‘Old’ is the new ‘new’, and what better way to experience this than through fashion? Major trends from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s are back in style, and an easy way to get into the throwback spirit is by shopping vintage and second hand.
Vintage and second hand stores give older clothing new life. It is the perfect way to find cool and unique pieces that others may not have. Another benefit is that, in the case of second hand shopping, it is often the cheaper alternative to shopping new name brands.
The environmental impact of fast fashion is seeing more people become conscious of how they consume products and opting for a more circular economy approach to their threads.
If you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, give one of these stores a spin:
Coats for Africa
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The best accessory for your outfit is a fly jacket. From denim to leather, blazers to trench coats, you can find anything you desire and more at Coats for Africa. They offer ranges for men, women and children. Pro tip: the men’s section has the best jackets so don’t be shy to head there first.
This store also sells other items like tops, trousers and hats, so you could build an entire outfit from one store.
Where: 44 Church Street in Cape Town city centre, Claremont Main Road and Wynberg Main Road
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Open since 1976, this quaint little vintage shop is a Long Street landmark and a real vintage store in its own right. Step back in time when you walk through the doors and imagine yourself in a bygone era, where gloves, hats, ties and pocket watches were the order of the day.
They offer a well-curated selection of gorgeous vintage, vintage-inspired and elegantly classic pieces for both ladies and men, from the roaring ’20s, right up until the bright and bold finds of the ’90s.
Where: 196 Long Street, Cape Town
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Shop and support an important cause at the same time at Help The Rural Child, a chain of charity shops that support the Goedgedacht Path Onto Prosperity Rural Youth Centres. Their stores stock books, bric-a-brac, clothing, furniture and household goods, all of which are donated by the very supportive Cape Town public.
Help the Rural Child has nine shops at present: two bookshops, one in Mowbray and one in Kirstenhof; four clothing and bric a brac shops in Mowbray, Retreat, Sea Point and Cape Town CBD; a furniture shops in Retreat and a Mobile Bookshop that goes out to schools.
Where: Details for all 9 stores available HERE.
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This vintage and retro clothing shop sells both men’s and ladies clothing dating from the 1950s to 1980s. The clothing is often of a better quality than modern items and has stood the test of time.
It is situated in the Long Street Antique Arcade in the heart of Cape Town, the centre of the antique trade in Cape Town since the late 1990s.
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Operating since 1971, this original vintage ladies clothes shop offers a treasure trove of contemporary and vintage clothing, costume jewellery, accessories and other desirable items.
They stock smart casual and formal evening wear. Customers are often thrilled to find unusual and unique items as well as designer labels at bargain prices.
Where: Cavendish Close, Warwick Street, Claremont
Never New
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While it is a relatively young store, Never New has quickly become a fan favourite among thrift shoppers. Shop for men and ladies vintage/secondhand clothing, scarves, new hats, footwear, locally made festival wear and more at their Observatory location.
Their stock changes every week, guaranteeing you will find something new and unique every time you visit.
Where: 15b Lower Main Road. Observatory. Cape Town
Honorable mention: Yaga
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Yaga is a South African online thrifting platform. Sellers can upload items and customers can simply and easily shop online. This allows individuals to operate their own online thrifting stores through the platform, and give their old clothing new life.
Picture: Pexels