The best vintage clothes shops in Birmingham where you can dress to impress sustainably

The best places of sustainable second hand clothes and cool gear in the city
Top Banana second hand clothes shop in Kings HeathTop Banana second hand clothes shop in Kings Heath
Top Banana second hand clothes shop in Kings Heath

While many of us might think of plastic when it comes to damaging the planet, clothing is actually one of the most harmful contributors to climate change.

UK charity, Clothes Aid, also states on its website that Around 350,000 tonnes of used by still wearable clothing worth a whopping £140 million goes to landfill in the UK every year."

By throwing away our clothes, the damage that we’re causing to our planet is causing sea levels to rapidly rise, which in turn heavily impacts the lives of fish and animals that live in the water, as well as humans who use it to bathe and even drink from.

Ultimately, there is no Planet B.

So in addition to meat-free days, ditching single-use plastic, doing more recycling and cutting down on car use - here are a few ideas on how you can dress to impress more sustainably too.

Huge selection of sustainable clothes at COW VintageHuge selection of sustainable clothes at COW Vintage
Huge selection of sustainable clothes at COW Vintage

Cow Vintage

Cow Vintage in Digbeth is just one of the places where you can reinvent your wardrobe with super-stylish second-hand clothing in the city.

Here, you’ll find everything from Levi’s to retro Disney shirts, accessories, shoes and plenty more, all at incredible prices.

It’s a really popular spot in the city and the huge amount of stock means that you’ll most likely find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a new seasonal staple, or even something for a certain occasion -  you can even shop Cow Vintage online too.

Huge selection of sustainable clothes at COW VintageHuge selection of sustainable clothes at COW Vintage
Huge selection of sustainable clothes at COW Vintage

The Oasis

The Oasis is an absolute gem for finding second-hand clothing that’s also great quality.

Located on Corporation Street, with another entrance on Priory Square, it’s somewhat of a treasure trove when it comes to picking up vintage and gothic clothing.

Whether you’re looking to step back into the 90s with a Shell suit to even branded jackets and sweatshirts, you’ll find a hoard of retro clothing in The Oasis.

With plenty of racks to delve through, you’re sure to pick up a bargain or two, all while slowing down fast fashion by simply filling your wardrobe with pre-loved clothing.

Vintage clothes shop Top Banana in Kings HeathVintage clothes shop Top Banana in Kings Heath
Vintage clothes shop Top Banana in Kings Heath

Top Banana

Kings Heath is very lucky to have a couple of fantastic vintage clothing shops to choose from.

First up is Top Banana. Located on York Road, this premier vintage store stocks a great selection of branded vintage products for both men and women, from Vans to Converse and Levis jeans and Nike tracksuits.

As well as running a store, Top Banana also has an eBay, so you can bag yourself a bargain even if you can’t visit the shop in person.

Little India at Red Brick Market in DigbethLittle India at Red Brick Market in Digbeth
Little India at Red Brick Market in Digbeth

Red Brick Market

If you’re looking to do some second-hand clothes shopping whilst supporting independent Brummie businesses, look no further than Red Brick Market.

Home to a handful of some of the city’s wonderful indie businesses, Red Brick is the go-to place in Brum, whether you’re shopping for vintage clothes, homewares, jewellery, stationery and more!

A unique shopping experience, Red Brick Market prides itself on sustainability, so it’s certainly worth a trip to take a look around.

Open seven days a week, you’ll find Red Brick Market on Floodgate Street. Click here for more details.

Astoria Menswear at Red Brick MarketAstoria Menswear at Red Brick Market
Astoria Menswear at Red Brick Market

Off The Scale Vintage

Off The Scale Vintage is a shop like no other, as it travels around the city in its bus, taking its clothing on its travels.

Having done pop-ups at venues including Urban Outfitters and Birmingham University, you can find Off The Scale Vintage at The Kingsway on Kings Heath High Street every Thursday in December.

It also runs as a social enterprise, working with budding businesses in the city

As well as selling a huge variety of vintage goodies, Off The Scale also often runs wholesales alongside eBay, Etsy and Depop stores, so you can explore a range of products online and have them delivered straight to your door.

Cancer Research UK

When it comes to shopping second-hand, sometimes one of the best choices that we can make is to visit one of Brum’s many charity shops.

Cancer Research UK has four shops located across Birmingham. One on Corporation Street, one in Harborne, one in Cotteridge, and one in Erdington.

Relying on donations from the public, by shopping and donating to Cancer Research UK’s stores, not only are you being more sustainable, but you’re also helping raise vital funds in the fight against cancer.

The stores stock a range of fantastic products from clothing to books and homewares, so it’s a fantastic chance to reduce your carbon footprint too.

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