When you’re an international student studying abroad, you're normally on a budget and always on the lookout for great savings deals. If you’re studying at one of London’s prestigious universities, we have good news for you. Besides saving on your student accommodation in London with Casita, we’ll guide you to the best places where you can buy high-quality clothes, shoes, accessories, and much more for really reasonable prices. We know you’re dying to know what kind of shops these are and how they are affordable and cheap in a city like London, the UK’s fashion capital. Well, these are called “Thrift Shops”. There are plenty of thrift stores in London for you to explore, and we’ve compiled a list of the best of them. So, come on, hop aboard, and let us take you on that exciting tour!

First things first, What’s a “Thrift Shop”?

A thrift store is a type of retail store that sells used items at a discount. Thrift shops vary by size and location. They may be owned and operated by a non-profit organisation. They are a great way to find cool gifts and trendy clothing at a fraction of the price. 

London is home to many thrift shops. Here is a look at the best thrift shops in London!

1. Beyond Retro

Okay, so this one is at the top of our list. It is one of the best thrift shops in London. It's challenging to enter this icon in east London without being taken aback by its multicoloured rails. With over 7 million items of clothing recycled, Beyond Retro has made a name for itself as one of London's truly sustainable secondhand shops.

You can browse their selection of vintage sportswear, dresses, t-shirts, and jeans, as well as their outlet department, where you can always find one-of-a-kind treasures for as little as £1. The shop is the go-to spot because it consistently rolls out new deals and even provides a 10% student discount year-round. It is located at 19–21 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TR.

2. Rokit

One of London's top thrift shops, Rokit, has recycled "millions of tonnes of used clothing, accessories, and textiles, significantly reducing fashion waste, and boldly flying the banner for closed-loop consumerism." Rokit was established in 1986 and is one of the best thrift stores in London. There are currently four shops providing a sizable selection of vintage clothing for men and women in tourist hotspots throughout the city. The shop is located at 225 Camden High Street, London, NW1 7BU.

3. Atika

One of the largest thrift shops in London is Atika. Due to its extensive selection of high-end vintage clothing, it is a favourite among most thrifters. You are sure to find something among the over 200,000 products, which include clothes, accessories, swimwear, household goods, art books, and magazines. Utilising vintage and deadstock fabrics, their in-house reworked brand, REMIX, makes trend-driven clothing. It is bold, energising, and stylishly sustainable. It was designed and manufactured in London. You can find it at 55–59 Hanbury Street, London, England, E1 5JP.

4. Reign Vintage

This thrift store in London is located at 12 Berwick Street, Soho, London W1F 0PN. Reign Vintage first appeared in the vintage fashion industry in 2002, quickly making a name for itself. They subsequently opened two stores, one in London and one in Oxford. The store aims to provide a reliable, cost-effective alternative to mass-produced high-street goods. It is more important to "stock (their) online shops with healthy volumes of well-curated premium grade vintage where plenty of exciting new items are introduced daily" rather than "pilling it high with non-inspirational filler."

5. Fara

Their 41 stores, which include 15 Fara Kids Shops, are well-liked participants in London's second-hand clothing scene and span the city from Belsize Park to Battersea. For people who like to thrift, the FARA shops are a must-visit. The shop has expanded thanks to numerous donations and charges fair rates for its goods. All their shops donate some of their sales to Romania's underprivileged children. It is by far one of the best thrift stores in London, and you can find it at 27 Bedford Hill, London, SW12 9EX.

6. Brick Lane

A vintage lover's fantasy! The Brick Lane Vintage Market has stocks of clothing from the 1920s through the 1990s. It provides fashion enthusiasts with a wide range of choices, from luxurious fur coats to vintage bridal attire. You don’t want to miss out on this top thrift shop in London! You can find it at 85 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL.

7. TRAID

Triad, a charity and thrift shop combined, has established itself as one of London's most sustainable thrift shops by converting waste into money. Over 11,000 donated items are transformed weekly into quality stock for TRAID's shops at its London warehouse. Every year, they save about 3,000 tonnes of clothing from being disposed of in landfills or burned! You can check out this thrift store at 106-106a High Street, London, E17 7JY.

8. Oxfam

Located at 160 Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, London, NW5 2AG, Oxfam is one of the best thrift stores in London. Oxfam shops in London are high-end thrift stores with reasonable prices. Many luxury items from brands like Chanel, Dior, and Gucci can be found on the racks, thanks to kind local donors. Better yet, they actively work to end poverty worldwide and accept contributions at designated donation centres.

9. East-End Thrift Store

This London thrift store, tucked away off Mile End Road, is the best place to find reasonably priced retro items, which are getting harder to find in London. Numerous vintage denim shirts are available for £15, and coats are priced at $25. Leather skirts and inexpensive $10 party dresses are also available.

10. Portobello Green Market

We’ve saved the best for last!

The Portobello Green Market is the locals' market and continues to uphold its reputation as one of London's most distinctive thrift shops, making it the ideal weekend retreat. There are booths there with reasonably priced fashion, books, music, antiques, and accessory items. The vintage clothing market is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so be aware of the crowds if you plan to visit on one of these days. You can find this thrift shop at 281 Portobello Road, London, UK, W10 5TZ.

And there you have it!

That was your handy guide to the best thrift stores in London! They’re perfect if you’re on a budget, seeking high-quality products, and want to contribute to good causes! Our last tip would be for you to take breaks at London’s coffee shops while you’re on that shopping spree!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can you find in a thrift store in London?

Thrift shops in London are multi-faceted retailers of used clothing, books, furnishings, records, jewellery, and more.

2. Can you shop from an online thrift store?

Yes, the majority of thrift shops in London have specialised web stores and provide discounts on special occasions. Rokit and other thrift shops provide complimentary delivery for a small fee.

3. Where is the best place to buy cheap clothes in London?

London's thrift shops offer high-quality clothing at affordable prices. The most budget-friendly shops, like Rokit, the Brick Lane Antique Market, and others, are located in East and Camden London, which is farther from Central London.

4. Are the clothes in London thrift stores safe to wear?

Absolutely! A fashion-forward staff and a commitment to excellent service are features of London's thrift stores. Their clothing is in excellent condition, and some London thrift shops, like Reign Vintage, have ready-to-wear items on the shelf.

5. Where can we thrift for designer clothes?

Shopping at London's thrift shops is a blast because many of them offer discounted designer brands. While some high-end retailers, like Retromania, may charge more, Atika and Rokit provide designer brands at more affordable rates.