When I moved across the pond from New York to London two years ago, there were several aspects of my new home city that I was excited to explore. Naturally, there were the historic pubs, countless food markets, simplified European travel routes, and, of course, vintage shops. Between the numerous charity shops and high-end designer resellers, the options were overwhelming. However, my favorite, and perhaps the most fun of them all, is Brick Lane Vintage Market.
Brick Lane Vintage Market, situated in the East London neighborhood of Shoreditch, has a somewhat controversial reputation among local Londoners. Many accuse it of being too crowded, touristy, and overpriced. While their critiques might be edging on correct, seeing as Brick Lane is the UK’s largest vintage market, those grievances are largely unavoidable. Likewise, they overlook the sprawling racks of unique vintage pieces that make shopping at Brick Lane an incredible experience, akin to a treasure hunt. And, at the end of the day, what is vintage shopping other than a treasure hunt for the fashion-obsessed?
I first visited Brick Lane shortly after arriving in London, as it promised quantities of quality vintage clothing, unlike any shop I’d set foot in before. And, it definitely delivered. When I took those first steps down the fluorescent, sticker-covered staircase and heard classic rock blaring from the market’s record player, I knew I was in for a treat. Sure enough, I was met with a sprawling underground maze of various vintage sellers, offering everything from old British military uniforms, luscious 80s fur coats, spangly 70s American western wear, and soccer jerseys from the early aughts. Since that first visit, I have happily gotten lost in those vintage-laden subterranean trenches numerous times, and it continues to be a favorite weekend activity.
What makes Brick Lane Vintage Market truly special in the UK and the global vintage shopping scene is the sheer variety. As I alluded to, the market is a concentrated maze of several individual vintage shops. Each shop is given a formal application process, in which the market organizers assess the businesses themselves and their offerings. This ensures that every genre of vintage clothing is featured, from suiting to sportswear, and everything in between. Therefore, regardless of what treasures you’re hunting for (or not), you’re more than likely going to walk out with a special piece.
Perhaps my favorite shop of the bunch is Check-It Vintage. As the name would suggest, they specialize in vintage Burberry pieces. This includes everything from knitwear, silk scarves, bags, and, of course, the famous trench coats. More recently, however, they’ve expanded their offering to Barbour products, another British staple. On one of my recent excursions there, I managed to snag a classic, deep green waxed Barbour jacket, which has fit seamlessly into my wardrobe as a timeless staple piece.
What makes Check-It Vintage particularly special is the service it provides to vintage-loving tourists and ex-pats, like myself. By focusing on sourcing high-quality Burberry and Barbour garments, customers visiting from around the world are sure to find something that is classically British and wholly unique.
Aside from being a diverse labyrinth of distinct retro finds, Brick Lane Vintage Market is also a bastion of sustainable shopping. By maintaining its status and structure as one of the largest vintage markets in the world, it has made itself a mandatory stop for London visitors and shoppers. As a result, it has also made vintage shopping a must-do activity for a great number of the city’s tourists, who may have otherwise flocked to the big-name stores on Oxford Street. Brick Lane Vintage Market’s unbeatable variety has, without a doubt, contributed to both the overall popularity and my personal love of vintage shopping.
