Prague (Praha) Clothing

Parazit, Karlova 25 (☎603 56 17 76; www.parazit.cz), An amazing find in any city, Parazit has more unique fashion finds, outrageous wardrobe choices, and other pieces out of some Tim Burton nightmare. Dresses seem like passion projects from Project Runway; match one with a bag that looks like a human head. There are definitely more options for women, but men can find a few fiercely original T-shirts. Every item is handmade by Czech designers and Czech design students. A: Staroméstka. From the station, head down Křižovnická directly along the river. At the Charles Bridge, turn left at Karlova towards Old Town Sq. Keep following Karlova as it snakes around. The shop will be in a courtyard to the left. Shirts 200-500Kč. Dresses from 1200Kč. Bags from 300Kč. Open M-Sa 11am-8pm. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Šatna (The Cloakroom), Konviktská 13 (☎444 03 04 15), A tiny little boutique with a large supply of secondhand leather jackets and men's jeans in good condition. A few men's shirts, shoes, some blouses, etc. Not exactly a bargain for secondhand, but definitely the pick of the litter. B: Národní třída. From the station, head north on Spálená and continue as it becomes Na Perštýně. Curve around to the left and move onto Konviktská. Shirts 100-300Kč. Pants 150-400Kč. Jackets 240-400Kč. Open M-F 11am-7pm, Sa 11am-6pm. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Laly, Štupantská 3 (☎775 07 63 26; www.laly.cz), Admittedly pricey for a secondhand store, Laly nevertheless does have a grip of nicely chosen retro thrift clothes in all shapes and sizes. Especially choice are the men's smoking jackets and crazy women's pants with floral designs. But what's coolest at Laly, strangely, are the tags, each of which is handmade, some which are miniature marker and collage masterpieces in and of themselves. A: Staroměstská. From the station, walk up to Kaprova and turn right continuing through Old Town Sq. Head around the right side of the church onto Celetná. Shirts from 280Kč. Ties from 180Kč. Jackets from 400Kč. Dresses from 400Kč. Open M-Sa 11am-8pm, Su noon-7pm. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Ducco Shop, Spalená 21 (☎602 81 80 29), A genuine little bargain clothing store full of Czech parents clothing their angsty teens, Ducco might not be the hippest stop for designer fashion, but it's a hard one to top for functional clothes at ridiculously low prices. B: Karlovo namesti. From the station, head south on Spalená. The store will be on your left. Shirts 100-200Kč. Jeans 150-300Kč. Shoes 300-1000Kč. Open M-F 9am-8pm, Sa 9am-7:30pm, Su 10am-7pm. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Exclusive Second Hand, Revoluční 1201/18 The aptly named Exclusive Second Hand sells a great selection of quality used clothing at genuinely secondhand prices. Locals fill up this little spot to poach great female blazers, like-new men's collared shirts, and pants of all sorts. C: Republicky Náměstí. From the Metro, head north up Revoluční. Shirts 80-100Kč. Coats 200Kč. Pants 150-200Kč. Open M-F 8:30am-6:30pm, Sa 8:30am-11:30am. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Novy Smichov (Andel), Plzeňská 8 (☎251 511 151; novysmichov@segece.cz), This giant mall boasts a Tesco hyper-market, cinema with Czech-dubbed films, several coffee shops, clothing stores, an outdoor and sporting-goods shop and a food court with restaurants and fast-food. Much of downtown Smichov is organized around this area. C: Andel. Walk up Stroupeznickeho toward the giant complex. Most shops open daily 10am-5pm. Tesco open daily 7am-midnight. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has internet. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.