Your Guide to Dubai's Vintage and Secondhand Shops

Looking for vintage or secondhand finds in Dubai? Take a look at these unique thrift stops in the city

Posted on

17 August 2020

Contributed by

Vintage Shopping in Dubai: Secondhand Shops to Explore

Say hello to a thrifty and eco-friendly way of shopping

While Dubai is best known for its luxury fashion stores, shop-til-you-drop festivals, and high-end international and local boutiques, the city is no stranger to vintage shopping.

The reasons why UAE shoppers embrace pre-loved finds are never ending. Vintage stores are more affordable, allowing buyers to build a new wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Shopping at secondhand stores is also a great way of ensuring you won't be caught in the same outfit as someone else.

For the environmentally-concerned shopper, thrift store threads will quell the concerns of fast fashion (it's not a secret it's bad for the environment). Here's our list of the best thrift shops in Dubai where you'll find a treasure trove of pre-loved gems.

(Yes, they're actually in Dubai, not just online thrift stores based in other countries. Support local!)

1. The Luxury Closet

For vintage and secondhand designer fashion, have a look at The Luxury Closet. You won't have to worry about whether an item is the real deal or not, as each pre-loved handbag, necklace, outfit, etc. is officially authenticated before being listed on the site.

Where: Al Barsha
Type: High-end wear

2. Audrey's Cat

Named after silver screen icon Audrey Hepburn and her own feline friend, Audrey's Cat features heaps of vintage jewellery, accessories like scarves and purses, and homeware dating from the 1800s - 1980s.

Where: ARTE Markets
Type: Antique jewellery and accessories

3. Dubai Charity Centre

Known as the oldest thrift store in the city, the Dubai Charity Centre specializes in, well, everything!

The shop sells secondhand clothes, shoes, accessories, books, and household items.

Where: Karama Fish Market
Type: Affordable secondhand clothes, houseware, books, etc.

4. Thrift Bazaar

You could spend hours browsing through Thrift Bazaar in Al Quoz.

This secondhand store sells nearly everything, from office fashion to winter gear and sports shoes to semi-formal bags.

Where: Al Khail Mall, Al Quoz
Type: Affordable secondhand clothes, shoes, bags, etc.

5. Fashion Rerun

If you prefer online shopping at affordable prices, Fashion Rerun is a UAE-based online store that carefully curates secondhand clothing and accessories.

Cash on delivery is available, and you may return items within 5 days of receiving it if it's been received with damages or it's not as described on the site.

It's perfect for shoppers who may be hesitant to visit a store in-person due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

6. Retold (previously My Ex Wardrobe)

With carefully curated designer labels for a fraction of the cost, Retold in Dubai is a great thrift boutique.

They stock a range of secondhand brands over a 3,000 square-foot space.

Where: Al Barsha
Type: Pre-loved high-street fashion

7. Bearly Used (@bearly.used)

The name says it all. The online store Bearly.Used on Instagram sells barely worn chic and wallet-friendly tops, skirts, dresses, pants, and accessories in the UAE.

Compared to your regular online shopping, Bearly.Used follows a first-come first-serve basis where whoever comments first gets to buy an item. Other times, it's a bidding system where interested shoppers bid an amount in the comments.

Note that most, if not all, of the sizes available fall in the XS-S category.**

Where: Instagram
Type: Affordable chic outfits

**Editor's Note: They've introduced a variety of sizes!

8. Juicy Thrift. (@juicy.thrift)

Here's another Instagram thrift shop for your follow list. Juicy Thrift features reworked, secondhand clothes and accessories.

Their thrift selection includes young and fresh fits that Gen Z shoppers and "cool moms" would undoubtedly love.

Where: Instagram
Type: Re-worked, pre-loved clothes and accessories

9. Angelic Thrift UAE (@angelic.thrift.uae)

Full of preppy, academia-esque styles, Angelic Thrift UAE is another fabulous online thrift store to check out.

They follow the similar system of commenting/bidding to buy an item.

Where: Instagram
Type: Secondhand preppy apparel

10. Thrift for Good

Shop with a cause at Thrift for Good, an online, volunteer-run and licensed UAE-based thrift shop that aims to reduce fashion waste - one clothing at a time. Here, you'll find categories for both men and women, as well as a wide selection of other pre-loved goods.

Thrift for Good donates their profits to Gulf for Good, in additional to other charity and environmental projects.

Where: thriftforgood.org/
Type: Secondhand clothes, shoes, books, sustainable products and other goods

11. Garderobe

Looking for more pre-loved luxury fashion in Dubai? Check out Garderobe. With a focus on secondhand high-end items, Garderobe keeps its prices reasonable and its selections diverse.