Thrift shopping is an experience unlike any other. It takes a keen eye and a firm heart because you’ll be greeted with a different selection of goods each time you enter a thrift store. The burgeoning vintage shopping scene in Singapore also says a lot about the demand for vintage apparel and cheaper streetwear steeze. From seemingly endless pop-ups to physical stores, fashion mavens with a taste for nostalgia can now easily discover the iconic style of bygone eras. Never gone thrift shopping? Here’s a pro tip: enjoy the experience and always keep your eyes peeled for steals and deals.
Indeed, the thrill of thrift shopping is all about stumbling upon that rare find – you never really know what to expect. Skip the retail stores for a change and upgrade your streetwear ‘fits with statement pieces from yesteryears. Read on to find out where you can go thrift shopping in Singapore for second-hand gems from vintage denim and old-school sportswear gear to archive designer pieces.
1. Loop Garms
635 Veerasamy Rd, #01-148, Singapore 200635
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This friendly neighborhood vintage store is situated just around the corner from Jalan Besar MRT station. With a fierce selection ranging from vintage pants, YSL, Supreme, and Marlboro merch (you’ll have to check with them if these rare finds are still available), you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice. If there’s one vintage streetwear store that should be on your list, it’s Loop Garms.
Opening hours: 12pm to 7.30pm daily
2. Affleated
11 Sam Leong Road, #03-07 Trio mall Singapore 207903
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You might’ve heard the name or come across their pop-ups – Affleated has been a regular at Radikal Forze Jam and Twilight: Flea & Feast for the past few years. Now with a new permanent spot, you can expect more from the vintage curators. This weekend, from August 17 to 18, Affleated will host yet another pop-up packed with heat. Keep a lookout for signature denim apparel, jackets, overalls, classic tees, plaid shirts and more. Plus, with @_nomcore_ and @goofyhood also onboard, you can look forward to a wide selection of vintage treasures and old-school dad ‘fits. Bring along a big bag and lots of cash – according to Affleated, the more you get, the more you save.
Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm
3. Retro Gate
Golden Mile Complex, #04-16/17, Singapore 199588
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Another player that’s made a mark on the scene is Retro Gate. It first opened its doors at MacPherson Road, but has since shifted to a bigger space at Golden Mile Complex for a completely unique thrift shopping experience. Besides rack after rack of vintage clothing, and sneaker cleaning services, the space also offers entertainment in the form of classic arcade machines, pool tables, console games and more. If you’ve never been there, plan a visit soon to shop and hang with the good folks at Retro Gate.
Opening hours: 1pm to 8pm daily (closed on Wednesdays)
4. Wholly Vintage
Eunos Ave 3, #05-03 Gordon Industrial Building, No. 113, Singapore 409838
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Sometimes, you just have to dig a little deeper to unearth mighty treasures. Wholly Vintage is one such example. Despite being close to Paya Lebar MRT station, the store isn’t exactly easily discoverable. But once inside, you’ll be welcomed with a well-curated selection of vintage heat ranging from Guess apparel, YSL outerwear and Burberry to retro cartoon tees. Even if you end up copping one too many, rest assured, you’ll head home wholly happy.
Opening hours: 1pm to 8pm (Friday to Tuesday)
5. Exit
150, #05-27 Orchard Rd, Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841
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A stand out space among the regular stores at Orchard Plaza, Exit stocks a unique mix of vintage apparel and new releases. You’ll find an array of 90s vintage tees and sportswear together with the latest trendy drip from Off-White, Palm Angels and even cult streetwear brands like Supreme, Pleasures, and Stussy. Heck, they even have pre-loved and brand new hyped sneakers available too. That means you can thrift shop and snap up the latest drops at the same time when you shop at Exit.
Opening hours: 3pm to 8pm daily
Now that you’re armed with all the details you’ll need to go thrift shopping in Singapore, all that’s left is to stumble upon that rare find.
Did we miss out on any stores perfect for thrift shopping? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured image: File photo
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