Vintage clothes are sustainable, fashionable and fabulous! But where and how to find them? Fashion Editor Polly Rogers gives readers a guide to the best vintage and thrift stores in Dublin.
I took to the cobblestoned streets of Dublin over midterm break to find some of the best thrifting spots and vintage shops. This guide will aid in your search for that perfect piece to not only add an edge to your wardrobe but also collect continuous compliments!
Oxfam, Georges Street, D02 TX84
A small cluttered shop on a busy street, it has a regular selection of preloved toward the front, pieces from the last 20 years, which includes a new garments section, clothing still with tags that's been donated, discounted styles that have yet to be worn. Behind this is their vintage section, which is stocked and sorted. If you're looking for vintage levis, you’ll find an abundance of them here. Leather jackets as well are there in many different cuts and colours, but steep in price, from around 50 to 90 euro, these vintage pieces are definitely priced at a premium. Bombers and Motor bike jackets were also in stock. The walls were stacked with rows of eclectic grandpa core jumpers and sweater vests in various prints and designs. A top/blouse section has some cute sequined and velvet pieces, not the most youthful but could totally be paired with a mini or some low rise jeans, these varied from 10 to 20 euro! The niche collection within this store you're not as likely to see elsewhere is that of their vintage quarter zip fleeces in bright colours and designs! Turquoises and purples, with 80s geometric designs jumped off the shelves.
Dublin Vintage Factory, Temple Bar
Dublin Vintage Factory impressed with price, this temple bar based shop is appealing to shop through with its gorgeous interior, but this immediately causes assumptions of overpriced, but a kilo sale is the system, the sales lady quoting anywhere between €25 to €70 for a leather jacket, based solely on weight! At 30 euro a kilo, their basement filled with a plethora of going out tops that would be a Lorelia Gilmore dream wardrobe rotation, bright in colour, this shop is curated specifically towards current trends and aesthetics, saving all the hassle of you shifting through 2010s dead business casual to find what you actually want to buy. Bloke core is evident throughout, with their branded zip ups and football style scarves, this attracts a youthful dynamic, and caters to a multitude of aesthetics, rather than simply what vintage a regular Irish household has donated.
Vision Ireland, Capel Street, D01 NT96
This charity shop also has a focus on 80s vintage, stylistically sorted and selected, this shop has the largest collection of vintage bombers and windbreakers I’ve seen! Walking inside, the aesthetic that this thrift shop projects immediately transports you to a vintage era, records hanging from the ceiling and good music, this space is well laid out, allowing a non claustrophobic feeling, and less stress as you browse. With sections neatly divided and colour coordinated. My main draw from this shop was the bomber sections, one for men and one for women, in a multitude of colours and brands, ranging from €25 to €30 a piece, florals and patterns, graphics and more, I was very tempted to splash out on one! Some fab going out tops are in the women's section, lacy and fitted, as well as vintage tees for men and women. Boots and scarves are also neatly displayed about this shop. 2010s cursed business casual did heavily feature in the non vintage women's sections slightly but some cute pieces are still scattered amongst! To top it all off there is a 10% student discount to sweeten up your purchase!
Dublin Vintage Shop, D01 CX68
Dublin Vintage shop, calls to me for everything accessory or decorwise! This jumble of junk contains so many gems hidden in bargain baskets and trays, postcards and vinyls are in flick through boxes, while badges and patches are in trays, there were so many random badges from most likely liquidated companies, that were so funny out of context! And for €2 each, vintage could be pinned on your bag! Baskets of bangles in all metals for €1 each and trays of costume jewellery, earrings rings in assorted prices and bold beaded necklaces 5 each! Their clothing is definitely worn in, not the most pristine vintage, but ranges in price, their leather jackets €50 flat, and their many woolen knit jumpers €15 to €20 each! Bar mats and posters which would be perfect for any student room, if you're looking to add a homely and unique aspect! This is definitely worth the visit, so many one of a kind items to be unearthed!