Dope Threads of Adelaide

Our top 7 op shop and vintage havens’ providing sustainable (and fashionable) threads: right here in the heart of Adelaide.

Written by Taylor Jane Bardsley

Here at Fresher Mag, we’re completely obsessed with finding the best secondhand and sustainable fashion stores in Adelaide. This guide is conveniently focused on Adelaide’s CBD, so in between classes, you can pop in to shop away your uni stress while also supporting the environment.

Op shopping is one of the best ways to get bang for your buck, and vintage shopping gives you access to high-quality and original pieces. Not only can you get a steal on some Levi's jeans, but you can also take pride in being part of the sustainable fashion movement: all while looking fresh and unique.

Here is our Dope Threads guide of Adelaide’s best secondhand and sustainable fashion stores.

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Sustainable Clothing Co

Address: 24A Charles St, Adelaide SA 5000

Down a side street of the city centre’s shopping hub, Rundle Mall, stands Sustainable Clothing Co. The Charles Street basement dwelling is one of our favourite sustainable fashion destinations that houses many incredible Australian and international brands. From streetwear enthusiasts to festival-goers, the eclectic stock on offer has something for everyone!

If you want to learn more about the many aspects of sustainable fashion, have a chat with Sustainable Clothing Co’s friendly owner, Laura Vogt. Laura is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about sustainable fashion and the circular fashion economy, so you’re bound to learn something new. You can also get discounts for donations, attend clothing swaps, and even recycle unsalvageable clothing or fabric scraps; making Sustainable Clothing Co’s offerings the holy grail of sustainable fashion.

Adelaide Vintage

Address: Shop 15, Adelaide Arcade, Adelaide SA 5000

Adelaide Vintage has been operating since 2010, and has recently moved to the Adelaide Arcade from the Myer Centre. The store can be found on the ground level of the Adelaide Arcade, accessed through Rundle Mall or Grenfell St, respectively. Adelaide Vintage showcases exclusive vintage and retro clothing from established international brands. Browse their quality pieces from brands such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Nike, and many more.

Fox On The Run Vintage

Address: The Basement, 238 Rundle St, Adelaide SA 5000

Through the red door and down a flight of stairs is Fox on the Run Vintage, located on Rundle Street. Established in South Australia in 2013, this aesthetically pleasing store is a retro lover’s dream! Fox on the Run Vintage aims to integrate eco-friendly fashion with modern styles; while supporting local Adelaide, Australian, and international ethical brands. Amongst the quality vintage pieces, you can also find handmade earrings, one of a kind hand-painted denim jackets, and plenty of groovy sunglasses to create a unique ‘fit that truly encapsulates the creativity of sustainable fashion.

Photo by Becca McHaffie on Unsplash

RSPCA Rundle St Op Shop

Address: 238A Rundle St, Adelaide SA 5000

Want to update your closet and help save animals? Well, you’ve come to the right place! RSPCA Rundle St Op Shop supports your shopping addiction and the welfare of animals, as every dollar of your hard-earned cash spent here helps animals in need. The Rundle Street location is perfectly set amongst many other great stores in our Dope Threads guide, so you’ll have a fun afternoon hunting for treasures.

Midwest Trader

Address: Shop 1 Ebenezer Pl, Adelaide SA 5000

Another hidden gem, conveniently just off Rundle Street, stands the carefully curated vintage haven, Midwest Trader. This East End locale was established in 1992, specialising in authentic American Vintage — and recently French Vintage — clothing and accessories. Their stock embraces classic Americana and rock n roll, western and heritage brands. So, if you’re after some sick cowboy boots, high-quality denim, or to shop amongst the biggest range of vintage Harley Davidson tees in SA, Midwest Trader is the one for you!

Photo by Charles Etoroma on Unsplash

Australian Red Cross Adelaide

Address: 284 Rundle St, Adelaide SA 5000

Another popular Rundle Street store, everyone has heard of the Australian Red Cross. This city store location definitely packs a punch! It is the perfect example of why location, location, location, matters when it comes to thrift shopping; the quality of garms are tenfold. Think Adidas sportswear, leather bags, the occasional designer accessory, and even vintage cameras!

Salvos Stores Adelaide

Address: 422 Morphett St, Adelaide SA 5000

One of the biggest thrift stores in Adelaide’s CBD is the gigantic Morphett Street Salvos. You can find incredible steals from brands you’d usually pay a pretty penny for, such as Levi’s and Wrangler denim pieces.

Half the fun of op shopping is digging through the many clothes to find unique pieces. You’ll need plenty of time set aside when charity shopping, especially at this Salvos, to find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Let us know how your thrifting adventure goes, and don't forget to tag us in all of your Dope Thread finds on Instagram @freshermag and under the #dopethreadsofadelaide hashtag!

Stay tuned for Adelaide Fashion Collective's next Op Shop Crawl, where you can shop till you drop at some of the amazing stores listed in our Dope Threads of Adelaide guide, all whilst making some new uni friends along the way.