The Ultimate Guide to Melbourne’s Best Vintage Stores
Melbourne is a multicultural metropolitan hub with roaring nightlife, vibrant artistic laneways, an awe-worthy art scene, and vintage shops aplenty. Here are the 11 best vintage stores in Australia’s European enclave, Melbourne.
Stocked to the brim with coveted finds and unique items that are bound to blow your mind, there’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect piece to complete your outfit. Pop your pimp jacket on; it’s time to do the time warp!
Here’s what we cover in this guide:
Official Vintage
Vintage Sole
Out of the Closet
Vintage Garage American Rag
Chapel Street Bazaar
Shag
Hunter Gatherer
RetroStar Vintage Clothing
Eurotrash
Secondo Boutique
Official Vintage
Address: 28 Regent St, Prahran
Phone: +61 424680666
Official Vintage Clothing is decked out with coveted vintage finds and pieces, all dexterously curated by the owner.
Located just off the charismatic Chapel St precinct, this is one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets. This warehouse is a literal vintage playground with an array of quirky art pieces that enhance the industrial-style space.
This gem boasts top-quality threads and a vibrant array of American vintage brands, with old-school names from Polo and Tommy Hilfiger, to Nike, Adidas, and Nautica.
Official Vintage is home to stacks of rare caps, overalls, polos, shirts, quality denim jackets, and corduroy pieces. You can’t miss out on this hotspot if you want to shop sustainably.
Vintage Sole
Address: 153 Chapel Street, Windsor
Address: 258 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Address: 6/37 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Vintage Sole houses an eclectic assortment of vintage clothing, footwear, and accessories, each sourced from around the world and curated to fit the season.
There are even cowboy boots to get the party started with everything from pre-loved leather jackets and Levi’s jeans to unique 60s dresses and dramatic 70s flared pants. Yeehaw!
Out of the Closet
Address: 238B Flinders St, Melbourne CBD
Address: 404 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Steeped in the stylish streets of Melbourne’s most vibrant suburbs, Out of the Closet is nothing short of a retro-virtuoso’s respite.
Having been in the vintage clothing game since the 80s, it’s fair to say this shop knows its stuff. You can score high-quality, hand-picked pieces from 90s skirts to American sports tops for a pretty good price.
Vintage Garage
Address: 318 Smith Street, Collingwood
Phone: +61 394 172 120
Vintage Garage is stocked with ample vintage apparel and accessories in a bazaar-type location. Boasting over 40 specialist vintage dealers and designers, Vintage Garage is packed with oh-so-fluffy fur jackets, 50s swimwear, and classic rockabilly dresses. It’s a literal vintage fabric galore.
There’s also a big-ass convertible that’s been transformed into the sales counter, which adds character and gives Vintage Garage its own distinct charm.
American Rag
Address: 15-17 QV Terrace, Melbourne CBD
Phone: +61 396 549 487
American Rag has stood its ground in Melbourne for nearly 30 years. What’s unique about this slice of vintage paradise? The owner frequently flies back to the States to pick out retro finds by hand. There's something for everyone in this shop for fresh kicks, 30’s vintage dresses, and an array of alluring accessories.
Chapel Street Bazaar
Address: 217 Chapel St, Prahran
Phone: +61 395 291 727
As the name suggests, this place is a downright bazaar.
Chapel St Bazaar is an iconic Melbourne store, exhibiting over 70 stallholders with unique vintage finds, antiques and collectables.
There are literally thousands of pieces, from authentic vinyl records and cameras to intricately designed jewellery pieces, books, comics and prints, typewriters, and much more. Chapel St Bazaar is divided into individual stalls run by different vintage enthusiasts.
This is one of my all-time favourite places to get lost in, so allow plenty of time for your visit!
Shag
Address: 130 Chapel Street, Windsor
Phone: +61 395 108 817
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s iconic Chapel Street, Shag sources its vintage treasures and multiple international resources from around Melbourne. It’s home to an eclectic array of sublimely ridiculous clothing, from vintage Italian shoes and 80s puffer jackets to fur coats and vintage hats.
Shag is coloured with just about everything to satisfy everyone. With pumping tunes to compliment the somewhat chaotically designed interior, you’ll want to break it down and bust a move.
Hunter Gatherer
Address: 274 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Address: Royal Arcade Ground Level, 335 Bourke St, Melbourne CBD
Both of the two Hunter Gatherer stores are brimming with bliss-inducing pieces at even better prices. Fringed with funky prints, vintage jackets, and a handful of items, you won’t score your average thrift store; you simply can’t miss out. Run by a non-profit organisation, the funds from your purchase go straight towards helping the local community. What a way to give back!
RetroStar Vintage Clothing
Address: 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
Phone: +61 396 631 223
RetroStar Vintage Clothing is arguably Australia’s biggest vintage store, stocking up to 10,000 sought-after pieces and accessories.
RetroStar is decked out with just about everything from vintage flares, hankered band tees and leather jackets, all obtained from around the world. There are also semi-annual warehouse sales, where 20,000 vintage finds are priced for as little as $10 AUD. Did somebody say heaven?
Eurotrash
Address: 4/217 Chapel St, Prahran
Phone: +61 3 9510 4080
Eurotrash offers an authentic luxury collection of hand-selected vintage accessories and fashion, with big designer brands such as Prada, Christian Louboutin, Valentino Dior, and Hermes. If you’re searching for luggage, bags, shoes, or whatever tickles your pickle, look no further than Eurotrash.
Secondo Boutique
Address: 286 Toorak Rd, South Yarra
Phone: +61 3 9827 8907
Coined for its lush appeal, Secondo Boutique harbours international brands sure to sweep even the most luxurious lovers off their feet. This hotspot is where you can snatch Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Chloe, and a panoply of other luxury vintage finds for a phenomenal price. And if you so happen to have your hands on a luxury vintage garment, you can additionally consider cosigning with the store!
FAQS
What brands sell vintage clothes?
Vintage clothing is any item that’s around 15 to 20+ years old. With that in mind, some brands sell ‘vintage’ clothing and try to recreate the look from all those years ago. The most valuable brands of vintage clothing include Hermes, Gucci and Dior.
Are vintage shops ethical?
Vintage or secondhand shops are sustainable and in favour of the environment. These stores are an efficient way of recycling old clothes while reducing the demand for fast fashion.
What vintage clothing is most prevalent?
The most popular vintage clothing items include jackets, jeans/pants, t-shirts and dungarees.
Want more info on Melbourne? Check this recent post.
Regarding unique, retro finds and thrift goods, this bustling hub surely is Australia’s best bet. Melbourne’s vintage stores are brimming throughout the heart of the CBD and are just as bountiful on the city’s outskirts. Ditch fast fashion and try out your luck with secondhand shopping in Melbourne!