Retro is becoming more popular and the awareness of the negative impact of the fast fashion industry is growing, causing the number of vintage and second hand shops to steadily increase. This is especially the case in student-heavy, trend-sensitive cities such as Bristol.

Going for that ‘Bristol-girl’ vibe with flares, crop-tops and headbands? Or looking for a classier, vintage Ralph Loren chic? Perhap tracksuits and ugly trainers are your thing - whatever you’re after, Bristol is the place to find it.

With dozens of charity shops, independent boutiques and thrift stores to rifle through, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite vintage shops to give you a headstart, whether you want to spice up your wardrobe or completely reinvent your look.

Plus, from an environmental and financial viewpoint, you can definitely justify treating yourself. Go forth and spend!

BS8

We rate BS8. Located near the bottom of Park Street, this shop covers all your vintage essentials, from 90s sportswear and dungarees to a sizeable Birkenstock collection and even a sequins section.

Best of all, there’s a large bargain basement downstairs stuffed with an eclectic mix of festival gear, flowing summer dresses, and party gowns, as well as a men’s section with loads of high quality pieces which is not always easy to find.

They also stock a few local independent brands, and its location on Park Street is super handy for several other excellent vintage shops.


Thrift

Despite being relatively new, it’s hard to imagine what we did without Thrift. As items are arranged by price it’s easy to find stuff to fit your budget, and the fact that everything is £25 and under means it’s a poor (but fashion-conscious) student’s dream.

With a great selection of stock that seems to turn over fast, you’re certain to find something new with every visit. They’ve recently expanded their basement so there’s even more rails to rifle through - the denim section is especially worth it.

Again, a prime Park Street location.


Loot

Located just off the Bear Pit and close to Bristol Bus Station, Loot is seriously cool.

With stock handpicked from across the world, this shop has a selection of men’s, women’s and kidswear all brought together in one very cool, cohesive vibe. As well as straight-up, second-hand stock there’s also the Loot Label, which is comprised of reworked vintage and retro clothing given a bit of a twist.

Think sportswear turned halter necks, reclaimed denim tops, handmade bandeaus and more. If you’re looking for pieces absolutely no one else will have, Loot is your place.


Rag Trade Boutique

If you’re into your vintage women’s designer pieces, Rag Trade is for you. Not too far from Cabot Circus, this is the place to come for those quality labels, be they bags, shoes, coats, dresses - you name it.

The great thing about Rag Trade is that you can join in - if you’ve got any unwanted designer pieces cluttering up your wardrobe, you no longer have to flog them on Depop and go through the laborious postage process. Instead, Rag Trade will sell your items for you and give you 50% of the profits.


RePsycho

Though it’s a bit of a trek up Gloucester Road, this absolute gem is worth it.

One of the longest-established shops of this kind in Bristol, RePsycho brands itself as a retro superstore, and certainly delivers on that promise. The first floor has an impressive collection of eclectic retro and vintage clothing, and trust me when I say it’s entirely possible to spend hours there.

If you don’t want to stop at clothing, upstairs there’s a great homeware section, with everything from furniture to trinkets, while the basement is packed with vinyl if you really want to commit to that your-parent’s-heyday lifestyle aesthetic.