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 England. This is far more than other major European capital cities; Rome has just two and Paris three.
The result of all of 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 football 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
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.
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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 as well as 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. They have shirts 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 and also boasts general retro attire too if you fancied picking up non-football attire while you're in there. The prices are reasonable too, so what are you waiting for?