Shop Vintage, Pre-Loved
& Slow Fashion
Interest in preloved, slow and vintage fashion is on the rise, so here’s a guide by slow fashion stylist Jenna Flood to some of the best markets where you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Across Australia
@ethicalfashion_review & @theclothingexchange
For those of us determined to shop purposefully, The Clothing Exchange is a clothing swap event held in different cities around the country. Hugely successful, shoppers must first register and then receive tokens in exchange for their items, which can then be used to purchase “new” preloved clothes. Having just run a hugely successful event in Adelaide, the next one is scheduled for Potts Point in Sydney. Make sure you don’t miss where they’ll be next by checking in on their events page.
Melbourne
While Revamp may be the new kid on the block, it has become a firm favourite for second hand thrill seekers. It’s the perfect place to score the perfect Levi’s 501s, a quirky bucket hat and an oversized vintage fashion jacket all in one go. Refuel with an ice-cold drink and cheesy burger at the Welcome to Thornbury bar and food trucks right next door.
Where: Welcome to Thornbury, 520 High Street, Northcote VIC 3070
Next: Sunday 27 November
While most markets in Melbourne are size inclusive, A Plus Market is an exclusive plus-sized event. Filled to the brim by professional vintage collectors, everyday wardrobe owners and preloved stores peddling their wares, you are sure to find the PERFECT preloved clothes that your wardrobe has been longing for. Better yet, A Plus fosters community, so get chatting to fellow market goes and stall holders alike. You might even learn of a new favourite brand or their best preloved haunts!
Where: Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell St Coburg
Next: Saturday 6th November
If you are searching for a one-stop shop space for produce, food, artisan, handcrafted, vintage fashion, second hand and local goods, then you have come to the right place. Held in a graffiti-covered car park (how Melbourne), just up the road from the Rose St Artists Market, The Fitzroy market has all you could need. Pick up your organic strawberries, a new preloved shirt, a locally made ceramic cup and a pie for lunch all without leaving the space!
Where: 75 Rose St Fitzroy
When: Every Saturday
Sydney
Not every stall is preloved, but the Slow Fashion Market is aiming to put the brakes on overconsumption and fast fashion by helping showcase small brands that are doing things the right way. If you are finding it hard to find a brand that is right for you, this is the place to go! Not only will you learn who made your clothing (by seeing them in the flesh), but you will also meet like-minded individuals who are learning about the world of slow fashion. It’s the perfect weekend out.
The Slow Fashion Market is also held in Melbourne.
Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal, 2041 James Craig Rd Rozelle
Next: Saturday 19 + Sunday 20 November
Imagine a room filled with all your friend’s wardrobes where you can play the ultimate dress-ups. This is EXACTLY what the Round She Goes Market is! Stallholders bring along their no-longer-worn pieces and sell them to a more loving home. This is the perfect place to grab a new-to-you look or vintage fashion piece for a bargain. Sellers can also donate anything that didn’t sell via Round She Goes charity partnerships. Bring your friends, family and hairdresser for a day filled with preloved fashion fun!
Round She Goes Market also holds events in Melbourne and Adelaide.
Where: PCYC Marrickville, 531 Illawarra Rd Marrickville
This cruisy market is the perfect place to spend a sunny Saturday. Take a leisurely browse of the stalls, featuring everything from vintage fashion and preloved clothes to funky art, then chill out with some coffee and tasty treats from the food stalls. Rember to bring your reusable bag for all those thrifted treasures you are sure to find.
Where: Glebe Public School, Corner of Derby Place & Glebe Pt Rd
When: Every Saturday
Adelaide
If you are attracted to shiny things (much like a Bowerbird), then this market is your home away from home. Held once yearly over three days, Bowerbird markets are filled with over 100 small businesses from all over Australia. Here you will find lovingly made children’s toys, hand-poured candles, carefully crafted ceramics and yummy local treats. It’s the perfect weekend out with family and friends.
Where: Wayville Pavilion, Adelaide Showgrounds
Next: 25–27 November
What grounds? The Dairy Pavilion of the Adelaide Showgrounds of course! Dog friendly and hugely popular, Gilles at the Grounds is big on reloved and preloved, while being home to both emerging and established fashion labels. Advocates for reusing, recycling and re-loving so that waste is minimised, use of wood in display stalls instead of plastic is encouraged. For all things artisan, and loads of food stalls too, we’ll be amazed if you come home empty handed.
Where: Brick Dairy, South Boulevard, Wayville – enter from Goodwood Road
Next: Sunday 6 + 20 November
Brisbane
This pop-up market is all about supporting small, sustainable businesses. With everything from organic skincare to handmade accessories, there is sure to be a start-up dedicated to creating sustainable fashion in its midst. Once you have discovered your new favourite brand, fill your tummy with some nibbles from the food trucks and enjoy some live music, all underneath the Brisbane City Mall.
Where: King George Square, Brisbane CBD
Next: Friday 2 December
If you are anything like us, you love having a little chat with stall holders at the local market about their wonderful products. The Market Folk is a monthly pop-up market at various spots around Brisbane and can connect you to those who make you clothing. Learning the story behind your next favourite purchase makes it all the more special.
Where: Gasworks, Newstead and Coorparoo Square
When: Third Sunday of the month at Coorparoo Square
Is second-hand fashion more your vibe? Then The Suitcase Rummage has you covered. Bring your A-game and spend the day fossicking for some new-to-you threads in amongst the endless gems.
The Suitcase Rummage is also the perfect place to sell your no-longer-loved pieces after a spring clean. The best bit is that you just bring along a suitcase or two, no need to struggle with heavy rails.
Where: 266 George St, Brisbane Square Brisbane City
When: First and third Sunday of the month
Perth
Second Life Markets (Also Sydney & Melbourne)
Breathing new life into old clothes is the aim of Second Life Markets. Their markets feature over 100 stalls of vintage, retro, upcycled and pre-loved fashion. Along with some art, second-hand homewares and more unique finds. These seasonal, quarterly markets are a must-do, book your tickets for their next event now!
Where: 391 Scarborough Beach Rd Osborne Park
Hobart
Hobart is home to many markets, but The Preloved Clothing Market is the best-loved in the sustainable fashion scene. Filled with every style of preloved fashion you could imagine and everything in between, you are sure to find a bargain at this indoor market. To accompany your stylish bargains, there are some local nibbles and coffee. So make this a Saturday to remember and bring along your best buds.
Where: St James Hall, 460 Elizabeth St Newtown
If you are ready to rummage to your heart’s content, then make a bee-line straight for Re-Loved Market. With over 50 stalls of preloved, vintage, retro and emerging designers, that shopping itch is sure to be scratched. Oh and don’t forget to grab a cheeky coffee (in your reusable cup of course) and a snack to sustain you!
Where: 103 Melville St Hobart
Featured Image @mayarafelixcosta via @aplusmarket:
