A students guide to Brighton’s vintage and second hand shops

Brighton is a city known for many things, and one of them is the extensive selection of vintage and charity shops. We’ve compiled a guide of some of Brighton’s best second hand and vintage shops for all you bargain hunters out there. Whether you’re looking for a vintage sweatshirt or your dream pair of Levi 501’s, here is your guide to the Brighton vintage scene.

Jackalope

Jackalope is best known for their £5 clothes rails just outside their shop. With some funky Hawaiian and polo shirts, this is the perfect place to get your colourful fancy dress for your next night out. Inside you’ll find cool decorations, friendly staff and some unique vintage clothes. And for a bargain too, what’s not to love? They also house a wide selection of jeans, from Levi’s to Lee’s and Jordache. If sick 90’s merchandise is your thing, this is the perfect place for you. There is definitely something for everyone in here.

Find them on Instagram @jackalope.uk or in person at 100 Trafalgar Ct, Brighton BN1 4ER

Shabitat

Tucked away in Lewes Road, this hidden gem is home to an absolute treasure trove of, well, everything. It’s run by the Magpie Recycling Cooperative, and profits fund all of their workers and sustainable projects. Here you can find furniture, art, books, other knick-knacks, and some clothes. If you want to furnish your uni accom or student house with some unique pieces, this is definitely your best bet.

Find them at Saunders Park View, Lewes Rd, Brighton BN2 4AE or give them a call at 01273 677577. Alternatively, visit their website to learn more about their environmental initiatives.

Snoopers Paradise

Snoopers Paradise is a bit of a Brighton institution, located right in the heart of the North Laines. They describe themselves as a “renowned flea market…with over 90 totally unique traders.” From clothes to vintage magazines, artwork, furniture, books, old tech, knick knacks – you name it, they’ve probably got it. It’s really easy to go and get stuck in looking at all their merchandise, and before you know it, an afternoon has passed. I know I, for one, can spend hours looking through their selection of vintage photos, wondering about the lives of the people pictured. Once you’re inside, be sure to also check out Snoopers Attic upstairs, which has an amazing selection of designer wear, jewellery, dresses and more.

Find them at 7/8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL or visit their website here to learn more about each stall.

To Be Worn Again

Another Brighton classic, with two stores right in the heart of the North Laines. You probably will recognise their red and 70’s style floral storefront and their endless rails of clothes.  Starting from as low as £3. To Be Worn Again stocks clothes and accessories from all fashion eras and styles. From bell bottoms to track suits, they’ve got it all. It would be hard to not find something for yourself here! They also hold kilo sales every month at their warehouse in Worthing, which they describe as the “perfect way to get that vintage look for less.” What more do you need?

Find them at 12 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL and 24A Sydney Street, Brighton, BN1 4EN, or visit their website to learn more.

London Road Charity Shops

Adjacent to The Level, London Road is home to many second hand shops. Some of the shops include Martlets, Oxfam, Scope, PDSA, and so many more. The many options available mean you can find virtually anything, from clothes and accessories to furniture and kitchenware. This would make a great afternoon out, and you can give yourself a pat on the back at the end of the day for supporting some amazing charities.

Dirty Harry

With three floors FULL of amazing vintage clothes, from Nike to Polo Ralph Lauren. Dirty Harry is a staple of Brighton. You can find them in the North Laines, with their robot dog graffiti painted on their storefront, it’s hard to miss and definitely worth the visit. Even if you can’t find any cool name brand clothing for yourself, be sure to also check out some of their own merch – they’ve got tote bags, beanies, t-shirts, jumpers and more.

Wherever you do your thrifting, be sure to check out some of these cool shops.

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