Thrift like a local: Amsterdam & Haarlem's Top 5 Vintage Shops (with Outfit Inspos)

Are you planning a trip to Amsterdam or Haarlam? Are you a big thrifter or into vintage? Consider my top 5 Vintage shops to visit while you are in the Netherlands.

As part of my coordinating my closet this year, I have become much more selective about my clothing purchases. Mostly discouraged by cheap pieces from Amazon, Shein, and Temu, that are contributing--not only to fast fashion--but slave labor & environmental havoc, I've been prioritizing finding specific pieces and only adding them to my collection if they can be worn with multiple pieces, match my style (not change it), and hold up over years. I hate to say it; they just don't make 'em like that used to.

Something I love about vintage, and thrift pieces, is that they are typically pre-worn and pre-washed; so, they've already shrunk, already been through some wear and tear & and I can see how their color will hold up. What I am buying has been loved and appreciated prior and now I get the chance to add it to my collection without the worry that it'll disintegrate as soon as I run it through the washer.

The other thing I love about thrifting is the hunt! Much like a scavenger hunt, I am sifting through clothing racks, comparing colors and patterns, imagining how this dress or those pants or that vest would look. Where I could wear them. How I could pair them.

I was surprised to discover that Amsterdam and Haarlam--some of Netherland's most historical cities--have a thriving thrifting culture.

During my trip I spent a lot of time exploring the various shops. Some geared towards a specific market such a denim or military dress. Others a catch all for previously loved items. Every single one full of character and nostalgia.

I wish I had known there was a strong thrifting culture and wish someone had put together a list of vintage shops and what each one specialized in so I could spend more time at the ones that fit my style. There are over 50 shops that categorize themselves vintage or thrift specific within Amsterdam and Haarlam, so unless you plan on living there for a while, I suspect you, too, would appreciate a list that narrows it down.

So here are the top 5 Vintage/Thrift Shops (I visited) and what they specialize in.

1) Episode Vintage - Haarlam

My favorite of the 5 because of the customer service and the variety! Episode is a cute store in Haarlam just off the main square. It has both men's and woman's clothes so there are a lot of options to choose from. I loved how they organized it (because that can make or break a shop). It wasn't by color or even 'gender', but by style and texture!

I found a cute wrap skirt for less than 10 euros and this velvet, brown vest that can be worn with or without a blouse underneath.

The staff was super helpful and enjoyed pairing pieces together with us!

2) Marbles - Multiple Locations in Amsterdam

My second favorite shop! They have a few locations about Amsterdam. Marbles is mostly geared towards femme-presenting people, but I found several neutral and nonbinary options there. The lacy white blouse in the first photo is from Marbles. They offer a wide variety in brown leather boots and shoes, as well as tops, dress, slacks and hats. Find them on Instagram @marblesvintage

3) Bis! - Multiple Locations in Amsterdam (one masculine, one femme, one vintage military dress)

Bis! Was a unique vintage chain. With three stores, all on the same street, they offer '40's - '90's clothing. One store is sized for men, one for women and their third is primarily vintage Army/Navy clothes (including bags). KC found a slim-fitting shirt and olive-green pants.

Despite their store being second hand, their managed to have at least a couple of the same or nearly identical pieces in their stores which was helpful!

Additionally, their military-esc store had brand new pieces that would pair well as a base option.

4) Mood Indigo - Amsterdam

Denim Heaven. Indigo is a primarily masculine-centered store for sizing. But for 'Levi's' lovers it is a haven of blue jeans, with the largest collection of denim you'll find...ever. I promise. Ranging from jackets, to shorts to slacks and vests.

I found one of my favorite vests there! My Vintage Medium Wash Levi's vest. I have planned on wearing it with an undershirt, but I love it without. Especially paired with brown. I am in my brown era. It's much warmer than black and more earthy, too. I know denim is sometimes in, sometimes out. Whatever! Denim can be for any season and any occasion!

5) Time Machine - Amsterdam

This was the first vintage shop we visited, and while I didn't find anything, KC did. Time Machine is both angsty and artsy. Primarily offering '80's style items, they have a range of backpacks, sweaters (knit and cardigan), dresses and several types of leather jackets. As well as parachute pants that would impress your uncle.

Time Machine and Indigo are on the same street, so if you were planning to shop them, put them side by side on your itinerary.

Their addresses are listed below so you can add them to your itinerary for when you next visit the Netherlands!

📍Bis! Sint Antoniesbreestraat 25A, 1011 HB Amsterdam

📍Time Machine Nieuwe Hoogstraat 26, 1011 Hg Amsterdam

📍Indigo Kerkstraat 30, 1017 Gx Amsterdam

📍Episode Jansstraat 52, 2011 RZ Haarlem

📍Marbles (3 locations) (1) Ferdinand Bolstraat 28 H, 1072 LK Amsterdam, (2) Staalstraat 30 H, 1011 JM Amsterdam (3) Haarlemmerdijk 64, Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands