Streetwear classics and vintage collectables sit next to sports memorabilia and hip-hop relics, with Break Away Vintage Market offering a wide collection. Right down Pike Street, this one-of-a-kind shop draws shoppers from all over Seattle with its large curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories.

Six years ago, a group of friends turned an uneventful summer into something bigger, setting out to sell vintage clothing and items. What started as garage sales and pop-ups slowly made its way through Tacoma and eventually into Seattle. That small idea has now grown into Break Away Vintage Market, a thriving brick-and-mortar shop built on years of dedication and hustle.

The store has made a large scene in Capitol Hill with its unique atmosphere that attracts different communities from all over the city.

“A big part of Seattle culture is represented, anywhere from hip-hop to sports, to streetwear, to vintage clothing. It’s just a place where no matter who you are, you can find a piece that represents who you are and somewhere you came from,” Tanner Callies, one of the founders, said.

A lot of people who walk into the shop aren’t necessarily looking for clothes, or anything specific at all. For many, it’s a place to hang out, meet like-minded people, or just chill and enjoy the mix of music playing throughout the store. 

Spread across multiple large rooms, including an underground section, Break Away also works alongside its neighbors, Late Night Vintage Mall, a separate business with a shared love for vintage items. These two businesses have a variety of attractions, including a Wii, Xbox, foosball table, and a basketball arcade stand where customers can enjoy a different experience beyond just shopping for clothes. 

Destiny Reyes is a staff member at LNVM. 

“It’s not just about looking through a bunch of racks, it feels like you can go explore,” Reyes said. 

Adding to its uniqueness, both Break Away and Late Night Vintage Mall set themselves apart with their hours—both open from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., giving those who are looking for an after-hours shopping experience or a late-night hangout spot to explore. 

Apart from everyday browsing, both stores also host events that add another layer to the experience. Previously, they held a “Bring Your Own Bag” event, where shoppers could bring any size bag, fill it up with clothes from a massive pile, and pay just $25. In the future, they plan on hosting more events, some including the video game consoles in store.

The Late Night Vintage Mall community goes beyond just the customers; it also includes a variety of vendors who get to share their own interests within the store. Certain sections are set up by around 15 different vendors who bring new items into the shop. This brings a bigger sense of belonging and community as these vendors are putting their own personality into something that is shared with many, creating a space where people can connect over their shared interests and experience the store in a personal, ever-evolving way.

Walking into a store like this can sometimes feel a bit daunting. With so many trends and styles seen everywhere today, stepping into a space filled with all these varied themes can be intimidating, especially if you’re not familiar with them. The mix of vintage clothing, streetwear, sports memorabilia and unique collectibles can leave you feeling overwhelmed, wondering where to start or if you’ll fit in. 

However, once inside, the experience shifts. There’s no pressure to know everything or fit into a particular style. You don’t feel the demand to fit into a specific mold, this is what makes these shops so unique. They’ve become a place where community and personal expression intersect. 

“All of our employees are really friendly. If you need help looking for something, we’re there for you, styling or even trying stuff on, we’re really helpful with everything,” Itzel Huato said, an LNVM employee, reinforcing why there’s no reason to feel intimidated. 

The market is a spot that invites people to connect over shared interests and discover something new, whether through the items on the shelves or the atmosphere that surrounds them.