Top 10 Vintage Clothing Boutiques in Melbourne
In a world where fast fashion trends come and go faster than a blink of an eye, there’s something truly captivating about vintage fashion. Melbourne, known for its eclectic style and vibrant culture, boasts a treasure trove of vintage boutiques that cater to the sartorially inclined. If you’re yearning for the unique, timeless finds as well as being environmentally conscious, we’ve put together a list of boutiques where you’ll find the best vintage clothing in Melbourne.
Shopping vintage isn’t just about looking good; it’s about doing good for the planet. By embracing pre-loved fashion, you’re helping to reduce the demand for new manufacturing and the accompanying strain on resources. It’s a sustainable choice that lets you express your style while contributing positively to the environment. Here are our top 10 must-visits for vintage clothing in Melbourne.
So, whether you’re a retro enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of the past, Melbourne’s vintage fashion boutiques have something special waiting just for you. Step into these time capsules, and let the magic of history and style weave together in a tapestry that’s as vibrant as it is timeless.
Vintage Sole
258 Brunswick St Fitzroy & 6/37 Swanston St Melbourne
80s, 90s & Y2K Vintage Clothing
With two stores and an online offering, Vintage Sole is a haven for vintage and branded sweat shirts, T-shirts and bomber jackets. From Patgonia to Calvin Klein, Nike to Tommy Hilfiger, Levis to Wrangler and Hrley Davidson. It also has classic vintage footwear. Vintage Sole offers quality pre-loved clothing that is hand picked from all voer the world as an ethical alternative to fast fashion. celebrates footwear with a history. Every step you take is a stride back in time.
Martin Fella
556 Queensberry St North Melbourne
If you’re after sophisticated elegance in the way of preloved designer bags, clothing and accessories, look no further than Martin Fella. Think Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton and even Vivien Westwood. Missoni, YSL, Celine and Jimmy Choo, the list goes on. Do yourself a favour, if it’s big name brands you’re after, this is the one you’re looking for: a testament to the enduring allure of high end fashion.
Hunter Gatherer
247 Brunswick St Fitzroy & Royal Arcade Melbourne
With a history spanning 80 years, Hunter Gatherer is the outlet for the Brotherhood of St Lawrence. A paradise for the eclectic spirit, you can unearth designer treasures and retro pieces and be styled by their amazing creative team. “Whether it’s the thrill of the hunt, saving goods and textiles from land fill, helping a charity or you simply need something to do between cafe and bar hopping on Brunswick Street, you simply must drop into Fitzroy’s HG.”
Retrostar
1/37 Swanston St Melbourne
With its prime location on Swanston Street, Retrostar draws you in with its massive selection of vintage band T-shirts, sportswear including USA sports gear, streetwear, party wear, costume pieces, festival fashion, accessories, antique jewellery and vintage footwear. Taking up a whole floor of the iconic Nicholas Building, it’s a pop culture time machine that promises to add a dash of nostalgia to your wardrobe, while also offering reworked and recycled vintage!
Out of the Closet
404 Brunswick Street Fitzroy & 238B Flinders Street Melbourne
Providing hand picked items from Europe and the US, OTC is one of Melbourne’s original vintage stores, having started out in the 80s. Also selling vinyl records, it’s a favourite haunt of touring musicians, having seen the likes of Santana, Liam Gallagher of Oasis, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.
Vault
Block Arcade Melbourne
Operated by the National Trust, Vault offers a beautifully curated collection of pieces by high-end local and international designers. For internationals, think Oscar De La Renta, Schiaparelli, Dior, Balenciaga and Manolo Blahnik and you’re starting to get the idea. Chances are you’ll leave wearing an Australian or international cultural treasure.
Reina
1/37 Swanston St Melbourne
Specialising in European and Japanese designer labels from the 1990s, Reina is all about Luxe. Every piece is a one-off and nothing is available online except for gift cards, so you’ve got to go! Chic, elegant and very very classy.
Shag
84 Smith St Collingwood & 130 Chapel St Windsor
A treasure hunter’s delight, you’re sure to pick up an incredible find at either of Shag’s two stores. This is is a marvel for all things vintage, whether it’s Y2k pointy-toe boots, or rare finds like a 1930’s perfectly preserved sequined jacket. Arranged by decade, this amazing assortment of treasures is also sourced from Hong Kong and Seoul.
American Rag
Level 3 QV Building Melbourne
A stunning collection of handpicked pieces from the US going back through the decades to the 1920s, American Rag is a dream come true for Americanophile vintage lovers. American Rag brings a timeless spirit of the USA to Melbourne’s streets. Everything has been carefully selected and it’s curation is obvious through its exquisite display.
Lost and Found Market
Level 2 288 Brunswick St Fitzroy
This really is a vintage emporium made up of different stall holders in a huge warehouse space in the heart of Fitzroy’s vintage precinct. Along with killer vintage clothing pieces it also offers furniture and other vintage bric-a-brac. If you love to discover hunting for a find, you’ll love Lost and Found.
Shopping for Vintage Clothing
Shopping vintage isn’t just about looking good; it’s about doing good for the planet. By embracing pre-loved fashion, you’re helping to reduce the demand for new manufacturing and the accompanying strain on resources. It’s a sustainable choice that lets you express your style while contributing positively to the environment.
So, whether you’re a retro enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of the past, Melbourne’s vintage fashion boutiques have something special waiting just for you. Step into these time capsules, and let the magic of history and style weave together in a tapestry that’s as vibrant as it is timeless.
