The fashion of changing all the clothes in the closet every six months is no longer fashionable. Second hand and vintage clothing stores in Madrid have multiplied in the last decade and with special emphasis in recent years thanks to the consumer awareness of the younger generations.
At the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) it was ruled that fashion is the second largest industry in the world more polluting and which causes 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and almost 20% of global wastewater. Based on these data, the European Commission has developed a Circular Economy Action Plan that would affect the fashion industry, both in the detriment of practices such as fast fashion and in support of the second life of clothing.
1. Friperie
Friperie became known for its careful selection of jeans, which has made it one of the most interesting second-hand stores in Madrid. But over the years they have broadened their scope and have put the same care in the rest of the garments, but without losing the focus on denim. Your instagram account is a source of daily dressing inspiration, as well as a showcase for your store.
š Calle de RodrĆguez San Pedro, 2 (ChamberĆ)
2. Magpie
Magpie is a classic among the second-hand stores of MalasaƱa. Between short sleeve shirts from the 80’s, jeans from the 90’s and shoes from the 2000’s you can find some designer pieces, although they are not a store specialized in luxury, it is not difficult to find vintage Fendi, Gucci or Prada, among others. Like most stores of this type, you have to go from time to time to end up finding what you’re looking for, so it’s best to go with a clear idea.
š Calle Velarde 3, locales 3 y 4 (MalasaƱa)
3. Vintalogy
Vintalogy is one of the largest second hand stores in Madrid and where you can find real vintage, that is to say, garments that have more value for the time, quality and design. Formerly was located in Atocha street and is now in full Flea market. They have also opened other more specialized stores, either in luxury, such as Terapia Vintage, or in sneakers, Archive Sneakers. In addition, they have mid centuryfurniture for sale in their Arganzuela street space.
š Calle Arganzuela, 18 (La Latina)
4. Flamingos Vintage Kilo
At Flamingo Vintage it doesn’t matter the label on the clothes, only their weight. For experts in searching through piles and donkeys of clothes, stores like this one are a mine in which to find some hidden gems. All the clothes they sell are flown in from the U.S., so it’s hard to compete with their collection of cowboy boots, flannel shirts and denim jackets.
š Calle San JoaquĆn, 16 (MalasaƱa)
5. Czech Mona
We return to Velarde street, which is the street with the most second-hand clothing stores in Madrid. It is easy to distinguish the Czech Mona by the colors of its door and the large circus tent-like fabric on the roof. If you’re stunned by the masses of clothes, you prefer order, you’re looking for something that has passed a previous filter or something specific and at a good price, this is one of the stores you have to visit.
š Calle Velarde, 2 (MalasaƱa)
6. Humana
Humana is to thrift stores what Re-Read is to thrift stores bookstores of occasion: many options and popular prices. In addition, as a distinguishing feature, Humana has sales seasons with products at one, two or three euros. It’s a kind of inverted fast fashion, no wonder videos of hauls (English expression for a bunch of something) of Humana clothes on the social network of the Z generation par excellence, TikTok, are triumphing. Madrid is full of these Verde stores (there are up to 22) and the proceeds go to humanitarian work.
š Various locations
7. Kinda Kinks
Kinda Kinks is one of the temples of retro and indieclothing, as they define themselves, especially menswear. If your Spotify playlist is still playing Pulp and you wear Doctor Martens shoes even in the summer, you’ll probably find something for you here. Of particular note is their selection of Lacoste sweaters, as well as trench coats and Barbour.
16, pez street and 6, Velarde street (MalasaƱa)
8. Pilar Illusion
Pilar IlusiĆ³n is one of the best secrets of the Rastro. It’s not surprising that the New York New York Time to highlight it as one of the must-see places in the city. On the second floor of the New Galleries of Ribera de Curtidores, Pilar knows perfectly what she sells and it shows. You can find Loewe from all eras, dresses with no known brand with an exquisite pattern or entire Chanel suits, passing through the best accessories. It’s a small store, but there’s so much good stuff to rummage through that it’s best to go early.
š Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, 12 (LavapiĆ©s)