pm (Daily) | Brick Lane: 11am to 7pm (Mondays to Fridays) | 10am to 7pm (Saturdays and Sundays)
Nearest Tube station: Covent Garden Underground Station (2 minutes walk)
Website | Facebook | Instagram  

3. Shop From Crisis

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To raise funds for crisis services, charity organisation Crisis opened 3 Shop From Crisis charity thrift shops across London. Aspiring hipster influencers can easily curate their starter looks with the apparel available here, which span a wide variety ranging from denim jackets and hoodies to sneakers and boots.

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This Finsbury Park outlet, unlike its sister outlets, is a fusion between a boutique and coffee bar. Once you’re done with your shopping, you can head over to the shop’s coffee bar for a warm cuppa joe to end your day. 

Address: 19 Stroud Green Rd, Finsbury Park, London, England, N4 3FB, United Kingdom (Finsbury Park) | View its website for the full list of outlets and opening hours
Opening hours: 11am to 7pm (Mondays to Saturdays) | 12pm to 6pm (Sundays)
Nearest Tube station: Finsbury Park Overground Station (3 minutes walk)
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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4. The East End Thrift Store

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If you’re interested to shop for vintage streetwear or athleisure-inspired fashion, try The East End Thrift Store. At first glance, it may seem like a shabby warehouse, but beyond its facade lies endless clothing gems—sweaters, jackets and sweatpants from major sportswear labels. 

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You’ll find practical apparel like jeans and graphic tees here as well, if thinking about the dreaded Singapore weather repels you from sweaters and hoodies. 

Address: 4 Assembly Passage, Stepney Green, London E1 4UT, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 11am to 6pm (Daily)
Nearest Tube station: Stepney Green Underground Station (5 minutes walk)
Website | Facebook | Instagram

5. Beyond Retro

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Beyond Retro is a must-visit if boho and hippy styles are your thing. Racks in the main sections of the shop are lined with dresses, skirts and flowy pants plastered with designs characteristic of bohemian fashion such as flowers and neon stripes.

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Expect to find yourself meandering through the many other sections that carry an impressive repertoire of clothes and accessories as well. Shopping for jeans can get pretty pricey, so if you’re visiting the shop, check its jeans section out—you might just find yourself a great bargain. Branded denim, like Levi’s jeans, are available here for as little as £32 (~S$56.20).

Address: 110-112 Cheshire Street, London, England, E2 6EJ, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 11am to 7pm (Mondays to Saturdays) | 11.30am to 6pm (Sundays)
Nearest Tube station: Bethnal Green Overground (7 minutes walk)
Website | Facebook | Instagram

6. Paper Dress Vintage

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Travel back to the golden age of disco at Paper Dress Vintage. It is a fusion between a thrift boutique and a bar on the second floor, as well as an arts facility on the ground floor. The dresses and blouses here are great if you’re looking for simple, yet presentable office wear. They generally have looser fits and are thinner in material—ideal for our blazing hot weather.

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On the ground floor, you’ll find a performance space where various gigs like live bands and stand-ups are staged frequently. 

Address: 352A Mare Street, London E8 1HR, England, United Kingdom
Opening hours (Boutique): 10am to 7.30pm (Mondays to Saturdays) | 11am to 7pm (Sundays)
Opening hours (Bar): 12pm to 10pm (Mondays) | 12pm to 11pm (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) | 12pm to 12am (Thursdays and Sundays) | 12pm to 2am (Fridays) | 12pm to 3am (Saturdays)
Nearest Tube station: Hackney Central Overground Station (2 minutes walk)
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Thrift Stores In London

Get the most bang for your buck with these 6 thrift stores in London, with apparel comparable to mainstream fashion retailers.

Travelling to another country doesn’t have to break the bank. These alternatives will help you save money on shopping, while promising just as fantastic of an experience, so that you can invest more on airfare and lodging.

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