The resurgence of vintage fashion has brought a wave of nostalgia, with many girls seeking to recreate the iconic 90s outfits for women. From distressed denim and flannel shirts to iconic sportswear brands like Adidas, Fila, and Tommy Hilfiger, 90s fashion for men also offers a distinctive aesthetic. However, purchasing authentic pieces from this era requires a keen eye for quality, brand authenticity, and condition. Here are the top vintage shops to buy iconic 90s outfits from.
The resurgence of vintage fashion has brought a wave of nostalgia, with many of us seeking to recreate the iconic 90s outfits.
Understanding the elements of vintage shopping ensures that buyers make informed choices while avoiding overpriced or poorly preserved items at thrift, second-hand or vintage boutiques. If you’ve watched Girlboss, you might have an idea of what can and can’t constitute vintage fashion. Moreover, seasoned vintage shoppers might tell you that in order to get a good deal, you’ll have to explore brick-and-mortar vintage stores. Because, you need to touch, feel, and most importantly, try on the iconic 90s outfit before purchasing it.
Besides, shopping from vintage stores is a responsible approach to retail as it reduces our environmental footprint. As the fashion industry increasingly focuses on ethical shopping, vintage pieces provide an eco-friendly alternative through reuse of quality garments. Whether shopping at thrift stores, online marketplaces or vintage boutiques, it is essential to research sizing differences, fabric care requirements, and authentication methods to secure genuine 90s outfits. Ebay and Depop aside, check out our comprehensive guide to the best vintage stores to buy authentic 90s outfits, essential tips and mistakes to avoid.
- Beyond Retro
It’s June of 2002, a 1940’s inspired tattoo anchor gets put up outside an old dairy shed in Cheshire Street, Beyond Retro is officially born! As the largest vintage retailer in the UK, Sweden and most recently, Finland, as well as its own website, Beyond Retro has handpicked the best vintage fashion since 2002, earning it the reputation as the go-to for nostalgic styles, without the carbon footprint! The store offers a vast selection of 1990s apparel, including iconic sportswear brands like Adidas, Nike, Kappa, Champion and Tommy Hilfiger. Shoppers can also find floral skater dresses, leather biker jackets, and 90s band tees.
- Tab Vintage
Founded in 2019 by Alexis Novak, Tab Vintage is a Los Angeles based archival vintage studio with a chic curation of one-of-a-kind pieces that stands out due to their quality, freshness and focus on elevated beauty. The online platform specialises in high-quality vintage apparel that celebrates timeless style and sustainability. Each piece is hand-selected and meticulously restored, ensuring that 90s fashion fans can find authentic items that have been preserved with care. The collection emphasises enduring beauty and promotes sustainable wearability over fast fashion.
- Vestiaire
Kering-owned French resale site Vestiaire describes itself as a collective partly because the inventory is user generated, but also, there were six founders. What sets Vestiaire apart from a traditional resale platform is that Vestiaire acts as an authenticated middleman for one of the world’s largest collection of pre-loved luxury fashion, with over 12,000 brands on sale, 5 million listings live, and more than 35,000 new items added every single day. The best bit? They’re committed to offering high-quality, long-lasting styles that are good for the planet. You can also get the most from your wardrobe with listings, direct negotiations, and fast payouts. Plus, you’ll get easy-to-understand price recommendations and pre-paid shipping labels for when you make that final sale!
- James Veloria
Looking for that ’90s Comme des Garçons iconic look? Head over to James Veloria. The vintage store, located in Manhattan’s Chinatown, was founded by Collin James and Brandon Veloria, to retail pre-owned apparel and accessories, stemming from their love of avant-garde and experimental fashion design from the 90s. After starting exclusively as an online retailer in 2014, the owners opened their first store in Chinatown NYC in July 2017. Inspired by innovative design and the use of bold colours and patterns, the store is packed with unique, exciting and iconic pieces, with an emphasis on Japanese and European designers.
- Trash and Vaudeville
Established in 1975 in New York by Ray Goodman, Trash and Vaudeville has been a staple for punk rock and counter-culture fashion. Ray discovered St. Marks Place at the age of thirteen. He was attracted to the energy of the Electric Circus, the Fillmore East, and CBGBs. Some of the greatest Rock n’ Roll Meccas all right there. Ray’s love for Rock music inspired him to open a clothing store that would be entirely influenced by Rock n’ Roll.
Right away Trash and Vaudeville attracted musicians and bands looking to dress in a style that embraced their individuality and creativity. St. Marks Place has always been a gathering place for the ‘cool’, with an energy that still flows today. The store offers 90s leather motorcycle jackets, studded belts, and band T-shirts, and continues to be an institution for all things punk, goth, glam, grunge, metal, streetwear, and skate.
- Buffalo Exchange
In 1974, when Kerstin Block first had the idea for a different sort of secondhand shop, she never expected it to grow into what it is today – she just followed her love of thrift store shopping. Kerstin and her husband, Spencer, rented out a small space in Tucson, AZ and filled the store with pieces from Kerstin’s own closet. Soon enough, they had a bustling business buying, selling and trading the likes of denim skirts handmade by Kerstin, Hawaiian shirts and Kork-Ease sandals for an average price of $3.50. Enter a whole new business model: a resale shop where customers could buy hand-selected secondhand treasures in one place and also sell their clothes for cash or trade on-the-spot. With over forty stores across the United States, the store continues to offer a curated selection of 90s outfits, including vintage denim, graphic tees and accessories.
Image: Buffalo Exchange
- Her-Age
Launched in September 2021, Her-Age is a global online platform for buying and selling authenticated second-hand luxury items. Their hybrid team of experts, both in-house and external, are thorough and work tirelessly to make sure that no counterfeit item makes it onto the website. Whether a handbag, an accessory item, a piece of jewellery, or a watch, the authenticity of every piece is reviewed and inspected to ensure that their details meet the manufacturers’ standards of quality in stamping, stitching, hardware, authenticity stamps, date codes, serial number, materials and craftsmanship.
- Ruby Lane
Founded in 1998, Ruby Lane is an online, vintage retail store dependant on independent member traders. Specialising in antiques, collectibles, art, and jewellery, the platform also offers a selection of vintage apparel and accessories. Each shop is pre-screened to meet specific standards, ensuring that buyers have access to genuine and accurately represented items.
- Atijo
atijọ, meaning ‘in the past’ in Yoruba, was founded in May 2019 by friends and London-based stylists Anu Odugbesan, Londiwe Ncube and Safiya Yekwai. It was created to provide a more curated and luxury experience to vintage shopping. Today, London-based Atijo offers artisanal accessories and classic tailoring, with a focus on vintage pieces from different eras, including the 1990s. Their curated collection appeals to those seeking unique and high-quality vintage fashion items that stand the test of time. The atijọ mission is to bring new light to the landscape of pre-loved clothing and encourage slow and conscious buying while celebrating timeless style, diversity and culture.
- Mies
Located in Paris, Mies is committed to vintage fashion, particularly focusing on Martin Margiela’s Hermès collections from the 1990s. The store offers a selection of carefully curated pieces that reflect the minimalist and avant-garde aesthetics of the era, making it a haven for fashion connoisseurs.
FAQS The mistakes to avoid when shopping for iconic 90s outfits
If shopping online, request photos and descriptions.
What are common sizing mistakes when buying iconic 90s fashion?
Many 90s brands used different measurement standards so always check the actual measurements rather than just relying on the tagged size.
Is buying from unverified sellers a mistake?
Yes, purchasing from unverified sellers can lead to fake, low-quality, or misrepresented items. Always buy from reputable vintage stores or online platforms with customer reviews and return policies.
How can I avoid overpaying for iconic 90s clothing?
Research market prices before purchasing. Some sellers overprice items due to trends or the “vintage” label. Compare similar listings on multiple platforms to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
What should I check to avoid buying damaged clothing?
Inspect for stains, tears, broken zippers, missing buttons and signs of wear. If shopping online, request photos and descriptions. Some vintage flaws add character, but major damage can make items unwearable.
Why is ignoring fabric composition a mistake?
90s clothing feature materials like polyester blends, rayon, and synthetic fabrics. Some fabrics require special care or may be less comfortable. Always check fabric labels to ensure durability and comfort.
Should I avoid impulse buying just because something is trendy?
Yes. Trend-driven shopping can lead to regret, especially if an item doesn’t match your personal style. Instead, invest in pieces that fit your wardrobe and will be wearable beyond current fashion cycles.
Is it a mistake to forget about alterations?
Many vintage items may not fit perfectly due to different cuts and sizing. Consider if minor alterations can improve the fit before dismissing a great piece.
Trend-driven shopping can lead to regret, especially if an item doesn’t match your personal style.
Why should I avoid washing iconic 90s outfits without checking care labels?
Some old fabrics are delicate and require special cleaning methods. Washing a vintage silk blouse or printed T-shirt incorrectly can cause fading, shrinking, or damage.
Are replicas and reissues the same as authentic vintage?
No. Many brands have re-released 90s-style clothing but these are not vintage. If you’re looking for authenticity, check labels, manufacturing details, and fabric to distinguish real vintage from modern replicas.
What’s the biggest mistake to avoid when buying iconic 90s fashion?
Not doing enough research. Whether it’s about the seller, sizing, fabric, or price, being informed ensures you make smart vintage shopping.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
