FOUR VINTAGE STORES IN LONDON YOU NEED TO KNOW; SUSTAINABLE FASHION AND SECOND HAND GEMS

WORDS BIANCA NICOLE

In recent years, the fashion industry has faced increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, with fast fashion driving pollution, resource depletion, and textile waste. Shopping vintage offers a solution by choosing second-hand clothing, you not only extend the life of garments but also reduce the demand for mass-produced, disposable fashion. As we enter Secondhand September, this month long initiative highlights the power of embracing slow fashion, lowering your carbon footprint, and making more sustainable wardrobe choices.

Here are the top four vintage stores in London that blend sustainability with a passion for retro fashion. So whether you're aiming to reduce waste or simply love the charm of second-hand gems, these stores offer the perfect mix of eco-conscious shopping and timeless fashion.

GOLDSMITH VINTAGE

Goldsmith Vintage is not only a go-to destination for fashion enthusiasts but also a shining example of how shopping second-hand supports sustainability. With two prime locations in Notting Hill and Soho, Goldsmith offers an extensive, handpicked collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and even designer pieces. By promoting the reuse of existing garments, Goldsmith Vintage plays a key role in reducing textile waste and the environmental footprint of fashion.

The store’s racks feature everything from '70s boho chic to '90s streetwear and timeless leather jackets. Each piece has been carefully curated to ensure quality and individuality, giving customers a chance to own one of a kind items that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re looking for a retro statement piece or a sustainable wardrobe staple, Goldsmith Vintage combines fashion-forward thinking with eco-conscious values.

BEYOND RETRO

Beyond Retro is a pioneer in sustainable fashion, offering a massive selection of handpicked, one-of-a-kind pieces that help divert clothing from landfills and reduce the impact of fast fashion. With stores in Brick Lane, Dalston, and Soho, Beyond Retro has spent the last two decades promoting eco-friendly shopping habits by encouraging the reuse and recycling of garments.

Their extensive collection spans decades, from '50s classics to '90s streetwear, ensuring that every item is unique, fun, and packed with character. Whether you’re searching for bold prints, vintage denim, or quirky accessories, Beyond Retro’s commitment to offering sustainable fashion that's both stylish and feel-good makes it a favourite among eco-conscious shoppers. With a mission to inspire better shopping habits globally, Beyond Retro is more than just a vintage store—it’s part of a movement toward a greener, more responsible fashion future.

ATIKA

London’s largest vintage clothing store, where history and style blend across more than 20,000 pieces of pre-loved fashion. Situated just off Brick Lane in the heart of East London, this expansive warehouse is a true haven for vintage lovers. Offering expertly curated vintage and reworked clothing, as well as unique lifestyle items, homeware, and a thoughtfully selected range of books and magazines, Atika is a one-stop destination for anyone seeking sustainable, timeless fashion. Serving the vibrant Spitalfields and Shoreditch creative communities, Atika is more than just a shop—it’s a hub for fashion lovers, artists, and designers alike. By providing high-quality second-hand fashion, Atika not only helps reduce textile waste but also invites shoppers to engage with eco-friendly practices in style.

ROKIT

Rokit has been a cornerstone of London’s vintage scene since 2001, expanding from Camden to iconic locations in Brick Lane and Covent Garden. Celebrated for its century-spanning collection, Rokit offers a unique alternative to mainstream fashion, encouraging individuality and creativity through its diverse selection of pre-loved clothing. The Covent Garden store, now Central London’s largest second-hand shop, cemented Rokit’s reputation as a must-visit destination for vintage lovers.

With nearly 40 years of commitment to sustainability, Rokit’s Rokit Originals line reinvents second-hand fashion by upcycling deadstock textiles into limited-edition pieces. Continuously evolving, Rokit recently opened a store in Cardiff, further spreading its message of sustainable, unique fashion across the UK, while maintaining a strong focus on recycling and creativity.