Amid Milan's chic boutiques and high-end ateliers, vintage enthusiasts will discover a wealth of style and history—from tucked-away storefronts to expansive second-hand markets filling entire warehouses.
Anyone familiar with the fashion capital won’t be surprised to learn that Milan’s vintage scene caters to a discerning clientele, emphasizing quality over quantity. Modest storefronts feature meticulously curated collections, often showcasing designer brands and pieces in pristine condition. The craftsmanship is evident in the details, from classic handbags to exquisite accessories, all embodying the city’s timeless elegance—and, of course, the high price tags that are synonymous with Milanese fashion.
For the younger crowd with offbeat fashion sensibilities, Milan offers a refreshing alternative. Temporary pop-ups and markets provide a playful mix of '90s and early 2000s street style at more accessible price points, capturing the city's dynamic blend of tradition and trend.
Join me as we explore Milan's vintage gems, where each shop offers a window into the city's rich fashion history and diverse style narrative, and each market a truly memorable experience . From high-end designer treasures to quirky streetwear finds, discover the best spots to experience Milan's unique fusion of past and present.
Where to Shop
Vintage Clothing in Milan
1. Don't Waste
Location: Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 117
Best For: Luxury and reworked pieces
Don't Waste's elevated storefront is an inviting gateway to a world of thoughtful fashion. Inside, you'll discover reworked garments mingling seamlessly with exclusive designer brands, in a stunning array of style-forward pieces. The shop’s aesthetic embraces a classic high end vibe, with a sophisticated presentation that highlights both vintage charm and contemporary elegance.
Nestled along one of Milan's charming canals, Don't Waste provides a distinctive shopping experience. Aside from their stunning collection of vintage pieces, the shop also features a range of upcycled fashion, including reimagined classics and one-of-a-kind garments that have been given a new lease on life. Each item is presented with a focus on unique style and sustainability, making it a destination where fashion enthusiasts can find distinctive pieces that reflect a commitment to both quality and conscious consumption.
2. Union Fade Store
Location: Via Giovanni Battista Morgagni, 31
Best For: High quality wester style fashion
Union Fade was a spontaneous addition to my Milan vintage tour, and easily ended up becoming one of my favorites finds in the city. As someone raised in the southern United States, the store's distinctive "American Cowboy" style evokes a deep sense of nostalgia - a style I'll admit that I didn't develop a taste for until having lived several years abroad (distance, it seems, makes the heart grow fonder).
Union Fade’s interior design enhances its authentic, rustic vibe, featuring quirky western style vintage wall decor, that makes browsing a delight. Each piece is carefully selected to reflect quality and craftsmanship, whether it’s rugged denim jackets, sturdy leather boots, or classic plaid shirts. I personally stumbled apon a pair of light-mauve mens trousers that neatly sent my heart into a frenzy.
The store’s ambiance is a sophisticated nod to American heritage, blending timeless outdoor gear with a modern, upscale twist. Union Fade is more than just a vintage store; it’s a unique shopping experience that captures the spirit of adventure and nostalgia. However, don't be misled by its rugged charm—this boutique operates at the high end, with price points that match its premium offerings.
3. Black Ship
Location: Via Giovanni Enrico Pestalozzi, 4
Best For: Vintage designer with character
Another of Milan's more understated vintage store fronts, Black Ship hosts a laid back vibe in terms of decor, though the quality of their selection speaks for itself.
Black Ship's vintage selection is high end with character - two of my favorite pieces that I came across were a Fiorucci pouch and a sheer Jean Paul Gaultier top - though it was a well structured loose fit blazer and trousers set that really tested my wallet's will power (researching for these vintage blog posts has this tendency).
To top it off, the gentleman manning the storefront was very kind and helpful - the cherry on top of a wonderful vintage treasure hunting experience.
4. The Cloister
Location: Via Valpetrosa, 5
Best for: Vintage meets contemporary design
Bathed in natural light and adorned with lush greenery, the Cloister stands out as one of the most aesthetically appealing vintage shops I've encountered in Italy.
Craftsmanship is clearly at the heart of the Cloister’s ethos. Like some of the other stores I've highlighted, Cloister positions itself as a concept store rather than merely a vintage retailer. Their selection transcends vintage, encompassing mid-century modern furniture, home accessories, and a dynamic assortment of contemporary designer objects, beauty products, and jewelry. The shop also features a spacious area dedicated to magazines and books from independent publishers and regularly hosts exhibitions and events celebrating art, design, and fashion.
5. East Market Shop
Location: Via Bernardino Ramazzini, 6
Best For: Eclectic vintage and independent makers
The "East Market" brand has quickly established itself Milan's primer vintage fashion suppliers. Their flagship store, East Market Shop is easily one of the coolest storefronts that I've wondered into since my move to Milan. I had vended at their famous warehouse market "East Market Milano" in the past (more on that further down) and seeing as that was an absolute smash, I had high expectations for their storefront - safe to say that my expectations were exceeded.
Eclectic shopping at its finest, East is the go-to for unconventional vintage and independent maker goods. From floor to ceiling, the store is filled with a curated collection of unique finds. One of the standout features is the rainbow of monochromatic Virgin Mary statues, adding a touch of pop art to the store's eclectic decor.
As far as their vintage collection is concerened, East hosts a limited selection that is carefully chosen for its quality and distinctiveness, from retro band Ts, to university-style branded sweatshirts, to to quirky dresses. Whether you're on the hunt for rare fashion gems or unique home decor, East Market Shop has something to surprise and delight every visitor.
6. East Market
Location: Via Mecenate 88/A
Best For: Quirky and eclectic finds
As Milan's most popular contemporary market, East Market never disappoints.
Held on the third Sunday of every month (except August), East Market transforms a warehouse into a bustling hub of vintage, antique, and eclectic handmade goods. As a vendor myself, I can vouch for the incredible atmosphere! With food vendors, a DJ, and plenty of beer and coffee, it’s a lively experience from start to finish. The entrance fee is just €5, and it's definitely worth it, even if you’re simply exploring the maze of stalls, though honestly, I’d be surprised if you left empty handed.
Each visit offers something new, with a rotating mix of vendors and unique items that keep the market fresh and exciting. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just curious, East Market is a must-visit destination for discovering hidden treasures and enjoying a vibrant alt-community vibe.
In addition to their monthly market, East Market also hosts vintage kilo sales at various locations around the city. For the latest updates, follow them on Instagram @eastmarketmilano.
7. Wunder Mrkt
Location: Viale Molise, 62
Price Point $$$
Best For: Vintage quantity and Independent makers
Wunder Mrkt, the second largest monthly vintage and handmade market in the city, and allegedly East Market's biggest competitor. There are rumors of a rivalry between the two markets, but in my opinion, the more the merrier!
Compared to East Market, Wunder Mrkt boasts a more refined aesthetic with a less quirky, more streamlined vibe. One of the best parts about Wunder Mrkt is that there's no entry fee—just walk in, grab a refreshing drink, and enjoy the live music. The venue itself is truly stunning, featuring an industrial-style design set within an old factory. Occasionally, they even host events at different locations, such as the breathtaking Villa Litta Lainate.
BEWARE: Wunder Mrkt's standard location isn't super clear, and google maps sent me to some rather random part of town with a duplicate address- it was at this incorrect location where I met a handful of other weary vintage treasure hunters, also lost in route to Wunder. We banned together, and eventually we all made it to the correct location, but the misshap set us hours back. My advice is to double check the location with the market coordinators themselves before making the journey.
A Vintage Scene All Milan’s Own
All in all, while Milan may not yet rival Tokyo (find that guide here) as the ultimate vintage destination, the city brings its own distinctive Milanese flair to the vintage scene. With a more refined approach and, naturally, higher price tags, Milan’s vintage market offers a sophisticated charm that's uniquely its own. Whether you’re exploring eclectic markets or uncovering unique finds, there’s plenty to enjoy in Milan’s vintage landscape.
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