Vintage Clothing Stores Near You: Where to Find the Best 2000s Streetwear in Aurora

If our customers at Notorious Lifestyle are anything to go by, Gen Z are obsessed with early 2000s streetwear. And we must say that we too are currently fixated on oversized jerseys, baggy jeans, and (of course) statement sneakers. This is not just fashion, it’s a whole vibe. So how can you get the look without digging through fast fashion knockoffs? If you’re in Aurora, you’re lucky because you can just hit up a vintage clothing store to score authentic pieces straight from the Y2K era.

From thrift shops packed with hidden gems to curated boutique spots with rare designer finds, vintage stores are a goldmine for anyone looking to bring back 2000s streetwear.

In this guide, we’ll look back at 2000s streetwear, how to spot real vintage pieces, and tips for making sure you’re getting the best deals. Keep reading.

How to spot legit vintage streetwear

Scoring authentic 2000s streetwear isn’t as simple as grabbing the first baggy tee or throwback sneaker you see. If you want real Y2K fashion you need to know where to look and what to check before you buy.

Know your brands

The early 2000s were all about bold logos and statement pieces. Some of the biggest names in streetwear back then included:

• Juicy Couture– Colored velour tracksuits, big logos and occasional rhinestones.
• Rocawear – Jay-Z’s brand. Denim everything and graphic-heavy designs
• Baby Phat – Iconic Y2K women’s fashion with rhinestones and fur-trimmed jackets
• Ecko Unltd. – Graffiti-inspired prints and oversized hoodies
• BAPE & Phat Farm – Bright colors, camo, and standout sneakers
• Ugg – Yap those kicks were around in the 2000s. Actually, they were a celebrity staple and featured heavily in pap shots. They’re still huge today with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

If a store has these brands in good condition, you’re on the right track.

Check the Tags & Labels

Real vintage streetwear has distinct tags that match its era. Look for:

• Older brand logos and unique tag designs (e.g., early BAPE pieces had a golden ape head tag)
• “Made in USA” or country-of-origin labels, which indicate an older release
• Stitching and embroidery—vintage pieces tend to have better quality stitching than today’s fast fashion

Inspect the Fabric & Fit

2000s streetwear had a specific look—oversized fits, thick materials, and quality denim. Avoid anything that feels too lightweight or cheaply made. Vintage pieces should have a slightly worn-in feel but still hold their shape.

Iconic 2000s Streetwear Looks You Can Still Rock Today

Y2K fashion is back, and the best part? You don’t have to go full 2000s to make it work. And remember, you don’t need to wear all vintage all at once. Grab one vintage item and mix it with retro 2020s fits. Here’s what we recommend:

Outfit Inspiration: 2000s Streetwear Staples

• Velour Tracksuits – Think Juicy Couture. Pair them with new release sneakers or platform slides to update them to a casual 2020s vibe.
• Low-Rise Jeans – Love them or hate them, they defined Y2K style. Style them with a cropped baby tee and chunky kicks.
• Graphic Tees –Look for vintage band tees or cartoon prints. Our favorites are from early 2000s brands like Ed Hardy or Von Dutch.
• Chunky Sneakers – True vintage kicks can be hard to find or expensive. So if you can’t get your hands on a pair, buy retro models like Nike Dunks, Air Force 1s, or Adidas Superstars.

How to Mix Vintage and Modern for a Fresh Look

You want to pull off 2000s streetwear without overdoing it. The key is balance.

• Pair vintage streetwear tops (like a Baby Phat hoodie) with modern denim to avoid looking too costume-like.
• Rock baggy vintage jeans with a sleek, fitted top. This will create a stylish contrast.
• Take it easy on the accessories—Y2K was all about big logos. Let them do the talking.

Celebs bringing back Y2K fashion

The early 2000s takeover is all over celeb street style.

• Bella Hadid has been seen in everything from low-rise cargo pants to vintage Baby Phat.
• ASAP Rocky regularly mixes baggy jeans, throwback jerseys, and early BAPE pieces with modern streetwear.
• Rihanna has brought back everything from oversized denim to early 2000s designer streetwear.

Discover the best vintage clothing and 2000s streetwear at Notorious Lifestyle

If you’re ready to level up your wardrobe with real 2000s streetwear, you’ve come to the right blog. At Notorious Lifestyle, our vintage section is packed with curated pieces that make you stand out. Oversized graphic tees, tracksuits, retro sneakers and low-rise denim, we’ve got it all. Head out to our clothing store at the Town Centre At Aurora and browse our vintage collection. We update it all the time and you’re sure to find some gems! Speak to our team, they’re known to sneakily pick up pieces for their own wardrobe every now and then.