10 Best Retro Style Clothing Stores to Shop Today
Retro and vintage style is back in a big way—driven by unique looks, better value, and a push toward more sustainable wardrobes. In plain terms: vintage clothing is original apparel from past decades; retro clothing is newly made but styled after those eras; and vintage-inspired clothing mimics classic silhouettes and prints without being true originals. Shopping retro clothing stores (especially vintage clothing online) can help you build the best retro fashion collection for less while reducing waste. Extending the life of clothes by just nine months can cut carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20–30%, according to WRAP research. That’s a win for your closet and the planet. Below, we highlight 10 reliable places—spanning luxury to budget-friendly peer marketplaces—plus tips to shop affordably, find inclusive sizing, and mix pieces seamlessly into modern looks.
Wear Style Corner’s Affordable Retro Picks
Our approach is simple: choose pieces you can wear often, style multiple ways, and care for easily. Versatility and affordability beat one-off “costume” purchases every time. Blend one standout retro item (a 70s blouse, 90s denim, or a 50s-inspired dress) with modern staples to keep outfits fresh, wearable, and wallet-friendly.
Top Affordable Retro Shopping Tips:
- Shop the sales and “last chance” sections—many retro retailers run regular markdowns.
- Use peer marketplaces for value: filter by measurements, materials, and seller ratings.
- Favor natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk) for longevity and comfort.
- Set saved searches and alerts for specific eras or designers to snag deals fast.
- Consider reworked or upcycled lines to get unique looks with sustainable impact.
- Always check measurements vs. tag size; vintage sizing varies by era and brand.
| Tactic | Why it works | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Saved searches & alerts | Finds under-the-radar deals quickly | Set size, era, fabric filters |
| Measurements over sizes | Vintage fits vary widely | Compare to a well-fitting garment |
| Reworked capsules | Unique designs, less textile waste | Construction quality, care label |
| Seasonal sales | New drops mean old stock discounts | Return windows and final sale terms |
MyVintage.uk
MyVintage.uk is a trusted destination for authentic vintage spanning the 1940s–1990s with worldwide shipping. Its reputation since 2004 among stylists and production teams reflects careful curation and clean product presentation, which streamlines the hunt for era-specific finds. For an overview of its positioning among peers, see MyVintage’s own comparison.
Pros:
- Authentic pieces from multiple decades with global shipping access.
- Trusted by production professionals and editors for quality curation.
- Clear era categorization and detailed listings.
Cons:
- Primarily UK-sourced inventory can limit certain regional styles.
- One-off nature of vintage means sizes and duplicates are limited.
Beyond Retro
Beyond Retro is a mainstay for variety, inclusive sizing, and a sustainability-first ethos. The brand offers online shopping and physical stores, eco-friendly packaging, and a Reworked upcycled collection that transforms vintage textiles into fresh designs. Beyond Retro also provides free UK delivery on orders over £75, though the large inventory can feel overwhelming and prices can vary. For more on its sustainability and shopping perks, see The Good Trade’s guide to affordable vintage.
Pros:
- Deep selection across eras, including plus sizes and tall.
- Strong sustainability focus with Reworked pieces.
- Online and in-person shopping options.
Cons:
- Sheer variety can be daunting to filter.
- Pricing can be inconsistent across categories.
Rokit
Rokit combines scale and curation, with a catalogue frequently topping 15,000 items across eras, including designer vintage and retro sportswear. Its commitment to accessibility and sustainability makes it a strong choice for both everyday basics and standout archival finds. That said, product pricing transparency and some policy details (returns, shipping nuances) can be clearer. For context on its range, see MyVintage’s comparison.
Pros:
- Huge, regularly updated assortment across categories.
- Mix of designer, workwear, and sportswear vintage.
- Sustainability-minded selection.
Cons:
- Pricing clarity can vary by item line.
- Policies may require extra digging before checkout.
Revival Vintage
Revival Vintage appeals to buyers who prioritize classic construction and decade-specific authenticity, especially from the early to late 20th century. It’s a thoughtful pick for well-made pieces that lean timeless over trend-driven, though the selection is naturally narrower than mega-inventories.
How it compares on focus and value:
| Store | Era focus | Inventory style | Size range | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revival Vintage | Early–mid 20th c. | Classic, quality-led | Standard, select extended | $$ | Period-accurate staples |
| MyVintage.uk | 1940s–1990s | Broad, curated | Varies by piece | $$ | Era-hopping wardrobes |
| Beyond Retro | 1960s–Y2K | Vast, trend + basics | Inclusive, extended | $–$$$ | One-stop variety |
| Rokit | Mixed, incl. designer | Extensive, frequent drops | Varies | $–$$$ | Range + rare finds |
| Unique Vintage | 1920s–Y2K inspired | New, retro-inspired | Inclusive, full run | $–$$ | Consistent fits, sizes |
Limitations:
- Less breadth than larger platforms.
- Sizing and duplicates limited to what’s sourced.
Shrimpton Couture
A luxury destination for museum-quality and celebrity-worn pieces, Shrimpton Couture caters to collectors and red-carpet seekers. It’s known for high-value designer vintage with impeccable provenance and frequent use by film and theater costumers, as profiled in Elle’s vintage shopping roundup.
Pros:
- Access to rare, archival designer items.
- Highly curated with strong provenance.
Cons:
- Premium prices; limited to serious buyers.
- Inventory rotates quickly and can sell off-platform.
Vinted
Vinted is a peer-to-peer marketplace ideal for affordable retro clothing online. You’re buying directly from other users, which keeps prices low and selection broad—from 80s leather to Y2K minis. Quality varies, so lean on photos, measurements, and seller ratings and reviews before you commit. It’s a strong starting point for beginners testing eras and silhouettes without overspending.
Pros:
- Huge selection at budget-friendly prices.
- Buyer tools: filters, favorites, seller ratings.
Cons:
- Condition varies; returns depend on dispute outcomes.
- Sizes and authenticity checks are self-reported.
Depop
Depop combines shopping with a social feed—perfect for Gen Z-fueled Y2K, 90s streetwear, and micro-trend cycles. The app’s community features reward discovery and styling, while its recent move to eliminate selling fees and only charge payment processing can improve listing value for buyers and sellers, per ShelfTrend’s 2025 marketplace analysis.
Pros:
- Social shopping and styling inspiration.
- On-trend, unique pieces at a range of price points.
Cons:
- Quality and measurements can be inconsistent.
- Hot items turn over quickly—speed matters.
Vestiaire Collective
For authenticated luxury vintage, Vestiaire Collective is a top-tier choice. An in-house quality-control team reviews items to reduce counterfeit risk, making it ideal when you’re investing in designer retro with peace of mind. Expect a curated, selective feed and higher fees and prices than peer marketplaces; the trade-off is trust. See more on authentication in Elle’s vintage shopping roundup.
Pros:
- Rigorous authentication and curation.
- Strong for premium designer retro.
Cons:
- Higher prices and seller fees.
- Selective inventory can limit sizes and styles.
Unique Vintage
Unique Vintage offers an expansive, size-inclusive range of new, retro-inspired clothing from the 1920s through Y2K. With over a million satisfied customers, it’s a reliable way to get the look of true vintage with modern sizing, consistent fits, and easy returns. Expect frequent drops, playful prints, and inclusive silhouettes for work, weddings, and weekends—without the unpredictability of one-off vintage. Explore the range at Unique Vintage.
Pros:
- Full runs of sizes with consistent fit.
- Wide era coverage and frequent new arrivals.
Cons:
- Pricing varies by capsule and collaboration.
- Not true vintage, so no one-off provenance.
James Veloria
New York’s James Veloria curates trend-driven designer vintage—from Vivienne Westwood to Tom Ford-era Gucci—balancing strong style POV with approachable pricing on select pieces. Inventory moves fast and sizing can be limited, but it’s a favorite for fashion-forward shoppers hunting standout finds in person or online. For its global reputation, see Vogue’s global guide.
Pros:
- Sharp, of-the-moment curation.
- Mix of accessible and high-end designer pieces.
Cons:
- Fast turnover; act quickly.
- Sizing and availability can be tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between vintage, retro, and vintage-inspired clothing?
Vintage is original clothing from past decades; retro is newly made but styled like older eras; vintage-inspired borrows classic details without being an original.
Which retro clothing stores offer the best size inclusivity?
Beyond Retro and Unique Vintage are top picks for extended sizing and inclusive fits across many styles, while Wear Style Corner also provides versatile options for a range of body types.
How can I find affordable yet quality retro clothing online?
Use peer marketplaces like Vinted and Depop, set alerts, and shop sale sections at established retailers for quality finds under budget. Don’t forget to explore Wear Style Corner for curated selections at competitive prices.
What should I know about shipping and return policies for retro stores?
Policies vary widely—check each store’s FAQ for international shipping, thresholds for free delivery, and specific return timelines before purchasing.
How do I choose the right size when shopping retro or vintage styles online?
Prioritize garment measurements over tag sizes and compare them to a similar piece you own; read reviews for fit notes by era and brand. Wear Style Corner provides helpful sizing tips to enhance your shopping experience.