Is there anything more exciting than the thrill of uncovering a hidden gem at a vintage store? Whether you're slipping into a pair of vintage Levi's that just happen to fit like a glove, or peeling back layers of hangers before you land on that perfect coat, we'd argue that the endorphins the accompany a vintage purchase far outweigh that of a regular shopping spree.
It's no secret that not all vintage stores are created equal — in fact, in our experience, certain cities are goldmines for vintage treasures. From Le Marais in Paris, to the undiscovered treasures of Tokyo, peruse our pick of the best cities for vintage shopping, below.
Paris
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French women are some of the chicest in the world, so it's hardly surprising that Parisian vintage stores do it well. There's a mix of concept stores that house pieces from lesser-known designers, as well as designer behemoths where you'll find everything from archival Dior, to perfectly preserved Chanel. Of course, it follows that prices vary — and if you're on the hunt for a forever piece, be prepared to pay for it.
Our favourites:
- Pretty Box
- Selection Marais
- En Voiture Simone
- Predilection
Melbourne
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You don't need to jump on a plane to find vintage treasures. If your style leans a little off-beat, or you're a proponent of the Y2k resurgence, Melbourne is worth visiting. Areas like Fitzroy and Brunswick are particularly fruitful for those on a hunt for vintage treasures — you'll find everything from old school designer, to basic pieces worthy of a second life.
Our favourites:
- Goodbyes Brunswick
- SWOP Collingwood
- Global Vintage Collective
- American Vintage
Tokyo
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At the same time Japan has risen through the ranks as a must-visit holiday destination, it's also emerged as a gold mine for vintage fashion. The major difference in Japan compared to other cities on our list is that, rather than small-scale boutiques, vintage shopping is typically housed in multi-level chain stores — that exclusively sell luxury items. There are also flea markets dotted across the city with good quality pieces at much lower prices.
Our favourites:
- AMORE Tokyo
- 2nd Street by Jumble Store
- Ragtag Harajuku
- Atlantis Vintage Tokyo
- New York Joe Exchange
- Oi Racecourse Flea Market
Copenhagen
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Our love of Scandi style is well documented, so it tracks that the city would be well-endowed by way of vintage fashion. Fashion in Copenhagen tends to lean a little more eclectic, with Danes favouring interesting cuts and cool colours over big-name designers. That being said, there's still plenty of designer goodies to spot across the city, if that is your style.
Our favourites:
- Time's Up Vintage
- 2ND EDITION
- OSV Secondhand
- Reseller
Monaco
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Perhaps the most surprising addition to this list, Monaco is brimming with vintage and barely-used pieces in need of a second life. Given the city is wealthier than most, it makes sense that there's lots of designer goodies circulating the second-hand market in Monaco.
Our favourites:
- The Queen Bee
- Le Dressing
