21 December 2020
I love hunting, searching through piles of clothes looking for the right piece and the best deal.
I like fashion.
When I was a student, it was the best way to dress with my little pocket money. I loved going to Guerisol, a thrift store and to the famous Saint Ouen flea market at the doors of Paris. Moreover, when I was in high school my style was very 70’s, bootcut velvet trousers, suede jacket…
Growing up I wanted to buy more new clothes, at that time second hand was not so trendy. And as a young girl of 18/19 years old I also liked to buy new clothes. I also loved to wear my grandfather’s woolen coat. As it was a bit large for me, I remember layering it inside with a vintage aviator leather jacket bought at the St Ouen flea market. I can still picture myself in this coat and leather jacket.
As an adult, I continued to borrow clothes from my family especially from my aunt. She used to work as a seamstress at Christian (not CD😊 another one), a local atelier in the 9th arrondissem*nt. I recall the place and the leather pieces that were there. My aunt was very elegant. I can remember her shoes, in particular this pair of glossy red pump or this taupe ankle boots in very soft leather. As I grew up she gave me a super nice leather skirt and burgundy leather pants. I continue to wear them 20 years later. The quality of the leather is incredible.
My selection of secondhand shops in Zürich and vintage stores in Zürich
When I arrived in Zurich 8 years ago, I was a bit disappointed by the choice of clothing shops: again H&M, Zara… So I started looking for vintage shops. The first place I found myself was the Bürkliplatz flea market: it is not really what I was expecting in terms of price although you can sometimes get a good deal there. Since then I discovered more secondhand shops & vintage stores in Zürich whether for clothes or furnitures.
I am happy to share my favorite secondhand shops, vintage stores in the city of Zurich. Let me know yours😊
The Ultimate Guide to SecondHand in Zurich:
- New New at Schaffhauserplatz: the New News Zürich has a great selection of clothes, for men, women and kids and even few home accessories
- I also like Thriftshops. The ones I love to visit are: Emmaus in Dübendorf, Heilsarmee Brocki at Frau Gerold, Zürcher Brockenhaus near HB
- Martha Flöhmarkt near Langstrasse: great concept. It is not a consignment store. Anyone can rent a rack or a shelf and sell their stuff for a period of one day to several weeks. So you can find different styles at different prices from second fast vintage to designer pieces. They recently opened another shop around Sihlcity.
- Kleihd is a multi-concept space. If they have second-hand, I like their clothes rental. Get access to beautiful dresses without owning them for a special occasion. And it is quite new, you can also swap clothes: give 5 pieces and take 5 pieces.
- Maroni vintage for their high end vintage and designer piece on Badenerstrasse
- In the same street of Maroni, you can find la Chemiserie: you will have men and women clothes. Prices are great, a selection of vintage and second hand pieces.
- Blenda 2 for their vintage and 80’s selection in the oldtown
For those who have kids, I discovered recently Ingrid&Emil, it is an online shop in Switzerland for second hand.
The fleamarket of Burkiplatz from May to October is a great place. You can find clothes, books, decoration, very nice glasses. I love the ambiance
I don’t want to push you to go shopping. The most sustainable clothes are the ones in your closet😊 but visiting these places is also an interesting activity.
You can check out events around you using Facebook for private garage sales.
As a Parisian, I can only suggest on your next visit to Paris to include vintage stores in your cultural visits. We are also writing some guides. You can find there our last selection of vintage and second hand shops we love in Paris, Zürich. In addition to the adresses, you can read about the last trendy pieces you find find in second hand vintage and second hand.
Here the link to the second hand guide: claim it here. You will find as well online second hand shops
This comprehensive guide will show you how to find the best deals in Zurich’s second hand market.
S. from Atelierfh
