While living in Toronto, my vintage streetwear loving heart was always right at home in the west-end. Vintage shops dotted my former street, all with their own set of specialties; ’80s designer duds, sportswear, and graphic tees galore. Thankfully, the life cycle of a clothing item has become a larger concern amongst conscious consumers, and the vintage looks of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s are back — big time.
Parkdale, Queen West, Bloor West, and Kensington Market offer not only the best and most unique selection of vintage streetwear in Toronto, but the vintage stores also provide the biggest bang for your buck.
Here are the 12 best places to shop vintage streetwear in Toronto.
In Vintage We Trust
Though In Vintage We Trust is currently closed for renovations, the store plans to reopen this month and promises its flyest ’90s sportswear yet. If you’re looking for the finest collection of vintage Raptors clothing, be sure to stop in and browse mint condition Coogi and North Face while you’re at it.
Public Butter
Before stepping foot into Public Butter, know this: you’ve got to like digging through overstuffed racks to find a piece of gold. Luckily, there are always some serious finds scattered throughout the store. You’ll see pretty much everything and anything inside Public Butter — from partially stained band camp tees, to letterman jackets, army surplus, and enough vintage denim to fill a whole second store.
F As In Frank
Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Patagonia, and Jordan — it’s all at F As In Frank and it’s all keeping you ahead of the latest streetwear trends, (which ironically, are going backwards in time). F As In Frank also always has a ton of rocker tees, flannels, and basketball jerseys to choose from.
Common Sort
Annex, Parkdale, and Riverside locations
With three locations across the city, Common Sort serves up a whole lotta goodness to vintage lovers everywhere. In addition to 90s streetwear, you’ll find gently used items from brands like Zara, Babaton, and even designers like Stella McCartney and Armani. Again, you’ve just got to be willing to sort through the racks to find a diamond in the rough.
Sub Rosa
Inside a navy house in Kensington Market that’s even more vintage than the clothing hung up on its walls, you’ll find Sub Rosa: a haven for worn denim and streetwear lovers alike. If your go-to outfit includes an oversized vintage sweatshirt, this is the place to visit. And if your favourite splurge-worthy item is a that’s-so-’70s tweed duster coat, this is also the store to shop.
House Of Vintage
For all your Western-inspired, genuine leather needs, House of Vintage boasts a premium collection of cowboy boots, chaps, jackets, belts, bags, and Harley Davidson apparel. That’s not all though because the store also has an exceptional array of vintage Levi’s in stock at all times as well as quality vintage sports attire. Be sure to take a look at what’s under the glass of the cash desk at the front of the store – there’s always a new vintage Gucci bag or Versace necktie hiding from plain sight, as well as beautiful sterling silver jewelry.
96 Tears Vintage
96 Tears’ new location on Bloor St. West is still a certified vintage gold mine, packed with leather, logowear on plenty of biker-style jackets, fur, denim on denim, and so much more. There’s no other way to leave the store than with a gently-loved piece that turns back time in the slightest, and turns heads on the streets too.
Nouveau Riche Vintage
A visit to Nouveau Riche is like taking a walk through a designer streetwear time warp – Moschino, Prada, Gianni Versace, and Emilio Pucci decorate the store in a kaleidoscope of colours. The shop’s offerings also span non-designer labels dating all the way back to the ’30s, though it’s a label lover’s paradise.
Chosen Vintage
Whether you’re looking for a classy new pair of coveralls or a moto-style jacket to keep you warm between seasons, Chosen Vintage is an adoringly curated collection of timeless streetwear and dress-appropriate options. Versace mom jeans? Check! Shop here for lots of fun ’80s glamour.
Vintage Depot
Kensington Market, Danforth, and Oshawa
With three locations across the GTA, great quality vintage streetwear is never too far away at Vintage Depot. Expect to find all of the brands you’re coveting like Polo, Champion, Nike, Lacoste, and more all in mint vintage condition.
Final Touch Vintage
Head to Bloor West to shop Final Touch Vintage’s selection of vintage streetwear with offerings from brands like adidas, Guess, Champion, Polo Jeans, and many more, as well as vintage jerseys.
Uncle Vintage
Another Bloor West destination to check out for vintage streetwear in Toronto is Uncle Vintage. Located near Lansdowne, this is a great spot to find vintage graphic tees, Nike, Patagonia, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Jeans, and more. Just be sure to follow them on Instagram to keep up with when they’re doing new drops — their stock goes fast!
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