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 most polluting industry and that it causes 8% of greenhouse gas emissions and almost 20% of wastewater worldwide. With this data, the European Commission has developed an Action Plan for the Circular Economy 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 sights and have put the same care in the rest of the garments, although without losing the focus on denim. Their Instagram account is a daily source of inspiration for clothing, as well as a showcase of their store.
📍Location: calle de Rodríguez San Pedro, 2 (Chamberí)
2. Magpie
Magpie is a classic among second-hand stores in Malasaña. Between short-sleeved shirts from the 80s, jeans from the 90s and shoes from the 2000s you can find some designer pieces, although they are not a store specializing 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 are looking for, so it is better to go with a clear idea.
📍Location: calle Velarde 3, premises 3 and 4 (Malasaña)
3. Market Vintage La Industria
A few streets away from the previous one is one of the largest second hand stores in Madrid. The offer of La Industria is varied, eclectic; you can find from a leather jumpsuit to a fur coat. If the grace of second-hand clothing is that it is to find clothes different from what is in the common stores, here this idea is multiplied because the selection is focused on those statement piece, no closet background.
📍Location: Calle de San Vicente Ferrer, 33 (Center)
4. Flamingos Vintage Kilo
In Flamingo Vintage the label of the clothes does not matter, only its weight. For experts in searching through piles and donkeys of clothes, stores like this are a mine in which to find a hidden gem. All the clothes they sell are brought from the United States, so it’s hard to compete with their collection of cowboy boots, flannel shirts and denim jackets.
📍Location: Calle San Joaquín, 16 (Malasaña)
5. La Mona Checa
We return to Velarde street, which is the street where there are more second-hand clothes stores in Madrid. It is easy to distinguish La Mona Checa by the colors of its door and the large fabric like a circus tent on the roof. If you’re bored by the hordes 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 go into.
📍Location: Calle Velarde, 2 (Malasaña)
6. Humana
Humana is to second-hand stores what Re-Read is to second-hand bookstores: lots of options and popular prices. In addition, as a distinguishing feature, Humana has sales seasons with products at one, two or three euros. It is a kind of inverted fast fashion, no wonder that Humana’s clothing hauls videos (English expression to refer to a pile of something) triumph on the social network of the Z generation par excellence, TikTok. Madrid is full of these green venues (there are up to 22) and the proceeds go to humanitarian work.
📍Location : Various locations
7. Kinda Kinks
Kinda Kinks is one of the temples of retro and indie clothing, as they define themselves, especially menswear. If your Spotify playlist is still playing Pulp and you wear Doctor Martens shoes even in summer, you’re likely to find something for yourself here. Of particular note is their selection of Lacoste sweaters, as well as trench coats and Barbour.
📍Location: calle pez, 16 and calle Velarde, 6 (Malasaña)
8. Pilar Ilusión
Pilar Ilusión is one of the best secrets of the Rastro. It is no wonder that the New York Times highlights 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, through the best accessories. It is a small store, but there is so much and so good to browse that it is best to go with time.
📍 Location: Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, 12 (Lavapiés)