Overview
There's something uniquely satisfying about buying vintage. The thrill isn't just in the sustainability credentials, it's in the surprise and storytelling of it all. Like rummaging through your nan's wardrobe — you never know what might be tucked between the pencil skirts and mothball-scented knits. A YSL pantsuit? Burberry scarf? An Hermes Kelly bag? (One can dream.)
Whether you're chasing a bargain-bin dopamine hit or splurging on archival designer, Sydney has no shortage of vintage gems. From eclectic Newtown to the laidback Northern Beaches, these are the best vintage stores in Sydney to add to your crawl.
Zoo Emporium
Unit B/180 Campbell St, Surry Hills
Go on a sartorial safari at this Surry Hills staple, renowned for its funky frocks, oversized eyewear, and luxury glam. For over 35 years, Zoo Emporium has welcomed vintage enthusiasts through its kooky doors — promising a time capsule of sorts, with some of the best (and boldest) finds from the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Upstairs, you'll find some rarer designer pieces — Vivenne Westwood tartan skirt, anyone? — while downstairs is an assortment of grandpacore garments, bargain bins, and sale bits and bobs. If you're short on time, Zoo Emporium is an essential stop.
Storeroom Vintage
294-296 Crown St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
The '90s and noughties expert, Storeroom Vintage, radiates "I'm with the band" energy. While its legendary Surry Hills retail store just recently closed, you can still get your vintage fix online. There's everything from Harley Davidson and band tees — Billie Eilish picked up a Green Day shirt during one of her many visits — to oversized streetwear, preppy polos, and designer shoulder bags. With stores in both Newtown and Surry Hills, it's an easy addition to your vintage crawl. That — or keep a close eye on Instagram, where curated drops regularly appear (and disappear just as quickly).
Potts Point Vintage
2/8A Hughes St, Potts Point
If you've got an eye for the eccentric and a penchant for period drama, Potts Point Vintage is the place. A long way from its Katoomba roots, fashion enthusiast Arnold Kieldgaard opened the pint-sized emporium just off Macleay Street in 2014. Specialising in vintage occasion wear — from bridal dresses (with over 40 in stock) to finely-tailored men's suits — plus leather goods and quirky accessories, it's a favourite among stylists and film industry insiders alike. If your vintage obsession extends beyond clothing, you'll also find collectible mid-century Italian glass art, oil paintings and curated Art Deco china.
Reunion
Shop 2/112 Enmore Rd, Newtown
You've heard of SWOP, but do you know Reunion? Founded in 2023 by SWOP's Beth Wicks, this Enmore Road space brings more pre-loved fashion to spirited environmentalists and sentimentalists alike. Devoid of fast-fashion, the 2023-founded venue's all about repurposing and re-loving high-quality, contemporary and vintage wares. One week, you might spot a Celine Phantom bag on display; the next, a Juicy Couture tracksuit. There's also a dedicated size 16+ section, plus online and Instagram shopping for those who prefer to shop from home.
Fabrique
1 Wilson St, Newtown
127 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
Looking for the perfect Canadian tuxedo? Fabrique's got you covered. Expect every kind of denim wash and cut, classic Americana motifs — from Western boots to chunky belt buckles — leather staples, and a dollop of French-girl favourites like Breton stripes across its Darlinghurst and Newtown stores. Sourcing from Europe and the US, the edit feels well-travelled without veering into kitsch territory.
Axl Studio
12 Macleay St, Potts Point
There's no (vintage) place quite like Paris — but Axl Studio comes close. Not only channelling Marais charm (bonjour, red-and-white pinstriped awnings and Persian rugs), the Potts Point store also offers a curation to satisfy the French-girl chic. Founder and artist Athena Levendi scours the world's major fashion cities for one-off designs and modern luxuries, from Issey Miyake to Oscar de la Renta. Don't be dissuaded by the labels — current and archival pieces are often more accessible than you'd think.
Route 66
Shop 2/82-84 Enmore Rd, Newtown
Inspired by the iconic North American highway, this Newtown gem is the brainchild of Tina Lowe and Ross Waddington. After spending time on the cinematic road, the duo created their own Americana affair — a goldmine for denim, cowboy boots, Western shirts and trucker hats. What culminates is an experience that feels far more authentic than costumed, making it hard to leave empty-handed.
Di Nuovo
92 William St, Paddington
Among the colour-splashed boutique and content-creating Instagrammers of William Street sits Di Nuovo — meaning "to start again" in Italian. Set within a gorgeous Victorian terrace (it's Paddington, after all), the intimate vintage mecca houses some of Sydney's most curated designer brands and styles. Expect everything from Chanel ballet flats to silk maxis by The Row, as well as tailored Scanlan Theodore pantsuits. If you leave with a goodie, wear it — this is very much a see-and-be-seen postcode.
SWOP
219 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
It's always worth a look in SWOP. The nationwide favourite (with outposts in Melbourne and Brisbane) offers some of the best pre-loved, high-quality pieces — swapped for cash or in-store credit by everyday tastemakers. Expect on-trend and archival finds at their Darlinghurst store, from Dries Van Noten, Acne Studios, and Comme des Garçons — and don't skip the accessories. The occasional Fendi Baguette does pop up.
Reseller
16B Lawrence St, Freshwater
26 Darley Rd, Manly
If you're not on the Northern Beaches, Reseller might not be on your radar — but it should be. With stores in Manly and Freshwater, locals are encouraged to drop off their designer wares and sophisticated staples, meaning you'll find plenty of summer-coded and boho looks, from SIR to Zimmermann, alongside vintage Levi's and elevated basics. Unsurprisingly, there's also a chic selection of sunnies to top things off.
Irreplaceable Store
411 King St, Newtown NSW
On any given day, you might spot a streetwear obsessive — or Zendaya, she was there — hunting for rare sneakers here. Specialising in covetable sneakers, from Nike Dunks to Balenciaga Tracks, Irreplaceable Store also stocks chore jackets, camo, and graphic tees. There's also a ton of vintage paraphernalia, from VHS tapes to vintage books. Absolute chicken soup for the nostalgic soul.