Where to Find: Vintage Clothes and Charity Shops in Manchester

Spoiler alert: you can find the best vintage clothes in Manchester are in Oldham Street

Two people are browsing through racks of colorful, neatly arranged clothes in a store. The image is taken from above, showing rows of garments on hangers and wooden flooring. Both individuals seem engaged in examining the clothing items.
Image © Blue Rinse via Facebook

Fast fashion has been a much-discussed topic for a while now, with many taking on the new year resolution of cutting down (or cutting out) their consumption of cheaply produced garments. Opt for a trip into Manchester and have a browse through their many vintage clothes and charity shops, no doubt picking up a few hidden gems that have already lived a long life!

Cow Vintage

A blue tie-dye shirt with long sleeves and a gathered waist is centered on a light blue background. Surrounding it are fragments of other tie-dye shirts in various shades of blue and white, creating a patterned collage effect.
Image © @wearecow via instagram

61 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PD

We can think of no better place for vintage shopping in Manchester than in the heart of the trendy Northern Quarter. Head to Cow, one of Manchester’s most popular vintage clothes shops. Offering two floors of sustainably sourced garms including retro sportswear, designer brands and re-worked classics, this is your one-stop shop for finding something that you wouldn’t get on the high street. Not quite sure where to start with retro style? Check out their funky window displays for some inspiration!

For more information, click here


Pop Boutique

A row of blue denim jackets on wooden hangers, featuring various designs including shearling-lined collars. The jackets are neatly arranged, showcasing different styles and textures.
Images © @popboutique_official via Instagram

34 - 26 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JN

Affleks Palace, 52 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PW

A Manchester staple since the mid-80s, Pop Boutique has been serving the city with vintage wares for over 25 years. They trade in both Affleks Palace and in their own shop on Oldham Street, with original pieces and re-worked styles aplenty in each. This is your go-to place for rows and rows of retro Levi’s and bomber jackets, as well as some funky dresses and shirts from the 60s and 70s! Their Oldham Street location also offers a café and a hairdresser, as well as some vintage brick-a-brak to liven up your home!

For more information, click here


Retro Rehab

A clothes rack filled with various colorful patterned garments on hangers is situated in front of a white wall. A framed black-and-white photograph is partially visible above the rack, adding a touch of decor to the minimalist background.
Images © @retrorehabuk via Instagram

91 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW

If 20-year-old Levi’s and vintage Puma sports jackets aren’t quite your style, then perhaps you’ll find something to love a few doors down at Retro Rehab? Featuring rows of pretty dresses, stylish blouses and stunning jackets, Retro Rehab is a must-visit spot for truly authentic retro vintage clothing in Manchester. Some of these styles hark back to the 30s, 40s and 50s, and all items have been lovingly sourced from around the world. Their re-worked collection brings old and tired garments back to life, whilst their selection of pretty jewellery, accessories and scarves perfectly compliment the early 19th century fashion sense. Want to know what they’ve got in stock? Check their Instagram for pics!

For more information, click here


Oxfam Originals

A storefront of an Oxfam Originals shop with VINTAGE written across the window. The display features colorful clothing, including jackets and a red dress. Signs promote reducing, reusing, and recycling, and there's a donation box with a sign seeking volunteers.
Images © @oxfamoriginals via Instagram

Unit 8, Smithfield Buildings, 51 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JR

Charity shops are always a good shout for bagging the best vintage clothes, although they can be a bit hit and miss at times. Oxfam Originals have pretty much nailed the vintage clothing thing, ensuring they’re always well stocked with some of their best donations from around the area. As well as contributing to sustainable shopping by copping an outfit from here, you’re also donating some funds to charity - a totally guilt free splurge!

For more information, click here


Kilo Sale (by Blue Rinse)

A person with red hair browses through racks of colorful clothing in a vintage store with vibrant, artistic wall murals. Signs indicate a sale pricing clothes at £15 per kilogram. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting.
Images © @blue.rinse.manchester via Instagram

Sachas Hotel, Tib Street, Back Picadilly, Manchester, M4 1SH

Blue Rinse’s popular kilo sale outlet is located in a city centre hotel, but the entrance to the shop is on … you guessed it … Oldham Street. Located next to their original store, Blue Rinse’s kilo sale is a great opportunity to stock up on cheap vintage clothes. Directly from wholesalers, these rows of garments are sold by weight and you can get a kilo of goodies for just £15. Unlike a lot of kilo sales, entrance to the store is free all day, every day, so it’s worth it to simply go and have a browse! This store is sadly not open every day, so be sure to like them on Facebook to check when you can visit!

For more information, click here