It’s no secret that Manchester is a pretty fashionable city. We’ve spawned many a popular fashion brand, from Adanola and Pretty Green to Umbro and Henry Holland – it’s a pretty mixed bag. But one thing that’s for sure? We’ve got style – so it’s hardly a surprise that our vintage shops here in Manchester are the creme of the crop. Specialising in thrifted sportswear, classic tailoring and more, here’s our guide to the best vintage shops in Manchester.
1. Cow Vintage
Where is it?📍
61 Church St, M4 1PD.
What do they specialise in? 🛍️
Found in the trendy Northern Quarter, Cow Vintage specialises in men’s and women’s vintage wear in general, but more specifically, sportswear. From North Face fleeces to Carhartt skatewear, there is tons to browse across the huge corner plot store.
In true sustainable style, visitors will also find a number of ‘reworked‘ vintage items, too, putting a more modern spin on older pieces that maybe needed a little TLC.
2. Blue Rinse
Where is it?📍
29-31 Oldham St, M1 1JG.
What do they specialise in? 🛍️
Another popular vintage spot in the Northern Quarter, Blue Rinse specialises in clothes by the kilo, selling bags and bags of retro and pre-loved treats for just £15 per kilo. For those who prefer more one-off pieces, the store also stocks plenty of fantastic vintage pieces for both women and men, including reworked pieces to help style with current trends.
3. Pop Boutique
Where is it?📍
34 – 36 Oldham St, M1 1JN.
What do they specialise in? 🛍️
Stocking gems from the 60s to the 80s, Pop Boutique has been stocking retro fashions since the early 80s (when it specialised in earlier decades), with tons of vintage clothing, furniture and decor pieces all under one roof. Head downstairs for a truly 70s feel, full of warm hues and mid-century furniture where you can spend hours playing dress up.
4. Bionic Seven
Where is it?📍
60 Port St, M1 2EQ.
What do they specialise in? 🛍️
A hidden gem found by the quiet Port Street, Bionic Seven is an absolute haven for classic menswear pieces, including trench coats, sweaters, overshirts, military jackets and plenty of parkas. Pricing can be on the higher side, however, visitors can expect premium products in perfect condition at this vintage gem.
5. Thrift Shop
Where is it?📍
39 Parker St, M1 4AJ.
What do they specialise in? 🛍️
Often strolled past with not a single glance on that morning mission to Starbucks, Thrift Shop is one of Manchester’s many hidden treasures, stocking rail-upon-rail of classic vintage pieces. Part of the Cow Vintage family, Thrift Shop stocks tons of pieces from different eras right up until Y2K, with hundreds of new items dropping every single week.
6. Pear Mill Vintage Emporium
Where is it?📍
Unit B1, Pear Mill Industrial Estate, Stockport Rd W, Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 2BP.
What do they specialise in? 🛍️
Emporium is quite an understatement for what Pear Mill has to offer. Busting with vintage and antique treasures, Pear Mill is so much more than just a vintage store. It’s a haven. Clothes-wise, expect tons of stunning pieces from different eras, including the occasional vintage Burberry trench for lucky treasure hunters.
7. Top of the Town
Where is it?📍
17 Lower Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 1JQ.
What do they specialise in? 🛍️
Following success online, Top of the Town Vintage has a one-year-old IRL home on Lower Hillgate, Stockport, where vintage lovers can find pieces from the 60s and 70s, among other eras, with tons of bellowing sleeves, quaint florals and flowing skirts to browse. Expect top-of-the-range retro beauties here.
8. Gone Fishing Vintage
Where is it?📍
95 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LW.
What do they specialise in? 🛍️
Mostly sportswear, streetwear and outdoor garms − think football shirts, Stone Island jackets and fishing and cargo style trousers and vests. There are plenty of named brands to be found here, plus accessories and shoes (mostly trainers) to make you stand out in this fashionable quarter − it’s one of the more curated vintage shops in Manchester. Gone Fishing sells mostly menswear, but that’s not to say no one else can wear it…