It’s pretty well established that Auckland is full of cool, hip and unique things to do. So it’s only fitting that we Aucklanders are kitted out for the occasion, right? Well thankfully, Auckland is full to the brim with all sorts of cool and quirky vintage stores to help us look tip-top while we go about our city.
Whether you’re on the hunt for some mean shoulder pads, fresh 90’s threads or a frock straight out of the '50s, Auckland has provided us with a bunch of wonderfully epic vintage stores. Here at Urban List, we’ve got you covered and have made the hunt for vintage just that little bit easier. Here are Auckland’s best vintage stores.
Magichollow
Vulcan Lane
If American vintage clothing is your vibe, Vulcan Lane boutique Magichollow has got you covered. Their team personally hand pick a wide range of clothing from across the USA, and ensure each piece is personally cleaned and cared for. They've even hosted queen of thrifting, Billie Eilish, and music icon Troye Sivan for vintage shopping sprees. Hurry down and pick up a one-of-a-kind graphic tee, retro activewear, pair of Levi's or denim trucker jacket.
Smoove
K' Road
Looking for a wacky and wonderful Auckland vintage store? Look no further, Smoove has you sussed. In keeping with its unique name, Smoove provides its customers with fun, original and colourfully styled garments. The store describes itself as a lover of ‘all things wow’ and ‘the era of defining pieces’. This is a must for your vintage store bucket list.
Jet Set Bohemian
Grey Lynn
Cool kids look no further, this Auckland store offers a taste of total vintage heaven. There ain’t any other way to describe it. From the likes of Great Gatsby inspired gowns, to denim overalls, Jet Set Bohemian has all your vintage bases covered.
Tatty’s
Ponsonby
Although not predominantly a vintage store, Tatty’s is home to some beautiful vintage pieces. If you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned shop-till-you-drop hunt of retro, head to this Auckland store and fish yourself out the goodies.
Vixen Vintage Boutique
K' Road
It’s safe to say that Vixen is nothing short of a vintage icon on the K' Road strip. It’s eclectic, funky and will have you trawling through its racks for hours on end. At this Auckland gem, you can find a mix of all kinds of retro wear from all eras, plus a killer selection of shoes, bags, costume jewels and those oh-so-cool coloured sunnies you loved (and let’s face it, still do) back in ’02. Ah, vintage store heaven.
Retro Addiction
Mt Albert
Cool kid on the vintage store block, Retro Addiction, has all the goodies to curb your …err… retro addictions. This Auckland vintage store is home to a selection of swell vintage clothes, hats and bags to get you geared-up old skool style. You’ll also find a curated range of vintage knick knacks you’ll need for livin’ la vida vintage like kitchenware, furniture and decor.
Tango
High Street
If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon this hidden High Street gem (pssst, it’s in the arcade off Little High Street) you will be sweetly rewarded by its opulent and perfectly curated men’s and women’s vintage pieces that will make any vintage-lover swoon. Not only does this Auckland vintage store have fabulous clothing, there’s also a stellar range of shoes, accessories and jewellery to suit all your dapper accessorizing needs!
Paper Bag Princess
K' Road
Paper Bag Princess has fabulous and funky written aaaalll over it... it's one Auckland vintage store you absolutely must visit. Propped up on Auckland's legendary K' Road, it’s your one-stop shop for getting your paws on some top-notch second-hand threads. Also, proceeds go to a bunch of kiwi charities so not only will you look super good, you’ll be doing good—the perfect excuse to shop your heart out.
Go Jo Recycled Store
New Lynn
Go Jo in good ol’ New Lynn and dishes out all the cool things we love about Auckland vintage stores. Here you’ll find 80’s clothing rubbing shoulder pads with 60’s party dresses and so much more. The best part is that the vintage threads here are reasonably priced so a shopping spree here won’t leave a big dent in your wallet—winning.
Rita Sue
Online
While this online Auckland store doesn’t sell pre-loved vintage clothes from bygone eras, it sure deserves a special mention because it has a very special place in our hearts. Here you’ll find a bunch of vintage-inspired, reproduction garments sourced from all over the globe. Rita Sue is the perfect store to get your hands on all the vintage pretties you need channel your inner pin-up goddess.
Parlour Store
High Street
Tucked away through an unassuming entrance on High Street is this hidden gem sporting a curated collection of streetwear throwbacks. Everything from caps to sneakers, jumpers, band shirts, slogan tees and printed pants—you'll be one cool kid after a shop at Parlour Store.
Stalgic Society
St Kevin's Arcade
This K Road outfit is self-defined as being 'made for the nostalgic' and we couldn't agree more. Step inside their uptown digs and you'll find walls plastered floor-to-ceiling in retro band posters, setting the scene for a decent rummage through vintage tees, slouchy jumpers, piles of denim and colourful windbreakers.
Up for more of a rummage? Check out Auckland's best op shops.
Image credit: Joshua Rawson Harris