Every fashion "it girl" knows the secret to looking effortlessly cool is to mix and match vintage clothes and accessories with current trends. Why settle for cheap knock-offs when you can have authentic timeless pieces from 1920's flapper chic to glam rock and classic elegance. Real vintage clothes offer quality and design that in today's world of "throw-away" clothes no longer exists. The key to vintage shopping is an eye for seeing how a piece could be altered to fit your size and a good tailor. For those with real style, vintage shopping is a must. Here's our guide for where to find Vancouver's best vintage stores. Happy Hunting.
GASTOWN
Photo Courtesy: Community Vintage Frock Shoppe
How do those who live or work in Gastown always look so effortlessly cool? They drop in regularly to Community Frock Shoppe to add that “it girl” vintage chic. A haven for vintage lovers, clothes from the 1950’s to the 1990’s are carefully selected based on fabric quality including cashmere, silk, hand-embroidery, fur and linens. The store also carries fabulous vintage handbags, jewellery and shoes. Just around the corner, on West Cordova Street find the original Community Thrift and Vintage Store which carries men and unisex vintage. Community Vintage and Frock Shoppe is a social enterprise that supports PHS Community Services Society in helping women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
311 Carrall Street
41 West Cordova Street
CHINATOWN
Photo Courtesy: Duchesse Vintage
A hidden gem for those seeking authentic vintage fashion and accessories, Duchesse Vintage, which opened in 2012 in Vancouver’s Chinatown is a must visit. The charming store features a collection of curiosities, art and carefully curated ready to wear fashion from the 1940’s to the 1990’s. Duchesse also carries the city’s best selection of vintage bridal gowns housed in the backroom which are available for viewing by appointment only.
430 Columbia Street
DOWNTOWN
Photo courtesy: Used House of Vintage
With two locations, both located on the second floor in the downtown core, Used House of Vintage carries fashion from every era. Lots of sequin glam and cowboy boots along with a good selection of 80's and 90's Levis jeans and jean jackets starting from $25.00. Dresses, shirts and blouses are organized by colour and there are dedicated sections for lingerie and vintage cocktail dresses.
831 Granville Street.
1008 Robson Street.
MAIN STREET Vancouver's destination for vintage, thrift and consignment stores is located on the Main Street Corridor starting just below West Broadway to 27th Avenue.
Photo courtesy: F as in Frank
F as in Frank specializes in 80's and 90's style as well as carrying their own in-house brands of reworked vintage items. Find the city's largest selection of snapback hats starting at $34.00 as well as vintage sports apparel including jerseys. For bargain hunters, head to the Rag Machine located in the alley at the back of the store where you can hunt thru bins and purchase second hand clothes for just $5.00 per pound. The Rag Machine is the cheapest option for used clothes in the city and you simply weigh before you pay.
2425 Main Street
Photo Courtesy: Burcu’s Angels
Owned by Burcu Ozdemi, Burcu's Angels has been a landmark on the Vancouver vintage scene for over twenty years. Find authentic vintage pieces from the 20th century with a wide selection from the 60's and 70's. All of the clothing in the store has been hand-picked by Burcu based on her motto of "colour, texture, decadence and magic". Step into her store and the first thing you will be asked is "are you on a mission"? If you are looking for a specific era or vintage style, Burcu will happily pull out pieces to help you find your dream outfit.
3128 Main Street
Photo Courtesy: Bohemia Gallery
With two floors to explore, Bohemia Gallery carries vintage clothing and accessories for both men and women. Find a large selection of vintage fashion, accessories and shoes from the 50's to 90's including the city's largest selection of vintage lingerie. Jann Purcell opened Bohemia Gallery in 2004 with the belief that fashion is art and describes her vintage emporium as "boho chic meets retro crazy." A coveted destination for wardrobe stylists from Vancouver's booming film industry.
3243 Main Street
Photo Courtesy: C’est La Vie
Owner Faustine Faure who grew up in Paris opened her store, C'est La Vie in Vancouver in 2002. The store carries consignment from every era with a good selection of authentic fashion and accessories from the 1940's and 1950's. The store is easily found with it's bright pink exterior and fashionable window displays.
3427 Main Street
Photo Courtesy: True Value Vintage Clothing & I Found Gallery
A must visit for the city's largest selection of designer vintage eyewear frames and sunglasses, True Value Vintage & I Found Gallery also carries a wide selection of fashion from the 1950's to 1980's.
4578 Main Street
Photo Courtesy: Woo Vintage
The fabulous, Woo Vintage carries fashion from the 1890's to the 1990's. Their mission is to simply "woo" you. Find authentic pieces from every era and for vintage lovers this well-organized store is simply a must visit.
4393 Main Street
COMMERCIAL DRIVE
Photo Courtesy: Mintage
Mintage which opened in 2005 remains one of Vancouver's most loved vintage stores. With over 3000 square feet, this well organized store carries both men and women's fashion from the 1800's to the 1990's . There's a room dedicated to turquoise jewellery both new and old including pieces from BC's Haida Gwaii artists as well as bandanas from $15.00 and vintage handwoven African Indigo scarves from $125.00. Find an excellent selection of jeans shorts at $28.00, jean jackets, overalls and lots of cowboy boots and leather jackets. Authentic vintage wedding dresses are found at the back and helpful staff are happy to help pull delicate pieces from the 1920's-1960's, many of which hang on display from the ceiling. Peruse the well-organized racks for dresses, skirts and shirts and don't miss the special sales including the $20.00 or less which are announced on the store's social media.
1714 Commercial Drive
Photo Courtesy: Little Miss Vintage
Little Miss Vintage, also on the Drive, is a small well curated store with fashion from the 1930's to the 1990's. Find sequins and furs as well as a dedicated rack of vintage bridal and bridesmaids dresses. Designer labels are to be found as well as everyday wear. Well worth a visit.
