Whether it’s the intoxicating old smell of books or the ability to ensure new life can be brought to clothing long forgotten, vintage shops simply embody the term ‘nostalgia’. Thrifting for hidden gems in Cape Town has become a popular practice in the city, as it creates a fun and sustainable way to hunt for statement pieces for your wardrobe or home.
With this influx in interest, however, the prices for items surge, which contradicts the essence of the ‘bargain hunt’ thrifting and vintage item sourcing usually provides. Luckily, many establishments in the Mother City provide reasonable prices for their bountiful pre-owned booty on display.
From second-hand stores to charity-centred entities, you’ll be sure to turn someone’s trash into your treasure at these locations in Cape Town.
Co’Lab 22 – The gender-neutral pick
This hole-in-the-wall clothing store in Woodstock is a great option for people looking for a balanced mix of men’s and women’s clothing. With rails filled with retro sweaters and vintage pieces, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine when visiting this store.
Co’Lab 22 not only provides a wide selection of second-hand clothing but also has its own gender-neutral and Afrocentric clothing brand if you’re looking for something truly unique.
Address: 22 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town.
Operating hours: 10 am – 6 pm (Mon – Sat), 11 am – 5 pm (Sun).
Vintage with Love – The diverse pick
A store that a non-profit organisation leads, this top pick for vintage is a wonderful way to turn your fashion obsession into a charitable venture. The store is organised by colour, making it fun to peruse the rainbow of rails to find what you’re looking for.
From R50 baskets to pre-owned designer brand shoes, you’ll find a myriad of interesting items to discover and explore. This store mainly focuses on women’s apparel but has a small section dedicated to men’s fashion.
Address: 1A Klaasens Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town.
Operating hours: 10 am – 4 pm (Tues – Fri), 10 am – 2 pm (Sat).
Milnerton Flea Market – The white elephant pick
If you’re looking to spend your weekend on the hunt for vintage, Milnerton Flea Market is the ultimate place to stroll the hours away in a sea of outdoor stalls. This Northern Suburbs staple has more than 200 tables and trader stands to peruse, which is where you’ll be able to find anything your heart desires (second-hand wise) at a bargain.
Amongst pre-loved items, there are a number of local vendors that sell their products at a good price. From plant nurseries to freshly salted chip sticks, you’re in for a treat at the Milnerton Flea Market.
Address: 126 Marine Dr, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town.
Operating hours: 8 am – 2 pm (Sat), 8 am – 3 pm (Sun).
Afraid Of mice – The designer finds pick
Around the corner from Vintage with Love, you’ll encounter a store that embodies the statement ‘dynamite comes in small packages’. This small vintage clothing store may only have a few rails to shuffle through, but it’s simply stacked with rare designer items that will make many luxury fashion lover’s heart swell.
From vintage Missoni pieces to the more modern designer staples from brands such as Acne Studios, you’ll have a ball searching through the limited stock available.
Address: 99 Harrington St, District Six, Cape Town.
Operating hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30 am – 5:30 pm (Sat).
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