Dutch cities are not known as bargain capitals, but cheap clothing stores are easier to find than you might think, and the better ones are often mixed in with the pricier shops on the same street. This guide covers where budget shoppers usually go in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands, split by type, so you can decide what fits your bag, your budget and your suitcase.
The big budget chains
Several chains sell basics at low prices, and they appear in nearly every town of any size. Quality varies, so feel the fabric before buying and look at seams, especially on jeans and jackets.
| Store | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zeeman | Underwear, socks, kids’ basics | Very low prices, simple styles, found on high streets everywhere. |
| HEMA | Pyjamas, tights, plain tops | A Dutch classic; also useful for toiletries and snacks. |
| C&A | Family clothing, workwear | Mid-low pricing, regular sales. |
| Primark | Trend pieces, accessories | Branches in several Dutch cities; expect queues on Saturdays. |
| Action | Odd bits like socks, T-shirts | Stock changes weekly, so treat it as a lucky dip. |
| Wibra | Casual wear, kids’ clothes | Popular outside the big cities for cheap everyday pieces. |
Check current store locations before you set out, since branches open and close.
Cheap clothing stores for second-hand finds
Dutch people take second-hand shopping seriously, and thrift is not seen as embarrassing. Charity shops, often called kringloopwinkels, sell everything from winter coats to bags, and prices tend to be low because the stock comes from donations. Vintage shops in places like the Nine Streets and the Jordaan in Amsterdam charge more for curated pieces, but you can still pick up a good jacket or knit for a fair price if you are patient.
Online, Vinted and Marktplaats are the apps people actually use. Vinted is the usual choice for fashion, with listings from individuals, while Marktplaats is more of a general classifieds site. If you are travelling, these are less practical, but residents and long-stay visitors save a lot with them.
Markets worth a browse
Markets are the quiet answer for budget clothing. In Amsterdam, the Albert Cuyp market in De Pijp sells a lot of cheap basics next to food stalls, and it is lively and cheerful on a Saturday. The Noordermarkt has a Monday textile and vintage market where you can dig through racks, and the Waterlooplein flea market has a mix of old clothes, leather jackets and odd accessories. Opening days change, so check before going.
Outside Amsterdam, almost every town has a weekly market, often with a clothing stall where you can find socks, scarves and rain jackets for less than a shop would charge. It is also a good way to spot local life rather than another high street.
Tips for market shopping
- Bring small notes or coins, because some stalls prefer cash.
- Do not expect a fitting room; hold items against yourself.
- Haggling is not common in Dutch markets, though a polite offer on a bundle sometimes works.
Outlets and sale seasons
If you want brand names for less, an outlet village may be worth the trip. Roermond has a large designer outlet near the German border, and Batavia Stad in Lelystad is another popular one. Both take effort to reach without a car, so plan a full day and check current transport options.
Timing matters as much as place. The main sales run in January and July, with deep discounts in the last weeks of each, and smaller promotions appear around Black Friday and in early spring. Stores often start marking down winter coats in February, so if you can wait, you will pay far less.
How to keep a budget under control
- Set a rough total before you walk into a shop, and stick to it.
- Buy basics at the cheap chains and spend more on shoes or a coat you will wear for years.
- Compare prices on the same item across two or three stores, since the gap can be big.
- Check the return policy; most Dutch shops allow returns within a short window with a receipt.
- Ask about tax refunds if you live outside the EU, because some shops offer them above a minimum spend.
A sensible shopping route in Amsterdam
Start on Kalverstraat, the main pedestrian shopping street, where you will find H&M, Primark-type brands and mid-range names in one stretch. Then walk to the Nine Streets for second-hand and independent shops, and finish at the Albert Cuyp market if it is open. You can see all three in a single afternoon, and you can compare prices as you go.
Cheap clothing stores in the Netherlands are not glamorous, but with a bit of planning, a mix of chains, markets and second-hand finds can fill a suitcase without emptying your wallet. The trick is to know what you need before you enter the shop, and to be willing to leave empty-handed if the quality is not there.
More from us: Shopping.
Featured photo: thierrytutin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).
