Brighton is arguably one of the UK’s hippest cities and a love of all things vintage has certainly helped secure that title. Creatively dressed Brighton locals famously express themselves with styles that transcend current fashions, often harking back to signature looks of the past – from sequinned flapper dresses to funky 50s Hawaiian shirts, to the sharpest mod suits – it’s all available on the vintage clothing rails in Brighton & Hove. Here at We Love Brighton, we’ve always been dedicated followers of fashion, so we’ve listed the best vintage clothing shops that Brighton has to offer…
Beyond Retro
Beyond Retro’s move to its new home on Sydney Street has not meant it has downsized on quality. The store is full to the rafters with affordable vintage clothing to suit almost every look conceivable. No matter what the season, Beyond Retro is Brighton’s go-to flagship vintage clothing store and has you covered. If you change your mind about a garment, then it isn’t an issue, as Beyond Retro has a quick and easy returns policy which will reimburse you in store credit.
23 Gloucester Rd, BN1 4AD
To Be Worn Again
If you have visited Brighton’s busy North Laines then it is highly likely that one of To Be Worn Again’s two shops will have caught your eye with their colourful and decorative exteriors. To Be Worn Again pulls off the rare trick of providing both quality and quantity with a large selection of wholesale items, as well as carefully curated one-off delights. It’s easy to spend hours exploring the rails of this congenial and lively store, while shopping at To Be Worn Again won’t leave the wallet empty either, as there are always bargains to be found.
12 Kensington Gardens, BN1 4AL
Starfish Vintage Clothing
Small but perfectly formed, the Starfish boutique on Gardner Street in the heart of the North Laines offers a fine selection of hand-picked vintage pieces from the 1940s onwards. The store has a keen eye for beautifully made womenswear, vintage menswear, leather and suede jackets, selvage denim, workwear, and handbags. The store’s racks are never overloaded, and labels indicate each item’s era and significance. Typically you’ll find vintage varsity jackets, 1970s long suede coats, original Levi’s jeans, Ostrich leather handbags, and 1950s clutches, but there is always something new and attractive to catch the eye and cater to the majority of vintage clothing tastes.
25 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UP
Preloved of Brighton
Fashionistas looking to turn heads without breaking the bank should visit this smart little boutique in Fiveways, in the Brighton ‘burbs. Preloved of Brighton sells top quality, secondhand women’s designer clothing and shoes as well as catering for special occasions like weddings, christenings and swanky Christmas dos. Choose from glam dresses , pretty tops, and coats from popular labels such as Whistles, Mulberry and Comptoir des Cottoniers. The items on sale are seasonal and arranged by size so it’s quick and easy to choose.
267a Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6FL
Waiste Vintage
In the heart of Brighton’s vintage capital, the North Laine bazaar, Waiste vintage has built a formidable reputation for itself over the years. Specialising in clothing that harkens back to the rock n’ roll eras of the 1960s and 70s, a visit to Waiste Vintage feels like a trip in a time machine. Lovers of vintage clothing will be spoilt for choice, with a vast and carefully curated selection of womenswear and menswear available over two floors. Waiste Vintage almost guarantees quality, but be warned – if you enter through its doors you’ll likely leave with a bag full of clothing.
3 Gardner St, BN1 1UP
All About Audrey Vintage & Bohemian Clothing
All About Audrey is one of Brighton’s most engaging and nuanced shopping experiences and unlike its competitors offers the opportunity for customers to browse the shop’s own collection of hand-made garments, with dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, kimonos, and shirts all made by their talented in-house designers. Alongside its stunning collection of home-made attire, All About Audrey’s extensive hand-picked collection of vintage clothing will have you returning time after time.
27 Trafalgar St, BN1 4ED
Dirty Harry
This Sydney Street stalwart is one of Brighton’s biggest and best-known vintage emporiums. A magnet for trendy urban cowboys and cowgirls, Dirty Harry offers rack upon rack of classic checked shirts, cowboy boots, denim jackets, jeans, and dungarees, alongside their own branded clothing. The overarching theme is Americana, and there’s a floor dedicated to women’s vintage and upcycled ‘pop’ clothing. At We Love Brighton, we love the incredible choice and affordability of this one-of-a-kind vintage treasure trove. New stock regularly replaces the boots and parkas that fly out the door every week.
6 Sydney Street, Brighton, BN1 4EN
Snoopers Attic
Upstairs at Snoopers Paradise in Kensington Gardens and you’ll find boho heaven. Discover a world of vintage fabrics, feather boas, natty shirts, leather, and lace. This is Snoopers Attic where a collective of designers literally live and breathe vintage. Snoopers attic specialises in a variety of niches including Victorian and Edwardian design – think black lace, sumptuous beading, gothic velvet; while there is plenty of postmodern kitsch to be found in the form of cute mini skirts and repurposed tunic dresses. You’ll also find original jewellery, haberdashery, and vintage-inspired gifts and accessories, and with stock constantly changing, there’s always something new. The only way to fully appreciate this charming den of creativity is to have a snoop yourself!
1st Floor Snooper’s Paradise, 7-8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
