Nowadays, the need to reduce compulsive clothing purchases from fast fashion stores is becoming more and more urgent. And let´s be honest: is it really worth it? In most cases, we end up wearing those clothes for a season – if we´re lucky, and then throwing them away. However, I truly believe that expressing the personality through style is a fun, creative way to show off who you are, to experiment with different side of yourself, and it can also be an original tool used to build self-esteem.
Whether you´re using your style to communicate who you are to the world, explore your inner self, or simply because you want to show off your vanity, it´s super important to know where to spend your money wisely. Indeed, why not find unique pieces that are both stylish and sustainable?
Thrifting in Berlin is a unique experience. The city is bursting with vintage shops, weekly markets, and street corners practically overflowing with second-hand clothes and all kind of items – often in excellent condition! You´ll discover vintage clothing that´s not only high-quality, but also unique. Whether you´re into retro, chic, or quirky, there´s something for everyone. Plus, a lot of these places are often packed with wonderful objects, jewelry, accessories, and home décor items.
Below, you´ll find a very small selection of vintage stores and markets I´ve discovered here in Berlin, that are definitely worth checking out.
- HFOC – Home Full of Clothes
In the Prenzlauer Berg area, you can’t miss HFOC, a unique store with an incredible selection of bags, sunglasses, and original shoes. Moreover, they often organise events with dj sets and live music.
Bonus tip: HFOC is currently teaming up with a Laundromat at Stargarderstr. 74, where you can snag some awesome vintage Adidas pieces!
Homefullofclothes – Google Maps
- UTI EXI
Founded in 2021, UTI EXI is a Berlin-based fashion brand that focuses on upcycling, creating one-of-a-kind fashion items by exclusively using existing materials. The name, derived from the Latin uti existentium meaning „use the existing,“ perfectly captures their philosophy of sustainability.
UTI EXI is dedicated to transforming the fashion industry by repurposing discarded textiles into fresh, modern clothing and accessories.
UTI EXI (@utiexi_official) • Instagram-Fotos und -Videos
- SCHÖNEBERG FLEA MARKET
Usually, it takes place every two Sundays, and it´s classified as an „art and second-hand market“. Here you can find a lot of cool stuffs, like second-hand clothes – in particular, vintage Levi´s denim! -, every kind of vintage items, collectibles, arts and crafts, and everyday used goods.
Flohmarkt Schöneberg – Google Maps
- ARKONAPLATZ FLEA MARKET
In Berlin-Mitte you can find every Sunday, all year round, the historical Arkonaplatz flea market. It offers a mix of antiques, books, art, vintage, furniture.
You´ll also find many unique items from the former East Germany (DDR), making it a treasure trove for collectors.
- RAW MARKET
Located not too far from Warschauer Straße station, the RAW Market is located in a underground venue, between bars and clubs.
The offer usually includes bags, clothes, jewelry, decorative objects, antiques. Moreover, it is plenty of food stands of snacks and street food from all over the world.
- KARLSHORST MARKET
It is one of the most original flea market I found in Berlin. It is the place for anyone who loves high-quality antiques, and cultural treasures from every decade.
Here you´ll find rare books, artwork, antique mirrors, pocket watches, porcelain, silverware. Moreovere, there is a wide range of old postcards, stamps, coins, vinyl records, movie posters, beer steins, toys. There´s plenty of secondhand finds and retro goods from the 50s, 70s, and beyond.
Antikflohmarkt Trabrennbahn Berlin Karlshorst – Google Maps
- TUNTENHAUS
Tuntenhaus is one of the oldest – and sadly, one of the last – queer and gay housing project in Berlin. While it doesn´t have a regular flea market, it often hosts pop-up vintage markets where you can find just about anything. Plus, it´s a fantastic opportunity to support an historical space that stands as a symbol of Berlin´s queer resistance.
Tuntenhaus Bleibt – Google Maps