If you’re looking to secure the perfect pre-loved piece, there are plenty of places to do just that in Dublin.
There really is nothing like nabbing a vintage find. Imagining the story behind it, the made-to-last quality and most importantly, the knowledge that you’ll never bump into someone wearing the same thing as you.
There are plenty of other benefits to second hand shopping . It helps to prevent clothes from being sent to landfill, reduces greenhouse gases and is infinitely more ethical than a fast fashion haul.
Over lockdown, so many Irish guys and gals discovered the thrill of online vintage shopping. There are loads of great Irish online vintage stores who do weekly drops that sell out in minutes. A sign that more of us than ever are favouring slow fashion.
While online shopping is great, when it comes to vintage, there really is nothing like having a rummage through the shelves in person. Luckily, Dublin’s vintage scene has blossomed and grown significantly in recent years. So if you’re looking for the perfect one-off, preloved fit there are plenty of places to secure the goods. Here are 12 of our favourites, all with unique and wonderful offerings.
Warning, exposure to vintage shopping may lead to manic pixie dream girl main character syndrome.
Finders Keepers
Bray
Finders Keepers will have something sharp hanging in it. Maybe a coat with real presence, maybe a pair of trousers that nail that elusive ‘worn-in but not worn-out’ energy. The shop feels like someone with very good taste got bored of the internet and decided to build something better in real life. The perfect amount of rails, no faux-nostalgia landfill, just clothes that seem to quietly suggest new versions of you. Don’t rush yourself. Circulate, Touch the sleeves, feel the call of the wild (the 1970s sheerling jacket). Wait for the moment to strike and boom. You’ve nabbed yourself a little class in the form of a statement piece.
Loot
Drury Street
This royal blue concept store is Brooklyn-esque in layout, with a few carefully curated racks of vintage denim and colourful silks. Loot’s is a purposeful, considered collection and in store you’ll also find concessions from Reverie and Inné. Think oversized, 80s blazers from Valentino and silk scarves from Celine. An amazing Irish business that sources preloved, real gold jewellery at genuinely affordable prices.
35 Vintage
Fade Street
Just around the corner from Drury Street you’ll find 35 Vintage. This store had a hugely successful online presence over lockdown, with an impressive selection of pre-loved fleeces, sweatshirts and track jackets, and their expansion onto Dublin soil has been warmly welcomed. 35 also have a store in Kiltimagh, Mayo, which opened almost exactly two years to the day before their Dublin shop. They’ve also got a bargain basement in-store if you’re looking to save a few punts.
Betty Bojangles
Thomas Street
A stalwart of the Dublin vintage scene, Betty Bojangles is a treasure trove with gowns and glamorous accessories sitting alongside bomber jackets and Hawaiian shirts. It’s the kind of store you could easily spend an hour looking through. There are also regular sales and bargains to be had.
Dublin Vintage Factory
Temple Bar
For a shop located in Dublin’s busiest tourist trap, Dublin Vintage Factory certainly manages to keep it real in terms of pricing. Clothes are sold by weight at €30 per kilo. So if you’re a skilful rummager you could nearly secure your whole winter wardrobe for a very reasonable price. There are two floors to explore with a great selection of faux fur, shirts, knits and vintage dresses.
The Big Smoke Vintage
Merchants Arch
Neighbouring Dublin Vintage Factory you’ll find The Big Smoke – a hidden gem tucked away under Merchant’s Arch. These guys have you covered by way of incredible one-off pieces from the 50s right up to the noughties, with friendly, knowledgable staff on hand to help you obtain the perfect vintage find.
Tola Vintage
Temple Bar, Aungier Street, College Green
The Tola Empire has expanded significantly over the past few years and there are now four Dublin stores for all your browsing needs, including a kilo store in Temple Bar and their newest spot in the former Pen Corner on College Green, where more high end, designer vintage pieces can be found.
While The Pen Corner enjoyed custom from the likes of Grace Kelly, Elvis Costello, Kurt Cobain and Pierce Brosnan in its time, Tola is also no stranger to a celeb visit and has previously welcomed stars including Ariana Grande to its Temple Bar store (every Dubliner remembers the “Yup Ariana” video fondly, right?)
Nine Crows
Multiple locations
One of city’s OG haunts for a vintage rummage, Nine Crows have been on the scene for well over a decade and in that time have amassed a huge fandom through their multiple Dublin outlets, kilo stores and extensive online selection. Nine Crows has enjoyed visits from the likes of Lana Del Rey and is also dog friendly if you want to bring your pup along for a browse.
Lucy’s Lounge
Temple Bar
Another mainstay of Dublin’s vintage scene, Lucy’s basement space will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into another world with racks packed to the brim with vintage denim, velvet and bric-a-brac. It’s an old school pre-loved haven, the kind you’re unlikely to walk out of empty-handed.
Lou’s Lot
George’s Street Arcade
Moving onto accessories, Lou’s Lot in George’s Street Arcade is a must if you’re looking to pick up a vintage saddle bag or a sought after Louis Vuitton pochette. Alongside a frequently restocked handbag selection Lous Lot also has a great range of designer trench coats, jackets and skirts with Lou being particularly skilled when it comes to sourcing vintage Burberry pieces.
Siopaella
Wicklow Street
Siopaella has been sourcing and reselling designer pieces since 2011 but reached a whole new audience over lockdown with owner Ella’s Instagram lives, showcasing highly coveted designer bags usually in perfect condition, prime to be snatched up by an eager audience of “ninjas”. Now, Ella’s Wicklow Street store is open to browse in person once more with a wide range of expertly authenticated designer bags as well as preloved high street pieces at great prices.
Designer Exchange
Exchequer Street
Another great designer bag reseller, stocking many good-as-new pieces that’ll save you money and allow you to feel significantly smug for taking a more sustainable approach to high-end shopping. From on-trend Prada and Louis Vuitton pieces to vintage, Jackie Kennedy-esque Gucci, this store is definitely worth stopping into if you’re looking to invest in a designer handbag.
Agité Closet
Agité Closet could turn you into a little bit of a show-off. Not in a flashy way. More the smug, glowing satisfaction way. When you pick something up here you know you’ve found the piece. The one that makes people stop you on the street. Or lean in mid-conversation to ask where it’s from. It is a priveledge and a flex to drop the name like a secret you’re suddenly willing to share. Everything here feels deliberate. It’s vintage with editorial energy that does impossible things for your silhouette. The shop itself is cool without being cold, and there’s a sense of clarity to the curation, like every item was chosen with a personality in mind. You’ll definitely find something that’ll make you walk differently.
Did we miss out your favourite Dublin vintage store? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list!
