London has more than its fair share of high-end boutiques and designer fashion brands, but if you’re on more of a budget there’s no need to miss out.
London’s charity shops are some of the best in the country and offer everything from cheap-as-chips retro finds to new-with-tags designer labels and clothing donated by brands.
1. Mary’s Living & Giving Shop, Primrose Hill
If you don’t consider yourself a charity shop person, it’s time to challenge your own pre-conceptions at Mary’s Living & Giving Shop in Primrose Hill – one of many trend-led charity boutiques under the Mary Portas umbrella in the UK, with a carefully curated selection of stock. Prices here can on the higher side, as you might expect, but it’s worth it for the shopping experience. You may even be lucky enough to see a famous face or two – Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and Jude Law have all donated clothing here.
109 Regents Park Road, Primrose Hill, London, NW1 8UR
Open 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 12 – 4pm Sunday
2. Cancer Research UK, Marylebone
London bargain hunters in the know head straight to the Marylebone branch of Cancer Research UK for designer treats including fashion samples and “new with tags” items straight from designer showrooms. Don’t be surprised if you find Miu Miu, Dior, or Prada on the rails here, as the shop boasts Kate Moss and Sienna Miller among its donators.
24 Marylebone High St, Marylebone, London W1U 4PQ
Open 10am – 7pm Monday to Saturday and 12 – 6pm Sunday
3. Oxfam Boutique, Westbourne Grove
You know you’re onto something special when the Oxfam shop rebrands itself as a boutique. This very special charity shop, just a stone’s throw from Portobello Road, is packed with an eclectic selection of vintage finds, pre-loved designer pieces, and some great high street fashion at discounted prices too. There’s also a good selection of Fair Trade jewellery and accessories.
245 Westbourne Grove, London, W11 2SE
Open 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 12 – 4pm Sunday
4. Trinity Hospice, Notting Hill Gate
Trinity sells a carefully curated selection of designer labels and vintage men’s and womenswear. The prices can be much lower than what you’ll find in the nearby vintage boutiques and there’s also an extensive collection of second-hand books as well as general bric-a-brac.
20 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JE
Open 10am – 60pm Monday to Saturday and 11am – 5pm Sunday
5. Fara Kids, Pimlico
If quality kidswear is what you’re after, this branch of Fara Kids in Pimlico offers all you need for children from birth to 8 years old, with brands on offer including high street favourites Boden, Marks & Spencer and John Lewis alongside more pricey labels such as Caramel Baby & Child and Bonton. Prices are very reasonable and there’s also a good selection of baby equipment including cots, prams, books, and toys.
40 Tachbrook St, London, SW1V 2JS
Open 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday
faracharityshops.org
6. British Red Cross, Chelsea
If you’re after designer labels, Chelsea is definitely the place to start your hunt, but don’t expect prices to be rock bottom even though the goods are pre-loved. There are also sometimes brand-new items donated from end of lines by fashion houses, so you can definitely get some bargains here if you’re lucky, especially if you catch one of their sales. Some of the labels you might see here include Vivienne Westwood, YSL, Prada, and Hugo Boss among others.
69-71 Old Church St, Chelsea, London, SW3 5BS
Open 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 12 – 5pm Sunday
7. Traid Brixton
Traid’s aim is to encourage people to move away from the current trend for “fast” fashion and instead to invest in good quality second-hand clothing. Their collection is extensive, with styles from the ‘70s and beyond. They also host plenty of community events including personalized styling sessions and late-night shopping evenings with live DJs.
2 Acre Ln, Brixton, London, SW2 5SG
Open 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am – 5pm Sunday
8. Octavia Foundation, Queensway
Octavia offers an eclectic selection of vintage fashion, shoes, accessories, and unique knick-knacks. You might even find a few designer labels if you’re lucky. The staff are friendly and profits from the shop go towards supporting projects in the local community.
178 Queensway, London, W2 6LY
Open 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 12 – 5pm Sunday
9. Save the Children, Clapham
Clapham High Street offers a particularly good selection of charity shops, with Save the Children being one of the best of the bunch. There’s a wide range of items available including men’s and women’s fashion, baby clothes, books, homewares, music, and unique items like vintage typewriters and sewing machines. The prices are very reasonable too.
36 Clapham High St, London, SW4 7UR
Open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm Saturday, and 12 – 5pm Sunday
10. Sue Ryder, Camden
A retro fashion store for a good cause, Sue Ryder fits in with all the other clothing shops and stalls around Camden. It offers a particularly good selection of vintage coats and jackets, and it’s also worth a browse through their collection of vinyl records and musical instruments. Those with kids should note that there’s usually a doll house or two on offer here too.
46-50 Parkway, Camden, London, NW1 7AH
Open 10am – 7pm Monday to Saturday and 11am – 5pm Sunday
