9 of the best places to find pristine pre-loved clothing in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of Canada’s most future-forward, contemporary cities, and its also home to one of the best vintage clothing scenes in the country. This is certainly something to appreciate as it gives the city even more character.
Of course, it also gives us a plethora of options when it comes to buying pre-loved clothing. Unlike mall and big box stores, you never know what you’re going to find on a vintage shopping trip; and that’s the beauty of it. Each visit to a thrift store is a new experience, an opportunity to find pieces that reflect your personality, and a chance to help reduce textile wastage.
Saturday, August 17 is National Thrift Shop Day; the perfect time to clear out your wardrobes and donate your old clothing, or go out thrifting at stores in your area. To inspire your shopping, here are nine of the best places to find vintage clothes in Vancouver.
Duchesse Vintage
View this post on Instagram
Quirky and undeniably cozy, Duchesse Vintage is tucked away on Columbia Street. The store boasts a curated selection of vintage clothing and furnishings, with something for all tastes. Since the boutique has an awesome selection of affordable vintage jackets and sweaters, it’s the perfect spot to find stylish items for fall.
Address: 430 Columbia Street
Instagram: @duchessevintage
Community Thrift and Vintage
View this post on Instagram
If you’ve never shopped at Community Thrift and Vintage, all we can say is that you’re missing out. The social enterprise initiative and thrift store has locations in Gastown and on Carrall Street, stocking a massive selection of vintage denim jackets and pants, dresses, shirts, tees, and enviable accessories. Don’t be surprised if you end up spending more than your planned budget in-store, it happens the best of us!
Address: 311 Carrall Street | 11 West Hastings Street
Instagram: @communitythriftandvintage
Mine & Yours
View this post on Instagram
Is high-end vintage more your vibe? If so, make sure to check out Howe Street’s luxury fashion resale and consignment store, Mine and Yours. It’s not uncommon to find Chanel or Louis Vuitton bags in-store, among other top labels. The store also has a pop-up location in South Granville until fall where you’ll find Isabel Marant, Celine, Dries Van Note, and more of your favourite pre-loved designer pieces at a fraction of the price you’d normally pay.
Address: 1025 Howe Street and 2762 Granville Street (limited opening pop-op location), Vancouver
Instagram: @mineandyoursco
Mintage Mall
View this post on Instagram
After the continuing success of Mintage on Commerical Drive, owner Skylar Stock opened Mintage Mall in 2018. The East Broadway mall has one of the biggest vintage selections in the city with clothing, accessories, footwear, and even antiques. If you’re looking anything denim; jackets, shorts, or pants, this is the place. Prepare to spend at least 30 minutes inside browsing the many rails of vintage bliss.
Address: 245 East Broadway
Instagram: @mintagemall
C’est La Vie
View this post on Instagram
Located on lower Main Street, you can’t miss C’est La Vie’s bright and inviting pink storefront. The vintage and consignment store has a bunch of beautiful era-specific stock as well as more contemporary pieces. Follow the store on Instagram and keep an eye out for the mini vintage parties they host every few months with discounts, drinks, and stunning pre-loved clothing, footwear, and accessories.
Address: 3247 Main Street
Instagram: @cestlavievintage
Far Out Vintage
View this post on Instagram
If you’re exploring the downtown vintage scene, make sure to include a stop at Far Out Vintage. You’ll find all kinds of gems from well-known brands and even some designer labels. The boutique is always stocked with the kind of vintage staples you need for creating casual looks, as well as elegant apparel that can take your outfit from day, to night.
Address: 165 East Cordova Street
Instagram: @far_outvintage
The Eastside Flea
View this post on Instagram
Aside from being a fun place to hang out with your friends, the Eastside Flea is an incredible place to seek out some stellar vintage finds. More than 50 local vendors pop up at the market selling everything from collectables to handmade items, to vibrant pre-loved clothing. Each of the vintage vendors selling at the market is based in Vancouver so if you like what they’re selling you can easily follow them on Instagram to shop more of their collections. Make sure to check out the Eastside Flea Instagram account for market opening dates.
Address: Eastside Studios — 550 Malkin Avenue
Instagram: @eastsideflea
Woo Vintage Clothing
View this post on Instagram
Woo Vintage opened on Main Street back in 2004 and today, the boutique continues to be one of the city’s best. The store’s owners do a fantastic job with their window displays which entice you to explore the one-off items inside. Search through rails of pristine clothing from the 1950s onwards and check the footwear section for sandals or boots to match. This is one boutique that won’t let you down.
Address: 4393 Main Street
Instagram: @woovintage
Value Village
View this post on Instagram
If you’ve ever shunned the idea of shopping in Value Village, you’re in for a surprise. The store has multiple locations across the Greater Vancouver Area so there’s bound to be at least one near your neighbourhood. The time of day that you visit Value Village can impact the kind of pieces you find so make sure to arrive early and prepare yourself for a lot of rummaging through rails — it’s totally worth it. You might even find beautiful designer pieces in the mix, too.
Address: Multiple locations across the Greater Vancouver Area
Instagram: @valuevillage_thrift
Follow Channels and Categories