Whether you’re on the lookout for some unique clothes keeping to a budget, shopping sustainably, or wanting to support a charity; the huge selection of vintage and charity shops in Leeds has got you covered.
Over the past few years, second-hand shopping has become popular amongst younger people as an affordable way to liven up their wardrobes. However, getting started can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of these shops throughout Leeds all with different target shoppers, aesthetics, and price ranges. So regardless of what you’re looking for, there’s a shop to fit your niche. Well, we’re here to help. We’ve visited each of these locations and have taken online reviews into account in order to give well-rounded recommendations for each shop.
Blue Rinse
Blue Rinse is a northern chain of vintage shops that focus on unique items and denim from the late 80s through to the 90s. The styles they curate vary widely and are organised by garment type. This means that it’s worth setting aside an hour or two to look through properly. Its location in the centre of Leeds boasts three floors packed full of vintage garments, friendly staff willing to give advice or help if you need it, and atmospheric changing rooms. They also sell a line of clothing turning damaged and offcut fabrics into eclectic vibrant garments. Being a chain means that Blue Rinse is also able to run Kilo Sales advertised on their website-one of my favourite ways to find pre-loved clothes on a budget.
Shop Location: 9-11 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7DH https://goo.gl/maps/758zACF131emHAZS7
Website: https://www.bluerinsevintage.co.uk/
Samaritans
After seeing increasing awareness and prevalence of mental health issues throughout the pandemic, charities like the Samaritans have become integral in supporting local communities. This shop in student-populated Headingly knows how to curate their stock for their local student audience. It has plenty of fairly priced quality pieces for any event out or day in.
Shop Location: 27 North Ln, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3HW https://goo.gl/maps/KWypyg4FTyCcrjqN9
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-leeds/leeds-samaritans-charity-shop
Shop KILO
Having just opened its first permanent shop in the Merrion Centre in Leeds, it is already full of character, variety, and helpful staff. This location is the UK’s first vintage kilo sale organiser to have its own dedicated shop and, staying true to its word, sell varied vintage clothing by the kilo. Alongside the racks of denim, knitwear, and their Reworked line are art prints and sustainable products like mending kits to ensure you get the most out of your clothing.
Shop Location: Merrion Way, Leeds LS2 8NG (Ground Floor) https://goo.gl/maps/GGV8aLhrF8CZmM4q6
Website: https://shopkilo.co.uk/
St. Gemma’s Hospice
An inviting shop in the Merrion centre full of well-priced clothing is just what this list needs and St. Gemma’s delivers. Their stock proves a great source for basics to fill gaps in your wardrobe as well as more unique pieces. What’s more, they also carry homeware items as part of their frequently refreshed items. Great clothes paired with great staff make this shop a reliable hit in the centre of the city all supporting a fantastic charity.
Shop Location: 5 The Merrion Centre, Leeds LS2 8NG https://goo.gl/maps/gugRbk324D1as3sk8
Website: https://www.st-gemma.co.uk/charity-shops
Cow Vintage
Part of a small chain aiming to make vintage shopping less intimidating, this wildly colourful funky location has my heart. This shop sells items from the 50s all the way into the 00s which makes it incredibly diverse in silhouettes, fabrics, and trends. On top of their stunning vintage garments they sell “Rework” and “Edit” collections which are upcycled garments refashioned to match more current styles. Their staff are incredibly helpful and able to guide people toward finding stunning pieces. It is definitely worth a rummage if you don’t have a particular decade in mind or feel intimidated about diving right in.
Shop Location: 82 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7JH. https://goo.gl/maps/xqwMMwoxx14ha7BA7
Website: https://wearecow.com/
So, now you know where to find the best charity and vintage shops in Leeds. Think that we’ve missed anywhere off of this list? Don’t hesitate to get in touch and let us know. Likewise, if you are looking for more things to do in the city, be sure to check out these 10 small businesses in the city.
