My Favorite Vintage Clothing Stores in Toronto
Shopping for vintage pieces is one of my favorite hobbies. Hunting through racks of clothing, especially when the vendors include the year or decade the garment was made on the tag, is so much fun. Whenever I spot a vintage store in Toronto that I haven’t been to, I make sure to pop in and check it out.
I tend to stick to the Queen West and Kensington Market neighborhoods, but if you know of any amazing vintage shops in other areas of the city please drop me a comment or a DM! In this post I have only included stores in which I have purchased items. It does not include stores that I just browse on the regular (because that list would be way too long!).
Vintage and thrift stores are two different things, and are often confused. Vintage does not mean cheap, and sometimes it does not even mean the clothing has been used. Vintage shops tend to have a style identity and are curated assortments of clothes, accessories, and even housewares. The clothes are priced according to their level of nostalgia, style, condition, whether they are memorabilia, what decade they are from, and other factors. Some vintage items have been preserved and never worn, others were worn to shreds. There is no hard and fast rule on this, but the main factor is the curation. Some vintage stores sell new products as well, like Bungalow in Kensington Market.
Thrift stores are inexpensive outlets selling used clothing. They are also lots of fun to browse, but generally take more time as the clothing has not been curated. Clothes can be in any condition, and the stores generally do not have the same level of individual flavor and style as a vintage store. For example, Salvation Army, or Sally Anne as it is affectionately called, is a thrift store.
Vintage shopping is not an aesthetic unto itself. It’s just a method of acquiring clothes. Vintage can be whatever style you make it. It can be a non-style. They’re just clothes, the personality and style identity part is up to you.
F as in Frank - Queen St West
F as in Frank is my go-to store when I need a good tee. I have many from this store, and have picked up a few accessories over the years as well (including my orange sunnies seen below). The staff is always helpful and friendly. Their prices are very fair and there is tons of selection. In addition to great tees, they also carry a wide assortment of camo print jackets.
Wolf tee from F as in Frank
Lost Boys - Kensington Market
Denim! So much denim. Lost Boys carries a good selection of shorts, jeans, and overalls. I found my perfect Bugle Boy jeans there this summer. Unfortunately they flew off the back of a boat and now live on the lake bed, but that’s a story for another day. Prices range. Go on a sunny day because most of the jeans are displayed outside so they are not as browsable in the rain.
Dance school tee - Lost Boys Vintage
Throwback Vault - Queen St West
Throwback Vault is a newer store that opened just before the pandemic, on Queen West. It is very well curated, and styles appear to focus mainly on the 90’s and 00’s. You can find cult classics, like 90’s world series shirts, Guess, mom jeans, retro cartoons, and more. Prices range greatly depending on how collectible the item is.
Lee mom jeans - Throwback Vault
Exile Vintage - Kensington Market
Exile Vintage is a Kensington Market mainstay. Located near Kensington mall, it’s a surprisingly expansive store with a massive variety of items from costume to drag to 50’s party dresses. Leave yourself lots of time to browse as you’ll find items from every decade. I found these men’s Bugle Boy jeans with the original pocket patch and tags on. I also found a 70’s mini dress and vest set that I’m in the process of revamping. There are great finds to be had!
Where do I find my fashion inspiration? Which colour do I absolutely hate? And more questions about me are answered in this tantalizing video…