If you think about the fashion industry in Italy, you’re probably thinking of the designer mecca that is Milan, or the leather manufacturing in Tuscany, or even wool made in the Umbrian countryside.
Rome, the capital of Italy, may seem like a sartorial sideshow compared to these stylish locales, but the Eternal City is a force of its own when it comes to clothes shopping—and particularly when it comes to clothes of the second-hand variety.
Imagine all the great fashion of Italy trickling down into the weathered cobblestone streets of Rome’s hippest neighborhoods, with highly curated collections from shop owners that give each store their own personality.
Such is the second-hand shopping scene in Rome. Concentrated primarily in Monti, a cozy neighborhood just north of the Colosseum, and Trastevere, a cool enclave on the other side of the Tiber River, these independently-owned shops are leading the way in sustainable fashion—and if you ever find yourself hungry for some of the best vintage and consignment offerings in the world, you won’t want to skip them.
In Monti:
Well-curated modern romantic vintage from shop owner Carlotta Cerulli, whose family used to rent glamorous clothing and costumes to the Italian film industry.
A small but high-quality selection of avant-garde consignment with both men’s and women’s options.
The mothership of slow fashion in Monti with vintage stalls and artisan-made craft goods, this Saturday- and Sunday-only market is a hub for creativity.
Here you’ll find Italian maximalist vintage dripping with rare Gucci finds and walls lined with designer shoes.
This thrift store has a ton of menswear options and low prices.
Learn how to see Rome like a local through the eyes of Mercato Monti’s founder.
If you’re looking for something sportier, this well-known shop with a large Instagram following is known for its commitment to street style with a hint of Americana. Go here for perfectly cropped Adidas t-shirts, 80s cocktail dresses, and retro sunglasses for days.
Pifebo’s tiny outpost next door to the main shop where you can thrift by the kilo; the more lightweight the material, the more you can get on the cheap.
This matchbox-sized store is stuffed with elegant options from classic Italian designers and more.
A quirky little vintage shop that emphasizes wild prints and the occasional high-fashion designer find.
In Trastevere:
Romans flock to this large weekend market with affordable vintage finds, antiques, and more. Get there early to get your pick of the best.
Consists of a small but well-stocked vintage store with a remarkable “Staff Picks” selection.