As the capital of England, it's hardly surprising that London boasts more professional football clubs than any other city in the country. However, the sheer number is quite remarkable – in total, there are 17 professional football clubs in London. This is far more than other major European capital cities; Rome has just two and Paris three.
The result of all these football clubs is a football-mad city, which brings about a demand for football shirts. While modern shirts can be purchased directly from football clubs, retro shirts are often harder to come by. If you live in the capital and want to know where to buy retro football shirts in London, then here is everything you need to know.
Where to buy retro football shirts in London – top five options
While clubs may occasionally drop a limited decision version of a retro kit, there are some places in London that are regularly stocked up with a wide range of retro shirts. The following list is comprised of the most reputable with the most niche.
Classic Football Shirts – London (CFS London)
After gaining popularity in Manchester, Classic Football Shirts decided to set up a store in London. Located on Commercial Street in East London, the store offers football fans the opportunity to buy a whole host of classic kits from England's Euro 96 get-up to Serie A classics from the 1980s.
Due to the popularity of the store, and the depth of the stock, the prices here are quite steep but it should still be considered as the go-to place if you are after a specific football shirt from yesteryear.
Crystal Palace 1996 Away by Adidas
A glorious colourway of the mid 90s Adidas design!
— Classic Football Shirts (@classicshirts) July 17, 2021
West London Football Programme and Memorabilia Fair (Kensington)
If you don't have a specific shirt in mind and are just after a sift through a truly vintage and niche collection, then you need to head to the West London Football Programme and Memorabilia Fair. These fairs take place on the first Sunday of the month every other month.
The fairs take place at St. Stephens Church Hall, Emperor's Gate, in Kensington and fans of all ages are welcome. In addition to retro football shirts, fans are also able to purchase badges, flags, scarves, programmes and other football memorabilia.
Replay Clothing (Shoreditch)
If you are ever near Shoreditch, then Replay Clothing inside Brick Lane Market you will find a store called Replay Clothing. Although the market can feel a little bit like a maze, it will all be worth it when you stumble across this gem of a shop and see the wonders inside.
There is a heavy focus on European football shirts inside Replay Clothing, and the vast majority of shirts sold here also have names of football legends on the back of them. If you are also into American sports, then they also boast an impressive NBA and NFL collection.
Nobby Lawton's Olde Footy Shop (Walthamstow)
Located inside Wood Street Indoor Market in Walthamstow, Nobby Lawton's Olde Footy Shop is one of the longest-standing football memorabilia shops in the United Kingdom. Inside Nobby's shop, you will find classic football kits from the 20th century and programmes and magazines.
If that wasn't enough, then the owner of the shop (Nobby Lawton, if you hadn't guessed) used to be a professional footballer for Preston North End. So, if nothing else you can have a good chat with someone who has played the game at the highest level.
Wow Retro (Covent Garden)
Wow, Retro may not look like much from the outside, but once you are in the shop, you will feel like you're in football heaven. Shirts are hung up on the walls, inside cabinets, and even dangling from the ceiling, meaning there is likely to be something for everyone here.
Wow Retro is located on 179 Drury Lane near Covent Garden. It also sells general retro attire if you fancy picking up non-football attire while you're there. The prices are reasonable, too, so what are you waiting for?
The Soccer Archive (Great Windmill Street)
The Soccer Archive is a vintage sportswear shop situated along Great Windmill Street, London. If you need the most sought-after jersey designs, the shop boasts a long-standing reputation for delivering the most celebrated football jerseys.
It is operated by soccer enthusiasts aiming to establish a sustainable vintage wear store in London.
The vintage shirts sold at the Soccer Archive are curated to suit your needs based on the club you support. You can choose from celebrated brands such as Adidas and Umbro to classic club and national team designs. You can also check out their huge player-worn classics to those of celebrated football heroes.
So just like the store name suggests, this store archives some of the best vintage football wear you can ever find in London.
The Soccer Archive store in London also buys vintage shirts from those who would wish to sell their collections.
🚨 We're Hiring! Join the team at The Soccer Archive in London! 🚨
🔎 We’re looking for a Full-Time Sales Assistant and a Part-Time Sales Assistant to help bring the love of football to fans everywhere. As part of our passionate team, you’ll have the chance to work in a unique… pic.twitter.com/258SJOakWh
— The Soccer Archive (@soccer_archive) January 16, 2025
The Third Kit (St Thomas Street)
The Third Kit is another popular football kit shop selling vintage shirts in London. From scarves and training kits to long—and short-sleeved shirts, the Third Kit is a well-accessorized store along Thomas Street, only a few minutes' walk from London Bridge.
The store stocks various vintage shirts curated from different top European football clubs. The fact that you can get even vintage training kits dating back to the 90s makes this kit shop particularly unique.
You can also buy match-specific or player-worn shirts at this shop, as well as accessorised shelves featuring vintage football shirts acquired from hundreds of football clubs globally.