7 Best Thrift Shops and Vintage Stores in Amsterdam
Calling all sustainable shoppers! Looking for the best thrift shops in Amsterdam? We love buying second-hand here at the Flying Pig because it’s an environmentally friendly, it supports local businesses and you can always find a bargain on clothing that’s more unique or vintage. Amsterdam has a load of fantastic thrift shops but some are cut above the rest where you are guaranteed to end up spending longer than you wanted inside once you see the awesome second-hand stock selection. If you’re on a budget, love fashion and are always looking for a good deal, then these are our favourite thrift shops in the city…
Time Machine Vintage
It makes sense to start with Amsterdam’s first ever vintage shop which has been running since 1969. This small little second-hand boutique close to the Red Light District is full of interesting and reasonably priced vintage clothing. Time Machine is a great place to find a gem that you’ll end up wearing for years to come. From silk blouses, leather bags to unique accessories, printed dresses and vintage denim jackets, you may end up leaving with a bag full of gifts for yourself. And why not? It feels all the better when it’s sustainable retail therapy. Everything in this store is second-hand or vintage, selling awesome pieces for both men and women.
Episode
Episode is a popular chain of thrift shops throughout Amsterdam found in different locations in the city including the 9 Streets, Waterlooplein and Spiegelstraat. We love this place because it’s full of bargains with a massive variety of second-hand clothing. If you want to make an addition to your wardrobe with some more authentic vintage pieces then you’re bound to find something cool in here. Plus, the stores are really clean, well organised and relaxing to browse in spread across two whole floors. From jackets, retro jerseys, graphic tees and clothing from different decades, it’s no wonder young Dutch locals make this their go-to thrift shop.
Kiloshop
Responsible shoppers will love the Kilo Shop because the concept is pretty original (and ecological). How it works? Whatever you buy is weighed on scales first to determine the price. Super sustainable on the wallet. There’s a Kilo Shop in De Pijp, Amsterdam’s trendiest neighbourhood as well as Waterlooplein. We love the range of vintage fashion in this store which has everything from 80s style jumpers, fur jackets, summer dresses, sunglasses and high quality second-hand denim jeans. You can also recycle your old clothes here and give them a new life.
Rumors Vintage & Design
This much-loved charity shop on Haarlemmerstraat is the perfect place to upgrade your wardrobe with cool vintage pieces. Selling a whole load of vintage and second-hand gear, pick yourself up some 70s platform boots, psychedelic shirts, a vintage jumpsuit or corduroy dungarees. You could easily spend a whole afternoon here trying on different outfits. Located close by to the 9 Streets, this is a practical stop in between your day of sightseeing and the clothes are reasonably priced!
Mood Indigo: Vintage Denim
This is an amazing shop if you’re looking for good quality denim. Mood Indigo has made a name for itself as one of the best thrift shops in Amsterdam and you can find the two-level store on the left side of Damstraat. There are so many cool things in this shop whether you’re looking for biker jackets, shearling or rows upon rows of denim. You’ll also find some rare pieces from America in Mood Indigo which definitely makes this place even better. Cowboy boots, Levi 501’s and western shirts are a common theme. The cool thing about this thrift shop is that while a lot of the stuff is second-hand and needs a new home, a lot of the clothing looks almost brand new!
BIS
Pre-owned clothes, army-navy classics and vintage fashion - that’s what BIS is all about. Located just a short walk from Mood Indigo, make sure to visit both if you’re in the area as their offering is quite different. At BIS, the women and men’s sections are separated and arranged in an organised manner. You can get a range of casual wear to smarter wardrobe additions like men’s suits and ties and ladies dresses. As well as this, you’ll also find old army backpacks, military jackets, hair accessories, trainers, shoes, hats, scarves, printed dresses and way way more.
Mooi
Mooi is a second-hand shop on Scheldestraat that specialises in selling designer items and luxury goods that have been previously owned. Bag yourself a bargain on your dream Louis Vuitton bag, or purchase then Hermes scarf you’ve always wanted. Gucci trainers, Chanel purses or Dior sunglasses, you name it, Mooi sells some of the timeless designer items at fairly reasonable prices for these big brand names. This shop also sells second-hand clothing from awesome high street shops like Mango, H&M, Zara and more.
Article by Shereen Sagoo
