London’s markets are the perfect antidote to faceless shopping centres and high street chains. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind vintage piece, or a bargain designer find, head to one of these fashion markets and enjoy shopping for your wardrobe at some of the best places in London to buy clothes.
1. Camden Market
The shops and market stalls of Camden form one of the biggest clothing markets in London and many well-established brands and independent labels started off life here.
Camden is known for attracting a free-spirited and alternative crowd, and it’s as good a place for people watching as it is for shopping. The market was founded in the ‘70s and still caters for the fashion needs of the punk, mod, rockabilly, goth, and bohemian subcultures today. Whether you’re after a pair of vintage Dr Martens or futuristic Cyberdog accessories, Camden market won’t disappoint.
Open daily from 10am
Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF
2. Spitalfields Style Market
Every Saturday Spitalfields Market dedicates itself to fashion, with stalls selling clothing and accessories from up to 88 independent designers. Brands who regularly attend the market include Amaya London, Reclaim Bags, Anami & Janine, and Le-Ju.
The market is also right next door to Old Spitalfields Market, which is open seven days a week and offers a variety of vintage clothing and accessories, contemporary fashions, and handcrafted jewellery.
Every Saturday from 11am – 5pm
56 Brushfield St, Spitalfields, London E1 6AA, UK
3. Portobello Green Market
Portobello Road is most famous for its antiques, but Portobello Green Market under the Westway is dedicated to clothing. You’ll find a high concentration of fashion stalls including vintage clothing and accessories alongside unique clothing items from independent designers.
Friday is the best day to visit this market, but there are fashion stalls dotted around Portobello road all through the week. Look out for Russian hats and scarves at Albert & Anna, occasion hats and fascinators at Paris Hats, and bright print dresses and blouses at Loud and Proud London.
Friday 10am – 5pm for vintage fashion, Saturday 9am – 5pm for independent designer fashion, and Sunday 10am – 4pm for a traditional flea market. Portobello Road Market is open every day except Sunday.
281 Portobello Road, London, W10 5TZ
4. Sunday UpMarket
Brick Lane’s Sunday market held inside the Old Truman Brewery is a vibrant and eclectic affair with something for everyone, whatever your style or budget. The stalls are a mixture of vintage finds, one-off pieces from up-and-coming young designers, and designer sample sales from the likes of All Saints and Obey. There’s also plenty of jewellery and accessories to help you create the perfect outfit.
There’s also a great selection of world street food here to sustain hungry fashionistas while they’re outfit hunting. In fact many visitors to the market come for the food alone, so remember to save a few pounds from your shopping budget for lunch.
Every Sunday 10am –
The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
5. Cabbages and Frocks
If you prefer Jimmy Choo to jumble sale, have no fear – there’s still a fashion market for you. Marylebone Parish Church hosts Cabbages and Frocks every Saturday afternoon, a small market specialising in high-end vintage clothing, artisan jewellery and independent designers.
The vibe here is more luxury than hipster. It’s the sort of place you can enjoy a cappuccino and a macaron after picking up a nearly-new Chanel handbag and a handmade cashmere scarf. Prices are at the high end and there aren’t as many stalls as other markets, but it still makes for a pleasant afternoon browsing.
Every Saturday 11am – 5pm
St. Marylebone Parish Church Grounds, Marylebone High St, London W1U 5BA
Cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk
