Vintage Heaven in Berlin
Vintage is hot. With the increasing interest in sustainability, originality and expression of a personal style, vintage clothing has become incredibly popular. All the more reason to go to Berlin, THE place to be when it comes to vintage shops (besides Groningen, of course).
From Charlottenburg and Schöneberg to Neukölln and Friedrichshain, every part of the city knows its thrift stores. Where to begin? Hereby a list of a few vintage shops and thrift stores to get you in the mood:
Glencheck Berlin
This vintage store, that specializes in both menswear and womenswear from the 1920s to the 1950s, is a true collector store in Charlottenburg. On top of that, it is not too far from the antique shopping street of Berlin, the Suarezstraße, better known as the ‘Antik Meile’. If you are more into old curiosities and antique furniture, this is definitely worth a visit. Especially when you also happen to be close to another very popular vintage shop: Die Spitze.
Mimi
Interior wise, Mimi has to be on your list; for a moment, you are in a 1920s elegant boutique. Besides that, it also offers antique clothing from the 1850s to the 1950s. Prices are reasonable, and you can also hire clothes.
Fräulein Anders
When you are done visiting the house where Christopher Isherwood, the inspiration for the novel Goodbye to Berlin and later the musical Cabaret, used to live, you will find the vintage boutique Fräulein Anders across the street. Filled with mid century clothes and accessories, you do not want to miss this store, which is located in the part of Schöneberg that once was the heart of Berlin’s nightlife.
Tip: Fräulein Anders also has a YouTube channel filled with her love for vintage! If you can understand German, this might be a great channel to get you in the mood.
Sing Blackbird
This designer vintage shop on Sanderstrasse, which first opened its doors as a vegan breakfast spot, is also a popular café, and hosts events on a regular basis. The atmosphere really reminds one of LA meets Berlin.
Tip: Check Sing Blackbird’s Facebook page for upcoming events and inspiring outfit combinations.
Humana Frankfurter Tor
Last, but certainly not least, we have Humana. With four floors of second hand items, Berlin certainly has one of the largest branches of Humana there is. Be prepared to thrift for a few hours, and challenge yourself to find a bargain (because the prices are, sadly, increasing).
Final tip
If you cannot get enough from vintage, Berlin also regularly offers flea markets and other vintage shopping events. Old Fleas, for example, is held in Berlin’s oldest dance hall: Ballhaus Berlin. This event returns on the 8th of September…happy thrifting!
