The Belgian capital boasts a vintage offering a step above the rest when it comes to price, quality and accessibility.
Almost half of Belgians bought or sold second-hand in 2023. A growing awareness about the benefits of shopping sustainably means that vintage is in vogue. Luckily, the streets of Brussels are laden with shops selling second-hand items, vintage clothes and antique furniture.
The Brussels Times has curated a guide that will direct you towards the very best of thrift shops for all your fashion needs. Think refined tastes and cool pieces with a focus on low prices and high quality.
Fripkot
Fripkot is the quintessential vintage kilo store, offering a varied range that rotates regularly. For just €18 a kilo, it is the perfect place to stock up on dependable basics with the possibility of discovering some gems along the way.
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The friendly staff and killer playlist make for a memorable second-hand shopping experience.
178 Rue Haute, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Melting Pot
Just down the road is Melting Pot, which also sells by the kilo for the same price. The first floor contains a treasure trove of funky tops, gorgeous skirts, cosy cardigans, coats and more. Pop down to the basement to find an equally impressive selection of clothes for men.
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Melting Pot has a sister shop in the centre which is also worth a visit. However, the Rue Haute branch takes the cake for its unique aesthetics.
154 Rue Haute, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Think Twice
Think Twice is a chain that showcases the very best of vintage in Europe. The Germany company has stores in Brussels, Leuven, Ghent, Bruges, Hasselt and Mechelen, which all boast a top-quality range that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
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Discounts are also easy to come by here. Look out for 'T2 Days', when constantly-updated stock costs just €4 apiece.
57 Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Oxfam Vintage
Oxfam Vintage has an excellently curated range of fresh, bright clothing. The shoe collection is particularly impressive, and for anyone looking for sustainable baby clothes, some of the pieces here will make your heart melt.
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In 2022, Oxfam spent €4 million in aid to Ukraine, campaigned for climate justice and secured Fairtrade products from 32 partners across 19 countries.
88 Rue de Flandre, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Dock's Caviar
A stone's throw away is Dock's Caviar. The edgiest establishment on the list by far, this outlet embodies the less curated version of vintage, with rails upon rails of jeans, coats, dresses, skirts and more to comb through.
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The thriftiest shoppers are the most patient ones, which Dock's Caviar rewards with unique purchases and cool credits to boot.
70 Rue de Flandre, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Les Petits Riens
These charity shops are dotted across the city but Les Petits Riens located on Rue Américaine is truly the mothership of all things vintage. An enormous second-hand collection includes a jaw-dropping amount of clothing for every occasion. Whatever you're looking for, Les Petits Riens probably has you covered.
In addition, the social impact of shopping here makes supporting the organisation all the more satisfactory. Since the 1930s, Les Petits Riens has actively fought against poverty by channeling all of its income towards social projects as well as employing people who have been marginalised by society.
1o1 Rue Américaine, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
Hérésie
This thrift shop is for those who have considered thrifting but are worried about how much it will cramp their style. Fear not, because Hérésie is proof that second-hand is the epitome of glamour if you know where to look.
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Looking for sequins, silver, metallic patterns or anything appropriate for a rave? Head to this compact little corner in the city centre.
39 Rue de l'Etuve, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Foxhole
Bouncing back to Rue Haute, Foxhole is situated just off the iconic Place du Jeu de Balles (with another outlet in St Géry). This is a true gold mine of high-quality vintage pieces for a remarkably low price.
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Foxhole caters to all tastes without compromising on the value of true vintage: from velvet and sequins to denim and corduroy, there is truly something for everyone.
6 Rue des Renards, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Brussels Vintage Market
As well as shops, Brussels is also home to an astounding number of vintage markets, opening the way to a diverse set of sellers. Brussels Vintage Market takes place on Rue de Ligne the first Sunday of every month and it is not to be missed.
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Gathering an eclectic mix of vintage from every corner of the industry, prices do vary. Nevertheless, Sunday strollers of all budgets can peruse what's on offer or simply sit with a beer, enjoy the live DJ and take in the lively atmosphere.
8 Rue de Ligne, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
Voddemet flea market
Another must-see is the Voddemet flea market, which takes place in various locations in the capital. The last installation was held at Gare Maritime in Tour & Taxis, and brought together a delightful array of vintage pieces.
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Just like Brussels Vintage Market, prices vary between sellers, but even those on the tightest budget are sure to go home happy.
Location subject to change. Find more information here.
