Originally published on February 18, 2019 by Amanda Sheppard. Updated on July 17, 2019 by Inés Fung.
Fashion trends come and go, but the revival of bell-bottom trousers and mum jeans have shown us one thing—new isn’t always better. In the era of fast fashion, clothing is bought and disposed of at alarming rates. But if you’re looking to add a little flair to your wardrobe, then why not consider investing in a vintage classic and give it a second lease of life? These are some of Hong Kong’s best vintage and second-hand clothing stores that are definitely worth sifting through.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id="73367"]
Hipster 9
Situated on the tail end of the popular tourist attraction Cat Street (known for stocking an eclectic mixture of antiques and knick-knacks), Hipster 9 is a small shopfront filled to the brim with vintage clothing, accessories, and homeware items and furnishings. Head here for a wide range of one-off designer items as well as statement accessories.
Hipster 9, G/F, 6 Lok Ku Road, Sheung Wan | (+852) 2310 0688
Photo courtesy of @lmychery
Mee & Gee
Affectionately known as the $5 store by many, Mee & Gee is a unisex clothing store with a vast collection of secondhand and vintage apparel. Contrary to its nickname, prices aren’t capped at $5—but clothes are organised onto racks and separated by price. If you’ve got time on your hands to sift through the store, there are hidden gems to be found in every corner. With its racks on racks of Hawaiian shirts and gaudy silk shirts, it's also a great place to get pieces for a themed party in a pinch.
Mee & Gee, multiple locations, including G/F, 9 Li Yuen Street West, Central | (+852) 3422 8029
Beatniks
Tucked into an alleyway on Graham Street is Beatniks. True to its name, Beatniks stocks a range of apparel and accessories from the 60s and 70s, from handmade décor to statement coats. There are also several garments made from repurposed textiles—with frumpy dresses transformed into trendy playsuits, and more. This treasure trove has also been known to stock an array of now-discontinued designer collections, as well as military surplus jackets.
Beatniks, B/F, 31 Staunton Street, Central | (+852) 2881 7153
BANG! BANG! 70s
Whether you’re looking for an authentic costume or a subtle piece in nod to the heyday of disco, BANG! BANG! 70s is likely to have what you’re after. Stocking an assortment of vintage clothing dating back to the 1970s, the store boasts an impressive range of designer brands, including vintage Dior and Chanel, and Harley Davidson leathers.
BANG! BANG! 70s, G/F, 16 Aberdeen Street, Central | (+852) 6461 7448
Photo courtesy of @vintage1961
Vintage 1961
With a carefully curated selection of vintage and antique items, Vintage 1961 highlights ornate items and craftsmanship. The emphasis on classic elegance isn’t coincidental—the 1961 in the shop name refers to the year which Audrey Hepburn’s iconic film
Breakfast at Tiffany’s was released. It sells everything from jewellery and antique handheld mirrors, to tea sets and clothing. All pieces date between the late 19th century to the 1980s, with new stock arriving on a weekly basis.
Vintage 1961, Room 01, 12/F, Bonham Commercial Centre, 44–46 Bonham Strand West, Sheung Wan | (+852) 5588 8339
Photo courtesy of St James Settlement - Green Ladies via Facebook
Green Ladies
This secondhand store may not stock exclusively vintage items, but its many branches do hold a treasure trove of fashion items, ranging from clothing to shoes, handbags, and other accessories. You can give them all a second life at Green Ladies via their consignment service, provided your items are in good condition and are in style. The social enterprise aims to reduce waste and the environmental impact of the fashion industry through its consignment service, hoping to combat the habits that have led to a whopping 293 tonnes of textiles being disposed of into Hong Kong’s landfills on a daily basis.
Green Ladies, locations vary | (+852) 2117 5857
Midwest Vintage
For more than 25 years, Midwest has specialised in sourcing one-of-a-kind vintage US fashion clothing and accessories. Their stores are a slice of absolute Americana, filled with knick knacks ranging from Hawaiian shirts to old camping Thermos. With quality at the core of its service, Midwest Vintage ensures all items are professionally dry cleaned before they are placed for sale.
Midwest Vintage, Shop 58, G/F, Victoria Centre, 15 Watson Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2802 6886
G/F, Nelson Court, Waterloo Road, Mong Kok | (+852) 2328 8757
Read more! Explore the rest of our
Shopping section on
Localiiz.
[button color=“#008BD2” size="medium" link="https://localiiz.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=c2964a434922598f5d8ee53ff&id=07d327a2e8" icon="" target="true"]Subscribe to receive our weekly newsletter[/button]
