Blue Rinse

I don’t know if you’ll have noticed this, but I have. Leeds is like some kind of Mecca for vintage, so how I’ve managed all this time without penning a few thoughts for the big boys at Blue Rinse, I don’t know. But I have, so here are some mind-​words.
Blue Rinse is certainly one of the more long-​standing places in which to purchase some great old goodies. They’re like the vintage of vintage, having been about so long. And, as opposed to rather a lot of the shops, this place caters in equal measure to the boys and the girls.
It’s over a few floors, so there’s a ton of clothing to rummage through, ranging from funky shirts, jackets, thick woolen jumpers, bright colours and more. It’s almost overwhelming when you step inside as there is such a lot to browse through! But patience, friend. Good vintage comes to those who dig.
The chaps in there are usually a friendly-​ish lot, fash-​ed up to the max in the latest vintage look, so if you’re at a loss there’s always the option to ask for advice. A bonus feature of the changing rooms is the poster collection: pretty much anything of worth going on in the city is plastered up, from gigs to club nights, so it’s nice to get a bit of inspiration as you dress for a night out!
As mentioned by others, prices are certainly that wee bit higher, but for myself I’d rather spend more and have a staple piece than buy something that will disintegrate in a few months. (I’m looking at you Primark et al.!) Either way, this is definitely another stop off to garnering the coolest threads in town, so pop in if you’re after something genuinely old and genuinely cool. Pop in often though, there’s a whole load that’s one of a kind…

This place is just beautiful, the people, the clothes, the shop. i cant get enough of Blue Rinse. If you mention vintage in Leeds, Blue Rinse is the first name you will hear. Whether you’re seeing their name splashed across a Leeds bus or hearing about it from a friend, Blue Rinse is the Leeds hot-​spot for the finest vintage finds.
I sometimes find myself in there for no reason, maybe it’s to stare at the beautiful people who work there, i don’t know, but one things for sure, i always end up buying something. The prices are really reasonable, i once bought a fur coat for £15, cheap as they come, and I’m still wearing it 3 years later. Recently i bought a huge leather holdall, very vintage, so vintage in fact it came with the name tag of the previous owner. So the mister from Germany who gave away there bag only to be found by a student in Blue Rinse, Leeds, very grateful, thanks, its a superb bag!
They have an array of clothes and accessories, the place is jam packed. In addition to second hand vintage they also offer new pieces with a vintage twist, great for people who are funny about the whole second hand thing. I really don’t have a bad word to say about Blue Rinse, go down, fish around for your next fur coat, or leggings just in! Go, go, go, before someone grabs the one of a kind fashion piece you’ve been dying to have.
Blue Rinse also have an eBay shop which i also recommend, so if you don’t live in Leeds or don’t have access to the city centre, try their eBay shop as many items have free delivery.

Many o’ time I have ventured into Blue Rinse with high-​expectations as a retro-​cloth admirer, but on many o’ the many occasions I have left with a feeling of unfulfillment.
The times that I have purchased clothing from Blue Rinse, I have left with faulty goods (which has left me out of pocket [if the garment had pockets without holes] as Blue Rinse attribute a no-​returns policy). You might be saying I should learn and address the Sherlock in me, but I don’t think Mr Holmes could keep his dignity if he were to check that the crotch of a pair of Levi’s didn’t have a tear in them.
I think I will return Blue Rinse with a favour, and respect their no-​returns policy by taking my custom elsewhere.

Blue Rinse is one of my favourite places to shop, you’ll find something totally original if you look hard enough through the large quantity of vintage and retro clothing. Prices really do vary at Blue Rinse, I’ve found jewellery really expensive, while there’s bargains to find after you’ve had a good search around. There’s three floors full of cool clothes, shoes and accessories. The place is styled to match it’s merchandise and there’s a nice feel to the shop, the staff are friendly even if a tad arrogant and the wall art is funky and original.
I’d recommend shopping at Blue Rinse if you’re into that certain retro style.

Blue Rinse was one of those places that caught my eye, and curiosity got the better of me. Vintage shops aren’t really my thing, but if there’s something unique, then it’s a case of never say never, and out comes the curiosity again. Blame it on the neon sign or the brightly coloured window display. First impressions are that this place looks interesting, and once you get over that whole ‘this is a place where the clothes have been worn before’ thing, it’s not half bad. I explored two floors, menswear on the ground and ladies upstairs. From a quick look around it’s immediate that there’s more to the all been worn before preconception. There’s a mixture of vintage, new clothing, and the re-​made clothing, which I’m still not entirely sure what that is. I’ve got a proper thing for those Adidas type track tops, anything that screams I’m silky fabric and in a bright colour. I’ve seen a couple of these in Blue Rinse, which of course appeals, although for the price, I’m not sure it’s always worth going vintage, when you can go brand new. It really depends on your outlook as to how you will personally rate this store. If you’re a person of the disposition where brand new is best, then Blue Rinse will ask you to walk on by, if you’re of the disposition where you like a real find, and you don’t care who’s back it’s been on cos you have to have it, then Blue Rinse is definitely worth an exploratory fifteen minutes of poking around. Even grab a pouty member of staff to indulge you in your search. Let them wax lyrical about their knowledge whilst you sit back and let them sift through the stock. Teehee!

I liked this place… it was a bit like a jumble sale mixed with a little olden day boutique. There was plenty of bits and pieces to look at and I found myself wanting to buy things that normally wouldn’t appeal to me.
I liked the fact that some of the things looked really authentic and retro and the staff (who also looked pretty retro themselves) were really helpful and friendly.
I visited with a friend once who was looking for a fur coat (I despise real fur, but, anyway) she found exactly what she was looking for and at an amazing price. A few years on and she’s still got it and it’s as good as new. I like this shop but think you have to look closely to determine whether it is real vintage or a knock up vintage effect…

When I was a Fresher, which is more years ago than I care to remember, I bought a knee-​length, camel coloured leather coat here for £10. It saw me through three years’ worth of Leeds winters before I lost it in a club; when I returned here to try and buy a new one, similar coats were selling for upwards of £50. That just about sums up what’s happened to Blue Rinse in recent years. It’s still a good place to come if you see ‘vintage’ as a statement and labels matter, but if like me you just want cheap and interesting clothes that are different to what’s on offer in the high street you’re better off in Vintage or Best Vintage. The prices here are a lot higher than in any of those two outlets, and the stock leans heavily towards sportswear (fine if you’re an indie boy, not much good for anyone else), but the real problem here is the attitude of the staff. On every occasion I’ve visited I’ve felt pressured to leave before I’ve had a proper look due to the uncomfortable feeling that every aspect of my appearance is being assessed and found lacking. So if you don’t see a shopping trip as a catwalk and instead choose to wear comfortable, practical clothes be prepared to have people look down their nose at you. Blue Rinse will always be popular, regardless of what I or anyone else say, and people will continue to pay over the odds for OK goods and shoddy service. But as far as I’m concerned, I’ll take my business to where my choice of footwear isn’t more important than the money in my pocket.

Blue Rinse is generally acknowledged as the first port of call for the city’s trend-​toting indie hip-​slingers. It’s been this way for several years now but at one time, there was nothing to separate the several vintage abodes dotted around the city centre.
Blue Rinse now stands head — and probably shoulders too — above it’s competitors, not only because the quality of the goods is better (think original Lyle and Scott jumpers, retro Adidas originals gear and a mightily impressive selection of accessories) but because it’s arranged and organised like a stylish boutique. Compared to a quest for treasure elsewhere, a treasure chest of desirable garments is presented to you.
Open every day of the week, 10.30−6 (Mon-​Fri), 10.30−7 (Sat) and 11 – 5 (Sunday), there’s no excuse not go and have a peruse of every single floor. If you’re not chasing a bargain basement belt (or any other item of clothing, I only chose belt for alliteration purposes) and are feeling just that little bit flush — payday? — then the Designer’s Boutique on the top floor is well worth a look, showcasing some of the finest limited edition clobber local fashionistas have produced.
And it does help when the girls that work there are so good looking, too. If they say I look good in something, consider it bought…
They’re not for me, but girls… the blokes behind the counter look a lot like an early Kings of Leon? Take your fancy?

If you don’t like vintage and retro clothing, don’t even bother reading this review. I say this because I am tired of people who won’t even consider browsing through fine shops like Blue Rinse simply because some of the clothes look old and somewhat moth-​eaten.
Because Blue Rinse strives to provide real retro clothing (and by ‘real’ I mean actually designed and made in the 1980s, rather than designed in the 2000s with vague 1980s stylings), the majority of its clothes are second-​hand, meaning that some are indeed frayed, stained and holey. There are also some ridiculous items that you can’t even envisage MC Hammer wearing in his prime. But, if you go in often enough (once, twice a month is a good amount) and take time to rummage through the crap, you will usually find an absolute treasure for a pretty small price. I have left there in recent months proudly clutching pristine vintage adidas and Puma track-​tops, original Lyle and Scott sweats, and cheap vintage pumps. If you’ve got the time and stamina to search for a unique hidden gem which will become your favourite item of clothing, I thoroughly recommend Blue Rinse as the best vintage store in town. If not… have fun in Topman.

dig deep and find a right bargain, you are pretty much guaranteed you will be the only one in that outfit, great for that vintage one of. prices are reasonable for the uniqueness. the place to shop if you are into retro fashion and individuality

Handy vintage shop near the Corn Exchange. Fight your way through the emo kids and you might bag yourself a bargain. They even sell Kelis/​Kanye specs.
I still find the fact that what is essentially just secondhand clothing always costs a hell of a lot more than I’d expect to pay a bit odd though.
Maybe I just don’t ‘get’ vintage. Maybe that’s the whole point and I’m just a pleb. Or maybe I’m right and it’s a complete rip off?

Blue Rinse is a great vintage shop located at the back of the Corn Exchange.
There is a high turn-​around of clothes, so don’t expect to find the same things week after week. All the clothes are either vintage, or one-​off pieces from unknown designers. They are quite expensive, compared to high street stores, but are competitive in the vintage market.
The staff are friendly, helpful and know a lot about what they’re selling.

great fashion finds. Do vintage and one/​off modern pieces from around the world. Great for unusual dresses, vintage t-​shirts. Also have a small collection of their clothing and accessories in miss selfridges in Leeds. I purchased a bob tube dress with a flowers on. black thick strip at the top with gold anchor buttons running down. Totally unique, yeyt to see someone with something simular. it cost me £25 well worth it, can wear as dress or skirt. 1 size fits all, but elasicated. So not sure about other size fittings

a great shop for buying retro nik naks and 60’s/70’s actual and repro ornaments, pictures etc