Vintage clothing finds in London aren’t generally cheap, but there are certainly deals to be found in this old city if the buyer is willing to do a little pre-planning before visiting.
Two Fabulous London Charity Shops
Take the tube to Oxford Circus and visit the Salvation Army on Princess Street. This store offers two floors of treasures with lots of vintage wear and accessories. Glamorous evening bags can be found for less than $20. It’s a great place to while away an afternoon. They are open from 10am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday.
Another great charity outlet is the Oxfam shop at 514-518 Kingsland Road in Dalston. It’s a huge space, packed with all sorts of vintage goods. Clothing prices are as little as $5 for some items and you’ll find everything from ball gowns to accessories, look at here now.
Vintage Clothing Shops
One of the best London neighborhoods for vintage clothing shopping is Brick Lane. There are numerous vintage clothing shops in the area, so it’s impossible not to find a great deal. And the vintage clothing market is open from Friday to Sunday every week. Buyers claim all sorts of great finds in the market.
Vien is a lovely vintage shop at Crystal Palace on Church Road. The items are merchandised beautifully and the prices are very reasonable. Expect to find numerous one-of-a-kind items from most eras. The shop owner repairs, restores and re-invents some pieces that would otherwise be unwearable.
For other great vintage shopping in the Crystal Palace neighborhood, check out Hayne’s Lane Market off Westow Street. They are open Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 5pm – Saturdays until 6pm.
Also, a visit 295 at 295 Portobello Road is worthwhile. This shop has wonderful vintage clothing from 50s print frocks to accessories. Expect to pay half of what the visitor may pay elsewhere in greater London. Recent examples include a 60s evening coat for as little as $35. Skirts begin at about $15.
Finally, when seeking out vintage clothing shops in London, look for those in areas less traveled by tourists. Buyers will likely find better deals.
Hammersmith Vintage Fairs
The London Vintage Fashion, Textiles & Accessories Fair is well established and takes place approximately every four weeks at the Hammersmith Town Hall. Expect to find treasures from all decades in the 20th century and earlier. The Hammersmith Town Hall is a grand old 30s building located on King Street, London W6.
Jumble Sales
A simple Google search for “London jumble sales” will bring up pages of upcoming sales as well as regular ongoing jumble sales in permanent locations. This is Local London lists numerous upcoming and ever changing jumble sales and car boot sales.
Most jumble sales take place in halls or churches, much like the church basement sales across the pond. Some like the Jumble and Pearls at the Horatia on Holloway Road at Highbury and Islington, hold regular sales, and there is always a deal to be had.
Car Boot Sales
Some of the best deals in vintage clothing are found at car boot sales. These sales are much like yard sales and outdoor flea markets, but sellers simply gather in parking lots in London or fields outside the city, and they sell their items from the back of their cars. Visit early for the best deals, even while the vendors are setting up. One of the most popular regular car boot sales in London is the Holloway Road Car Boot Sale at Bowman’s Place within easy reach of the Holloway Road Tube stop. It’s open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2:30 pm. Pick a weekend when the Jumble and Pearls sale takes place at the Horatia on Holloway Road and make a day of it.