The best vintage stores in Stockholm

There is nothing like the high that accompanies an exceptional second hand find. It’s that moment of magic when you happen upon a near-mint Dior saddlebag or a perfectly oversized melange knit Chloé cardigan (with matching scarf), as if it were placed there just for you. You are free to fantasise about the fantastical life the item has lived and daydream of its future in your wardrobe. Or, if you’re feeling less romantic, it’s the simple thrill of finding a luxury item at a remarkable price.

Stockholm is teeming with such rare sartorial treasures. Our Swedish obsession with living sustainably coupled with the propensity towards jealousy-inducing outfits is the perfect storm for great second hand shopping. Many well-dressed Swedes only shop second hand, creating, in effect, a singular, utopian closet in which items freely change hands. This behaviour is encouraged by consignment shops, who often give favourable commissions to sellers who use the cash to buy more second hand goods in-store.

Given the popularity of pillaging preloved goods, Stockholm offers endless shops at which to do so. Too many, in fact. Which is why we’ve handpicked our favourites. Happy hunting.

Located on the main strip of Hornsgatan in Södermalm — also home to many less-curated thrift shops — Judits reads like the archetypal Swedish dream closet. Find a balanced mix of items from local brands like Rodebjer, ATP and Malene Birger and those from scions such as Gucci, Hermès and Yves Saint Laurent (when the 'Yves' was still intact). Some pieces are from the last couple of seasons, others are older — whatever your flavour, you’re unlikely to leave empty handed. Don’t miss the mens shop, Herr Judit, just down the street; full of leather, cozy knits and button-down shirts.

Judits.se | Hornsgatan 75

Walking into Siv & Åke, it’s evident that each and every item on offer is hand-picked and displayed with precision. Founded by siblings Anni and Joel Jönsson and named for their grandparents, this impossibly charming Mariatorget shop presents a tight mix of unusual designer items and brilliantly curated no-name separates. The shop’s specific point of view is best described as Scandinavian dandy; easy trousers, sweater vests, oversized shirts and neck scarves that work on all genders. One might find a Burberry bum bag juxtaposed against a lavender motorcycle jacket, a relaxed Giorgio Armani suit paired with a tangerine button down. Don’t miss the excellent wall of vintage denim - the sort that actually fits.

Sivake.se | Sankt Paulsgatan 20

Arkivet gets right to the point: current or near-current garments from primarily Scandi designers — Acne, Toteme, Ganni, etcetera — in a matter-of-fact, minimal environment. Yes, the shop typically stocks a handful of covetable designer accessories, a Stella McCartney bag here, a Miu Miu belt there, but its best used as a resource for day-to-day wardrobe essentials and with two centrally placed locations, one in Vasastan and another in Östermalm, it’s easy to pop by on a whim to peruse the constantly rotating selection.

Arkivet | Norrtullsgatan 33 & Nybrogatan 44

59 Vintage is for those who fancy the thrill of the hunt. Located on the quiet island of Kungsholmen, 59 is a quintessential vintage shop in the best sense of the phrase, full of tulle, big shoulders, sequins and other costume-y flourishes. Among the crowded racks, you may unearth a gorgeous 1970s kaftan, a delicate polka dot blouse or even a monogrammed Dior handbag or YSL sundress.

59vintagestore.se | Hantverkargatan 59

For the very best in vintage leather and suede, look no further than 118 Second Läder. Founded and curated by leather dealer extraordinaire Eva Jangen, who recently collaborated with Swedish it-brand Our Legacy on a handful of upcycled leather pieces, this Vasastan shop counts Loreen and Benjamin Ingrosso as fans. Motorcycle jackets, leather blazers, suede dusters from the 1960s, 118 has got you covered and Jangen herself will be more than chuffed to help you pick out the perfect piece.

118secondlader.se | Odengatan 86

Find the crème de la crème of luxury consignment at this elegant Östermalm boutique. Come for the icons - Hermès scarves and quilted Chanel flap bags — stay for the of-the-moment showpieces — a velvet Gucci Marmont shoulder bag or a mustard yellow Giambattista Valli suede coat, for instance. Everything is authenticated of course, and practically everything is desirable.

Boutiquefinest.com | Sibyllegatan 59