An Insider's Guide to Thrifting in Melbourne

Thrifting is hot right now, as fashion trends always return throughout the years, vintage retro fashion has been the craze. It is also a way to support eco-friendly and sustainable fashion, so if you’re looking to do some thrifting in Melbourne, read on through our list.

Along with the expeditious rotation of trends, fast fashion has seen exponential growth, brands like H&M and Zara are market leaders generating unsustainable clothing and large amounts of waste. As people continuously restock their closets with the next trending style, they lack the incentive to take care of their clothes, and are more likely to dispose of them faster.

Such consumer behaviour brings exacerbating effects on the environment. To alleviate waste produced by the fashion industry, thrifting high quality and vintage clothing is a trustworthy and sustainable solution. With Melbourne being home to the world’s most sustainable shopping centre, there are a handful of thrift shops the city has to offer. Read on for our list of thrift stores you should visit in Melbourne.

Local Favourites

RetroStar Vintage Clothing

Are you looking for some retro and vintage pieces? Or are you a fan of looks from the 1940s to 1990s? RetroStar offers a collection of clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories for you to hunt through and find your perfect old-school bucket hat, or the most decorative socks. The store is known among the locals of Melbourne for its cozy, high-quality, retro sweatshirts and sports jerseys. So if you’re lucky enough, you could find some unique additions to your collection of jerseys through the years.

Address: Nicholas Building, 37 Swanton Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Open From: Mon-Thur: 10am – 7pm; Sat: 10am – 7pm, Sun: 11am – 5pm

Vintage Sole

Another all-time local favourite is Vintage Sole, offering a classic vintage twist on thrifting. With three stores in Melbourne along with an online store, Vintage Sole is the place to find the utmost vintage-chic garments. Walking through the store, you’ll find a diverse range of polo shirts, crewneck sweaters, overalls, and even sneakers, all at affordable prices. Vintage Sole is a must-visit for thrifty shopaholics hunting for retro shirts and sunglasses to bring out this summer. If you look hard enough between the mountains of clothes, you may even scavenge out a rare vintage edition piece you’ve always wanted.

Address: Cathedral Arcade, 6/37 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Open From: Mon-Sat: 11am-6pm; Sun: 12pm-5pm

For a Good Cause

With the fast fashion industry leaving damaging footprints behind on the world, why not give back to society while treating yourself to new clothes? There are plenty of thrift stores working to support charities and causes for you to choose from.

Storehouse Thrift

Storehouse Thrift raises funds to support and donate to Teen Challenge Victoria, focusing on building emotional and mental stability among adolescents battling addiction. Shopping through the savvy collections at Storehouse Thrift, you can upgrade your wardrobe while making a positive change for a significant number of lives.

Address: 510 Sth Boundary Rd, Kyabram VIC 3620

Open From: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm

The Posh Opp Shop

If you’re shopping at The Posh Opp Shop, make sure to bring a big bag. The store not only limits their products to apparel, but also offers up a range of toys, jewellery, household items and countless more. Shopping at Posh Opp, your contribution will go towards helping children with special needs and attention care, organised by JCAS. Why not make the most of your shopping experience while doing it for a good cause?

Address: 484 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick VIC 3185

Open From: Tues-Sat: 10am-4:30pm; Closed Mondays & Sundays

Outdoor Stores

The Chapel Street Bazaar

Bringing everything 80s into one place, The Chapel Street Bazaar holds stalls filled with unique vintage items. You will definitely find yourself some bizarre and rare finds that will leave your friends wondering where you got them. The Bazaar offers an assortment of jewellery, dolls, shoes, and decorative crystal stones sold by passionate sellers, which creates a personal and one-of-a-kind experience. Collecting antique musical instruments can be a challenging hobby, but this bazaar presents an array of gorgeous musical relics as well.

Address: 217 Chapel Street Prahran, VIC, Australia 3181

Open From: Mon-Sun: 10am-6pm

Camberwell Sunday Market

Mark out every Sunday morning in your calendar for the weekly opening of Camberwell Sunday Market. Do you know that warm, cozy feeling only the best vintage stores give you? Camberwell Sunday Market provides you just that with an eccentric array of secondhand fashion items and homemade accessories. From handmade blankets to European ornaments, everything is up for grabs. If you don’t mind a bit of scavenging, you’re sure to find yourself an immaculate addition to your valuable collections.

Address: Market Pl, Camberwell VIC 3124, Australia

Open From: Every Sunday: 7:00am-12:30pm