T+L asked Amsterdam’s tastemakers to show us around town—here are our favorite spots to browse and bargain.
Leave the Levi's at home: the Dutch are known for their denim brands, making Amsterdam the perfect place to pick up a pair with a unique pedigree.
Denham the Jeanmaker: English expat Jason Denham's high-end line combines premium Japanese selvage denim with a traditional approach to tailoring (leg darts; signature seven-point pockets). The flagship (8 Hobbemastraat) has the largest selection.
G-Star Raw: Famous for using unwashed, untreated fabric, G-Star Raw (24-28 P.C. Hooftstraat) produces boyfriends and skinnies that are practically indestructible. Also look out for their more grown-up Marc Newson and Correct Line ready-to-wear collections.
Kuyichi: Sustainable organic cotton and all-natural indigo dyes are some of Kuyichi’s ethical trademarks—bonus points for the street-style cred. Find them at Maison de Bonneterie (140-142 Rokin) and Nukuhiva (36 Haarlemmerstraat).
Kings of Indigo (K.O.I.): This edgy, hard-to-find label was started in an Amsterdam attic; jeans are made from organic and recycled materials and come with a repair kit. K.O.I. is sold at stores including Bendorff (99 Utrechtsestraat) and Sukha (110 Haarlemmerstraat).
The cofounder of interiors store the Frozen Fountain (645 Prinsengracht) shares his design destinations.
"Hutspot (4 Van Woustraat) is a hip concept store—I like the vibrant atmosphere and the on-site barbershop. You’ll discover pieces from emerging designers (plaid blankets by Flink; Veloretti bikes). Wonderwood (3 Rusland) specializes in furniture from the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s. They have more than 100 styles of chairs—both vintage and new designs. Marcel Wanders is the biggest design star Holland has produced thus far. When you enter his showroom, Moooi (187 Westerstraat), you experience his world. It’s a must."
South of the city center, de Pijp is a hipster neighborhood filled with independent boutiques. Visit these standouts along one of the main avenues.
Blond Amsterdam: Load up on collectible ceramics in bright pastels with cheeky phrases. We especially like their twist on Delft blue pottery. 69 Gerard Doustraat.
De Kinderfeestwinkel: The European antidote to Toys "R" Us, this colorful spot stocks an eclectic mix of toys, costumes, and games—everything you need to host a kids’ party. 65 Gerard Doustraat.
Charlie & Mary: Find eco-friendly fashion for men and women (L’Herbe Rouge; People Tree; Toms) at this airy store, which shares space with the Barrique café and rotating pop-up installations. 84 Gerard Doustraat.
Anna & Nina: Anna de Lanoy Meijer and Nina Poot’s boho bazaar is chock-full of wonderful curiosities: think silk kimonos, beetle-print stationery, and pineapple-shaped centerpieces. 94 Gerard Doustraat.
Related:
Shop Like a Local in Buenos Aires
Shop Like a Local in Marrakesh
Shop Like a Local in Los Angeles
