One of our favorite things about repeat visits to Bangkok (and no doubt one of yours too), is the shopping, and that amazing Bangkokian sense of style, quirky and affordable. To get the look, hit up Bangkok’s most exciting vintage stores. Here are our picks.
VINTAGE FASHION STORES
The Trapeze Swingers Store
This old favorite hides down a small alley that connects Phra Athit and Ram Butri roads. Inside you’ll find a treasure trove of both men’s and women’s pieces, from lace dresses (prices usually sit around $80 – $120) to graphic tees (starting at $15) and all kinds of shoes. Not into fashion? Also drop by to check out the collections of old books, cassettes and vinyl—best browsed with a beer in hand, which you can also buy on-site.
Soi Rambutri, +66 081-908-1381. Open Tue-Sun 1-10pm. goo.gl/H2z1uK
Unlike other ragged-looking vintage stores, this It shop hooks its customers up with heaps of in-vogue items. Feminine, long dresses that look like they are from a Jane Austen novel sit alongside other cool designs with a hint more modernism. The thrift shop vibe is strong, but these items are of high quality, meaning prices can also be steep ($170 for a maxi dress). Alongside the lacey and glittery womenswear, you’ll also find some pieces for guys.
Room B1A, Market Place, Thonglor Soi 4, +66 086-626-6965. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.fb.com/againandagingshop
Run by celebrity and vintage collector Nita Tejapaibul, the store focuses mainly on elegant luxury nightwear. Nita says that every item is one of a kind, mostly sourced from the UK, France and Italy, while they also offer a tailoring service to ensure the perfect fit. Expect lots of handcrafted details like sequins, embroidery and lace. And it’s not just women’s jackets and gowns; guys will find some nice shirts and blazers too.
1/F, The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, +66 084-6655-626. Open daily noon-8:30pm
The owner of Wooden Submarine shows his love for America through his stunning collection of vintage menswear, mainly from New York. Denim jackets (from $120), graphic T-shirts (from $47) and military-themed items are the major finds here. Be on the lookout for some vintage leather goods, too. Prices are pretty steep, but if you love the rugged and retro look, it’s worth checking out.
121/118 Phayathai Rd., +66 081-255-2866. Open Mon-Fri 1pm-8pm; Sat-Sun 1pm-6pm. www.fb.com/Woodensubmarine
It’s not all about bikes, vintage shirts, jeans and polos at the jam-packed VTG shop, they also provide gentleman’s hairdos by the owner himself. The emphasis is squarely on vintage looks and hipster undercuts; think the likes of Joseph Gorden Levitt, Ed Westwick and David Beckham. Haircuts start from $16.
Ekkamai Soi 10, +66 089-121-0969. Open Mon-Sat 3-9pm. www.fb.com/VTG.Shop
Blackdog
Siam Square’s vintage hot spot gears itself towards the cool and hip rather than cutesie or ladylike. Expect to find band tees (from $12) along with retro denim and other unique statement pieces. Not that there isn’t the odd dress or floral skirt, too. Dig deep into the many clothing piles—there are always hidden gems to be discovered.
Siam Square Soi 1. Open daily 2-8pm. BTS Siam Line: @blackdogbkk
Luck Vintage Shop
To get that comfy-looking, American vintage look, head to Chatuchak on the weekend to stock up on clothes (from $8) from this long-time favorite in Section 7, as well as unique accessories and bags you won’t find anywhere else. Home decor items here can be hit-or-miss, but occasionally you’ll find a gem.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, Section 4, Soi 49/1. Open Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. BTS Mo Chit
Credit: www.fb.com/lostandfoundstore
This semi-secret store on the second floor of beloved vinyl store Zudrangma is home to some very distinctive vintage items from all over the world. Find Hawaiian shirts that are actually from Hawaii (starting $24), cool old jewelry and a wide variety of other classy vintage clothes.
2/F, Zudrangma Records, Sukhumvit Soi 51, +66 088-891-1314. Open Wed-Sat noon-8pm. BTS Thong Lo. www.fb.com/lostandfoundstore
Vintage ladies who love something fun and unique will love Sugar & Cream’s amazing selection of maxi skirts, dresses and accessories like hats, scarves, belts and jewelry. The prices aren’t too horrible (think $48 for a dress) despite being in a mall. If you enjoy patterns and bright colors, this is a place you don’t want to miss.
1/F, Terminal 21 Shopping Mall, Sukhumvit Rd., +66 02-254-0944. Open 10am-10pm. BTS Asok. www.fb.com/sugarcreamvintage
VINTAGE FURNITURE STORES
1 Of A Kind
This huge warehouse promises 100-percent vintage Nordic furniture.
Rama 9 Soi 46, +66 081-255- 0033. Open Thu-Tue 11am-8:30pm. www.fb.com/1ofakindstyle
The only place in Bangkok doing American industrial age statement pieces.
281/7 Ekkamai Soi 15, +66 02-381-8596. Open Tue-Sun 10am-7pm. tinyurl.com/phla6ev
Two floors of iconic mid-century pieces with the occasional more eccentric find.
Ekkamai Soi 11, +66 086-506-6770. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-6pm. www.fb.com/hof.halloffame
Hawaii Five-O
Tailor-made teak reproductions of classic Scandinavian furniture designs.
34 Ekkamai Soi 21, +66 08-9170-3900. By appointment only. www.hawaii50bkk.com
RECORD STORES
Old-school and Thai country 7-inches and world music LPs.
7/1, Sukhumvit Soi 51, +66 088-891-1314. Open Wed-Sat noon-8pm. BTS Thong Lo. www.fb.com/zudrangmarecordsthailand
’80s synthpop to Britpop, with a tiny balcony for live music.
4/F, Black Amber Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55, between Thonglor Soi 5-7, +66 086-606-2230. Open Tue-Sun 1-9pm. BTS Thonglor. www.fb.com/1979vinyl
Mostly Japanese presses of ’80s-‘90s indie icons.
Lad Phrao Soi 8 (Yeak 9), +66 083-839-2016. www.fb.com/garagerecordsshop
Indie-pop from now and yesteryear.
MRT Phahon Yothin, Ladphrao Rd., +66 085-366-9116. Open Tue-Sun 3pm-midnight. www.fb.com/REC.vinyl.record
CAFES THAT DOUBLE AS VINTAGE STORES
This cafe across the river is a treasure island for vintage lovers. In addition to coffee and food, you’ll see a great selection of old books, home decor, clothing, furniture and even vintage toys and photos. Bryter Layter Cafe also has a corner dedicated to vinyl, mostly old soul and jazz.
Arun Amarin Rd., +66 086-332-1045. Open Mon-Thu noon-10pm; Fri-Sat noon-midnight. www.fb.com/BryterLayterCafe
Right off MRT Phahon Yothin, this cozy bar specializes in Britpop and rock music. The vintage vibe is strong and the easy-going crowd is fun and friendly. The top floor is all about floral dresses, evening gowns, and even wedding dresses, hung side-by-side with old-school swimsuits and men’s denim jackets. Some vinyl records are available if you haven’t had enough of the music downstairs.
Lad Phrao Rd., +66 085-356-3447. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-1am. MRT Phahon Yothin. www.fb.com/methodbarbkk
(Un)fashion Cafe’s next-door shop specializes in rare leather shoes, bags and other accessories for both men and women. Most items date from the 1970s, although they go back way further (their oldest ever pair was from 1930). Best thing: the pricing won’t give you a heart-attack, with items ranging from just $16- $198
Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, +66 094-421-2411. Open daily noon-9pm. www.fb.com/unfashionvintage
