As convenient as online shopping may be, you simply can’t beat the joy of browsing through shops in person.
Manchester is home to a colourful variety of adventurous clothing boutiques – many of which have reopened their doors again after yet another quarantine in November.
But with lockdown over and Christmas on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to discover some of the city’s hidden gems and hottest independent boutiques.
Shilpa and Julie, decided to abandon their 9-5 jobs in favour of promoting some fresh, underrated fashion brands – and the result is Kjole.
The owners have dedicated their lives to shopping so that their customers can have an effortless selection of iconic clothing – and their flagship store in Didsbury is home to a curated collection of unique, eclectic pieces you simply won’t find anywhere else.
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Where to find them: 6 Albert Hill Street, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6RF kjole.co.uk
This retro boutique is an absolute must-visit for any lovers of 70s and 80s menswear.
Boasting a brilliant name, Bags of Flavor also has an incredible selection of hand-picked garments in-store – specialising particularly in old-school sportswear.
Whether you’re looking for vintage Berghaus jackets or upcycled Burberry bags, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
This independent boutique is selling a variety of timeless pieces that you’ll love for years.
Unlike some other stores, Nood isn’t afraid to incorporate wild colours and bold patterns, whilst also sourcing from companies that uphold their eco values.
Owners are bringing something a little bit different to the sustainable fashion scene – with a loyal customer base since their opening in 2004.
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Where to find them: 36 Beech Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9EL nood.co.uk
This vintage and fancy-dress shop is one of Affleck’s hidden gems.
American Graffiti has a quirky and colourful collection of garments available; offering a variety of options whether you’re after an everyday outfit or dressing for an event.
The staff are also incredibly knowledgeable about the fashion of different eras and can help you recreate these styles from their extensive range.
This hub of pre-loved fashion is a go-to for anyone looking to inject some fun into their wardrobe.
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From their crazy colours to retro designs, there is something for everyone amongst Lief’s selection of vintage pieces.
The store is also offering a swap shop every day during the build-up to Christmas, which is a great way to discover some new pieces whilst giving your old garments a second life.
This indie boutique was established by the eponymous Lucy in 2013 – who was eager to bring her fashion-forward visions to the people of Chorlton.
Today, the store now stocks a variety of stylish pieces that are different from what you’d usually see on the high street – from dresses and tops to loungewear and jumpsuits.
Where to find them: 109 Beech Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9EQ lovelucyboutique.co.uk
Style
Manchester United reportedly set to release first-ever fourth kit for 2026/27 season
Danny Jones
In what will be a club-first, it’s being claimed that Manchester United will be releasing a fourth kit for the 2026/27 campaign.
And no, we don’t mean a special one-off pre-match jersey or training shirt; this will be an additional alternative Man United strip to be worn in games next season.
With the current term set to conclude in just a couple of games’ time, and the Red Devils having now secured a return to the Champions League, they’re marking their comeback with their inaugural fourth kit – one for each of the competitions they will be playing in this year.
Football clubs often rotate between two or even three kits, but it’s not all that often that you see a side springing for another one.
💣💣💣 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Adidas to Release First-Ever Manchester United 4th Kit in 26-27: https://t.co/xDJa8inmPG
As broken by reliable football fashion source, Footy Headlines, while there isn’t much information around what the kit will look like, or even what the colour will be just yet, it is believed it will be a variation on the classic trio of red, white and black used for home shirts, shorts and socks.
Historically, most teams that have opted to take on an extra kit usually do so when competing in more tournaments than most terms – such as Manchester City in the most recent Club World Cup – for special anniversary matches, milestone derbies, cup-ties or some kind of limited-edition collaboration.
However, according to the online outlet, this fourth kit will be match-worn at some point in 2026/27, though we are yet to get a clear timeline.
Meanwhile, posters for the new MUFC home shirt are currently going up outside Old Trafford.
Footy Headlines state that the launch is expected in early next year, rather than for the start of 26/27, and many supporters are already speculating that it will be worn primarily for European/cup fixtures.
Shirts like these are always likely to become collectors’ items, and it goes without saying that, besides being a helpful rotation when it comes to potential kit clashes, this will no doubt serve as yet another money spinner for both them and Adidas.
United’s current deal with the German kit manufacturers runs until 2035, and if this proves to be a popular addition to their sportswear lineup and the ever-growing ‘casual culture’ among fans, we wouldn’t be surprised if you see even more fourth shirts coming out of Manchester in the future.
Speaking of footy kits, for those who haven’t seen it already, he’s a close-up look at the aforementioned Manchester United home strip for next season.
Featured Images — Matt Bloomfield (via Flickr)/The Manc Group
Style
The Manchester-born clothing brand being worn by some brilliant Northern sporting talents
Danny Jones
Back in 2020, HEX MCR burst onto the casualwear and sporting apparel scene and quickly became a cult favourite not just around Greater Manchester, but within the boxing and combat sports world as a whole.
They may have been away for a little while, but now under new ownership and hoping to venture even further out into the fashion industry than ever, they’re definitely ones to watch.
We wouldn’t quite call it a comeback fight, but they’re definitely starting to make a splash on their return to the scene.
Having been acquired by Craig Chiocci, a Wigan-based entrepreneur who owns a telecommunication company of the same name, 2026 looks set to be the year you’ll see more of their label out and about than ever – in fact, they’re already teaming up with some more British boxing talents once again.
Calvin Moyo wearing HEXThe worker bee insignia is never far away*Adds to basket*HEX hoodies have always been popularCredit: HEX MCR (supplied)
Continuing their trend of backing Northern fighters, in particular, they’ll be backing Doncaster-born boxer, Dave ‘The White Rhino’ Allen, for his hometown bout against top heavyweight, Filip Hrgović.
Allen, 34, will face off against the Croatian pugilist at the Eco-Power Stadium on Saturday, 16 May – donning the latest HEX MCR gear ahead of the fight, of course.
It’s far from the first time their casualwear will have been worn by a well-known face, either; the Manc brand has also been represented by the likes of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship star Luke Brassfield – who’ll be fighting at BKFC Birmingham on Saturday, 30 May – as well as plenty of boxers.
Joe Howarth, Kian Hamilton, Liam Carrigan, and many others have all pulled on their hats, hoodies, graphic t-shirts and more.
Crediting the original founders, Luke Powell and Andy Gibson – who started the company as a pandemic project in 2020 – Chiocci said: “They did a fantastic job getting HEX to where it is. It grabbed my attention as I was a consumer first, who simply appreciated the exceptional designs and premium quality.
“Manchester and the North West are a hive of activity at the moment, producing the best creative people who are developing fantastic brands and designs in the fashion industry. HEX is one of those brands that has the potential to truly make an impact.”
Craig has made it abundantly clear that he’s got big plans for the future of the already popular independent business moving forward.
For instance, as part of this revival, they’ve just released a new line of headwear to their clothing range, made more premium than ever and with each piece showcasing the ‘HEX Worker Bee’ logo design on the side panel as a nod to the Northern Quarter and the city’s industrial origins.
Speaking to The Manc, he went on to add: “This is just the start, Dave has been very helpful to us in supporting our growth and seeing our vision for HEX within the Boxing scene, we can’t wait to repay the favour in supporting him in his upcoming fight.
“We think he will surprise a lot of people and get the result. He’s in fantastic shape. We are a brand formed from the back streets of Manchester, and we feel that the brand is suited to fighters who have to show true grit and resilience.”
If you fancy adding their latest stuff to your fits, you can help support a rising local indie by checking out the full HEX MCR collection right HERE.
Their new Hybrid Sports HatActor Adam Thomas wearing HEX(L-R) Dave Allen, Craig Chiocci, Liam CarriganWill ‘Brasshammer’ Brassfield win in HEX this month?Credit: Supplied
Daisy Bradbury -
8th December 2020 
