On Grasmarket there is a (relatively) small shopfront behind which lurks a massive emporium of vintage clothing ranging from morning coat to jeans, from the ball gown of your dreams to 70s blouses capable of giving you nightmares (not to mention the Scottish gear). So if that wad of banknotes is burning a whole in your pocket or a black hole has opended up in your wardrobe - you know where to go.

Armstrongs is quite a famous shop in Grassmarket area of Edinburgh. It is a second hand shop which is great for looking for stuff for fancy dress parties and they also have a great range of vintage clothing aswell.
The prices are really good and the shop is not looked upon as being a scaffy second hand shop it is more of an emporium beneath the castle walls!
The staff are really great if you go in with something in mind they will help you to try and find something to help!

they've all got their own special place in our hearts, but this is the biggest and original retro vintage costume hang-out in Edinburgh.

With a smaller branch up on south clerk street, and Rusty Zip also owned by the same guys, this is the sort of place you go into and come out hours later only cause you desperately need a glass of water.

Whether you want a faded jumper with elbow- and shoulder-pads, a bright yellow air-hostess uniform, or an incredibly detailed japanese kimono, Armstrongs'll definately bring out the quirkier side of you.

Armstrong's is an Edinburgh institution and carries on the city's tradition of having a number of top-class used clothes shops.

When you first step through the front door, it's like stepping into Aladdin's cave! You can get everything from leather jackets and skirts to sailor uniforms and top hats! The place is totally barmy!

I have to admit to having spent an hour or so in here with a few friends just trying on the most garish and crazy outfits and wigs we could find. However, I wouldn't recommend following my lead as the staff, unsurprisingly, find this annoying!

Whilst I wouldn't call it cheap, there are some bargains to be had. For example, if you have a function to attend you can usually find a dinner suit in here at a great discount!

Go on, give Armstrong's a chance and totally transform your style! Be a pioneer and not a follower (aka be prepared to look a prat!)

Armstrongs is one of those shops where you feel compelled to buy tens of outfits that, outside in the cold light of day, you realise you'll probably never wear. Then again, never say never. If you're looking for a bit of colour and something different than off-the-rack-tat, Armstrongs offers all types of vintage outer wear. I've never wanted a sailor's outfit as badly as I did when I walked in here and saw that I could have one ... if I had the money. Garish, sticky but crinkle-free polyester numbers are in abundance, as are some prize woollens and trousers. Even if you don't like clothes shopping, it'll keep you entertained for some time.