Vintage shops are the new black.
Our generation is the most eco-conscious generation yet, and we’re catching on quickly to the threat the fashion industry poses to the environment. At the same time, we’ve never been more dependent on quick fashion to satisfy our aesthetic needs – especially those of us who are influenced by, or influence, other fashion-hungry folks scrolling through social media.
Vintage shops are where this issue can be resolved. Wearing somebody else’s old clothes seems a bit icky at first, but this method of reusing materials helps the environment and recycles fashion trends that have come back on our screens. Keeping up with the latest trends has never been more self-aware.
Birmingham is one the UK’s biggest cities, with a healthy student population that wants to invest in its vintage fashion. Take part in this cause by visiting the vintage shops around the city – but first, check out our favourites in this list below.
Situated in Digbeth, Cow is usually visible due to its bright yellow front that looks out onto the busy High Street. Cow’s sustainable, no-waste ethos makes it a visit for any eco-conscious vintage fashion lover – check out its page on why to buy sustainable denim – and its dedication to the top new trends means you’ll always stay on top of culture.
Inside, the loft brick-and-mortar building promises a vast array of quirky, cool and current clothing for your wallets to feast on. If you’re not into shopping by foot, their website offers online discounts. Cow also host a Freshers Party for Birmingham students, so if you’re studying there, then be sure to check that out too.
Urban Village is a vintage shop that epitomises timelessness. Dealing in reselling furniture, art, books and music – not just clothes! – the shop has an arm around the past and an arm stretched towards the future. It caters especially for Mods old and new, but its clothing is varied and fits in with any modern fashion you might want to use it for.
Situated on Fazeley Street in Digbeth, the shop is a 10 minute walk from Moor Street. It is an absolute must for the vintage at heart!
Top Banana is a little further out from the city centre than the vintage shops I’ve already mentioned, but in my opinion, the shop is worth it. One of two stores (its partner shop being ‘Top Banana Too’), Top Banana can pride itself on being a uniquely alternative vintage shop – after all, no other Birmingham vintage shop specialises in American vintage clothing.
Cosy, current, and curated, Top Banana also specialises in reselling specific labels, such as Converses, Vans, Ralph Lauren and Levis. American football sweaters are aplenty here, so if that’s more your style, then put Top Banana on the top of your to-do list!
The Oasis boasts of its heritage of being ‘the only true independent vintage store in Birmingham’. Despite constant rumour of its closing down, the company has been alive and well for forty years.
Part of its unique appeal is its ability to sell anything from tattoos to tutus: people from all walks of life are well catered for here. It is truly alternative in that the building hosts different shops that come together to make the Oasis name. Its location, on Corporation Street, means it is in close proximity to the city centre, which is also a bonus for any vintage fashion lover.
Although this isn’t a shop, there are loads of these events popping up almost constantly throughout Birmingham. Most commonly found in easy-to-reach places such as Digbeth’s Custard Factory or the University of Birmingham’s Guild of Students, different vintage companies set up shop in different locations for you to browse, enjoy and buy.
The appeal of kilo sales, as opposed to visiting shops, is that you pay for the weight of what you’ve selected – not the type or the brand. You can get hardy coats or best-brand tops for a fraction of their original price! Another advantage is that you can cater your experience to your interest, as the selection will always be different: the pop-ups are determined by companies, not seasons. For the sheer amount of choice, vintage kilo sales make the dreams of every vintage fashion lover come true.
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