Vintage shopping is great for a couple of reasons. First, it helps remedy fashion's big sustainability problem, and second, it's often a lot cheaper than buying new. But while fun for some, the process of tracking down the best thrifts can be time-consuming: the rifling, the browsing, the unfettered compulsion to check every single rack for something from Raf Simons Fw03.
Instagram has become a worthy stand-in for actually going to a vintage store, even if many Instagram vintage accounts are attached to brick-and-mortar locations, too. Rather than having to wait behind someone as they browse a rack ponderously, everything is right there from the comfort of your sofa.
We've put together a list of vintage sellers on Instagram clothing shops with solid reputations when it comes to sourcing hard-to-find products via a simple tap of your phone screen. Vintage fashion, modern access.
Read on to discover the best Instagram clothing shops out there right now.
No Austerity
Instagram: @noausterity Based: USA (worldwide shipping) What it sells: Super-rare grails. In the last month, No Austerity has listed a pair of the OG SS13 Raf Simons Holo Runners, a precursor to the designer's adidas Ozweego silhouettes, and a Gucci G-string from the almost unrecognizable and overtly sexual Tom Ford-at-Gucci era of the late ’90s.
Pastime Paradise
Instagram: @pastimeparadise.co Based: USA (worldwide shipping) What it sells: As well as grails from Prada's OG Linea Rossa line, Pastime Paradise lists vintage tees packed with pop culture references. In the past month alone, it has listed a tee with a print from seminal ’90s thriller Seven and old-school video game merch featuring 32-bit adventurer Lara Croft.
Thrift Fila
Instagram: @thriftfila Based: USA (worldwide shipping) What it sells: A mix of vintage garms with a few high-end pieces tucked away, too. You're as likely to see a bootleg Bart Simpson tee as you are a classic ’90s Versace piece.
Bowie Coke Mirror
Instagram: @bowiecokemirror Based: USA What it sells: As well as owning an evocative Instagram handle, Bowie Coke Mirror lists various pieces that would take years of thrifting to find: vintage band tees, promotional ’90s movie tees, and denim pieces in great condition dating back to the ’50s.
Painted Bird
Instagram: @shoppainted_bird Based: USA What it sells: Rayon Hawaiian shirts, bootleg Tommy Hilfiger, faux fur jackets, and more than a few covetable cowboy-inspired pieces such as boots, shirts, and jewelry.
