Since living in Madrid for several weeks now, I’ve found that for me, one of the city’s selling points is its ability to allow me to fulfil my yearning for real and authentic thrift-shopping. I have always loved getting unique clothing/accessories for a bargain and if you’re too looking for this, keep reading...
There is a balanced combination of vintage clothing shops and flea markets to shop until you drop at; whether it’s a shirt from the 70s, a sports jacket from the 90s or a Stradivarius jumper for €2 you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice. What’s more is that the prices are much more reasonable here in the vintage clothing shops, in comparison to back in England. The area of Malasaña and particularly on the street of ‘Calle De Velarde’, have an abundance of independent vintage clothing shops. These neighbourhoods not only have great shops, they’re trendy and hipster - filled with street art, life and culture so you’ll never have a boring sight!
After doing some serious shopping, I have come up with a shortlist of the best vintage clothing shops to visit in these areas:
1. La Mona Checa
Upon walking straight into this shop you can tell it’s different from its shimmering red and white circus tent covering the entirety of the ceiling. This one has a beautiful range of designer brands for both men and women at discounted prices, alongside a decent amount of 80s/90s casual wear.
La Mona Checa, Calle Velarde 2, 28004
2. Flamingo Vintage Kilo
You’ll be bombarded with an overload of vintage jeans and more with this one, pricing in a way like no other in Madrid – per kilo. If you’re also an avid vinyl-buyer, this is the one for you!
Flamingo Vintage Kilo, Calle del Espíritu Santo, 1, 28004
3. Kinda Kinks
Designed in a way which makes the shopping experience much more accessible rather than sifting through heaps of vintage clothing boxes, this shop is a pleasure to look around, whether you’re searching for a Barbour jacket or your most desired pair of jeans.
Kinda Kinks, Calle del Pez, 16, 28004
4. Armayo Vintage
Filled with the wildest collection of silk patterned shirts, floral day dresses and wooly jumpers - this shop is for those who like their clothes with crazy designs.
Armayo Vintage, Calle Hernán Cortés, 14, 28004
5. Retro City
This shop is one to visit purely for its changing room. It has an entire (actual, full-sized) room to get dressed in all to yourself, with a large mirror, surrounded by antiques and 90s posters. Surely this is what vintage shopping is all about really? Once you’ve browsed their vast quantity of patterned shirts, tennis skirts and denim-wear; there’s no better way to create the perfect vintage get-up than doing so in their changing room!
Retro City, Calle Corredera Alta de San Pablo, 6, 28004
My finds:
1. Dress, €24, La Mona Checa
2. Skirt, €15, La Mona Checa
My boyfriend’s finds:
1. Fred Perry poloshirt, €28, La Mona Checa. Jeans, €30, Kinda Kinks.
2. Reversible Lonsdale jacket, €45, La Mona Checa.
3. Shirt, €14, Retro City
However, it doesn’t stop there. When we move in more centrally, the shopping continues there too.
Vintalogy is one of the largest vintage clothing and antiques shop in Madrid, beautifully laid out, this store also offers an interesting range of lifestyle and fashion magazines/books to be purchased.
Vintalogy, Calle Atocha 10, 28012
My finds:
1. Benji Knewman lifestyle and photography biannual bookazine, €10, Vintalogy.
Not forgetting of course, the most popular and largest flea market in Madrid – the El Rastro market. Flourishing every Sunday, overtaking the central streets of La Latina, this is where the real bargain-hunting really takes place. Hand-made home decorations, bohemian-style pieces and antiques can also be found here amongst the clothes, jewellery and bags. When it comes to the clothes especially, nifty haggling can be done, asking for seven items for the price of five for example!
My finds:
1. x2 pairs of shorts, €1.60 EACH, El Rastro Market
2. x1 Stradivarius jumper, €2, El Rastro Market
3. x1 Mango playsuit, €1.74, El Rastro Market
4. x2 H&M skirts, €1.74 EACH, El Rastro Market
5. x1 Zara skirt, €1.74, El Rastro Market
As you can see, if you are looking for a dirt cheap bargain or a matchless vintage gem, Madrid is the place to shop!