We are a nation of enthusiastic shoppers, always on the hunt for good buys. This enthusiasm has fuelled the growth of the secondhand and pre-loved market, especially in the proliferation of thrift stores, particularly post-pandemic. This shift is notably embraced by Gen Z consumers, as evident in their preference for thrifted fashion from specialty stores, as seen in our monthly FEMALE People Cam style series.
For those seeking a more curated shopping experience, vintage stores offer a distinctive appeal. In today’s throwaway fashion culture, the act of passing on cherished clothing to a vintage store for a second life feels counter-cultural and special. Although no official data tracks the opening of vintage stores locally, those exploring their weekends have likely noticed a growing number of vintage outposts.
It’s crucial to distinguish vintage from thrift. Isaac Ang, founder of the vintage store Loop Garms on Veerasamy Road, clarifies: “The global understanding and consensus of vintage refer to anything that’s 20 years and older. But it’s also more than an age thing. Vintage clothing holds value in individual stories. The history of a garment also plays a part in how it’s valued, and that process is something that vintage stores offer.”
READ MORE: In Singapore, A New Approach To Appreciating Archival Fashion
A stalwart in Singapore’s vintage scene, Kelly Yeo, founder of Deja Vu Vintage, echoes Ang’s sentiments. She notes that the term ‘vintage’ is sometimes used too casually, referring only to vintage-inspired items or recently produced mass quantities. Yeo explains: “The cost of good vintage is higher for a good reason. The chief distinction is that you’ll find no-longer-available beautiful fabrics, gorgeous designs, cutting, and amazing unexpected details that make up a one-of-a-kind dress or necklace. There’s no danger of running into anyone with the same dress; every piece is a rare find you may treasure forever.”
Armed with this nuanced understanding, we have meticulously curated a compendium of thrift, vintage, and stores that traverse the spectrum between the two. Happy hunting!
WEARE
Pronounced as “wear”, Weare is a labour of fraternal love. Initiated by Ian Thio and his brother Jachin – aged 19 and 21 respectively – in February this year, they forged a connection through clothing and the shared experience of thrift shopping. “We got to try new fashion styles without having to break the bank, and thrifting let us ‘put on’ different personas,” the younger brother recalls. One thing led to another, and Weare became a reality.
Joined by their friend Ashley, the thrift store overflows with a hodgepodge of finds, ranging from Woodstock-esque ponchos and preloved Dickies trousers to corsets and track jackets made from other vintage pieces. Other standout products include a wide range of racing tees, hand-picked Harley Davidson merchandise, band tees, and more. The £5 pile is also a hit with customers, ranging from authors, musicians, and influencers to families looking to spend the day thrift shopping.
At the heart of the business, the trio wants their customers to experiment with fun new styles at affordable prices. After all, as Ian notes, thrifting can be quite expensive for younger shoppers, and the trio set out to make thrifting feel more accessible to their peers.
In April of this year, they also hosted their first physical thrift event called WeareHouse, allowing shoppers to peruse affordable thrifted apparel and accessories, play games, and bond as a community with a shared love for thrifting. “We will also be hosting another event in late October to welcome the festive months ahead and celebrate the end of examinations for many students in Singapore. But we can’t reveal too much because it’s meant to be a surprise,” Ian teases.
#03-05A Queensway Shopping Centre
WOOFIE’S WAREHOUSE
Matthew Tan and Desiree Chang initially conceived a fashion business named Woofie in 2019 as a platform to sell curated denim jeans and trousers sourced from Japan. However, in 2023, recognizing a substantial demand for quality thrift stores, they introduced Woofie’s Warehouse, proudly dubbing it “the First & Best $10 thrift store in Singapore.”
“Our journey in thrift selling began as a hobby, and we used to participate in pop-up events,” state the founders in a joint email response. “Eventually, we decided to transition the business to a brick-and-mortar store to target a broader audience, moving away from our previous specialization in mainly women’s apparel.”
Today, Woofie’s Warehouse is situated in Golden Landmark Shopping Complex just off Bugis and is still managed by Tan and Chang, both undergraduates at the National University of Singapore. Customers entering their inviting space will discover a diverse range of items, including T-shirts, jackets, denim jeans, as well as seasonal items like Harley Davidson merchandise and secondhand nylon windbreakers from brands such as Adidas and Nike, available in limited quantities. The store also offers a good mix of accessories like caps and belts.
“We aim not to limit ourselves in terms of the product mix, and we strive to provide a size-inclusive range of clothing,” they affirm.
#03-31 Golden Landmark Shopping Complex
ASHITAGAARU
Founded by ex-fashion buyer David Pan two decades ago, Ashitagaaru developed because Pan was inspired by the local pop scene in the 1990s. “During those days, there was a popular star search program named Asia Bagus, and I remembered that the hosts Najib Ali and Tomoko Kadowaki would style themselves in really funky retro-style outfits,” he explains. “I wondered if Singapore could possibly develop a vintage fashion scene of its own, which led to the opening of Ashitagaaru.”
Despite being open for 20 years, Pan maintains an unchanged consistency in the curation of the vintage collection in the store. Ashitagaaru’s forte is in leather pieces, and as Pan says, “there will always be an amazing leather outfit waiting to be discovered by you in the store.”
This means that fans – both new and old – can expect to find a wide range of secondhand genuine leather jackets in a multitude of different materials, functionalities, styles, manufacturing periods, and countries of origin. In addition to these, Pan also stocks a selection of pre-loved fur coats, leather vests, leather bottoms and skirts, as well as a range of denim for those looking for something more climate-friendly.
#02-45 Peninsula Plaza
CHERRY THRIFT SHOP
Cherry Thrift Shop, which began as an online business in 2022, focuses on various styles of womenswear apparel. Run by Cherry Pretty and her mother, the store was established to share her joy for thrifting and raise awareness of sustainability. “I got the business registered so my mom could eliminate the strain and physical labour of her previous job,” she adds. Cherry’s approach is simple: affordable and good-quality pieces that aren’t going to break the bank. Expect floral tops, printed maxi skirts, lace satin tops, and many crochet tops.
She diligently goes through each piece to ensure customers get their money’s worth and don’t end up discarding their buys. The store’s location is also intentional – Peninsula Plaza is a usual haunt for the Burmese community in Singapore, with Pretty herself being Burmese.
#05-15 Peninsula Plaza
TASSTORE
Tasstore was initially launched in 2018 by a husband and wife team on the resale platform Carousell as a means for him to sell off his collection of ’80s and ’90s graphic tees. It began to gain a steady following over the years, leading the owners to rent a space in Bras Basah Complex to host monthly pop-ups before they finally settled on establishing a physical store in the basement of Peninsula Complex in 2021.
The wares here are always deep-washed and disinfected before they hit the shelves. The store has also expanded beyond selling T-shirts and now offers outerwear, bags, and even reworked clothing. For those wondering what the ‘Tas” in the name stands for, it’s an acronym for ‘thrifted and selected’ and is inspired by the now-defunct supermarket chain Shop N Save.
#B1-24 Peninsula Complex; opens daily from 12pm to 8pm
RE.DRMG
A popular destination known for its collection of Harley Davidson tees, camisoles, and messenger bags, the two-year-old Re:Drmg in Haji Lane is a treasure trove for those seeking to infuse nostalgia into their wardrobe. The store’s name carries a poetic backstory. According to its owner Karen (who prefers to go by her first name only), “The ‘re’ refers to the process of repeating (reusing and recycling) clothes so they are given a new lease of life. The ‘drmg’ is the short form of dreaming because, at that point in time (when I started Re.drmg), I was trying to find myself and what I could do; it was a way to tell myself that even if you fail at something, you can always try again.”
39 Haji Lane
SSALTYTHRIFTS
Enthusiasts of Y2Kcore will appreciate the curation at Ssaltythrifts. Established in 2020 by Jenevieve Ow during her first year of studies at a local polytechnic, Ssaltythrifts stemmed from Ow’s personal passion for sourcing secondhand clothing.
“I wanted to try something new. We initially started selling on Instagram and participated in occasional pop-up events with other local vintage stores and organisations,” she explains. “My aim with Ssaltythrifts is to encourage people to be more sustainable and demonstrate that second-hand shopping is for everyone. I hope to extend the lifespan of clothes on this planet.”
However, juggling her studies and business proved challenging. After completing her diploma in April 2023, Ow decided to take a gap year to focus on her business, leading to the opening of her physical space where customers can peruse her racks.
On the curation front, Ssaltythrifts is renowned for targeting styles like Y2K, fairycore, and grunge. Expect to find an array of baby tees, crop tops, tanks, mini skirts, cargo pants, vintage sunglasses, outerwear, and bags that fit the theme. Brands range from lesser-known labels to the likes of Ed Hardy, Coach, and Armani Jeans. Additionally, there is a selection of vintage tees from @spooder.grail, and Ssaltythrifts regularly hosts different accessory vendors each month, supporting local accessory designers and offering customers a variety of bijoux to complement Ow’s clothing curation. “I want to ensure consumers have a complete shopping experience.”
#04-40 Orchard Plaza
MILIEU
Carrying pieces from brands such as Blackmeans, Loewe, and Maison Margiela, Milieu can be best described as a haven for fashion archivists. Started in January 2022 by Alfred Bong and Leon Lim, the business has quickly become a go-to for those seeking out specific designer pieces from seasonal collections. It recently vacated its store at The Adelphi for its new home in Jalan Pemimpin. Pieces we’ve spotted before on its racks include a floral print button-up from Yohji Yamamoto’s Spring/Summer 2002 runway, a textural pair of derbies from British designer Katharine Hamnett, and a Maison Margiela knit vest from 1999. But it’s not just about making a profit from these vintage designer pieces, which can often skyrocket over time. “We believe that the synapses between the context and construction of the item are what we are ultimately trying to communicate,” shares Bong about the role Milieu seeks to fill.
45 Jalan Pemimpin, #09-01
A VINTAGE TALE
Step into A Vintage Tale’s quaint Joo Chiat store, and prepare to be captivated by a riot of colours, neon lights, and clashing wallpaper patterns. Opened by Italian-born Azzurra La Mantia in 2016, A Vintage Tale overflows with eclectic finds, ranging from Dior and Gucci threads to pieces discovered in a Brooklyn market. Each item is meticulously cared for and authenticated to ensure you receive an original designer product. At the back of the store, a small cocktail bar is tucked away for customers to enjoy, allowing you to shop and sip simultaneously. The store is also undergoing a major revamp of its interiors in the early months of 2024 and will be introducing Italian fragrances to its customers, which, as La Mantia puts it, “will be representative of my country and of the Sicily region where I come from.”
277 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01
LOOP GARMS
Pop culture fiends will adore Loop Garms, which first opened its doors in 2018. The racks here are a treasure trove of movie-themed paraphernalia, vintage music tees, and items that relate to specific windows in pop culture’s winding history. A Jerry Garcia T-shirt from the ‘90s? A Toronto Raptors jersey from the early 2000s? A rare basketball team tee designed by Greg Speirs for the Lithuanian team to wear at the 1996 Olympics? They are all here. Beyond fashion, co-founder Isaac Ang treats his customers like friends. “The truth is that we are for the people,” Ang says. “We set up a brick-and-mortar space rather than just keeping it online because we wanted conversations to happen. We want to be able to convey stories because Loop Garms is all about history. Customers can pick out any article of clothing, and we can tell you everything about it down to its nano detail.”
635 Veerasamy Road, #01-148
DEJA VU VINTAGE
Run by Kelly Yeo for almost 18 years, Deja Vu Vintage is one of the mainstays in Singapore’s vintage scene. While most stores carry items from the ‘80s and ‘90s, this shop stocks clothes and accessories that can date back to the ‘40s. Yeo, a former marketing and advertising professional, originally ran her business with her sister in 2006 from a store unit in Mandarin Gallery. “I had no intention of leaving my job,” she says. “But even on a small scale, we had a lot of press coverage.” Her sister helped Yeo manage the business in the early months of its inception before returning to a corporate job. Around 2010, Yeo moved her operations to its current location in Millenia Walk. Each item in the store is handpicked from international sourcing trips, and the pieces range from museum-quality accessories and one-of-a-kind finds by Chanel or Pucci to everyday separates that you can easily restyle for daily wear.
#01-70 Millenia Walk
VINTAGEWKND
Founded by Eileen Tan and Eden Tay in 2015, Vintagewknd is the outcome of Tan and Tay’s extensive backpacking trips. During these journeys, the duo would sift through the racks of international vintage shops, selecting choice pieces to bring back and sell. What began as a weekend passion project, with the duo selling their finds on Carousell for the first three years of operation—hence the name—evolved into their full-time venture.
The duo also don the hats of designers, utilising existing vintage pieces and upcycling them to incorporate more modern and contemporary styles and fits for the evolving customer. As of this year, Tan and Tay report that they have successfully rehomed over 100,000 vintage items acquired in the last eight years, either by finding new owners for these pieces or by upcycling them into new designs.
Preferring to be quoted collectively, they state: “We’re focused on highlighting original design and creating items and visual concepts that initiate conversations about sustainability. At Vintagewknd, we sell original, unaltered vintage pieces and various reworked items at our store. Our goal is to make sustainable clothing available to anyone and everyone, and you’ll find we have a good range of items in our stores to fit all budgets and styles.”
41 Haji Lane
SUPERWASTED
The same team behind Vintagewknd also launched Superwasted in July 2022. The owners describe Superwasted as Vintagewknd’s “outer space alter-ego” and have adorned the space with a darker and grungier aesthetic to emphasize the shop’s “radical, unconventional style with a strong streetwear influence.” In addition to vintage wares, the store sells repurposed items, such as table linens transformed into cute corsets, scarves respliced into bags, and matching adult-child shirts that were once vintage tea towels. Already, Superwasted has become a crowd favourite, especially among Gen Z shoppers who are drawn to the street-style fits on offer. “We really try to explore different styles, and we find that a lot of people with unique tastes can discover something they love from us.”
16 Haji Lane
ANTEIKU STUDIOS
Run entirely by Gen Zs, this store is situated in the 195 Pearl’s Hill enclave and serves as a collective hub for various vintage and pre-loved businesses. One of them is Shibuigarm, specialising in curated vintage pieces. A glance through their rack reveals brands like Hysteric Glamour and Tsumori Chisato, the latter having once collaborated with the renowned Japanese designer Issey Miyake. If you’re fortunate, you might come across designer pieces from Loewe and Dior.
Another curated second-hand store within Anteiku is Faerydium, run by the same individuals behind the popular Gen Z jewellery label Erydium. Faerydium specializes in fairy-core and grunge clothing. Additional businesses operating within Anteiku include Ekiybho, focusing on hand-sewn, reworked apparel; Foolish Matter, offering a wide range of vintage graphic tees; and Pins and Shades, known for their cargo skirts and shorts.
195 Pearls Hill Terrace, #02-63
THE CARTEL’S
Before establishing The Cartel’s, owners Purland Rizki, Taufiq, and Zulhilmi operated a streetwear clothing line called Parlo.Co. When the trio realized there wasn’t much appreciation for it, they decided to change course and set up The Cartel’s in mid-2021, focusing on affordable vintage-style apparel. While they do carry the usual graphic tees, windbreakers, and sportswear, their unique selling proposition (USP) is pre-loved sneakers.
Rizki shares that the sneakers you’d find are usually priced lower than their original retail cost, as he wants people to be able to get a pair without having to spend a large sum. Look forward to Nike Dunks and Air Force shoes in an assortment of colourways and designs at a fraction of the original price.
44 Haji Lane
PLOP APPARELS
Jermaine Ho started Plop Apparels as an online pre-loved fashion business in 2020 to declutter her wardrobe. Today, it has evolved into a fully-fledged physical space located in the heart of Haji Lane, becoming a popular go-to spot for Gen Z.
In addition to stocking vintage and pre-loved items, Ho aims to provide customers with an opportunity to experience and experiment with different styles in the store. She is solely responsible for curating everything in the store, bringing in pieces from UK-based slow fashion brand Stephanie Liasis, as well as regional brands like Made By Illustration from Vietnam. Plop also offers a diverse range of sunglasses, handmade jewellery from local labels such as Affirmation Club and Rebel Label, cowboy boots, and Y2K-esque bags (including some from Coach and Von Dutch) for customers to peruse.
17 Haji Lane
THE FASHION PULPIT
Part of the appeal of thrift shopping lies in its circular and eco-focused nature. Clothing items, once loved and worn, get a second (or third) life before potentially ending up in a landfill. This specific mindset, aimed at keeping fashion both enjoyable and sustainable, led former fashion designer Raye Padit to establish The Fashion Pulpit in 2015.
“It was challenging for me to reconcile the idea that the fashion industry champions ‘empowerment and positivity,’ while in reality, it is negatively impacting our environment and the people behind the industry,” Padit explains. “This is where The Fashion Pulpit – a permanent swapping fashion space – came about! One location, swap anytime, and bring everyone. Not only can you swap from the best selection of pre-loved fashion pieces, but you can also upcycle and learn fashion tricks all in one place.”
The Fashion Pulpit operates simply. Think of it as thrifting, but instead of paying with money, you pay with your own clothing. Members who bring in their own clothing to swap accumulate points, which can be used to acquire other clothing within the store. Not ready to commit to a membership yet? Each item is tagged with a cash value, allowing you to walk in and pick out a couple of items to check out.
#02-08 OUE Downtown Gallery
Additional reporting Khong Yawen