By Emily Bruck
“To be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel
Vintage shopping and thrifting have long been celebrated for their ability to transport us back in time. They allow us to appreciate the clothing and accessories of others while giving these beloved items a fresh start. Vintage shops are filled with treasures, waiting for their next owners to take them on exciting new journeys, each with their own stories to tell. Where might that lace-collared blouse lead you, or those stylish block-heeled sandals? We dare say, the sky’s the limit.
Thrifting and purchasing clothes from vintage shops is also an eco-friendly choice. By recycling and reusing pre-loved garments, we help reduce carbon emissions, conserve water, and keep more clothing from ending up in landfills due to the practices of “fast fashion,” which often exploit workers with unfair wages and poor working conditions.
So, as a newcomer to Florence and a fervent thrifter, where should you begin? And what shops are easily reachable for someone unfamiliar with navigating this beautiful city?
While Florence is renowned for its leather goods available in various stands and shops, hidden thrift stores are tucked away within bustling streets and narrow alleyways, each containing a multitude of items with vibrant stories curated by passionate owners.
Art and Fashion – Vintage & Low Cost. – Via Guelfa, 8R
Located on Via Guelfa, a lively street teeming with restaurants and shops, Art and Fashion Vintage is perfectly situated for both locals and tourists. Just a five-minute walk from Florence’s Piazza del Duomo, this charming little shop is a hidden gem that is definitely worth exploring.
The shop’s exterior hints at the colorful chaos awaiting inside, where crochet items and unique decor fill the entrance. As you step inside, you’ll find clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, and an array of treasures adorning the walls, enticing you to discover more.
Upon your arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the rich scent of incense and warm smiles from owner Fabio Bianchi and his dog, Emma. Fabio passionately curates his shop, insisting that he only stocks items he would personally wear.
“I love everything here,” Bianchi says, especially the unique branded pieces and vintage jewelry that are currently in style.
Art and Fashion is open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You’ll find the owner eager to greet customers and share the beauty and stories behind each item. Prices vary from high-end purses at around 200 euros to smaller trinkets and accessories priced between 13 to 20 euros. Visit them at Via Guelfa, 8R, or call +39 333 320 7276.
“Every vintage store is one-of-a-kind,” notes Bianchi. “We source only beautiful items, making it worthwhile to linger and discover the magic.”
Melrose Vintage Ginori – Via de’ Ginori, 18r
Nearby is Melrose Vintage Ginori, located at Via de’ Ginori, 18r. Colorful license plates and imaginative mannequins greet you at the entrance, complemented by soft music and trendy country decor. A bold red LEVI’S sign immediately captures your attention, along with a stunning array of cowboy boots lining the walls.
Ariana Anda has worked at Melrose for two years and recalls being captivated by the eclectic decor from her very first visit. “I was inspired by the unique variety of items and the overall quality,” she shares.
Melrose Vintage is the largest of the five shops, featuring a diverse selection of clothing organized by color and style. Prices are on the higher end, with premium brands like Levi’s, high-quality fabrics, and leather pieces. I spotted jean shorts priced at 40 euros, leather jackets at 550 euros, button-down shirts starting at 25 euros, and purses ranging from 50 to 100 euros. Ariana shares her favorite find from the store.
“Just a couple of months ago, I discovered a stunning trench coat made in Italy – a rare and beautiful find that I’ll cherish forever,” Anda recounts.
While Melrose Vintage has some of the most upscale items, its prices may not cater to college students. Nevertheless, the store attracts a diverse range of customers, thanks to its extensive Levi’s section—a timeless fashion staple.
For inquiries, call +39 055 267 0030. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sundays from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Rewind Vintage Selection – Via S. Gallo, 2
Another notable shop in this area is Rewind Vintage Selection. This small shop boasts a lively atmosphere with upbeat music and trendy decor. Prices are very affordable, with shirts going for around six euros. Besides low costs, they also offer custom-painted jean jackets and album covers. While most of the items cater to men, their uniqueness allows for styling versatility for anyone.
Rewind is the most budget-friendly option among the five shops, though its limited inventory is due to its smaller size. Its location is excellent, too, as it’s surrounded by numerous other vintage shops like Art and Fashion and Melrose Vintage. Rewind Vintage Selection can be found at Via S. Gallo, 23. Their operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and you can contact them at +39 347 236 1176.
HunterVintage Firenze – Via del Moro, 56
Next on the list is HunterVintage Firenze, located about an eight-minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio, the bridge that connects the two sides of this Renaissance city. Its exact address is listed under “jules e jim vintage,” so don’t be confused if that’s how you find it.
HunterVintage is nestled on a quiet side street away from the hustle and bustle near the city’s bridges. The interior resembles a cave adorned with vintage decor. They offer a wide range of retro items, including colorful shirts and classic Levi jeans.
What sets this store apart is owner Tommaso Pampaloni, who can recount the fascinating history of each piece. I was fortunate to overhear him describing a bomber jacket to a nearby shopper.
Pampaloni elaborates on the types of clothing available at HunterVintage, mentioning, “military clothing, Victorian pieces, and styles channeling the 1970s….”
Pricing varies here, with some historical pieces being more expensive, while basic items are affordable. You’ll find vintage styles displayed on mannequins alongside portraits on the walls. Pampaloni also owns additional vintage stores along the river in Florence and in Milan.
HunterVintage Firenze is located at Via del Moro, 56, and is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, closing daily from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. For inquiries, call +39 349 706 6961.
Humana Vintage – Via delle Belle Donne, 4/6R
Last but certainly not least, Humana Vintage is situated within walking distance of the Ponte Vecchio. It is a spacious shop filled with a variety of items at budget-friendly prices—skirts for 14 euros, dresses for 17 euros, and accessories ranging from five to 20 euros.
“We offer garments, accessories, and jewelry from the 60s to the early 2000s, all carefully selected,” explains Laura Di Flurri, Marketing and Communication representative at Humana. “From iconic Levi’s jeans to 80s sportswear, style enthusiasts will find many unique items at accessible prices.”
What distinguishes Humana Vintage is its tie to the nonprofit organization Humana People to People Italia, which has promoted sustainable development in the textile sector for over 20 years. Profits from sales go towards funding projects in Italy and the Global South, aimed at improving education, sustainable agriculture, community development, and health.
Employee Diulia is passionate about the store’s mission, stating, “We stand out as part of a significant nonprofit organization.” They also maintain pricing equality for their items, believing that “everyone deserves the chance to dress sustainably” (Di Flurri).
Moreover, they emphasize the idea that “a thread connects everything” (Humana Vintage). Upon entering the shop, I was immediately met with the enthusiasm of their staff and a lively selection of vintage items that also support great causes. Humana Vintage is located at Via delle Belle Donne, 4/6R, and is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. They’re also opening a new location in Florence at Via Faenza 63R, which will feature a different selection of items under the name “Humana People.” Make sure to check it out!
I hope this inspires a vintage shopping adventure with your friends and serves as a reminder that Florence is more than just a city of sights and leather goods—it is also a treasure trove of historical garments and items, each with their unique story. Use this guide (and save the map below) to explore some walkable vintage stores and embark on your journey into Florence’s rich history and its vintage offerings.
This post is a collaborative effort with GirlinFlorence’s two latest interns from Syracuse University! Emily Bruck is a student studying Magazine, News, and Digital Journalism. She will be pitching story ideas and writing for the website. Emily Paradis is studying Public Relations and will assist with social media and the newsletter.
