Guide To The Best Thrift Shops And Vintage Stores In Singapore
Singapore is fast becoming a paradise for those into pre-owned fashion. Here’s a curation of the spots to hit.
By Georgia Lam ,
We are a nation of enthusiastic shoppers, always on the hunt for good buys. This enthusiasm has fuelled the growth of the secondhand and pre-loved market, especially in the proliferation of thrift stores, particularly post-pandemic. This shift is notably embraced by Gen Z consumers, as evident in their preference for thrifted fashion from specialty stores, as seen in our monthly FEMALE People Cam style series.
READ MORE: Singapore Is Shaping Up To Be A Secondhand Fashion Haven
For those seeking a more curated shopping experience, vintage stores offer a distinctive appeal. In today's throwaway fashion culture, the act of passing on cherished clothing to a vintage store for a second life feels counter-cultural and special. Although no official data tracks the opening of vintage stores locally, those exploring their weekends have likely noticed a growing number of vintage outposts.
READ MORE: How Nicole Chin Became Singapore’s Leading Thrift Influencer On TikTok
It's crucial to distinguish vintage from thrift. Isaac Ang, founder of the vintage store Loop Garms on Veerasamy Road, clarifies: “The global understanding and consensus of vintage refer to anything that’s 20 years and older. But it’s also more than an age thing. Vintage clothing holds value in individual stories. The history of a garment also plays a part in how it’s valued, and that process is something that vintage stores offer.”
READ MORE: Second-Hand Clothing Business Orbit Apparel Is On A Mission To Make A Difference
A stalwart in Singapore's vintage scene, Kelly Yeo, founder of Deja Vu Vintage, echoes Ang's sentiments. She notes that the term 'vintage' is sometimes used too casually, referring only to vintage-inspired items or recently produced mass quantities. Yeo explains: "The cost of good vintage is higher for a good reason. The chief distinction is that you'll find no-longer-available beautiful fabrics, gorgeous designs, cutting, and amazing unexpected details that make up a one-of-a-kind dress or necklace. There's no danger of running into anyone with the same dress; every piece is a rare find you may treasure forever.”
READ MORE: You Can Shop Less And Not Run Out Of Wardrobe Ideas
Armed with this nuanced understanding, we have meticulously curated a compendium of thrift, vintage, and stores that traverse the spectrum between the two. If you prefer thrifting from the comfort of your home, Telegram thrift stores in Singapore are quickly gaining popularity amongst Gen Zs. Happy hunting!
Best Thrift Stores in Singapore:
- Cloop
- Bhabie’s Market
- Un Wastelands
- NearesTTen
- Kaeru Thrift
- Thrifteyseconds
- Therapist Thrift Shop
- Weare
- Woofie’s Warehouse
- Ashitagaaru
- Cherry Pretty
- Tasstore
- Re:drmg
- Upstairs Garments
- Zabu Boutique
- Rockafellas Vintage
- Modern Retold
- Echo Vintage
- Ssaltythrifts
- A Vintage Tale
- Loop Garms
- Deja Vu Vintage
- Vintagewknd
- Yada Yada
- In My Head
- Local Thrift
- Superwasted
- Anteiku Studios
- The Cartels
- Plop Apparels
- The Fashion Pulpit
- The Retro Factory
OPEN WARDROBE BY CLOOP
Cloop is a circular fashion social enterprise dedicated to reducing fashion overconsumption and waste by offering sustainable solutions for preloved apparel and textiles. Through initiatives such as recycling, repurposing, swapping, and reselling, Cloop empowers consumers to close the textile loop. One of their key projects is the Open Wardrobe, a series of sustainable thrift shops series. Operating on an honour system, these shops feature curated preloved items where shoppers can pay as they wish (with a minimum of $10 per item) or follow the price tag, while accessories and basics are available for $4 each or three-for-$10. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags or reuse those provided, with part of the proceeds supporting various charitable causes.
Available at the following locations: APSN Cafe for All, 11 Jalan Ubi; outside Hillion Mall near Bukit Panjang LRT Exit A / MRT Exit A2; and Anchorpoint Mall, B1 Atrium (opposite IKEA Alexandra)
BHABIE’S MARKET
Apart from popular thrift spots like Lucky Plaza and Haji Lane, Queensway Shopping Centre has also proven itself to be a haven for up-and-coming second-hand fashion brands — like Bhabie’s Market. Having opened their doors in mid-2022, the store’s offerings tackle both the Y2K and bloke-core aesthetics with a range of graphic T-shirts, denim jeans, cargo pants, accessories like caps and sling bags, as well as reworked clothing.
#02-08 Queensway Shopping Centre
UN WASTELANDS
First launched in April 2022 as an online store, Un Wastelands set up its first permanent space at Queensway Shopping Centre just a year later, and a second branch at North Bridge Road. The store offers sartorial throwbacks to the late 1990s to the 2000s with baggy denim pants, mini skirts, tank tops, jersey shirts, polo shirts, belts, and more.
664 North Bridge Road and #02-40 Queensway Shopping Centre and #B1-14 313@somerset
NEARESTTEN
While thrifting might have become pricier over the years as second-hand fashion culture evolves, NearesTTen’s concept “revolves around our prices being rounded off to the nearest 10”. Launched just last May, the thrift store is located in the heart of Chinatown and leans into fairy-core with a curation of sweatshirts, camisoles, fairy tops, windbreakers, crochets, and Carhart reworked bags.
57A Pagoda Street and 256A South Bridge Road
KAERU THRIFT
While Haji Lane is dotted with plenty of thrift stores, the relative newcomer, Kaeru Thrift, stands out for their curation of vintage finds from Japan and the United States. Having first started off as a pop-up store last July, Kaeru Thrift eventually expanded into a permanent physical space just two months later. The store’s offerings range from midi skirts, slip dresses, girly blouses, and vintage prints, reminiscent of the sartorial chicness of the early 1990s.
19 Haji Lane, #02-01
THRIFTEYSECONDS
Rejuvenate your inner child at Thrifteyseconds, where the store describes itself as a “junkyard wonderland filled with old school treasured classic themed thingamagies”. From secondhand toys and graphic tees to jewellery and home decor, the store also houses Tokyoseconds, Kitschyseconds, DollsDirtOut, and 2000 Dinosaurs. All visits are by appointment to respect visitors’ privacy.
1 Bukit Batok Crescent, #04-27
THERAPIST THRIFT SHOP
Opening its doors in 2022, Therapist Thrift Shop is founded by a therapist who is passionate about “serving the needs of the community”. Ranging from secondhand clothing to children’s toys, all of the store’s offerings are from community donors. Additionally, the store provides complimentary professional support services and hosts wellness workshops.
#B3-09 Thomson V Two
WEARE
Pronounced as “wear”, Weare is a labour of fraternal love. Initiated by Ian Thio and his brother Jachin – aged 19 and 21 respectively – in February this year, they forged a connection through clothing and the shared experience of thrift shopping. “We got to try new fashion styles without having to break the bank, and thrifting let us 'put on' different personas,” the younger brother recalls. One thing led to another, and Weare became a reality.
Joined by their friend Ashley, the thrift store overflows with a hodgepodge of finds, ranging from Woodstock-esque ponchos and preloved Dickies trousers to corsets and track jackets made from other vintage pieces. Other standout products include a wide range of racing tees, hand-picked Harley Davidson merchandise, band tees, and more. The £5 pile is also a hit with customers, ranging from authors, musicians, and influencers to families looking to spend the day thrift shopping.
At the heart of the business, the trio wants their customers to experiment with fun new styles at affordable prices. After all, as Ian notes, thrifting can be quite expensive for younger shoppers, and the trio set out to make thrifting feel more accessible to their peers.
In April of this year, they also hosted their first physical thrift event called WeareHouse, allowing shoppers to peruse affordable thrifted apparel and accessories, play games, and bond as a community with a shared love for thrifting. “We will also be hosting another event in late October to welcome the festive months ahead and celebrate the end of examinations for many students in Singapore. But we can’t reveal too much because it’s meant to be a surprise,” Ian teases.
#03-05A Queensway Shopping Centre
WOOFIE’S WAREHOUSE
Matthew Tan and Desiree Chang initially conceived a fashion business named Woofie in 2019 as a platform to sell curated denim jeans and trousers sourced from Japan. However, in 2023, recognizing a substantial demand for quality thrift stores, they introduced Woofie’s Warehouse, proudly dubbing it “the First & Best $10 thrift store in Singapore.”
“Our journey in thrift selling began as a hobby, and we used to participate in pop-up events,” state the founders in a joint email response. “Eventually, we decided to transition the business to a brick-and-mortar store to target a broader audience, moving away from our previous specialization in mainly women's apparel.”
Today, Woofie’s Warehouse is situated in Golden Landmark Shopping Complex just off Bugis and is still managed by Tan and Chang, both undergraduates at the National University of Singapore. Customers entering their inviting space will discover a diverse range of items, including T-shirts, jackets, denim jeans, as well as seasonal items like Harley Davidson merchandise and secondhand nylon windbreakers from brands such as Adidas and Nike, available in limited quantities. The store also offers a good mix of accessories like caps and belts.
“We aim not to limit ourselves in terms of the product mix, and we strive to provide a size-inclusive range of clothing,” they affirm.
#03-31 Golden Landmark Shopping Complex and 666 Northbridge Road
ASHITAGAARU
Founded by ex-fashion buyer David Pan two decades ago, Ashitagaaru developed because Pan was inspired by the local pop scene in the 1990s. “During those days, there was a popular star search program named Asia Bagus, and I remembered that the hosts Najib Ali and Tomoko Kadowaki would style themselves in really funky retro-style outfits,” he explains. “I wondered if Singapore could possibly develop a vintage fashion scene of its own, which led to the opening of Ashitagaaru.”
Despite being open for 20 years, Pan maintains an unchanged consistency in the curation of the vintage collection in the store. Ashitagaaru’s forte is in leather pieces, and as Pan says, “there will always be an amazing leather outfit waiting to be discovered by you in the store.”
This means that fans – both new and old – can expect to find a wide range of secondhand genuine leather jackets in a multitude of different materials, functionalities, styles, manufacturing periods, and countries of origin. In addition to these, Pan also stocks a selection of pre-loved fur coats, leather vests, leather bottoms and skirts, as well as a range of denim for those looking for something more climate-friendly.
#02-45 Peninsula Plaza
CHERRY THRIFT SHOP
Cherry Thrift Shop, which began as an online business in 2022, focuses on various styles of womenswear apparel. Run by Cherry Pretty and her mother, the store was established to share her joy for thrifting and raise awareness of sustainability. "I got the business registered so my mom could eliminate the strain and physical labour of her previous job," she adds. Cherry's approach is simple: affordable and good-quality pieces that aren't going to break the bank. Expect floral tops, printed maxi skirts, lace satin tops, and many crochet tops.
She diligently goes through each piece to ensure customers get their money's worth and don't end up discarding their buys. The store's location is also intentional – Peninsula Plaza is a usual haunt for the Burmese community in Singapore, with Pretty herself being Burmese.
#05-10 Peninsula Plaza
TASSTORE
Tasstore was initially launched in 2018 by a husband and wife team on the resale platform Carousell as a means for him to sell off his collection of '80s and '90s graphic tees. It began to gain a steady following over the years, leading the owners to rent a space in Bras Basah Complex to host monthly pop-ups before they finally settled on establishing a physical store in the basement of Peninsula Complex in 2021.
The wares here are always deep-washed and disinfected before they hit the shelves. The store has also expanded beyond selling T-shirts and now offers outerwear, bags, and even reworked clothing. For those wondering what the 'Tas" in the name stands for, it's an acronym for 'thrifted and selected' and is inspired by the now-defunct supermarket chain Shop N Save.
#B1-24 Peninsula Complex, #B1-24/30 Peninsula Shopping Centre, and #01-08 Queensway Shopping Centre
RE.DRMG
A popular destination known for its collection of Harley Davidson tees, camisoles, and messenger bags, the two-year-old Re:Drmg in Haji Lane is a treasure trove for those seeking to infuse nostalgia into their wardrobe. The store's name carries a poetic backstory. According to its owner Karen (who prefers to go by her first name only), "The 're' refers to the process of repeating (reusing and recycling) clothes so they are given a new lease of life. The 'drmg' is the short form of dreaming because, at that point in time (when I started Re.drmg), I was trying to find myself and what I could do; it was a way to tell myself that even if you fail at something, you can always try again."
39 Haji Lane
UPSTAIRS GARMENTS
Tucked away in an attic above the buzzing Tanjong Pagar area, Upstairs Garments is the latest IYKYK archival gem making waves among young, serious fashion collectors, thanks to its carefully curated pieces and engaging social media game. Founded by four friends – Adrienne Chrisdee, Ong Ker Hsien, Xavier Eger, and Vegas Lee – who bonded over their shared love for fashion, this showroom (available by appointment only) is all about curating vintage pieces that tell their own unique stories.
Since opening in March 2024, Upstairs Garments has been on a mission to disrupt Singapore’s fashion scene, which can often feel cookie-cutter and exclusive. Their goal is simple: create a space where people can chat, try on something out of the ordinary, and break away from the usual trends. It’s a place for everyone, whether you're a seasoned collector or just looking to explore something different.
The store specialises in archived pieces that delve into the history of each designer and season, allowing customers to connect with the artistry behind the clothes. If you're lucky, you might even spot an actual runway piece or a true collector's item that will never be available again.
The items on display are a direct reflection of the founders' personal style, giving you a glimpse into a moment in fashion history. Expect to find names like Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garcons, Undercover, and Issey Miyake.
The team behind Upstairs Garments are true fashion nerds. They’re not just about selling clothes—they’re passionate about educating their customers, sharing their love for the craft, and offering a deeper understanding of fashion. Their social media is filled with fun tidbits, and they’re always down for a chat if you want to dive into the details of a designer or piece.
75B Tanjong Pagar Road
ZABU BOUTIQUE
Formerly known as Styledcxo, the founders of Zabu Boutique – Cherry Pretty (who also co-runs Cherry Thrift) and her partner Pradeepraj – opened their new showroom in December 2024. Located near Burlington Square, it’s a win for fashion, design and art students in the area.
While Cherry Thrift Shop is all about affordable finds under $10, Zabu Boutique offers a curated selection of vintage apparel with a higher price point, focusing on Y2K and '90s fashion. Rejecting fast fashion, the boutique prioritises timeless, handpicked pieces that emphasize style, quality, and sustainability over fleeting trends.
At Zabu Boutique, expect statement items like midi skirts, fringe dresses, embroidered boots, suede jackets, furry bags, and a variety of knits. The showroom’s centerpiece is Pretty’s favourite spot: a mahogany wood table that doubles as a display for her collection of hand-embellished stainless steel jewellery.
Cherry also ensures nothing goes to waste. Items that don’t make the cut for Zabu Boutique are sent to Cherry Thrift to be sold at a more affordable price.
#01-13 Burlington Square
ROCKAFELLAS VINTAGE
Just over a month after opening in November 2024, Rockafellas Vintage is gaining momentum both online and offline, thanks to its curated selection of graphic tees, denim, and jackets.
Founder Lynn Loh has a clear vision: to offer high-quality, unisex vintage pieces that are timeless in both style and durability. Loh carefully curates her collection, believing that the best authentic items are those that tell a story and hold sentimental, physical, or fashionable value. Each handpicked piece is selected to evoke nostalgia and resonate with customers on a deeper level.
Rockafellas Vintage focuses on the Y2K preppy aesthetic, with a range that includes $19 graphic tees, $32 Levi’s jeans, and $24 sports jackets from brands like Adidas, Puma, North Face, Champion, and Nike. For those looking for premium finds, leather jackets from Nautica and Tommy Hilfiger are priced at $168. Loh is also planning to expand the collection with more Dickies work pants, Levi’s Engineered Jeans, and Carhartt pieces.
#01-72 Far East Plaza
MODERN RETOLD
A year after launching vintage-meets-thrift shop Local Thrift SG in 2022 (more of that below), Taufiq Husin expanded his vintage fashion passion by opening Modern Retold with partners Rosli and Jamil. The store has quickly become a go-to spot for curated Japanese vintage apparel, specialising in rare pieces from the 1970s-80s era.
Modern Retold offers a carefully selected range of items, including workwear, vests, and denim, with prices ranging from $80 to $500. You'll find standout pieces from well-known brands like Momotaro, Evisu, and Japan Blue Jeans, celebrated for their craftsmanship. The store also features streetwear labels such as Rocawear and Bathing Ape.
For sneakerheads, Modern Retold stocks Vision Street Wear and Red Wing shoes, adding further appeal to collectors. Husin’s expertise in Japanese vintage fashion is evident as he shares the stories behind each piece, offering customers not just a shopping experience but an education in the garments’ history.
#02-39 Peninsula Shopping Complex
ECHO VINTAGE
Tucked away in Joo Chiat, Echo Vintage is a must-visit for vintage lovers, offering treasures from Europe and Japan, spanning the 1920s to the 1990s. Opened in August 2023 by Echo, a Singapore-based China-born collector with a passion for unique fashion, the shop brims with costume jewellery, whimsical brooches, and luxury consignment bags from brands like Prada and Yves Saint Laurent. Echo, who has spent two decades collecting over 400 pieces, sources her vintage finds during travels to flea markets and antique stores around the globe, focusing on bold, intricately designed pieces with a touch of imperfection.
392 Joo Chiat Road, #01-15
SSALTYTHRIFTS
Enthusiasts of Y2Kcore will appreciate the curation at Ssaltythrifts. Established in 2020 by Jenevieve Ow during her first year of studies at a local polytechnic, Ssaltythrifts stemmed from Ow’s personal passion for sourcing secondhand clothing.
“I wanted to try something new. We initially started selling on Instagram and participated in occasional pop-up events with other local vintage stores and organisations,” she explains. “My aim with Ssaltythrifts is to encourage people to be more sustainable and demonstrate that second-hand shopping is for everyone. I hope to extend the lifespan of clothes on this planet.”
However, juggling her studies and business proved challenging. After completing her diploma in April 2023, Ow decided to take a gap year to focus on her business, leading to the opening of her physical space where customers can peruse her racks.
On the curation front, Ssaltythrifts is renowned for targeting styles like Y2K, fairycore, and grunge. Expect to find an array of baby tees, crop tops, tanks, mini skirts, cargo pants, vintage sunglasses, outerwear, and bags that fit the theme. Brands range from lesser-known labels to the likes of Ed Hardy, Coach, and Armani Jeans. Additionally, there is a selection of vintage tees from @spooder.grail, and Ssaltythrifts regularly hosts different accessory vendors each month, supporting local accessory designers and offering customers a variety of bijoux to complement Ow’s clothing curation. “I want to ensure consumers have a complete shopping experience.”
#04-34/40 Orchard Plaza
A VINTAGE TALE
Step into A Vintage Tale’s quaint Joo Chiat store, and prepare to be captivated by a riot of colours, neon lights, and clashing wallpaper patterns. Opened by Italian-born Azzurra La Mantia in 2016, A Vintage Tale overflows with eclectic finds, ranging from Dior and Gucci threads to pieces discovered in a Brooklyn market. Each item is meticulously cared for and authenticated to ensure you receive an original designer product. At the back of the store, a small cocktail bar is tucked away for customers to enjoy, allowing you to shop and sip simultaneously. The store is also undergoing a major revamp of its interiors in the early months of 2024 and will be introducing Italian fragrances to its customers, which, as La Mantia puts it, "will be representative of my country and of the Sicily region where I come from."
277 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01
LOOP GARMS
Pop culture fiends will adore Loop Garms, which first opened its doors in 2018. The racks here are a treasure trove of movie-themed paraphernalia, vintage music tees, and items that relate to specific windows in pop culture’s winding history. A Jerry Garcia T-shirt from the ‘90s? A Toronto Raptors jersey from the early 2000s? A rare basketball team tee designed by Greg Speirs for the Lithuanian team to wear at the 1996 Olympics? They are all here. Beyond fashion, co-founder Isaac Ang treats his customers like friends. “The truth is that we are for the people,” Ang says. “We set up a brick-and-mortar space rather than just keeping it online because we wanted conversations to happen. We want to be able to convey stories because Loop Garms is all about history. Customers can pick out any article of clothing, and we can tell you everything about it down to its nano detail."
635 Veerasamy Road, #01-148
DEJA VU VINTAGE
Run by Kelly Yeo for almost 18 years, Deja Vu Vintage is one of the mainstays in Singapore’s vintage scene. While most stores carry items from the ‘80s and ‘90s, this shop stocks clothes and accessories that can date back to the ‘40s. Yeo, a former marketing and advertising professional, originally ran her business with her sister in 2006 from a store unit in Mandarin Gallery. “I had no intention of leaving my job,” she says. “But even on a small scale, we had a lot of press coverage.” Her sister helped Yeo manage the business in the early months of its inception before returning to a corporate job. Around 2010, Yeo moved her operations to its current location in Millenia Walk. Each item in the store is handpicked from international sourcing trips, and the pieces range from museum-quality accessories and one-of-a-kind finds by Chanel or Pucci to everyday separates that you can easily restyle for daily wear.
#02-24 Mandarin Gallery
VINTAGEWKND
Founded by Eileen Tan and Eden Tay in 2015, Vintagewknd is the outcome of Tan and Tay's extensive backpacking trips. During these journeys, the duo would sift through the racks of international vintage shops, selecting choice pieces to bring back and sell. What began as a weekend passion project, with the duo selling their finds on Carousell for the first three years of operation—hence the name—evolved into their full-time venture.
The duo also don the hats of designers, utilising existing vintage pieces and upcycling them to incorporate more modern and contemporary styles and fits for the evolving customer. As of this year, Tan and Tay report that they have successfully rehomed over 100,000 vintage items acquired in the last eight years, either by finding new owners for these pieces or by upcycling them into new designs.
Preferring to be quoted collectively, they state: “We’re focused on highlighting original design and creating items and visual concepts that initiate conversations about sustainability. At Vintagewknd, we sell original, unaltered vintage pieces and various reworked items at our store. Our goal is to make sustainable clothing available to anyone and everyone, and you’ll find we have a good range of items in our stores to fit all budgets and styles.”
41 Haji Lane
THE STORES WITH A BIT OF VINTAGE AND THRIFT FINDS... AND EVERYTHING BETWEEN THE CRACKS
YADA YADA
Yada Yada might’ve just opened on November 30, 2024, but it’s already proving it’s not your average second-hand store. Founded by Hamza Abdullah, this spot in Orchard Towers is where vintage meets style. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by bold blue floors and shiny silver ceilings, giving off major industrial feels with a sleek twist.
The store is a treasure trove for vintage lovers. Think high-quality denim from brands like Edwin, Studio D’Artisan, Wrangler, G-Star Raw, Gilhart, Lee, Concave Attempt, and True Religion. Each piece has that perfect worn-in look that you won’t find anywhere else, neatly tagged and hanging like art on racks. You’ll also find gems from Stussy, Salomon, Obey, Lyle & Scott shirts, Oakley bags, and Diesel jackets. At Yada Yada, prices range from $5 to $200, so there’s something for every budget.
Yada Yada is a shoes-off zone, offering that “chill at home” feeling as you browse. The space is designed to be an intimate hangout for anyone into style, sustainability, and a bit of good conversation. Hamza’s vision? A blend of contemporary Gen Z aesthetics with the timeless cool of pre-loved fashion – perfect for those who appreciate a little nostalgia while keeping it fresh. It’s a place for everyone, no matter your age, to relax, chat, and score some seriously cool finds.
When asked if he was a Seinfeld fan when choosing the name for his store, Hamza just smiled and shook his head. But let’s be honest – there’s a certain truth to it. His goal for Yada Yada is simple: a space where you can “yap about life,” discover new pieces, share ideas, and, of course, shop sustainably. No pretensions, just good times.
Looking ahead, Abdullah has big plans. As the store grows, he’s eager to support local creatives and designers by giving them a platform to showcase their work. Whether through pop-up events or displaying art on the blank walls, he believes creativity – like fashion – deserves to be celebrated.
#02-41 Orchard Towers
IN MY HEAD (IMH) SG
Run by the charming mother-son duo Raul and Tatty, In My Head is the marketplace where you can finally break free and live on your own terms. Think of it as Singapore’s early 2000s Hot Topic – but cooler, with a lot more attitude.
No longer interested in catering to fleeting fads, Raul and Tatty carefully curate a collection from handpicked vendors that reflect a bold, independent spirit. Their goal is to help others embrace their personal style without the pressure to conform to short-lived trends or societal expectations. It’s about living outside the lines and finding a lasting sense of individuality.
At In My Head, you’ll find vintage gems from vendors like Astro Vintage, Reracks, Get The Goods! Vintage, D-Stress, and Scrapsbook, offering items such as Oakley cargo pants, Hard Rock tees, Japanese punk pieces, alternative streetwear, workwear, football jerseys, and graphic tees, with prices typically ranging from $10 to $80. The store also features an in-house curation reflecting Raul’s personal style, including Echo and Southpole denim.
For something truly unique, check out BloodyValentine, Tatty’s DIY venture. Specialising in custom-made jewellery and necklaces, she transforms everyday items into one-of-a-kind pieces with her creative flair, influenced by her love for cosplay.
True to their roots, Raul and Tatty are passionate about #supportlocal. They aim to provide a platform for Singaporean brands, artists, and entrepreneurs, shining a light on local talent across various fields – whether in clothing, music, or branding. With their store influenced by metal, emo, hardcore punk, and death punk, they also offer exposure for local bands. Bands like the female-fronted Mystique, Raul’s shoegaze band feelslikeyou, and Silicon Radio are just a few of the local talents they’re eager to share with their community.
Level 3, 43 Haji Lane
LOCAL THRIFT SG
Local Thrift is changing the game with its fresh, creative approach to thrift shopping. Founded by Taufiq Husin in 2022, the store has become a unique hybrid of curated vintage and sustainable fashion. One of its most exciting features? Mystery packs filled with goodies ranging from $5 to $100, offering a fun and surprising shopping experience.
The store places a strong emphasis on circular fashion, encouraging customers to recycle their old clothes. Donation bins are available in-store for those who want to clear out their closets and give back. These donations are then passed on to non-profit organisations that Husin partners with, like IM Volunteers Network and Play For Good, ensuring that items find new homes instead of ending up in landfills.
At Local Thrift, the shelves are stacked with vintage band tees, from Metallica to Black Sabbath, with some rare Akira tops fetching anywhere from $100 to a staggering $4,500, depending on rarity and condition. For those looking for more affordable finds, sweaters and tees are priced as low as $20, often with a 1-for-1 deal.
Local Thrift isn’t just about shopping – it’s about creating a community and spreading the sustainable fashion message. To make vintage more accessible, Taufiq has ventured into pop-up events, recently taking the thrifting culture to Singapore Polytechnic and being part of the Ressurack Street Market. These pop-ups allow like-minded people to discover quality pre-loved clothing and engage in the conversation around sustainability.
53A Arab Street
SUPERWASTED
The same team behind Vintagewknd also launched Superwasted in July 2022. The owners describe Superwasted as Vintagewknd’s “outer space alter-ego” and have adorned the space with a darker and grungier aesthetic to emphasize the shop’s “radical, unconventional style with a strong streetwear influence.” In addition to vintage wares, the store sells repurposed items, such as table linens transformed into cute corsets, scarves respliced into bags, and matching adult-child shirts that were once vintage tea towels. Already, Superwasted has become a crowd favourite, especially among Gen Z shoppers who are drawn to the street-style fits on offer. “We really try to explore different styles, and we find that a lot of people with unique tastes can discover something they love from us.”
16 Haji Lane
ANTEIKU STUDIOS
Run entirely by Gen Zs, this store serves as a collective hub for various vintage and pre-loved businesses. One of them is Shibuigarm, specialising in curated vintage pieces. A glance through their rack reveals brands like Hysteric Glamour and Tsumori Chisato, the latter having once collaborated with the renowned Japanese designer Issey Miyake. If you're fortunate, you might come across designer pieces from Loewe and Dior.
Another curated second-hand store within Anteiku is Faerydium, run by the same individuals behind the popular Gen Z jewellery label Erydium. Faerydium specializes in fairy-core and grunge clothing. Additional businesses operating within Anteiku include Ekiybho, focusing on hand-sewn, reworked apparel; Foolish Matter, offering a wide range of vintage graphic tees; and Pins and Shades, known for their cargo skirts and shorts.
Level 2, 24 Haji Lane
THE CARTEL'S
Before establishing The Cartel's, owners Purland Rizki, Taufiq, and Zulhilmi operated a streetwear clothing line called Parlo.Co. When the trio realized there wasn't much appreciation for it, they decided to change course and set up The Cartel's in mid-2021, focusing on affordable vintage-style apparel. While they do carry the usual graphic tees, windbreakers, and sportswear, their unique selling proposition (USP) is pre-loved sneakers.
Rizki shares that the sneakers you'd find are usually priced lower than their original retail cost, as he wants people to be able to get a pair without having to spend a large sum. Look forward to Nike Dunks and Air Force shoes in an assortment of colourways and designs at a fraction of the original price.
44 Haji Lane
PLOP APPARELS
Jermaine Ho started Plop Apparels as an online pre-loved fashion business in 2020 to declutter her wardrobe. Today, it has evolved into a fully-fledged physical space located in the heart of Haji Lane, becoming a popular go-to spot for Gen Z.
In addition to stocking vintage and pre-loved items, Ho aims to provide customers with an opportunity to experience and experiment with different styles in the store. She is solely responsible for curating everything in the store, bringing in pieces from UK-based slow fashion brand Stephanie Liasis, as well as regional brands like Made By Illustration from Vietnam. Plop also offers a diverse range of sunglasses, handmade jewellery from local labels such as Affirmation Club and Rebel Label, cowboy boots, and Y2K-esque bags (including some from Coach and Von Dutch) for customers to peruse.
43 Arab Street
THE FASHION PULPIT
Part of the appeal of thrift shopping lies in its circular and eco-focused nature. Clothing items, once loved and worn, get a second (or third) life before potentially ending up in a landfill. This specific mindset, aimed at keeping fashion both enjoyable and sustainable, led former fashion designer Raye Padit to establish The Fashion Pulpit in 2015.
“It was challenging for me to reconcile the idea that the fashion industry champions ‘empowerment and positivity,’ while in reality, it is negatively impacting our environment and the people behind the industry,” Padit explains. “This is where The Fashion Pulpit – a permanent swapping fashion space – came about! One location, swap anytime, and bring everyone. Not only can you swap from the best selection of pre-loved fashion pieces, but you can also upcycle and learn fashion tricks all in one place.”
The Fashion Pulpit operates simply. Think of it as thrifting, but instead of paying with money, you pay with your own clothing. Members who bring in their own clothing to swap accumulate points, which can be used to acquire other clothing within the store. Not ready to commit to a membership yet? Each item is tagged with a cash value, allowing you to walk in and pick out a couple of items to check out.
#04-00 Allenby House
THE RETRO FACTORY
Held monthly at the outdoor pavilion of Katong Square shopping mall, this vintage flea market is a familiar sight to the neighbourhood’s residents but a hidden gem to many. Aside from vendors selling secondhand clothing, the market also offers a wide range of vinyl records, antiques, collectibles like stamps, figurines and film cameras and all sorts of knick knacks.
88 East Coast Road
ADDITIONAL REPORTING AARON KOK, JAMIE LEE & KHONG YAWEN