There’s just something about op shopping. It’s a creative outlet that allows you to think outside the box when it comes to fashion, it’s a satisfying experience because you get to find something new, without breaking the bank and it’s also just so much fun.
Melbourne does op-shopping better than anywhere else in Australia, but you’ve got to know where to look.
But don’t worry, we’ve done the dirty work for you. These are the best op shops in Melbourne.
Shag
Windsor & Collingwood
Shag is a feast for the senses. Run by a fabulous and flamboyant couple, Shag is half second-hand clothing and half new clothing, both with vintage and retro flair. Their secondhand selections are incredible, each piece has an element of uniqueness to it. There’s lots of sparkle, bright pop colours, interesting patterns and materials; literally things you’ve probably never seen or thought about wearing, but somehow they draw you in. They also make a few of their own designs, which still have a very vintage style to theme, just slightly more loud. If you’re looking for some statement costume jewellery, sunglasses, bags or an outfit that will get you noticed, Shag is the place for you.
Goodbyes
Brunswick & Prahran
Goodbyes focuses on vintage designer or well-known labels that are second-hand. They operate like an old-fashioned op shop, allowing you to bring in bags of clothes that you want to get rid of, which they sort through, decide if they like and then give you a small percentage of the sale. Goodbyes is the perfect modern op shop, because they specialise in well-made clothing, from designers that we all know and love, at very reasonable prices. They have everything from vintage Prada to last-season Gorman, and they have amazing deals and sales all year round.
Brotherhood of St Laurence
Brunswick East
There are Brotherhood of St Laurence stores all over Melbourne, but our favourite is on Moreland Road in Brunswick East. It’s a massive warehouse with everything from old records and books, to furniture and art, to clothes. They have a huge selection of second-hand clothes, with lots of basic pieces for men and women in every category, but also a specialised “vintage” section, which holds slightly more elevated vintage clothing. It’s the kind of op shop that requires you to take your time. Put in a podcast and wander through, and you’re sure to find a hidden gem.
Hunter Gatherer
CBD
Hunter Gatherer is a shopfront in the Royal Arcade just off Bourke Street that is well-loved for its curation of the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s clothing donations. Basically, the best pieces donated to the Brotherhood’s 27 Melbourne locations are transferred to Hunter Gatherer, to offer a top-shelf collection of donated fashion. They have everything from clothes, to upcycled hats made from vintage fabrics, retro shoes and a few carefully selected homewares.
Vintage Garage
Fitzroy
Vintage Garage is an epic store, more like a marketplace, filled with vintage fashion dreams. There are sections dedicated to leopard print, leather, ‘70s fashion… you name it. It’s quite expensive for an op shop, but they really only stock statement pieces, so it’s usually worth the investment. It’s even just an amazing place to get inspired, there’s always great music booming inside, eccentrically dressed people working there and so many colours and styles that set the imagination alight.
Australian Red Cross
Smith Street
The Smith Street Red Cross is by far the best in Melbourne. They have such a high turnover of stock as retail stores will give them all the clothes that they don’t sell during the season—with the tags cut off. So, you can get brands like Camilla and Marc, Ralph Lauren, Wittner, Novo, Country Road and Bassike, brand new, for a fraction of the price. The staff in this Red Cross are also super cute and enthusiastic, it’s always a good time.
Yesteryear
Fitzroy
The owners of Yesteryear go to Europe to scout for vintage clothes to bring back to Australia and sell in their stores. As you can imagine, they’re pretty damn good. Yesteryear has the best selection of actual vintage clothes, from the ‘50s right through to the ‘90s, and there are always really fashionable styles on offer. Sometimes you can find a bargain, but Yesteryear is a little more expensive than your average op shop. Luckily, they have an outlet store in Brunswick, which is where the real bargain-hunting happens.
Lost & Found Market
Fitzroy
Lost & Found Market is exactly as it sounds; a vintage marketplace. Upstairs on Brunswick Street, go for a proper wander around over 50 stalls, each filled with a different style of fashion and accessories. The best part about Lost & Found Market is that there is always a bargain to be found and it’s a vintage shopper’s dream; it feels as though you’re rummaging through a whole manor’s worth of incredible vintage clothes, accessories, furniture and bric-a-bracs. Going to the Lost & Found Market is literally an outing within itself.
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