Forward-Thinking Vintage Shops in Berlin for Conscious Shopping
By Laura Le Marchand . September 22, 2020
With its many markets, down-to-earth fashion style and forward-thinking demographic, Berlin is a global hotspot for vintage shopping.
Stroll around Boxhagener Platz, along Maybachufer or around Mauerpark on market days and you will be greeted by racks of colourful, used clothing with a story.
Buying vintage, secondhand or upcycled clothing is an easy way to help slow the ecological disaster that is fast, disposable fashion. Sure, it requires a little more time and effort than just ordering a mass-produced garment online, but it makes a real difference – not only to the planet but also to the sellers, who are almost always independent and DIY (not counting Humana).
Here is a rundown of some favourite places to shop. Now you have no excuse – go discover Berlin’s unique treasures, from market stalls to shops, to websites and unique spaces.
1) NSN
NSN has been active in Berlin since 2013 but recently launched their online store. It focusses on fair trade, vintage and modern items, as well as beauty products and more. From their base in Kreuzberg, NSN curates a distinctive collection and offer hand-delivery in Berlin. NSN also collaborates with other small businesses, producing pop-up store events.
© Yvonne Hartmann
2) Just Landed Vintage
Just Landed Vintage specialises in items from the ’60s to the ’90s, sourced from Italy and Netherlands. They can be found at the bustling Boxhagener Platz and Nowkoelln markets every third Sunday of the month. Just Landed also offers wholesale sales to other vintage stores.
3) Sing Blackbird
One of the oldest used clothing outlets in the heart of Kreuzkölln is Sing Blackbird. Their charming space houses a variety of vintage wares, from elegant coats to striking eyewear and shoes from multiple eras.
4) Chrome Store
Not so far away, in the Lenaustrasse, you can find a large selection of modern secondhand clothes hand-picked by Jochen at Chrome Store. The colourful store is always on point to find specific, edgy pieces, accessories and designers.
5) Neuzwei
Located on the vibrant, hipster-hangout of Weserstrasse, Neuzwei boasts a trendy selection of women’s luxury brands. Technically, not everything there is used, but the new items are sourced from sustainable labels. They are plenty of gems to be found here.
6) Let Them Eat Cake/Oh Mini I Am
Also on Weserstrasse, Let Them Eat Cake specialises in edgy, Berlin-style streetwear. The vintage store doubles as an event space, with artistic types constantly passing through. A perfect place to start your weekend and find something for the nights ahead, they also share the space with Oh Mini I Am – a store which focusses mostly on ’90s fashion.
7) The Good Store
The Good Store has its own in-house collection of locally-manufactured, stylish women’s and men’s clothing, as well as retro-vintage jewellery emblazoned with their mantra, “good things will happen soon”, and some own-brand candles, too.
8) Le Magass
LeMagass specializes in a diverse collection of garments from around the world. They don’t believe in men’s and women’s items, just great clothes that can be worn by anyone. LeMagass is a perfect destination to have fun and find something you didn’t know you needed.
9) YUMMY Vintage
The newest YUMMY Vintage, located in Kreuzkölln, is one of the youngest stores around. With a large space, you can find a very large range of genres, mostly jeans, cropped sweaters and edgy brands. A very comfortable space to shop some modern and mixed pieces. Probably one of my favourite in the area!