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'I found Primark's "secret department" which is full of designer bargains

First published on Tuesday 6 February 2024 14:30 GMT

Amber Middleton

Junior content writer

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When I heard Primark had a 'secret department' with designer clothes, I HAD to try it – and I wasn't disappointed.

As if Primark couldn't get any better, the clothing store now offers a 'secret department' with vintage items, meaning you can be frugal, environmentally conscious AND look good doing it.

While not every single Primark shop in the country has a secret department, my local (London Oxford Street) does, so I nipped in to see what treasures I could find on my lunch hour.

And with brands including North Face, Nike and Levis, there were plenty of clothes to try on.

From edgy streetwear to boho

The 'secret department' is called WornWell, and is essentially its own little shop within the Primark store with its own changing room, till and its own style.

WornWell has a more edgy feel, similar to a Beyond Retro or other vintage stores with wooden panelling, retro neon signs and an old retro bike as decor.

There was a whole host of clothing options for different styles, from sportswear to boho vibe and edgy streetwear.

I limited my spending to £50, but I could have easily spent more – considering I tried on at least 12 items.

North Face jackets

£120

The section had a great selection of North Face jackets in an array of colours from orange, yellow and the classic black.

My hand was twitching towards my credit card as I saw this coat for £120 – with brand new North Face jackets going for £300.

But I refrained this time.

Vintage waistcoats

£15

With similar waistcoats in the likes of Zara priced at £40 or more, I was very happy to see a rail of vintage waistcoats all priced at £15.

Paired with black trousers, this men's waistcoat made me feel chic – and the best bit is, you won't turn up to a party wearing the same thing (which is the unfortunate issue with Zara).

Remade sports sweaters

£50

I fell in love with these repurposed jumpers made from vintage sweaters with brands including Nike and Reebok.

At £50, they were a little out of my price range for the day, but I loved the creative way of repurposing an old jumper.

Tassel jacket

£55

If you're feeling brave, there's a whole host of funkier items such as this tassel jacket.

Sadly I couldn't pull this look off.

'Y2K skirt'

£15

There was a good array of floral skirts – perfect for when spring finally arrives.

I paired it with a Nascar graphic tee (also available in WornWell for £35).

Would I recommend?

I loved finding branded bargains in WormWell and I would absolutely recommend giving it a go if you have one nearby.

It was only small, much smaller than your average Beyond Retro, but it was also a lot cheaper.

While I didn't find anything designer, TikToker, @maxsclobber raved about his finds which included brands such as Dolce and Gabbana and Burberry.

However, since they're all one-off, you kinda have to make a decision there and then. You can't guarantee it will still be there tomorrow or order it online.

My best tips

As is the way with all vintage shops, you have to root around to find the best pieces
Vintage jeans sizes are NOT the same as the ones we're used to – so try on few to get the right size
Try something new – it might pay off, as I found with the waistcoat

Where can I find the Primark vintage section?

10 Primark stores have vintage departments. You can find them in the following cities:

Cardiff
Birmingham
Bristol
Dublin
Glasgow
Manchester
Liverpool
Glasgow
Newcastle
London Oxford Street

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