The 21st century has ushered in an era of fast fashion, online shopping, and rapidly evolving trends. Whether you’re a fashion fanatic or simply someone who wants to be more sustainable, second-hand shopping is the perfect alternative to break free from expensive delivery options and boring outfits. And if you’re a Brummie, then you’re in luck, because Birmingham is one of the best spots for buying pre-loved clothing! So, if you’re on the hunt for the Best Vintage Clothes shops in Birmingham, this list has plenty to explore.
Cow Vintage
Cow is a hotspot for students seeking vintage pieces for their wardrobes. Bringing ‘the best of sustainable fashion‘ to our streets, Cow has dozens of rails with unique and handpicked pieces perfect for everyone. From reworked Y2K tops to high-end designer bags, after a rummage through the industrial warehouse, you could leave with several great finds. They’re not just popular for their huge stock, but also for their convenient location in Digbeth, just 8 minutes from the Bullring!
If you’d like to take a look, I suggest giving yourself a few hours to browse. With their regular rotations, you might find something new every time you visit. Cow also has Kilo Sales every month (with free entry!). You can find lots of reworked clothes for very low prices. These are advertised on their social media, so I’d recommend taking a look there first.
Top Banana
Top Banana has been a staple in Birmingham for decades. Its bright yellow front is hard to miss, located in the vibrant streets of King’s Heath. Visitors recommend them for their wide range of premium-quality clothing. You can find popular American pieces, such as sports jackets, and famous brands like Vans and Levi’s. Top Banana boasts a wide selection of labels and classic garments. This is why it has become a principal spot for students to find affordable and high-quality second-hand clothing.
Wornwell Vintage
If you’ve ever visited the biggest Primark in the world, you’re bound to have seen Wornwell Vintage. Nestled on floor -1, they are a vintage wholesalers with a concession inside Primark. Dedicated to offering trendy streetwear and great vintage finds, you’re bound to find a hidden gem or two. I’ve visited myself a few times, and I love their range of leather jackets. With music and accessible changing rooms, they have a great vibe for shoppers.
Additionally, they are just minutes from the Bullring, making them 100% worth a visit. However, compared to others on this list, I did find that their prices are higher. So, if you’re looking for more affordable vintage clothes, you might want to visit the others listed here instead.
Lostalgia
If you’re looking to jazz up your wardrobe, then Lostalgia is the perfect place in Brum to do so. Like others on this list, it’s located in the cultural hub of Digbeth. And not only is the name cool, the shop is even cooler. Lostalgia is a café, serving tasty treats and well-brewed coffees, and they also sell vintage clothes. Half-café, half-vintage shop, you can find everything from gorgeous leather jackets to vinyls, and even grab a latte after!
Gingermegs
Gingermegs is a Birmingham staple for finding second-hand clothes. You can find them in the beautiful Victorian-style Custard Factory. They specialise in clothing from the 1920s to the 1960s, and their costume jewellery and Art Deco pieces are especially great. Their boutique is perfect for all tastes, whether you’re looking for a dress reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties or a pair of bootcut jeans to rock the 70s look! Gingermegs is also known to advertise a lot of its best pieces on Etsy, which is excellent if you can’t visit or prefer to shop online.
La Mc Vintage
La Mc Vintage is one of my personal favourites from this list. This bright and fresh face on the vintage clothing scene boasts high-quality clothes and reasonable prices. They have everything from knitwear to leather jackets to jewellery, including designer brands. Located in the heart of Birmingham, you can discover them inside the well-known and wonderful Western Arcade. With a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful clothes, it’s clear why La Mc Vintage is loved by its customers.
British Heart Foundation
A great thing about Birmingham is that you don’t need a dedicated vintage clothing shop to find good pieces. Charity shops are great for finding hidden gems. There are multiple BHF stores located across the city, with one just 8 minutes from the Bullring. The British Heart Foundation organises its clothes by size and makes sure that all pieces are labelled. So, whilst you might need to spend a little more time hunting through the racks, you’re likely to find something fantastic. You’ll also be supporting a good cause and helping the planet by wearing donated clothes!
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is another great charity shop for students who want an affordable style shift. In the centre of the shop, the clothes are organised by colour, so you can sort through the rainbow of fabrics to find the outfit for you. With multiple shops across the city, you’re guaranteed to find one close by. Additionally, there’s a Superstore in Perry Bar that is ideal for having a mooch. Shopping here is the perfect way to reduce your carbon footprint and donate to help others, alongside finding something budget-friendly and stylish!
Redbrick Market
Redbrick Market is another of my personal favourites. It is a treasure trove of unique and interesting pieces. A further great spot in Digbeth, the Market is just a short walk from the Bullring. From trinkets to cookies to stickers to so many vintage clothes, you could spend an entire day wandering through the stalls.
The warehouse is set up with independent stores, all displaying their own fun and quirky products. Each time I’ve visited, I’ve found that there are a lot of clothing stalls, with everything from fur coats to 2000s halter tops. Redbrick is definitely worth a visit because you’re not only guaranteed to find something special, but you’re also supporting local businesses.
Birmingham Rag Market
Birmingham’s living legend, the Rag Market, is the perfect place to look for vintage clothing. Its range is immense, with multiple stalls selling an array of retro clothing and second-hand pieces. The market feels almost like a jumble sale. It’s packed with hanging items and clothing racks to sift through. It’s great for those looking for fair prices and authentic clothes in the city centre.
Vintage Clothing Fairs
Alongside Redbrick and the Rag Market, there are even more amazing markets located across the city. It’s worth naming a few more for you here, such as the King’s Heath Vintage Flea Market and Judy’s Vintage Fair. They’re free to enter and filled with stalls, all displaying affordable and unique pieces.
Moreover, as a University of Birmingham student, it would be a crime not to mention the vintage clothing I’ve found right on campus. Not only do I not have to travel far, but they’re guaranteed to have student-friendly prices. The monthly Artisan Market usually has clothing stalls with funky pieces like denim purses and patterned trousers, and the Student Guild occasionally holds a large vintage clothing sale filled to the brim with great finds. If you’re not a UoB student, then you could check your Student Guild’s social media or University newsletter to see if there are any on your campus.
Whether you’re focused on being more eco-friendly or just wanting to ditch the high street, Birmingham’s Vintage Clothing shops are for you. Check out some more great second-hand shops we’ve found in London and Nottingham. Both are just a train ride away.
A great thing about thrift shops is that they’re cheap, so they’re easier on the student budget. If that’s something you’re particularly worried about, then go look at our other ways to save money as a student.
FAQs on the Best Vintage Clothes Shops in Birmingham
Digbeth is the hub for vintage shopping, with spots like Cow Vintage, The Vintage Kilo Sale, and Urban Village. City centre stores such as Braderie and Subside also attract students looking for affordable and unique styles.
Yes. Many vintage shops offer student discounts, kilo sales, and budget rails starting from a few pounds. Bargain hunting is part of the fun, and you can often find branded pieces at much lower prices than new high street items.
Digbeth and the Custard Factory area are especially popular with students for their cluster of retro shops and regular markets. The city centre also has independent boutiques where you can find curated vintage pieces and accessories.
Most vintage shops in Birmingham stock not just clothing but also accessories like bags, jewellery, and shoes. Some even offer homeware and music records, making them great all-round stops for students interested in retro style.
Yes. Events like Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair and kilo sales often take place at the Custard Factory and other venues. These pop-ups are perfect for students to stock up on affordable vintage finds and discover unique pieces.
Hi! I’m Emmie, and I’m currently studying English Literature and Classical Literature & Civilisations at the University of Birmingham. This means I’m a huge fan of anything historical and literary, so you can usually find me diving into research rabbit holes for a new blog post or engrossed in a good book. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy activities like karaoke, travelling, or spending the day in a museum!
